NBC's AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Finishes #1 for Week in Key Demo

By: Aug. 18, 2015
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NBC has won its fourth consecutive primetime ratings week in the key demographic of adults 18-49, with "America's Got Talent" ranking as the #1 telecast for the week of Aug. 10-16 in 18-49 and "American Ninja Warrior," "Hollywood Game Night," "Running Wild with Bear Grylls," "Last Comic Standing," and "Mr. Robinson" also generating top-20 rankings among the week's primetime shows on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.

"America's Got Talent" also rated #1 among Big 4 primetime programs in total viewers, adults 18-34 (tie), men 18-34, men 18-49, women 18-49 and adults, men and women 25-54. In kids 2-11, "Talent" tied for #1 on the Big 4 with NBC's "American Ninja Warrior."

"America's Got Talent" has ranked #1 among primetime Big 4 telecasts, excluding sports, during 12 of its 12 weeks on the schedule this summer in total viewers and 10 of 12 weeks in adults 18-49 (including one tie).

According to "live plus same day" viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, NBC averaged a 1.1 rating, 4 share in adults 18-49 for the week and 4.7 million viewers overall. NBC ranked #1 or tied for #1 for the week among the Big 4 in every key demographic - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.

NBC accounted five of the week's top 11 primetime telecasts in 18-49 on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX and 9 of the top 20, with Tuesday's "Talent" (#1), Monday's "Ninja Warrior" (tied for #3), Wednesday's "Talent" (#6), Tuesday's "Hollywood Game Night" (tied for #9), Monday's "Running Wild" (tied for #9), Wednesday's "Last Comic" (tied for #13), both Wednesday telecasts of "Mr. Robinson" (tied for #16) and Sunday's "Ninja" encore (tied for #16).

For the 52-week 2014-15 season to date, NBC ranks #1 among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49 and is #1 or tied for #1 among those nets in men 18-49 and adults and men 18-34.

In total viewers, NBC is #2 for the season, and running within 6% of its year-ago Olympics-boosted average (7.8 million vs. 8.3 million).

Primetime averages for the week of Aug. 10-16 in adults 18-49 are: NBC, 1.1/4; CBS, 1.0/4; ABC, 0.8/3; Fox, 0.6/3; and CW, 0.3/1. In overall total viewers, the weekly averages were: CBS, 5.3 million; NBC, 4.7 million; ABC, 3.3 million; Fox, 2.3 million; and CW, 1.1 million.

"Most current" averages for the 52-week 2014-15 season to date are: NBC, 2.1/7; ABC, 2.0/7; CBS, 2.0/7; Fox, 1.7/6; and CW, 0.7/2. In overall total viewers, the season averages are: CBS, 9.8 million; NBC, 7.8 million; ABC, 7.3 million; Fox, 5.3 million; and CW, 1.9 million.

NBC highlights for the week of Aug. 10-16:

Monday

NBC won Monday night among the Big 4 networks in every key measure (including a tie in women 18-34), winning of six of six half-hours in adults 18-49.

"American Ninja Warrior" (2.1/7 in 18-49, 7.2 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) equaled its highest rating in more than three years (since June 4, 2012, 2.2 with "Ninja's" third regular telecast on NBC) and delivered a series record in total viewers (7.2 million, up +3% versus the prior record, 7.0 million on June 8). "American Ninja Warrior" ranked as the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 in adults 18-49 and total viewers, running up +11% versus the show's 1.9 rating of the prior two weeks and up +10% week to week in total viewers (7.2 million vs. 6.5 million).

"Live Plus Three Day" Ratings: "American Ninja Warrior" grew by +12% in 18-49 rating going from "live plus same day" to "live plus three day" Nielsens (from a 2.06 rating to a 2.31) and by 691,000 viewers overall (from 7.2 million to 7.9 million).

"Live Plus Seven Day" Ratings: "American Ninja Warrior" has grown by +18% in 18-49 rating going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven day" ratings (from a 1.91 to a 2.26) and 872,000 viewers overall (6.4 million to 7.3 million).

"Running Wild with Bear Grylls" (1.4/5 in 18-49, 3.8 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) grew in 18-49 and total viewers for a third straight week, to hit season highs in 18-49 and total viewers. With an episode featuring Michelle Rodriguez, "Running Wild" scored the show's top result in 18-49 since Aug. 11, 2014 (1.5) and best in total viewers since Sept. 1, 2014 (3.845 million). "Running Wild" ranked #1 in its time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in all key demos (including a tie in women 25-54). L+3: "Running Wild" increased by +12% in 18-49 going from L+SD to L+3 (1.36 to 1.53). In total viewers, "The Island" grew by 445,000 persons (from 3.8 million to 4.3 million). L+7: "Running Wild" is growing by +21% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.19 to a 1.44) and 635,000 viewers overall (3.6 million to 4.2 million) going from L+SD to L+7.

Tuesday

NBC won Tuesday night among the Big 4 in every key measure with "America's Got Talent" scoring as the #1 show of the night on those nets in all key categories and "Hollywood Game Night" the #2 show in every key demo.

"America's Got Talent" (2.5/9 in 18-49, 11.4 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) jumped +14% week to week in adult 18-49 rating (2.5 vs. 2.2) to match its top score since June 23 (2.6) and to finish within 0.1 of its season high (2.6 on June 23 and May 26). In total viewers, "America's Got Talent" hit a season high, up +12% or 1.2 million persons week to week (11.4 million vs. 10.2 million). It's the most-watched primetime telecast on the Big 4 networks, excluding sports, since May 19 (ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," 13.5 million). "America's Got Talent" ranked as the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 networks in all key measures - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers. L+3: "America's Got Talent" grew by +22% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens (from a 2.50 rating to a 3.04) and by more than 1.5 million viewers overall (from 11.4 million to 13.0 million). L+7: Tuesday's "America's Got Talent" has grown by +30% in 18-49 rating (from a 2.39 to a 3.11) and more than 2.1 million viewers overall (10.7 million to 12.8 million) going from L+SD to L+7.

"Hollywood Game Night" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) jumped +27% week to week in 18-49 (1.4 vs. 1.1) and +22% in total viewers (5.0 million vs. 4.1 million), to score a four-week high in adults 18-49 (best since July 14, 1.4) and a five-week high in total viewers (best since the show's season premiere July 7, 5.2 million). "Hollywood Game Night" ranked as the #2 show of the night on the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49 and all other key demographics, behind only "Talent." L+3: "HGN" grew by +14% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens (from a 1.45 rating to a 1.65) and by 490,000 viewers overall (from 5.0 million to 5.5 million). L+7: "Hollywood Game Night" is increasing by an average of +20% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.33 to a 1.60) and 661,000 viewers overall (4.8 million to 5.5 million) going from L+SD to L+7.

Wednesday

"America's Got Talent" (1.6/7 in 18-49, 8.4 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) hit four month highs in the time period for NBC in 18-49 and total viewers, best since a special "Voice" on April 8 (2.2 in 18-49, 9.6 million viewers overall). "Talent" grew +7% week to week in 18-49 (1.6 vs. 1.5) and +20% in total viewers (8.380 million vs. 6.987 million) and won the hour in total viewers.

"Mr. Robinson" (1.0/4 in 18-49, 4.4 million viewers overall from 9-9:30 p.m. ET) ranked as the most-watched Week 2 telecast of an original summer comedy on the Big 4 networks in eight years (since CBS's "Creature Comforts" averaged 4.6 million viewers overall on Monday, June 11, 2007 at 8:30 p.m. ET), a span covering 14 new and returning summer comedies. "Mr. Robinson" maintained 96% of the prior week's series-premiere 4.6 million viewers (which made the previous week's debut the most-watched summer-comedy premiere on the Big 4 since 2007). "Mr. Robinson" also equaled the top Week 2 18-49 rating for any original summer comedy in eight years (since CBS's "Creature Comforts" averaged a 1.4 June 11, 2007). The only other summer comedy to do a 1.0 in Week 2 over that span was last year's "Undateable" (1.0 at 9 and 9:30 on Thurs., June 5, 2014). Upscale: The prior week's first two telecasts of "Mr. Robinson" were the top two most upscale shows of the night on the Big 4 nets in their concentration of adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes, indexing at a 142 at 9 p.m. and 146 at 9:30.

A second episode of "Mr. Robinson" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall from 9:30-10 p.m. ET) retained 100% of the prior half-hour's 18-49 rating and 100% of the prior week's 18-49 rating. This week's 9:30 "Mr. Robinson" tied for #1 in the time period in adults 18-49 and other key demos.

"Last Comic Standing" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) won the time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in every key demographic. Despite the 10 p.m. hour, "Last Comic Standing" maintained or built half-hour to half-hour in all key measures. L+7: "Last Comic Standings" is growing by an average of +28% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.52 to a 1.94) and 1.1 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 7.1 million) going from L+SD to L+7.

NBC won Wednesday in adults 18-49 and total viewers and was #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 nets in every key measure.

Thursday

"Food Fighters" (0.7/3 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) tied for the time period win among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49 and 25-54 and was #1 outright among those nets in adults 18-34.

"Dateline Thursday Night Mystery" (0.9/3 in 18-49, 4.7 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) ranked #1 for its second hour from 10-11 p.m. ET among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures, running against original competition in that hour from ABC's "Rookie Blue" and CBS's "Under the Dome." Upscale: The prior week's "Dateline Mystery" was the most upscale show of the night on the Big 4 networks in terms of adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with a 122 index).

Friday

An encore telecast of "America's Got Talent" (0.6/3 in 18-49, 3.1 million viewers overall from 8-10 p.m. ET) ranked #2 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49 and 25-54.

"Dateline NBC" (0.9/4 in 18-49, 4.5 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) tied as the #1 show of the night in adults 18-49 and was #1 outright in adults 25-54 (1.5). Despite the 10 p.m. hour, "Dateline" grew half-hour to half-hour by +25% in adults 18-49 (0.8 to 1.0), +17% in adults 25-554 (1.2 to 1.4) and +20% in women 25-54 (1.5 to 1.8). L+3: The prior Friday's "Dateline" grew by +21% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+3 (1.08 to 1.31) and by 853,000 viewers overall (5.2 million to 6.0 million). L+7: Friday's "Dateline" is increasing by an average of +26% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.14 to a 1.44) and 957,000 viewers overall (5.8 million to 6.7 million) going from L+SD to L+7. Upscale: The prior Friday's "Dateline NBC" was the top upscale Big 4 program of the night among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (120 index).

Saturday

NBC Sports coverage of the "P&G Championships: Women's Gymnastics" (0.5/2 in 18-49, 2.4 million viewers overall from 8-10 p.m. ET) grew versus year-ago coverage by 0.1 of a point or +25% in adult 18-49 rating (0.5 vs. 0.4 from 8-10 on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014) and +19% in total viewers (2.4 million vs. 2.0 million). The "P&G Championships" scored NBC's highest 18-49 and total-viewer results in the time period since July 11. The "P&G Championships" tied for #1 in in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49.

"Hannibal" (0.3/1 in 18-49, 1.0 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) matched the show's prior four 18-49 ratings and delivered its biggest overall audience among five Saturday telecasts so far this summer. L+3: The previous week's "Hannibal" grew by +36% going from L+SD to L+3 (0.28 to 0.38) and by 368,000 viewers overall (1.0 million to 1.4 million). L+7: "Hannibal" is increasing by an average of +58% in 18-49 rating (from a 0.43 to a 0.68) and 618,000 viewers overall (1.5 million to 2.1 million) going from L+SD to L+7.

Sunday

An encore telecast of "Hollywood Game Night" (0.5/2 in 18-49, 2.2 million viewers overall from 7-8 p.m. ET) matched the show's prior three Sunday rebroadcasts so far this season in 18-49 and delivered the biggest overall audience for a Sunday "HGN" encore since July 12.

The NBC Special "Ed Sheeran - Live at Wembley Stadium" (0.5/2 in 18-49, 2.2 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) maintained 100% of its lead-in in adults 18-49 (0.5 vs. 0.5) and built on its lead-in in men and women 18-49, men 25-54 and adults, men and women 18-34.

A rebroadcast of "American Ninja Warrior" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 3.1 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) grew +11% versus the show's most recent encore in the same slot in adult 18-49 rating (1.0 vs. 0.9 on Aug. 2) and was up +43% versus the rebroadcast before that (1.0 vs. 0.7 on July 26). For its second hour from 10-11 p.m. ET, the "American Ninja Warrior" rebroadcast ranked #1 among ABC, CBS and NBC in all key demographics, with a +57% margin of victory among those nets in adults 18-49 (1.1 vs. 0.7 for ABC's "Save My Life").

WEEKLY AVERAGES
Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

NBC 1.1/4, 1.4 million

CBS 1.0/4, 1.2 million

ABC 0.8/3, 1.0 million

Fox 0.6/3, 0.8 million

CW 0.3/1, 0.4 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

NBC 1.5/5, 1.8 million

CBS 1.4/4, 1.6 million

ABC 1.0/3, 1.2 million

Fox 0.8/3, 0.9 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.5 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

CBS 1.8/6, 5.3 million

NBC 1.6/5, 4.7 million

ABC 1.1/3, 3.3 million

Fox 0.8/2, 2.3 million

CW 0.4/1, 1.1 million

Each rating point equals 2.95 million viewers

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

ADULTS 18-49

NBC 2.1/7, 2.7 million

ABC 2.0/7, 2.5 million

CBS 2.0/7, 2.5 million

Fox 1.7/6, 2.2 million

CW 0.7/2, 0.9 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

CBS 2.7/8, 3.3 million

NBC 2.7/8, 3.2 million

ABC 2.5/7, 3.0 million

Fox 2.1/6, 2.5 million

CW 0.8/2, 1.0 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

CBS 3.3/9, 9.8 million

NBC 2.6/7, 7.8 million

ABC 2.5/7, 7.3 million

Fox 1.8/5, 5.3 million

CW 0.6/2, 1.9 million

Each rating point equals 2.95 million viewers



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