CSI Tipped To Win Ratings War

The new fall television season kicks into high gear this week with the return to the airwaves of several of the most popular shows on TV. One of the most highly anticipated nights of season premieres takes place Thursday when ABC's hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" moves from Sundays in an attempt to unseat reigning ratings king "CSI". With the showdown between "Grey's" and "CSI" on tap for 9 p.m. this Thursday, Pinnacle Sports has created odds on which season premiere will draw more viewers.

The largest sports betting site on the Internet, Pinnacle Sports is the source for betting odds on all things entertainment from television ratings to hit reality series and award shows. Drawing over 20 million viewers on average, CBS hit crime series "CSI" has dominated Thursday nights for years and has opened as an overwhelming 4/11 favorite (i.e., win $4 for every $11 bet) to trounce the season premiere of its new primetime opponent. While "Grey's Anatomy" built a huge following on Sunday nights, Pinnacle Sports lists the hospital drama as a 5/2 underdog (i.e., win $5 for every $2 bet) to outdraw "CSI" this week.

"'CSI' has been a ratings juggernaut for CBS since moving to Thursday night, defeating all comers on the way to becoming the most popular show on TV not named 'American Idol'," said Simon Noble of Pinnacle Sports. "The move of 'Grey's' into the 9 p.m. timeslot on Thursday definitely represents a big challenge for the champ, but we believe 'CSI' fans will remain loyal and propel the season premiere to the top of the charts yet again. While 'Grey's Anatomy' will definitely draw a huge audience, the show will find its new home on Thursday nights much less cozy than the Sundays it has previously dominated.