NBC Matches Its Highest 5-Week Average in Six Years

NBC has finished #2 for week 5 of the 2013-14 season in adults 18-49 behind only World Series-boosted Fox, which aired baseball on four of seven nights last week. It's the only time a Big 4 network has out-rated NBC for a week so far this season in adults 18-49. According to "live plus same day" viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, NBC averaged a 2.4 rating, 7 share in adults 18-49 and 7.7 million viewers overall for the week of Oct. 21-27.

Through five weeks of the new season, NBC is equaling its year-ago 3.1 rating in adults 18-49, to match the network's highest five-week average in six years (since 2007, 3.4).

NBC is leading the season by 0.4 of a point (3.1 vs. Fox's 2.7), matching the biggest margin in 11 years for any net five weeks into the season (since NBC led by 0.7 of a point in 2002). On a percentage basis, NBC's 15% margin also equals the biggest lead for any net at five weeks in 11 years (since NBC led by +17% in 2002). NBC is also leading the season among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-34, adults 25-54, all key adult-female demos, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

In total viewers, NBC ranks #2 for the season, its highest total-viewer ranking five weeks into the season in 11 years (since 2002).

NBC's season average of 9.7 million viewers is its biggest overall audience five weeks into the season in seven years (since 2006, 10.2 million). Versus one year ago, NBC is up 16% season to date in total viewers (9.7 million vs. 8.4 million).

For the week, NBC delivered three of the top six Primetime telecasts on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49: "Sunday Night Football" (#1), Monday's "The Voice" (#4) and Tuesday's "Voice" (#6), while "The Blacklist" tied for #10. Rankings exclude sports pre- and post-game shows. Also ranking among the top 40 Primetime programs on the Big 4 were "Chicago Fire" (tied for #29), "The Biggest Loser" (tied for #32) and "Dracula" and "Grimm" (tied for #36).

"The Blacklist" tied CBS's "NCIS" as the #1 drama of the week on the Big 4 in 18-49, each with a 3.0 rating.

"Sunday Night Football" was also #1 among Primetime telecasts on the Big 4 in adults 18-34, adults 25-54, all key male demos and teens 12-17, while Monday's "The Voice" was #1 on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in women 18-34 and kids 2-11 .

Primetime averages for the week of Oct. 21-27 in adults 18-49 are: Fox, 3.3/10; NBC, 2.4/7; CBS, 1.9/5; ABC, 1.7/5; and CW, 0.7/2. In overall total viewers, the weekly averages were: Fox, 11.4 million; CBS, 9.5 million; NBC, 7.7 million; ABC, 6.8 million; and CW, 1.7 million.

Season-to-date averages are: NBC, 3.1/9; Fox, 2.7/8; CBS, 2.6/8; ABC, 2.4/7; and CW, 0.7/2. In overall total viewers, the season averages are: CBS, 11.5 million; NBC, 9.7 million; ABC, 8.3 million; Fox, 8.0 million; and CW, 1.7 million.

NBC highlights for the week of Oct. 21-27:

Monday: NBC finished #1 Monday night among ABC, CBS, NBC & FOX in all key categories for a fifth week in a row, winning six of six half-hours in 18-49 among those nets, also for a fifth week in a row. With "The Voice" (4.3 rating, 12 share in adults 18-49, 13.7 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) delivering the #1 rating of the night on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in 18-49 and "The Blacklist" (3.0/8 in adults 18-49, 10.4 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) tying for #2, NBC won the night among the Big 4 by an 86% margin in 18-49 (with a 3.9 rating vs. a 2.1 for #2 CBS).

"The Voice" won its two-hour time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in every key ratings category and ranked #1 for the night on those networks in 18-49, total viewers and all other key categories. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "The Voice" increased by 32% or 1.2 rating points in 18-49 rating (to a 5.0 from a 3.8) and by 17% or 2.2 million persons in total viewers (15.0 million vs. 12.8 million).

"The Blacklist" ranked #1 in its hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in every key demographic, with an adult 18-49 margin of 58% Versus ABC's #2 "Castle" (3.0 vs. 1.9). "The Blacklist" matched the prior week's rating in 18-49 (3.0 vs. 3.0). Versus NBC's averages in the slot last season, "The Blacklist" was up 50% in 18-49 (3.0 vs. 2.0, L+SD non-sports) and up 82% in total viewers (10.4 million vs. 5.7 million).

"Live Plus Three Day": "The Blacklist" has delivered the second biggest "live plus three day" increase in broadcast-network history in total viewership, with the Oct. 21 telecast growing by 4.916 million persons from 10.437 million viewers in "live plus same day" to 15.353 million in L+3. The only telecast in broadcast history to add more viewers in L+3 was the Sept. 30 "Blacklist," which grew by 5.081 million persons, raising its 11.348 million in L+SD to 16.429 million viewers in L+3.

In adults 18-49, the Oct. 21"Blacklist" added 54% or 1.60 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 4.57 in L+3 from a 2.97 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 47% or 4.916 million persons (15.353 million vs. 10.437 million). The 54% increase in 18-49 and 47% lift in total viewers are the biggest percentage increases to date for "The Blacklist" in both categories. By rating point, the 18-49 increase of 1.60 points is second biggest for the series behind a 1.66 lift for the Sept. 30 telecast.

Week-to-Week Gains in L+3: "The Blacklist" is up week to week in "live plus three day" results for each of the last two weeks in adults 18-49, going from a 4.53 on Oct. 7 to a 4.54 on Oct. 14 to a 4.57 on Oct. 21. In total viewers, the Oct. 21 "Blacklist" is up week to week by 2% (to 15.353 million from 15.066 million).

"Live Plus Seven Day": The Oct. 7 episode of "The Blacklist" delivered the second-biggest "live plus seven day" lift ever on the broadcast networks in total viewers, trailing only the Sept. 30 "Blacklist." The Oct. 7 telecast added 5.720 million persons in L+7 (to 16.904 million from 11.184 million in next-day "live plus same day" results), topping all other L+7 increases on broadcast television to date except the 6.504 million gain for the Sept. 30 "Blacklist" (17.858 million in L+7 vs. 11.354 million in L+SD). In adults 18-49, the Oct. 7 "Blacklist" added 61% or 1.89 rating points to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 4.98 in L+7 from a 3.09 in L+SD)..

Tuesday: NBC finished #1 Tuesday night in 18-49 and has won each of the first five Tuesdays of the season among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX for the first time in eight years.

"The Biggest Loser" (2.0/6 in 18-49, 6.7 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m.) finished within 9% of its 18-49 average for last season (2.0 vs. 2.2, L+SD) and was up 10% in total viewers (6.7 million vs. 6.1 million). In women 18-34, "The Biggest Loser" ranked #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox

"The Voice" (4.1/11 in 18-49, 13.1 million viewers overall from 9-10:01 p.m. ET) was the #1 show of the night in 18-49 and other key demos and won the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in every key demographic. "The Voice" grew 3% Versus the prior week in 18-49 rating and was up 1% in total viewers.

"Chicago Fire" (2.1/6 in 18-49, 7.5 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) was up 17% Versus its 1.8 during the same week last year on Wednesday night and up 16% in total viewers (7.5 million vs. 6.4 million). This week's "Chicago Fire" won the slot among ABC, CBS and NBC in in adults 18-34, women 18-49 and women 18-49.

L+3: "Chicago Fire" added 47% or 0.97 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 3.05 in L+3 from a 2.08 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 39% or 2.882 million persons (10.334 million vs. 7.452 million). L+7: The Oct. 8 "Chicago Fire" added 55% or 1.18 rating points to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 3.31 in L+7 from a 2.13 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 46% or 3.404 million persons (10.833 million vs. 7.429 million).

Wednesday: "Revolution" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) matched the prior week's 18-49 rating (1.4 vs. 1.4). Versus the same night last year, "Revolution" improved the time period by 8% in 18-49 (1.4 vs. 1.3) and 34% in total viewers (5.0 million vs. 3.8 million).

L+3: "Revolution" added 57% or 0.77 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.13 in L+3 from a 1.36 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 38% or 1.901 million persons (6.939 million vs. 5.038 million. L+7: The Oct. 9 "Revolution" added 67% or 0.99 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.47 in L+7 from a 1.48 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 46% or 2.495 million persons (7.943 million vs. 5.448 million).

"Law & Order: SVU" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.5 million viewers overall from 9-10:01 p.m. ET) retained 100% of its lead-in in 18-49 and built by 10% in total viewers.

L+3: "Law & Order: SVU" added 57% or 0.79 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.16 in L+3 from a 1.37 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 37% or 2.034 million persons (7.560 million vs. 5.526 million). L+7: The Oct. 9 "Law & Order: SVU" added 61% or 0.99 rating points to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.60 in L+7 from a 1.61 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 41% or 2.574 million persons (8.886 million vs. 6.312 million).

Thursday: An encore telecast of "The Voice" (1.3/4 in 18-49, 5.3 million viewers overall from 8-9:01 p.m. ET) matched NBC's season high in this time period in 18-49 and delivered the net's top total-viewer result in The Hour since the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular."

"Sean Saves the World" (1.1/3 in 18-49, 4.0 million viewers overall from 9:01-9:30 p.m. ET) matched the prior week's 18-49 rating, while growing by 18% Versus the prior week in total viewers (3.959 million vs. 3.359 million) and increasing by 22% Versus two weeks ago (3.959 million vs. 3.257 million). That made it the #2 telecast of "Sean" to date in total viewers. L+3: The prior week's "Sean Saves the World" added 22% or 0.25 of a rating point to its next-day L+SD 18-49 rating (to a 1.37 from a 1.12) and 18% or 603,000 persons in total viewers (3.962 million vs. 3.359 million). L+7: The Oct. 10 "Sean Saves the World" added 41% or 0.42 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 1.44 in L+7 from a 1.02 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 31% or 1.007 million persons (4.264 million vs. 3.257 million).

"The Michael J. FOX Show" (1.2/3 in 18-49, 3.8 million viewers at 9:30) matched its prior rating in 18-49 and was up 6% in total viewers (3.8 million vs. 3.6 million). This week's telecast built on its 18-49 lead-in by 9%. So far this season, "Michael J. Fox" is delivering the biggest average build on its regular 18-49 lead-in (+8%, 1.3 vs. 1.2 L+SD) of any 9:30 comedy on the Big 4 networks. L+3: The prior week's "Michael J. FOX Show" added 32% or 0.39 of a rating point to its next-day L+SD 18-49 rating (to a 1.64 from a 1.25) and 30% or 1.064 million persons in total viewers (4.626million vs. 3.562 million). L+7: The Oct. 10 "Michael J. FOX Show" added 47% or 0.56 of a point to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 1.74 in L+7 from a 1.18 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 39% or 1.518 million persons (5.374 million vs. 3.856 million).

"Parenthood" (1.3/4 in 18-49, 3.9 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m.) matched the prior week's 18-49 rating and was up a tenth of a point Versus two weeks earlier. The Oct. 24 "Parenthood" maintained its rating half-hour to half-hour in adults 18-49 (1.3 vs. 1.3) and adults 25-54 (1.6 vs. 1.6) and was up in total viewers (4.0 million vs. 3.9 million) despite the 10 p.m. hour. L+3: The prior week's "Parenthood" added 59% or 0.77 of a rating point to its next-day L+SD 18-49 rating (to a 2.09 from a 1.32) and 45% or 1.807 million persons in total viewers (5.830 million vs. 4.023 million). L+7: The Oct. 10 "Parenthood" added 79% or 0.93 rating points to its next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating (to a 2.11 in L+7 from a 1.18 in L+SD) and in total viewers, added 58% or 2.190 million persons (5.958 million vs. 3.768 million).

Friday: NBC finished #1 Friday night in adults 18-49, with "Dracula" and "Grimm" tying as the night's #1 scripted programs.

"Dateline NBC" (1.3/5 in 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) moved to the 8 p.m. hour and matched its season high in adults 18-49 and delivered its biggest overall audience since Sept. 27. "Dateline" reported NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the time period since Feb. 22 and biggest overall audience since June 7.

The third season premiere of "Grimm" (1.8/6 in 18-49, 6.2 million viewers overall at 9 p.m. ET) grew Versus last fall's Friday premiere in 18-49 by 13% (1.8 vs. 1.6 on Sept. 28, 2012) and by 16% in total viewers (6.2 million vs. 5.3 million). "Grimm" captured NBC's best 18-49 rating in the slot since Nov. 2, 2012 and biggest overall audience since Sept. 27, 2013. It was the top Friday "Grimm" in 18-49 since Nov. 2, 2012 and the #2 "Grimm" ever in total viewers, behind only the series premiere (6.6 million on Oct. 28, 2011).

L+7: Last season, "Grimm" originals added an average 73% in 18-49 to these L+SD ratings when Nielsen issued L+7 results (to a 2.86 from a 1.65).

The premiere of "Dracula" (1.8/6 in 18-49, 5.3 million viewers overall at 10 p.m. ET) is #1 for The Hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54, all key adult-male demos and women 18-34 and 18-49. "Dracula" delivered NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the slot, excluding the night of the Capture of the Boston bombing suspect, since January 4, 2013. "Dracula" was up 38% Versus NBC's regular-series debut in the slot last fall (1.3 on Sept. 28, 2012). Versus NBC's average in the time period last season in 18-49, "Dracula" was up 50% in 18-49 (1.8 vs. 1.2, L+SD non-sports).

"Dracula" tied for the highest 10 p.m. drama debut so far this season in adults 18-49 (with CBS's "Hostages") and is the second highest rated Friday drama premiere in three years in 18-49 (behind "Grimm's" 2.1 on Oct. 28, 2011 and before that, "Blue Bloods'" 2.2 on Sept. 24, 2010).

Sunday: "Sunday Night Football" (6.3/15 in 18-49, 16.9 million viewers overall from 8:31-11:06 p.m. ET), featuring the Green Bay Packers at the Minnesota Vikings, ranked #1 Sunday night in 18-49 and total viewers, excluding sports overruns and pre- and post-game shows, topping the night's World Series game on FOX by 6% in total viewers (16.9 million vs. 16.0 million) and by 37% in adults 18-49 (6.3 vs. 4.6).

Eight weeks into the NFL season, "Sunday Night Football" is delivering the strongest total-viewer average for a Primetime NFL series (22.1 million, L+SD) at this point in the season in 17 years (since ABC's Monday coverage in 1996, 23.9 million).

WEEKLY AVERAGES
Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

Fox 3.3/10, 4.2 million

NBC 2.4/7, 3.1 million

CBS 1.9/5, 2.4 million

ABC 1.7/5, 2.2 million

CW 0.7/2, 0.9 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

Fox 3.8/10, 4.6 million

NBC 3.0/8, 3.5 million

CBS 2.7/7, 3.2 million

ABC 2.2/6, 2.6 million

CW 0.7/2, 0.8 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

Fox 3.9/10, 11.4 million

CBS 3.2/8, 9.5 million

NBC 2.6/7, 7.7 million

ABC 2.3/6, 6.8 million

CW 0.6/1, 1.7 million

Each rating point equals 2.95 million viewers

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

ADULTS 18-49

NBC 3.1/9, 4.0 million

Fox 2.7/8, 3.4 million

CBS 2.6/8, 3.3 million

ABC 2.4/7, 3.1 million

CW 0.7/2, 0.9 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

NBC 3.7/10, 4.5 million

CBS 3.5/9, 4.2 million

Fox 3.0/8, 3.6 million

ABC 2.9/7, 3.5 million

CW 0.7/2, 0.9 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

CBS 3.9/10, 11.5 million

NBC 3.3/9, 9.7 million

ABC 2.8/7, 8.3 million

Fox 2.7/7, 8.0 million

CW 0.6/2, 1.7 million

Each rating point equals 2.89 million viewers

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