Ratings: Is ‘Elementary’ season 3 already in trouble? ‘A to Z,’ ‘Bad Judge,’ ‘Gracepoint’ in trouble

The way to look at the ratings for Thursday night right now is fairly simple: Unless you are airing on ABC, you really don’t have anything to be that excited about.

Heck, “The Big Bang Theory” may actually regret not promoting Billy Bob Thornton as a guest star in advance, given that its 4.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic marks a series low, and this number may have been inflated due to CBS football. While “Scandal” (3.0) and “How to Get Away with Murder” (2.7) are both impressing, there are a number of other shows that should be worried.

Let us begin here with “Bad Judge” (0.9) and “A to Z” (0.7). Did NBC make a mistake canceling “Community” over these? It’s hard to say. The Greendale gang would have drawn better ratings, but it also was probably more expensive given that it would be a show in its sixth season, versus a pair of shows that are still in their first. Even with paying Kate Walsh, “Bad Judge” is probably in much better shape. We expect both comedies to be gone by the time spring rolls around.

Meanwhile, “Gracepoint” (0.8) is in a slightly different situation. Fox cannot be that thrilled that the show routinely loses big chunks of its lead-in from “Bones,” but at the same time, we have a hard time thinking that they will cancel it. Given that this was just a limited series, they will probably let the entire show play out this fall and then move forward. Our feeling, at least for the time being, is that we could ultimately see “Glee” taking over this timeslot in the winter after “American Idol” takes over. With it being in its final season, it may have a little bit of a ratings bump.

Finally, we turn to “Elementary” (1.4, which may be adjusted). The show is not doing that well, but probably will be renewed on the strength of a rich syndication deal that has already been struck for it.

We’ll have some further ratings news and updates soon, so be on the lookout for them! Also, sign up today to acquire some more scoop on everything we cover right now via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via Fox.)