| Time | Network | Show | Rating | 18-49 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8PM | CBS | Survivor | 10.49 | 2.9/9 |
| FOX | The X Factor | 9.26 | 3.4/10 | |
| ABC | The Middle | 7.93 | 2.2/7 | |
| NBC | Animal Practice | 5.22 | 1.5/5 | |
| CW | Oh Sit! | 920,000 | 0.3/1 | |
| 8:30PM | NBC | The Neighbors | 6.61 | 2.0/6 |
| NBC | Guys with Kids | 5.50 | 1.8/5 | |
| 9PM | CBS | The First Presidential Debate | 10.18 | 3.0/7 |
| ABC | ABC News’ Your Voice, Your Vote: 2012 Presidential Debates | 10.12 | 3.0/7 | |
| NBC | 2012 Presidential Debate | 9.91 | 3.4/8 | |
| FOX | FOX News Presidential Debate | 6.98 | 2.8/7 | |
| CW | Supernatural | 1.80 | 0.8/2 | |
| 10:30PM | ABC | ABC News’ Your Voice, Your Vote: 2012 Presidential Debates | 7.70 | 2.2/6 |
| NBC | 2012 Presidential Debate | 7.55 | 2.5/7 | |
| CBS | The First Presidential Debate | 6.95 | 2.0/5 | |
| FOX | FOX News Presidential Debate | 4.88 | 1.8/5 |