If video killed the radio star, then TiVo might be the salvation of your favorite bad show. Nielson will include DVR playback numbers in this season's ratings, the LA Times reports, which will mean big boosts for some—like CBS’ “Big Bang Theory,” up 13% on playback—and the re-appearance of the coveted 18-49 demographic.
TV execs initially feared TiVo, but came around when they realized the device could build audiences, particularly among younger viewers—median audience age crept to 53 last season for live TV. So far, scripted shows are seeing the biggest bump, numbers they need to defend timeslots from cheaper reality series, whose contest-oriented twists viewers would rather see live. (More television stories.)