NBC's AMERICAN NINJA Jumps +19% Versus Its Prior Telecast

By: Caryn Robbins Aug. 23, 2016

NBC wins the night, leading six of six half-hours among the Big 4 networks in both adults 18-49 and total viewers. "American Ninja Warrior" (1.9/7 in 18-49, 7.0 million viewers overall from 8-10 p.m. ET): Jumps +19% versus its prior telecast in both 18-49 (1.9 vs. 1.6 on Aug. 1) and total viewers (6.959 million vs. 5.863 million).

With its first telecast in three weeks, matches its season high in 18-49 (equaling its top rating since last season's finale on Sept. 14, 2015, 2.1).

Sets a new season high in total viewers, with its most-watched telecast since Aug. 31, 2015 (7.3 million) and is the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 in 18-49 and total viewers.

Wins the time period among the Big 4 nets in 18-49 and total viewers.

Will add substantial viewership via time-shifting and VOD - so far this summer, "American Ninja Warrior" has grown by +22% going from L+SD to L+7 in 18-49 rating (from a 1.75 to a 2.13) and 1.1 million viewers overall (6.2 million to 7.3 million)).

Upscale: "Ninja" is generating a significant upscale audience, indexing at a 110 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.

"Running Wild with Bear Grylls," featuring Courteney Cox (1.3/5 in 18-49, 4.1 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET): Grows +18% versus its prior Monday telecast (1.3 vs. 1.1 on Aug. 1) and +30% in total viewers (4.113 million vs. 3.167 million).

With its first Monday telecast in three weeks, wins the slot among ABC, CBS and NBC in every key measure - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers.

Will add significant viewership via time-shifting and VOD - last season, "Running Wild" grew by +23% in 18-49 (1.17 to 1.44) and 664,000 viewers overall (3.4 million to 4.1 million) going from L+SD to L+7.

In Late-Night Metered Markets Monday Night: In Nielsen's 56 metered markets, household results were: "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," 2.3/6; "Late Show with Stephen Colbert," 1.9/5; and ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 1.8/5.

In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, adult 18-49 results were: "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," 0.8/5; "Late Show," 0.3/2; and "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 0.4/2.

From 12:35-1:05 a.m. ET, ABC's "Nightline" averaged a 1.2/4 in metered-market households and a 0.3/2 in 18-49 in the Local People Meters.

From 12:35-1:35 a.m. ET, "Late Night with Seth Meyers" (1.1/4 in metered-market households) beat CBS's "Late Late Show" (1.0/3). In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, "Late Night" (0.4/4 in 18-49) topped "Late Late Show" (0.2/1).

At 1:35 a.m., "Last Call with Carson Daly" averaged a 0.7/3 in metered-market households with an encore and a 0.3/3 in adults 18-49 in the 25 markets with local people meters.

NOTE: Primetime results are based on "fast affiliate time period" data from Nielsen Media Research. All ratings are "live plus same day" unless otherwise indicated.