NBC Wins Primetime Week of May 19th In Key Demo

NBC has won the Primetime week of May 19-25 in adults 18-49, led the season finale of "The Voice," as well as top performances by Monday's "The Maya Rudolph Show," Thursday's season premiere of "Last Comic Standing" and Wednesday season finales of "Law & Order: SVU" and "Chicago P.D." According to "live plus same day" viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, NBC averaged a 1.5 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 5.6 million viewers overall for the week.

Versus the same week last year, NBC is up +7% in adults 18-49 (to a 1.5 rating from a 1.4) and up +13% in total viewers (5.6 million vs. 5.0 million). NBC matched or topped the year-ago week in every key ratings measure.

Tuesday's "Voice" season finale ranked #2 in adults 18-49 among Primetime broadcasts for the week on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, and additionally finished #1 on those nets in adults 25-54 and teens 12-17. Also ranking among the week's top 25 Primetime shows on the Big 4 were: Monday's "The Voice" (#3), Monday's "The Maya Rudolph Show" (tied for #9), Tuesday's8-9 p.m. ET "Voice" encore (tied for #12), Thursday's season debut of "Last Comic Standing" (tied for #15) and Wednesday's season finales of "Law & Order: SVU" and "Chicago P.D." (tied for #19).

In addition to winning the week in adults 18-49, NBC ranked #1 among the Big 4 nets in adults 25-54 and tied for #1 with ABC in adults 18-34.

Through 35 weeks of the 2013-14 broadcast year, NBC ranks #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, adults 18-34 (tied with Fox), men 18-34 and 18-49 (tied with Fox), men 25-54 and all key adult-female demos. It's the first time NBC has ranked #1 in 18-49 at this point in the broadcast year in 10 years (since the 2003-04 season).

NBC's 2.7 rating in adults 18-49 is the network's top average at this point in the season in four years (since a 2.7 in 2009-10). Versus one year ago, NBC is up +17% for the broadcast year to date in adults 18-49 (2.7 vs. 2.3).

In total viewers, NBC ranks #2 for the broadcast year with an average of 9.2 million viewers, which is its biggest overall audience 35 weeks into the season in eight years (since 2005-06, 9.7 million). Versus one year ago, NBC is up +33% season to date in total viewers (9.3 million vs. 6.9 million). It's the first time NBC has ranked higher than #4 in total viewers at this point in the season in 10 years (since running #2 at this point in the 2003-04 season).

The May 19-25 week included the end of the traditional May-to-September 2013-14 Primetime season, which NBC won in adults 18-49, its first season-long win in 10 years. NBC averaged a 2.7 rating for the season, the network's highest rating in four years. NBC was up +13% versus its year-ago rating (to a 2.7 from a 2.4), the biggest season-to-season increase for NBC in the 26-year history of Nielsen's People Meter sample, and biggest for any Big 4 network in nine years.

Though benefiting this season from February's coverage of the Sochi Olympics, NBC still generated the season's #1 adult 18-49 audience, topping Super Bowl-boosted Fox, even when NBC's 18 nights of Sochi coverage were excluded from its season averages. Also, even when all sports programming was excluded, NBC finished within a tenth of a point of #1 and was the only network up versus last season (with a 2.2 average in 18-49, excluding sports, up +10% versus last season).

Primetime averages for the week of May 19-25 in adults 18-49 are: NBC, 1.5/5; ABC, 1.3/5; Fox, 1.3/5; CBS, 1.1/4; and CW, 0.4/1. In overall total viewers, the weekly averages were: ABC, 6.5 million; NBC, 5.6 million; CBS, 5.3 million; Fox, 5.1 million; and CW, 1.1 million.

Season-to-date averages are: NBC, 2.7/8; Fox, 2.4/7; CBS, 2.4/7; ABC, 2.1/6; and CW, 0.8/2. In overall total viewers, the season averages are: CBS, 10.7 million; NBC, 9.2 million; ABC, 7.6 million; Fox, 7.3 million; and CW, 1.9 million.

May Sweep: Primetime adult 18-49 averages for Nielsen's May Sweep, which concluded Wednesday, May 21, are: ABC, a 1.9 rating; CBS, 1.8; NBC, 1.6; Fox, 1.5; and CW, 0.6. In overall total viewers, the weekly averages were: CBS, 9.0 million; ABC, 7.6 million; NBC, 6.2 million; Fox, 4.9 million; and CW, 1.6 million.

NBC highlights for the week of May 19-25:

Monday: NBC won its 26th Monday of the season among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 (including ties), the mostMonday victories for any net in 22 years (since CBS in the 1991-92 season).

"The Voice" (3.2 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49, 11.7 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) delivered five-week highs in 18-49 and total viewers (best since April 14). "The Voice" was up week to week by +7% in both 18-49 (3.2 vs. 3.0) and +5% in total viewers (11.704 million vs. 11.118 million). "The Voice" won the time period among the Big 4 nets in every key demographic - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.

"The Maya Rudolph Show" (2.1/6 in adults 18-49, 6.8 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) won the 10 p.m. hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures, topping the final hour of ABC's "Bachelorette" premiere by an 11% margin in 18-49 (2.1 vs. 1.9).

Tuesday: NBC won its 22nd Tuesday of the season among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 (including ties), an NBC record for most in-season Tuesday victories in the 26-year history of Nielsen's current People Meter sample. NBC also led the Big 4 nets in all other key demographics Tuesday night.

From 8-9 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "The Voice" (1.9/7 in 18-49, 7.5 million viewers overall), airing as the only encore on the Big 4 in the hour, won the time period among those nets in 18-49 over the final competition episode of "American Idol" (1.7/6), as well as a recap episode of "Dancing With the Stars" (1.6/6).

The finale of "The Voice 6" (3.3/10 in 18-49, 11.7 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) scored an eight-week high for aTuesday telecast of "The Voice" in 18-49, its best since March 25, and a five-week high in total viewers, best since April 15. Week to week, "The Voice" jumped +27% in 18-49 (to a 3.3 from a 2.6). Head to head in the time period, "The Voice" beat ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" finale by a +38% margin in 18-49 (3.3 vs. 2.4 from 9-11). "The Voice" grew +43% versus NBC's season average in the time period in 18-49 (3.3 vs. 2.3, L+SD non-sports). "The Voice" was the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 in adults 18-49 and won the time period in every key demographic - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54

Wednesday: "Revolution" (1.1/4 in adults 18-49, 4.1 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) grew week to week by +6% in total viewers (to 4.1 million from 3.9 million) to its biggest overall audience since April 30, despite competition this week from the finales of "Survivor" and "American Idol." L+7 Time-Shifting: In originals, "Revolution" grows by +66% from its L+SD result to L+7 in 18-49 rating (to a 2.31 from a 1.39) and increases by more than 2.3 million persons in total viewers (7.4 million vs. 5.0 million).

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1.6/5 in adults 18-49, 6.4 million viewers overall from 9-10:01 p.m. ET) matched its highest 18-49 rating since April 30 and captured its biggest overall audience since April 9, despite competition this week from the finales of "Survivor" and "American Idol." "SVU" grew half-hour to half-hour in all key measures, including gains of +21% in adults 18-49 (to a 1.7 rating from a 1.4), +22% in adults 25-54 (2.2 vs. 1.8) and +25% in women 25-54 (3.0 vs. 2.4). L+3 Time-Shifting: "Law & Order: SVU" locked up its biggest increase ever going from "live plus same day" to "live plus three day" Nielsens, growing by 0.91 of a rating point (to a 2.48 from a 1.57). L+7 Time-Shifting: "SVU" originals grow by +55% from its L+SD result to L+7 in 18-49 rating (to a 2.80 from a 1.81) and increase by 2.6 million persons in total viewers (9.3 million vs. 6.7 million).

"Chicago P.D." (1.6/5 in 18-49, 6.3 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) captured three-week highs, its top numbers since April 30, with week-to-week gains of +7% in 18-49 (to a 1.6 rating from a 1.5) and +4% in total viewers (6.274 million vs. 6.061 million). In 18-49, "Chicago P.D." retained its full lead-in from "SVU" and matched the second-best "Chicago P.D." rating since Feb. 5. L+7 Time-Shifting: In originals, "Chicago P.D." increases by +60% from its L+SD result to L+7 in 18-49 rating (to a 2.67 from a 1.67) and grows by more than 3.0 million persons in total viewers (9.5 million vs. 6.4 million).

Thursday: "Hollywood Game Night" (1.1/4 in 18-49, 3.9 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) matched the show's highest 18-49 rating since Feb. 27 and delivered its biggest overall audience since March 27.

The season premiere of "Last Comic Standing" (1.7/6 in 18-49, 5.4 million viewers overall) won the time period among the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and all other key measures. "Last Comic" more than doubled NBC's 18-49 average in the time period last summer (1.7 vs. 0.8, non-sports L+SD) and was up +67% in total viewers (5.417 million vs. 3.245 million).

NBC won the night among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in adults 18-49.

Friday: "Dateline NBC" (1.2/5 in 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) tied for #1 in the time period versus the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and was #1 outright among those nets in adults 25-54 and total viewers. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "Dateline" grew by +50% in adults 18-49 (to a 1.5 rating from a 1.0), +50% in adults 25-54 (2.1 vs. 1.4) and +47% or 2.4 million persons in total viewers (7.4 million vs. 5.0 million).

The second season finale of "Hannibal" (0.8/3 in 18-49, 2.4 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) grew by +19% versus the show's year-ago season finale in total viewers (2.4 million vs. 2.0 million on Thursday, June 20, 2013, while capturing the show's biggest overall audience since April 25. L+7 Time-Shifting: "Hannibal" first-runs are increasing this season by +67% from its L+SD result to L+7 in 18-49 rating (to a 1.44 from a 0.86) and increasing by 1.3 million persons in total viewers (3.8 million vs. 2.5 million).

Saturday: NBC Sports' coverage of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup Round 3 matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Los Angeles Kings (0.8/4 in 18-49, 2.4 million viewers overall) won the night among the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and was the #1 Primetime telecast of the night on those nets. Blackhawks-Kings hockey ranked #1 or tied for #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX in 18-49 for all six of primetime's six half-hours.

Sunday: The finale of "American Dream Builders" (0.4/2 in 18-49, 1.7 million viewers overall from 7-9 p.m. ET) grew from its first half-hour to its fourth by +100% in adults 18-49 (to a 0.6 from a 0.3) and by +38% in total viewers (2.1 million vs. 1.6million).

"Believe" (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.9 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) built on its lead-in from the prior hour by +40% in 18-49 (to a 0.7 rating from a 0.5) and by +53% in total viewers (2.9 million vs. 1.9 million). L+7 Time-Shifting: "Believe" originals are growing this season by an average of +69% in 18-49 rating from their L+SD results to L+7 (to a 1.88 from a 1.11) and increasing by 2.6 million persons in total viewers (7.4 million vs. 4.8 million).

"Crisis" (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.9 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) retained 100% of its adult 18-49 lead-in and grew slightly versus lead-in in total viewers. L+7 Time-Shifting: "Crisis" originals this season are increasing by an average +61% in 18-49 rating from their L+SD results to L+7 (to a 1.77 from a 1.10) and growing by 2.2 million persons in total viewers (6.7 million vs. 4.5 million).

WEEKLY AVERAGES
Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

NBC 1.5/5, 1.9 million

ABC 1.3/5, 1.7 million

FOX 1.3/5, 1.7 million

CBS 1.1/4, 1.4 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.5 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

NBC 2.0/6, 2.4 million

FOX 1.8/6, 2.2 million

ABC 1.8/5, 2.1 million

CBS 1.5/5, 1.8 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.5 million

Each rating point equals 1.20 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

ABC 2.2/7, 6.5 million

NBC 1.9/6, 5.6 million

CBS 1.8/5, 5.3 million

FOX 1.7/5, 5.1 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 2.7/8, 3.4 million

FOX 2.4/7, 3.1 million

CBS 2.4/7, 3.0 million

ABC 2.1/6, 2.7 million

CW 0.8/2, 1.0 million

Each rating point equals 1.27 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

NBC 3.3/9, 4.0 million

CBS 3.2/8, 3.8 million

FOX 2.8/7, 3.4 million

ABC 2.6/7, 3.1 million

CW 0.8/2, 1.0 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, 7.6 million

FOX 2.5/6, 7.3 million

CW 0.6/2, 1.9 million

Each rating point equals 2.89 million viewers