NBC Wins 2nd Week of Season in 18-49 Demo

NBC has finished #1 in adults 18-49 for week 2 of the 2013-14 Primetime season and is matching the network's highest week-two rating (2.8) in six years (since 2007). According to "live plus same day" viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, NBC averaged a 2.8 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 8.7 million viewers overall for the week of Sept. 30-Oct. 6. NBC also won premiere week in 18-49 and has now won the opening two weeks of the season for the last two years in a row.

Through two weeks of the new season, NBC is up 4% Versus one year ago in 18-49 (2.9 vs. 2.8) to its highest two-week average in five years (since 2008, 3.1).

NBC is leading the season by a 21% margin through two weeks (with a 2.9 rating vs. a 2.4 for #2 CBS), the biggest lead for any net at this point in the season in 12 years (NBC +29% in 2001). The 2.9 rating for NBC through two weeks is its high at this point in five years (3.1 in 2008).

NBC's early-season leadership comes on the heels of the network's #2 finish for the 2012-13 broadcast year in 18-49, which marked the first time NBC has finished the year ahead of FOX or ABC without Olympic or Super Bowl help since 2002-03.

In total viewers, NBC finished week 2 in second place and is also #2 for the season, its highest total-viewer ranking two weeks into the season in 10 years (since 2003). NBC's season average of 9.2 million viewers is its biggest overall audience two weeks into the season in six years (since 2007, 9.6 million). Versus one year ago, NBC is up 17% in total viewers (9.2 million vs. 7.9 million).

For the week, NBC delivered three of the top four Primetime telecasts on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49: "Sunday Night Football" (#1), Monday's "The Voice" (#3) and Tuesday's "Voice" (#4), with Monday's "The Blacklist" (tied for #9) also generating a top-10 result. Rankings exclude sports pre- and post-game shows.

"Sunday Night Football" and "The Voice" teamed up to account for the #1 Primetime ranking of the week on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in every key demographic -- adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 - as well as kids 2-11 and teens 12-17.

NBC also won the week among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-34, adults 25-54 (tied with CBS), all key adult-male demos, women 18-34 and women 18-49.

Primetime averages for the week of Sept. 30-Oct. 6 in adults 18-49 are: NBC, 2.8/8; CBS, 2.5/7; ABC, 2.1/6; Fox, 1.8/5; and CW, 0.5/2. In overall total viewers, the weekly averages were: CBS, 10.9 million; NBC, 8.7 million; ABC, 7.4 million; Fox, 4.8 million; and CW, 1.4 million.

Season-to-date averages are: NBC, 2.9/9; CBS, 2.4/7; ABC, 2.2/6; Fox, 2.0/6; and CW, 0.4/1. In overall total viewers, the weekly averages were: CBS, 10.6 million; NBC, 9.2 million; ABC, 7.7 million; Fox, 5.4 million; and CW, 1.1 million.

NBC highlights for the week of Sept. 30-Oct. 6:

Monday: NBC won the night among ABC, CBS, NBC & FOX in all key categories, winning six of six half-hours in 18-49 among those nets with the #1 and #2 shows of the night on the Big 4, "The Voice" and "The Blacklist."

"The Voice" (4.7 rating, 13 share in adults 18-49, 14.1 million viewers overall from 8-10:02 p.m. ET) won the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in every key ratings category. "The Voice" is #1 for the night on those networks in 18-49, total viewers and other key categories Versus the same night last year, "The Voice" was up 2% in 18-49 rating (4.7 vs. 4.6 on Oct. 1, 2012) and up 12% in total viewers (14.1 million vs. 12.6 million).

"The Blacklist" (3.3/9 in adults 18-49, 11.3 million viewers overall from 10:02-11 p.m. ET) finished #1 in The Hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in every key ratings category, with adult 18-49 margins of +50% Versus ABC's "Castle" (3.3 vs. 2.2) and +120% Versus CBS's "Hostages" (3.3 vs. 1.5). In its first two weeks, "The Blacklist" has generated NBC's two largest 18-49 rating in the time period with entertainment programming since October 15, 2012.

In "live plus three day" ratings, this telecast of "The Blacklist" set a new record for biggest "live plus three day" lift over "live plus same day" results on the broadcast networks, becoming the first show on those nets to add more than 5 million viewers when going from its L+SD audience to its L+3 result. The Sept. 30 "Blacklist" averaged 16.4 million viewers in L+3, an increase of 5.1 million or 45% Versus its 11.3 million in L+SD. That 5.1 million is bigger than the week-one increase of 4.4 million, which set a new record for biggest increase from L+SD to L+3 in broadcast-network history. The percentage increase went up from 35% in week one to 45% in week two. In 18-49, the lift from L+SD to L+3 was also bigger in week two (1.66 vs. 1.28 rating points or 50% vs. 33%). The Sept. 30 "Blacklist" rose in 18-49 from a 3.29 rating to a 4.95

Week two of "The Blacklist" retained 97% of its premiere-week viewership in L+3 (16.4 million vs. 16.9 million) and also retained 97% in 18-49 rating (4.95 vs. 5.11).

Tuesday: For the first time in eight years, NBC has won the opening two Tuesdays of the season among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49. On October 1, NBC swept all six half-hours among those networks, led by the #1 show of the night, "The Voice" (4.5 rating, 13 share in adults 18-49, 14.5 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET). In total viewers, this is the top Tuesday telecast of "The Voice" to date, excluding finales. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "The Voice" grew 1.8 rating points or 51% in 18-49 rating (to a 5.3 from a 3.5) and by 41% or more than 4.8 million persons in total viewers (16.8 million vs. 11.9 million).

"Chicago Fire" (2.6/8 in 18-49, 8.7 million viewers from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) once again scored a decisive win in the 10 p.m. ET slot among ABC, CBS and NBC in 18-49, with a 24% margin of victory over CBS's #2 "Person of Interest" (2.6 vs. 2.1). "Chicago Fire" beat results for its second episode of last season by 73% in 18-49 rating (2.6 vs. 1.5) and 49% in total viewers (8.7 million vs. 5.8 million). So far this fall, "Chicago Fire" has delivered its two top-scoring episodes ever in 18-49 and total viewers.

Note that in "Live Plus Three Day" ratings last week, "Chicago Fire" generated a week-to-week gain of 4% over its season-premiere rating, to achieve a series-record 3.60 in L+3, up from the prior week's previous record of a 3.47. In week two, "Chicago Fire" added 36% or 0.96 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 3.60 in L+3 from a 2.64 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 32% or 2.821 million persons (11.564 million vs. 8.743 million).

NBC is up 77% Versus the second Tuesday of last season in 18-49 (with a 3.9 rating vs. a 2.2 on Oct. 2, 2012) and up 109% in total viewers (12.639 million vs. 6.053 million).

Wednesday: "Revolution" (1.6/5 in 18-49, 5.5 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) improved by 23% on NBC's time-period result on the second regular Wednesday of last season (1.3 on Oct. 10, 2012) and was up 37% in total viewers (5.5 million vs. 4.0 million). Versus NBC's slot average last season, "Revolution" was up by 14% in 18-49 (1.6 vs. 1.4, "live plus same day, non-sports") and up 21% in total viewers (5.5 million vs. 4.5 million).

Note that in "Live Plus Three Day" ratings last week: "Revolution" added 48% or 0.75 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.32 in L+3 from a 1.57 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 38% or 2.064 million persons (7.525 million vs. 5.461 million).

"Law & Order: SVU" (2.0/6 in 18-49, 6.9 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) grew 11% Versus last year's second telecast in 18-49 rating (1.8 on Oct. 10, 2012) and was up 10% in total viewers (6.9 million vs. 6.2 million). In the season's first two week's "SVU" has captured the show's two highest 18-49 ratings since Jan. 9.

Note that in "Live Plus Three Day" ratings last week: "Law & Order: SVU" added 34% or 0.68 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.67 in L+3 from a 1.99 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 29% or 1.993 million persons (8.845 million vs. 6.852 million).

The debut of "Ironside" (1.3/4 in adults 18-49, 6.8 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) topped NBC's comparable year-ago premiere in this time period in total viewers by 3% (6.8 million vs. 6.6 million for "Chicago Fire" on Oct. 10, 2012). "Ironside" retained 99% of its total-viewer lead-in from "Law & Order: SVU" (6.8 million vs. 6.9 million). In adults 18-49, "Ironside" finished within 0.6 of a point of the year-ago "Chicago Fire" premiere (1.9) and within 0.7 of this year's "SVU" lead-in (2.0).

Note that in "Live Plus Three Day" ratings last week: "Ironside" added 29% or 0.38 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 1.72 in L+3 from a 1.34 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 28% or 1.923 million persons (8.737 million vs. 6.814 million).

Thursday: "Parks and Recreation" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 3.1 million viewers overall from 8-8:31 p.m. ET) finished #2 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in men 18-34. Note that in "Live Plus Three Day" ratings for the prior week: "Parks and Recreation" added 37% or 0.47 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 1.74 in L+3 from a 1.27 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 29% or 935,000 persons (4.205 million vs. 3.270 million).

The debut of "Welcome to the Family" (1.1/3 in 18-49, 3.0 million viewers overall from 8:31-9:01 p.m. ET) retained 92% of its 18-49 lead-in from "Parks" in 18-49 and 95% in total viewers.

The premiere of "Sean Saves the World" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 4.4 million viewers overall from 9:01-9:31 p.m. ET) jumped by 27% Versus its lead-in in 18-49 rating (1.4 vs. 1.1) and by 48% in total viewers (4.4 million vs. 3.0 million). Versus NBC's premiere in this slot last season, "Sean" was up 4% in total viewers (4.4 million vs. 4.3 million for the year-ago "Office" season debut).

"The Michael J. FOX Show" (1.7/5 in 18-49, 5.3 million viewers overall from 9:31-10:01 p.m. ET) built on its lead-in in every key ratings category and was up Versus lead-in by 21% in both 18-49 rating and total viewers. "The Michael J. FOX Show" improved on NBC's slot average during the 2012-13 season by 21% in 18-49 rating (2.1 vs. 1.4) and 73% in total viewers (5.3 million vs. 3.1 million).

The prior week's "Michael J. FOX Show" posted a 2.96 rating in adults 18-49, "live plus three days," up 0.80 of a point or +37% Versus its 2.16 in "live plus same day." The 0.80 increase tops the L+3 gains for all NBC comedy debuts last season. In total viewers, "The Michael J. FOX Show" delivered 9.958 million viewers, up 33% or 2.455 million viewers from its 7.503 million in L+SD.

"Parenthood" (1.5/4 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m.) jumped Versus NBC's slot result on the same night last season by 50% in 18-49 rating (1.5 vs. 1.0 for "Rock Center") and 23% in total viewers (4.2 million vs. 3.4 million).

The prior week's "Parenthood" grew by 0.88 of a rating point or 54% in L+3 Versus L+SD, to a 2.51 from a 1.63. The 0.88 increase is the biggest L+3 lift ever for "Parenthood." In total viewers, the "Parenthood" premiere increased by 2.218 million persons or 44%, to 7.274 million in L+3 from 5.056 million in L+SD.

Friday: An encore telecast of "The Michael J. FOX Show" (0.8/3 in 18-49, 3.2 million viewers overall from 8-8:30 p.m. ET) was up 14% week to week in the slot, to match NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the time period in three months.

A rebroadcast of "Sean Saves the World" (0.8/3 in 18-49, 3.2 million viewers overall from 8:30-9 p.m. ET) retained 100% of its 18-49 lead-in from the "Michael J. FOX Show" and retained 99% of its total-viewers lead-in.

"Dateline NBC" (1.3/4 in 18-49, 5.8 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) grew 8% Versus its 18-49 rating in this hour during premiere week one week earlier (1.3 vs. 1.2), which equaled NBC's highest rating in the slot since June 28.

"Elizabeth's Story: A Meredith Vieira Special" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 5.6 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) retained 92% of its lead-in in adults 18-49 (with a 1.2 rating vs. a 1.3) and grew Versus lead-in by 6% in adults 25-54 (1.8 vs. 1.7), while holding onto 97% of its total-viewer lead-in (5.6 million vs. 5.8 million).

Saturday: NBC Sports' coverage of Notre Dame-Arizona State College Football from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex., (0.9/3 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall) ranked #2 for the night among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49.

Sunday: "Sunday Night Football" (7.0/19 in 18-49, 17.7 million viewers overall from 8:31-11:11 p.m. ET), featuring the Houston Texans at the San Francisco 49ers, ranked #1 for the night on ABC, CBS and FOX in adults 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54 to deliver the nightlong win to NBC in those measures and most other key demos.

WEEKLY AVERAGES
Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

NBC 2.8/8, 3.6 million

CBS 2.5/7, 3.1 million

ABC 2.1/6, 2.6 million

Fox 1.8/5, 2.2 million

CW 0.5/2, 0.7 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

NBC 3.3/9, 4.0 million

CBS 3.3/9, 3.9 million

ABC 2.5/6, 3.0 million

Fox 1.9/5, 2.3 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.5 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

CBS 3.7/10, 10.9 million

NBC 3.0/8, 8.7 million

ABC 2.5/7, 7.4 million

Fox 1.6/4, 4.8 million

CW 0.5/1, 1.4 million

Each rating point equals 2.95 million viewers

SEASON TO DATE
Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

NBC 2.9/9, 3.7 million

CBS 2.4/7, 3.0 million

ABC 2.2/6, 2.8 million

Fox 2.0/6, 2.5 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.5 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

NBC 3.5/9, 4.2 million

CBS 3.2/8, 3.8 million

ABC 2.6/7, 3.1 million

Fox 2.2/6, 2.6 million

CW 0.6/1, 0.7 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

CBS 3.6/9, 10.6 million

NBC 3.1/8, 9.2 million

ABC 2.6/7, 7.7 million

Fox 1.8/5, 5.4 million

CW 0.4/1, 1.1 million

Each rating point equals 2.89 million viewers

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