ABC's Grey's Anatomy comprehensively beat CSI on Thursday night in both total viewer and 18-49 demographic numbers, according to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research.

The third episode of Grey's Anatomy's third season averaged 22.5m viewers and a 23% share in the adults 18-49 demographic in its 9pm timeslot. Over on CBS, CSI placed second for the hour with 21.2m viewers and an 18% 18-49 share. Last week, Grey's Anatomy won in major demos but CSI was slightly ahead in total viewer numbers; this week's results however restore the order of two weeks ago - when the season premieres of both shows aired - where Grey's Anatomy led in both categories. As has become usual for the hour, NBC's Deal Or No Deal lagged in third place with 9.8m viewers and an 8% 18-49 share. Over on The CW, Supernatural averaged 3.3m viewers and a 4% 18-49 share.

CBS started the night well at 8; Survivor won the hour with 15.8m viewers and a 16% 18-49 share. ABC's Ugly Betty continued to do well with 14.2m viewers and a 13% 18-49 share, down only slightly from its strong debut last week. NBC averaged 9.35m viewers and an 11.5% 18-49 share during the hour, with My Name Is Earl leading into The Office. The CW's Smallville averaged 4.6m viewers and a 6% 18-49 share.

At 10pm, ER moved back into a clear lead with 14.6m viewers and a 16% 18-49 share. Last week's total viewers leader for the hour, Shark, averaged 13.8m viewers and a 10% 18-49 share for CBS. ABC's Six Degrees tied Shark in demo share but averaged 9.7m viewers in total.

Fox was in baseball coverage all evening, with the network averaging close to 6m viewers for the night.