Smallville continues to churn out topflight ratings, when it counts, during the key sweeps period.  On Tuesday night the series garnered the highest ratings ever achieved by any show on the WB network in the key 18-34 demographic.  The show managed a 6.1 Nielson rating, which translates to some 9.1 million viewers.  Although the series performed well for the WB during its debut season, ratings have really taken off during its second season (see 'Smallville Ratings Setting Records'). 

As impressive as this week's ratings performance was, look for the Nielson numbers to spike when Christopher Reeve pays a visit to Smallville on Feb. 25 (see 'Christopher Reeve To Appear On Smallville'). With Smallville comics, action figures, and trading cards all available, retailers have numerous ways to capitalize on the success of this series.