NEW YORK (AP) -- The geeks have bragging rights over the superstar strivers.

The CBS comedy "The Big Bang Theory" had a larger audience than Fox's "American Idol" during the half hour during which the two shows went head-to-head last week. "Idol" has been such a dominant force that this is believed to be the first time a scripted series has ever achieved this.

Don't cry for Ryan Seacrest yet. The Nielsen company noted that Wednesday's "American Idol" was still TV's most popular show last week.

Fox News Channel is also celebrating a milestone. January marked 10 straight years in which it has been the top-rated cable news network.