NBC has dominated the primetime ratings week of September 5-11, led by big Thursday and Sunday NFL season-opening telecasts and strong Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “America’s Got Talent,” which lifted NBC to the highest adult 18-49 average for any network in six months. According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, NBC finished the week with an average 3.9 rating, 11 share in adults 18-49 and 11.2 million viewers overall.
For the week, NBC also ranked #1 among the major networks in adults 25-54, adults 18-34 and all other key ratings categories.
NBC’s 3.9 rating for the week is the network’s highest since the Olympic week of:
February 22-28, 2010 (5.5) and the best for any network since Fox’s week of February 28-March 6, 2011 (4.0). The 3.9 is a 3 percent gain over NBC’s 3.8 for the same week last year. NBC’s 11.1 million viewers overall for the week in the highest for NBC since the week of September 6-12, 2010 (11.4 million) and the highest for any network since CBS’s week of April 4-10, 2011 (11.2 million).
NBC Sports’ coverage of opening-week NFL contests on Thursday and Sunday delivered the #1 and #2 ratings of the week in adults 18-49, total viewers and all other key ratings categories.
NBC’s two-game viewership of 26.5 million is the best since the NFL created the Thursday/Sunday primetime opening-weekend format in 2002. In adults 18-49, Thursday’s Saints-Packers game (10.9 rating) is the #1 NBC regular-season primetime telecast ever and Sunday’s Cowboys-Jets matchup (10.7) is tied for #2 with the year-ago Vikings-Saints Thursday opener.
For the week NBC claimed four of the top five rankings in adults 18-49 (excluding all football pre-game and post-game telecasts), with the Thursday and Sunday NFL telecasts (#1 and 2 respectively) and the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “America’s Got Talent” (#4 and #5). Football and “Talent” also accounted for four of the week’s top five telecasts in total viewers with Thursday and Sunday football (#1 and #2) and Wednesday and Tuesday “Talent” (#3 and #5).
With 12.4 million viewers, the Wednesday telecast of “America’s Got Talent” was the week’s top non-sports attraction in total viewers, marking the 15th consecutive week “Talent” has ranked #1 among non-sports programs on the broadcast networks in total viewers.
Primetime averages for the week of September 6-12 in adults 18-49 were NBC (3.9/11), Fox (1.6/5), CBS (1.5/4), ABC (1.4/4) and CW (0.3/1). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were NBC (11.1 million), CBS (6.3 million), ABC (4.8 million), Fox (4.3 million) and CW (0.9 million).
NBC highlights for the week of September 5-11:
* On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys-New York Jets debut of “Sunday Night Football” scored the top Nielsens for an opening-week Sunday-Monday primetime NFL telecast since 1996.
* Sunday’s Cowboys-Jets game is the most-watched edition ever of “NBC Sunday Night Football” in total viewers (excluding Thursday specials).
* On Friday, “Dateline NBC” dominated its time period with the show’s top Friday results in adults 18-49 and total viewers for a Friday telecast since March 25.
* NBC ranked #1 Friday night among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 18-49 and virtually all other key categories.
* Thursday’s season-opening Saints-Packers NFL telecast scored the highest adult 18-49 rating for any regular-season primetime NFL game since 1997, and delivered the second-biggest overall audience for a regular-season primetime NFL contest since 1996.
* With an average 10.9 rating in adults 18-49, Thursday’s Saints-Packers game is the top-scoring primetime program on any network since the Academy Awards in February.
* The Saints-Packers telecast generated NBC’s highest Thursday 18-49 and total-viewer averages, excluding Olympics, since the night of the “Friends” finale in May 2004.
* On Wednesday, the “America’s Got Talent” Results Show finished #1 for the night in adults 18-49 and total viewers, with its highest results in 18-49 since July 13 and in total viewers since July 6.
* Also on Wednesday, an encore telecast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” was #1 in the 10 p.m. ET hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers.
* On Tuesday, “America’s Got Talent” was the #1 show of the night in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures. In it second hour from 10-11 p.m., “America’s Got Talent” beat the ABC-CBS competition combined in adults 18-49, total viewers and all other key categories.
* Also on Tuesday, “It’s Worth What?” matched its highest 18-49 rating since July 26 and delivered its biggest total viewership since August 2.
* NBC ranked #1 Tuesday night in adults 18-49, total viewers and all other key measures. This marks the network’s 15th consecutive Tuesday win in total viewers.
On Monday, the NBC Special “Children of 9/11” tied for #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49.
Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”
Additional NBC highlights for the week of September 5-11:
On Monday, September 5 from 8-10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “America’s Got Talent” averaged a 0.9/2 in 18-49 and 3.9 million viewers overall.
Monday at 10 p.m. ET, the NBC Special “Children of 9/11” (1.1/3, 3.5 million viewers overall) tied for #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49 and was #1 outright among those network in women 18-49.
On Tuesday, September 6 from 8-9 p.m. ET, “It’s Worth What?” (1.2/3 in 18-49, 4.8 million viewers overall) matched its highest 18-49 rating since July 26 and delivered its biggest total viewership since August 2.
Tuesday from 9-11 p.m. ET, “America’s Got Talent” (3.1/8 in adults 18-49, 11.8 million viewers overall) ranked #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in all key measures — adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, as well as total viewers — plus teens 12-17 and kids 2-11. “Talent” matched its 18-49 rating of the prior week and grew by 6 percent in total viewers (11.849 million vs. 11.142 million).
“America’s Got Talent” was the #1 show of the night on the broadcast networks in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures.
In the 10-11 p.m. hour “Talent” beat the ABC-CBS competition combined in 18-49 (3.2 vs. a combined 2.4), total viewers (11.849 million vs. a combined 10.203 million) and all other key categories. From its first hour to its second, “Talent” grew in all key ratings categories, including a gain of 7 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 3.2 from a 3.0).
NBC ranked #1 for the night among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in all key categories — adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers. This marks the network’s 15th consecutive Tuesday win in total viewers.
On Wednesday, September 7 at 8 p.m. ET, “Minute To Win It” averaged a 1.2/4 in adults 18-49 and 5.4 million viewers overall. From its first half-hour to its second, “Minute To Win It” increased in every key ratings category, including gains of 27 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.4 from a 1.1) and 21 percent or 1.0 million persons in total viewers (5.881 million vs. 4.846 million).
Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, the “America’s Got Talent” Results Show (3.0/8 in 18-49, 12.4 million viewers overall) finished #1 for the night in adults 18-49 and total viewers, with its highest Wednesday results in eight weeks in 18-49 rating (since July 13) and in nine weeks in total viewers (since July 6).
The “America’s Got Talent” Results Show grew week to week by 15 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 3.0 from a 2.6) and by 16 percent or 1.7 million persons in total viewers (12.356 million vs.10.651 million). Versus the same night last year, “Talent” was up 7 percent in 18-49 rating (3.0 vs. 2.8) and up 2 percent in total viewers (12.356 million vs. 12.142 million). This week’s “America’s Got Talent” built on its lead-in by 150 percent in 18-49 rating and 130 percent in total viewers.
The “America’s Got Talent” Results Show ranked #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in all key measures — adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers — as well as teens 12-17 and kids 2-11. In adults 18-49, the “Talent” advantage in the hour was 67 percent (3.0 vs. a 1.8 for ABC’s second-place “Modern Family” encores). In total viewers, “Talent’s'” margin over its closest broadcast competitor was 96 percent (12.356 million vs. 6.298 million for CBS’s “Criminal Minds” encore).
Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1.6/4 in 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall) ranked #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key categories. Versus the prior week, “SVU” is up 14 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.6 from a 1.4) and 22 percent or 1.1 million persons in total viewers (6.129 million vs. 5.030 million), to earn the show’s highest results in three telecasts to date this summer in the Wednesday 10 p.m. hour.
NBC tied for #1 for the night in adults 18-49 (with CBS, 1.9 rating each) and ranked #1 in total viewers.
On Thursday, September 8, NBC Sports’ coverage of the NFL Kickoff season-opening game between the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers averaged a 10.9/30 in adults 18-49, 27.2 million viewers overall, and a 16.0/26 household rating/share from 8:41-11:49 p.m. ET. This was the second most watched NFL regular-season primetime game on any network in 15 years (since Green Bay-Dallas on November 18, 1996 on ABC, 31.5 million), behind only the year-ago Thursday night NFL Kickoff (Minnesota-New Orleans on September 9, 2010 on NBC, 27.7 million).
The Thursday game was also the second-most-watched regular-season primetime NFL contest on NBC ever, surpassing such games as last year’s Cowboys-Eagles Week 14 game (25.73 million), last year’s Vikings-Packers game (Favre’s return to Lambeau II – 25.68 million) and the 2009 opening of the new Cowboys Stadium (24.8 million).
The 10.9 in adults 18-49 for Thursday’s Saints-Packers telecast is the highest rating for a primetime NFL regular-season game on any network in 14 years, since December 15, 1997, and the highest-rated primetime program on any network in 18-49 since the Academy Awards (11.8 on February 27, 2011). Versus last year’s comparable Vikings-Saints game, this year’s NFL opener is up 2 percent in 18-49 rating (10.9 vs. 10.7).
From 8-8:30 p.m. ET, NBC carried the final half-hour of “NFL Kickoff 2011,” which averaged a 5.1/18 in 18-49, 14.7 million viewers overall and an 8.8/16 household rating/share. The special dominated the time period and grew versus the comparable year-ago results by 28 percent in both 18-49 rating (5.1 vs. 4.0) and total viewers (14.7 million vs. 11.5 million). The 14.7 million makes this the top half-hour for an NFL Kickoff show to date in total viewers. From 8:30-8:41 p.m., “NBC Sunday Night Football Pre Kickoff” averaged a 8.5/27 in 18-49, 23.2 million viewers overall and an 13.6/23 in households.
NBC dominated primetime Thursday night in all key categories. In total viewers, NBC’s 8-11 p.m. average of 25.5 million viewers overall topped second-place CBS (5.8 million) by 19.7 million persons and 340 percent. NBC topped the combined audiences of CBS, ABC (4.9 million), Fox (3.2 million) and CW (0.8 million) by 73 percent.
In adults 18-49, NBC averaged a 9.9 rating from 8-11 p.m. ET Thursday night, which represents the highest non-Olympic Thursday average for NBC since the “Friends” finale more than seven years ago, on May 6, 2004 (18.9). In total viewers, NBC’s average 25.5 million is also the network’s highest average for a non-Olympic Thursday since the night of the “Friends” finale (40.1 million).
On Friday, September 9 at 8 p.m. ET, “Friends With Benefits” averaged a 0.7/3 in 18-49 and 2.3 million viewers overall. At 8:30, a second episode of “Friends With Benefits” delivered a 0.7/2 in 18-49 and 1.9 million viewers overall. Both telecasts matched the show’s highest 18-49 ratings among its 12 telecasts to date.
Friday from 9-11 p.m. ET, “Dateline NBC” (1.8/6 in 18-49, 6.5 million viewers overall) led the network to a nightlong win with “Dateline’s” top 18-49 and total-viewer results for a Friday telecast since March 25. It’s also the highest 18-49 rating for any non-sports Friday telecast on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW in nearly four months (since May 13).
Friday’s “Dateline NBC,” featuring a look back at 9/11 by NBC News Special Correspondent Tom Brokaw, ranked #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in all key categories — adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers. This marks the 10th week in a row and the 13th time in its last 14 telecasts that Friday’s “Dateline” has ranked #1 or tied for #1 in the slot among non-sports programs on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49. “Dateline NBC” is also the #1 program of the night on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW in adults 18-49 making this the 12th time this summer “Dateline NBC” has ranked #1 or tied for #1 among all non-sports Friday telecasts on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW.
NBC is #1 for the night among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 18-49, and all other key demographics (including a tie with Fox in men 18-34).
On Saturday, September 10 from 8-9 p.m. ET, the special “NFL Kickoff 2011” averaged a 0.4/1 in 18-49 and 1.6 million viewers overall.
Saturday at 9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Who Do You Think You Are?” delivered a 0.5/2 in 18-49 and 2.4 million viewers overall. From its first half-hour to its second, “Who Do You Think You Are?” grew by 20 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.6 from a 0.5) and 19 percent in total viewers (to 2.6 million from 2.2 million).
Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” averaged a 0.8/2 in 18-49 and 4.0 million viewers overall. From its first half-hour to its second, “SVU” grew in all key ratings categories, including gains off 29 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.9 from a 0.7) and 26 percent in total viewers (to 4.5 million from 3.6 million).
On Sunday, September 11, the “NBC Sunday Night Football” telecast of the Dallas Cowboys at the New York Jets propelled NBC to a convincing Sunday win by all key measures. For its full duration, the Cowboys-Jets game averaged a 10.7/27 in adults 18-49, 25.8 million viewers overall and a 15.3/25 household rating/share from 8:33-11:44 p.m. ET.
The Jets’ victory over the Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football” was seen by an average of 25.8 million viewers (8:33-11:44 p.m. ET), the most for any Week 1 Sunday or Monday primetime game since Monday, Sept. 2, 1996 (Cowboys-Bears, 27.7 million on ABC). It’s also the top primetime Monday or Sunday telecast for any week of the regular NFL season since December 15, 1997 (Bronocs-49ers, 27.0 million).
It was also the top viewership ever for “Sunday Night Football,” which has aired on NBC since September 2006, surpassing the prior record-holder for a Sunday telecast, the Eagles-Cowboys matchup on December 12, 2010 (25.7 million). The viewership was up 2 percent over last year’s opening “SNF” game (25.3 million for Cowboys-Redskins).
In adults 18-49, the September 11 telecast also set a record for a Sunday “SNF” game, topping the year-ago Sunday opener by 11 percent (10.7 vs. 9.6).
For the night (from 7:30-11 p.m. ET), NBC averaged an 8.9/23 in 18-49 and 21.7 million viewers overall, up 14 percent in 18-49 rating and 4 percent in total viewers versus the same night last year. This was the highest-rated Sunday primetime performance for any network in both 18-49 and total viewers since ABC’s coverage of the Academy Awards on February 27.
NBC won Sunday night by all key ratings measures. In adults 18-49, NBC’s margin of victory over the #2 network was 117 percent in 18-49 (8.9 vs. a 4.1 for Fox, which was boosted by an NFL overrun) and 122 percent, or 11.9 million persons in total viewers (21.7 million vs. 9.8 million for Fox).
Also on Sunday, “Football Night in America 2” from 7:30-7:55 p.m. ET averaged a 2.6/8 in 18-49, 6.4 million viewers overall and a 4.0/7 household rating/share. “Football Night in America 3” from 7:55-8:19 p.m. delivered a 6.1/17 in 18-49, 14.9 million viewers overall and a 9.0/15 in households. From 8:19-8:33 p.m., “NBC Sunday Night Football Pre Kickoff” averaged an 8.1/22 in 18-49, 20.3 million viewers overall and an 12.1/20 in households. Note: “Football Night in America” from 7-7:30 p.m. ET was sustaining programming and does not figure in the nightly or weekly primetime averages.
(source; NBC)
