Hey, I thought this might be fun and a good way to take everyone's mind off of auditions for a while. The ratings for this show and how they have grown in it's 3 seasons so far have been nothing short of exciting. Season 1 averaged in the 10 million viewership range. Season 2 rose to an average of 12 million and then season 3 averaged 13 million. It is the #1 watched TV series of the summer and now exceeds So You Think You Can Dance by approximately 5 million viewers (and So You Think You Can Dance with it's 7-8 million average is really not all that shabby in and of itself).

So, what do you think will happen? Vote for your choice in the poll above and tell us why you think it will be as you say (Note: the "higher" and "lower" descriptions are based on season 3's numbers). In the poll, vote for what you think the AVERAGE will be (which means it could still have occasional higher peaks and occasional lower valleys than what you vote for).

My prediction. I'm going to say the average will be somewhere in the average of 15-16 million (which is where I am going to place my vote), with occasional peaks possibly in the 18-19 million range and occasional dips possibly in the 12-14 million viewer range of last year's average.

For the sake of everyone: I have left extremes in the poll choices on both the high and low end. Do us this favor though. TRY and vote based on what you REALLY THINK will happen verses what you want to happen. In other words, if you are ticked off because you weren't called back for a second audition, don't just dump it in the 4-6 million range JUST because you are bitter. Likewise, if you were called back and told that you might go all the way and win the whole thing (LOL), don't hike it over 20 million just because you have stars in your eyes. Try to be as realistic as you can (though if you really DO think those extremes are possible, don't hesitate to use them. That's what they are there fore).

I'm looking forward to seeing this thread develop and even more looking forward to seeing how close we come when the season gets underway. POSSIBLY HELPFUL: If you want to do some research to really be educated in your predictions, probably the best place to check past seasons ratings is http://tvbythenumbers.com ... and this is where I would recommend following the numbers once the season begins.

Have fun.

I would say the average would be 14.5 million. And depending on the talents, my peak at no more than 16.5 million (Top 10 & Top 5). But then again, if the talents are really exceptional and heavily marketed, expect close to 18 million.

ORRRRR lack there of. LOL! You know the bad ones sometimes get extra people watching those audition episodes. As harsh as that is to say, it's true.

Just wondering, what Top 5 acts would make an outstanding viewership rating?

So ryandb63 or anyone else, if you are an act, and you made the Top 5, what other acts do you want to go up against so that the more people watch, the greater exposure to your act will have even if you don't win?

Hey guys, looks like we have 6 votes so far but only a few comments. Lets get some discussion going. Could those of you who voted tell us your thoughts on why you predicted the number you did? I'm especially interested in hearing from the person who predicted in the 17-19 million range. That would be AWESOME! Tell us why you think that will happen.

I'm with the majority here. I think it will go one more up from last year to the 15-16 million average. A week ago I might have even said that it wouldn't go below 14 million but after watching Dancing With The Stars go from as high as 22 million on Monday to as low as 7 million this past week proves that just about anything can happen. I think direct competition with Idol was what caused it to tank on Tuesday though. Whats funny is that Idol also dropped on Tuesday, going as low as 19 million (thats real low for AI). LOL! The two shows completely canceled each other out.

I'm not laughing with ill intent. I'm laughing because of the picture I get of the American family as I look at those results........

"Honey, I can't decide what to watch? Idol or Dancing With The Stars? AAAAHHH! What will I DO with myself?" LOL!

So that incident does make me wonder something. I noticed on the ad at the top of this forum that it says AGT will be on Wednesday nights this year. Isn't that the same night as So You Think You Can Dance? If so, I wonder if the two shows will see the same clash as DWTS and AI last week. I hope not.

On the main NBC hosted AGT website, it says Tuesday nights. Though, they will have to have a results show as well and that usually IS on Tuesday nights. But as I remember it, by the time AGT gets to that level of the season - SYTYCD's season is over. Not sure why the banner on this board says "Wednesday night".

I'm beginning to re-think my prediction. I think it's going to be higher than we think. With all of the buzz BGT is getting with the Susan Boyle obsession, it's only going to increase the interest in AGT by those who generally don't watch it. At this point, I'm going to say AGT is going to average in the 17-19 million viewer range with likely an occasional peak in the 20s. I'm also going to predict now on the low end that the show will not go below 15 million viewers. Agree? Disagree? Please share.

I think it depends on what night it is on and what goes against it. Also what other summer reality shows are there. I know Big brother and hells kitchen will be on.
Last year I thought AGT dragged on too long with the auditions. I also did not like the lack of variety in final 10/5 acts.
I think they need to have a great first few shows and really play up some stories then ratings could be good.
It just seems like ratings for all tv are going down.

I have also read that starting in May tivo and cable dvrs will count in ratings. I know I dvr most popular reality shows and watch them at a later time, like weekends when there is little tv on. I think being able to count tivo/dvrs could boost ratings.