NBC TIES FOR #1 IN 18-49 FOR THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF MAY 21-27
Monday & Tuesday Editions of “The Voice” & “SVU” Nab Top 10 Ratings in 18-49
Monday’s "Voice" Wins Its 8-10 p.m. Timeslot Vs. Finales of "Dancing With the Stars" & "American Idol"
Tuesday’s "Voice" Finale Leads NBC to the Nightlong Win Among the Broadcast Nets With NBC’s Top Tuesday Ave in Two Months
Wednesday’s "SVU" Season Finale Grows +20% Vs. the Prior Week & Wins the 10 p.m. Hour Among ABC-CBS-NBC, Topping "Survivor" by +18%
L+3: “SVU” Captures Wednesday’s Biggest L+3 Lifts on the Big 4 in 18-49 Percentage and Total Viewers, Thursday’s “Ninja Warrior” Earns That Night’s Biggest Gains in 18-49 Percentage and Rating
“Dateline” Leads NBC to a Tie for the Friday Win Among the Big 4 in Adults 18-49
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — May 30, 2018 — NBC has tied for #1 in the key adult 18-49 demographic for the primetime ratings week of May 21-27, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research.
NBC’s week was paced by top-10 ratings for the Monday and Tuesday editions of “The Voice” (tied for #5 among primetime telecasts on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) and the season finale of “Law & Order: SVU” (#10). Tuesday’s “Voice” season finale ranked #3 among those shows in total viewers.
Season to date, NBC ranks #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in every key demographic – adults, men and women 18-34; adults, men and women 18-49; and adults, men and women 25-54.
Counting entertainment programming only, NBC leads the season in adults 18-49, and also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 in adults 25-54, men 18-49, women 18-49, women 25-54 and men 18-34.
Weekly ratings are “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date ratings are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”
Week 34 Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “live plus same day,” May 21-27
NBC…0.8
ABC…0.8
CBS…0.7
Fox…0.7
CW…0.3
Total Viewers
CBS…5.0 million
NBC…4.4 million
ABC…4.1 million
Fox…2.7 million
CW…0.8 million
Season-to-Date Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “Most Current”
NBC…2.1
CBS…1.5
ABC…1.5
Fox…1.5
CW…0.6
Total Viewers
CBS…8.9 million
NBC…8.8 million
ABC…6.1 million
Fox…4.9 million
CW…1.7 million
NBC highlights for the week of May 21-27:
Monday
“The Voice” (1.5 rating, 6 share in adults 18-49, 8.7 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) won the two-hour 8-10 p.m. timeslot among the Big 4 networks versus ABC’s season finales for “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” and “American Idol.” Despite the night’s special competition, “Voice” finished within 0.1 of its week-earlier rating in 18-49 (1.5. vs.1 .6) and retained 99.6% in total viewers (8.665 million vs. 8.696 million).
“Live Plus Three Day” Ratings: “Voice” increased by +14% in 18-49 (from a 1.52 rating to a 1.74) and +991,000 viewers overall (8.7 million to 9.7 million) going from “live plus same day” Nielsens to L+3.
Upscale: “The Voice” is delivering a solid upscale audience, generating a 108 index among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes, according to “most current” Nielsens, including L+3).
“Running Wild with Bear Grylls” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.9 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) ranked #2 or tied for #2 in the timeslot among ABC, CBS and NBC every key demographic. Despite special competition from the climactic hour of the “American Idol” finale, “Running Wild” finished within 0.1 of the prior week’s rating in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.8) and retained 97% in total viewers (2.9 million vs. 3.0 million). L+3: “Running Wild” increased by +12% in 18-49 (0.66 to 0.74) and +320,000 viewers overall (2.9 million to 3.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens.
Tuesday
NBC won Tuesday in 18-49 and total viewers among the Big 4 networks, led by the top Tuesday edition of “The Voice” since April 24. NBC’s 1.4 for the night is its highest Tuesday 18-49 average since March 20. It’s the first time this season ABC has lost a Tuesday in 18-49 among the Big 4 networks on a night with “Roseanne” on the schedule.
From 8-9 p.m., a recap episode of “The Voice” averaged a 1.1/5 in 18-49 and 6.1 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET.
The finale of “The Voice 14” (1.5/6 in 18-49, 8.8 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) generated NBC’s top 18-49 rating in the Tuesday 9-11 p.m. timeslot since March 13, the night of the “This Is Us” season finale, and earned NBC’s best total-viewer result in the time period, excluding the Olympics, since Jan. 16. “The Voice” won the timeslot among the Big 4 nets in every key measure, delivering a +67% margin of victory among the Big 4 networks in the timeslot in 18-49 (1.5 vs. 0.9 for #2 ABC). With week-to-week growth of +7% in both 18-49 (1.5 vs. 1.4 from 8-9:01 p.m.) and total viewers (8.8 million vs. 8.2 million), the “Voice” finale earned the show’s best Tuesday results since April 24 (1.6 in 18-49, 9.3 million viewers overall). L+3: “The Voice” grew by +14% in 18-49 (1.51 to 1.72) and +957,000 viewers overall (8.8 million to 9.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens.
Wednesday
An encore telecast of “Law & Order: SVU” averaged a 0.6/3 in 18-49 and 3.8 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET.
The season finale of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1.2/5 in 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) grew +20% week to week in 18-49 (1.2 vs. 1.0 from 9-10 p.m.) and +15% in total viewers (6.119 million vs. 5.314 million), to equal the show’s highest 18-49 rating since April 18 (1.4) and generate a three-week high in total viewers (most-watched since May 2, 6.2 million). For its second hour from 10-11 p.m., “SVU” ranked #1 among ABC, CBS and NBC, topping CBS’ #2 “Survivor” finale / reunion by +18% in 18-49 (1.3 vs. 1.1 from 10-11). In total viewers, “SVU” was the #2 show of the night on the Big 4. L+3: “SVU” grew +51% in 18-49 (1.19 to 1.80) and more than +2.1 million viewers overall (6.1 million to 8.3 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lifts of the night on the Big 4 in 18-49 percentage and total viewers.
Thursday
“Celebrity Ninja Warrior: For Red Nose Day” (0.8/4 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) grew from its first half-hour to its second half-hour in every key ratings measure. L+3: “Ninja” increased by +18% in 18-49 (0.83 to 0.98) and +448,000 viewers overall (3.7 million to 4.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3, for the biggest L+3 lifts of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 rating and percentage.
“Hollywood Game Night” (0.8/3 in 18-49, 3.3 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) ranked #2 in 18-49 among the Big 4 nets in the timeslot. L+3: “HGN” increased by +17% in 18-49 (0.77 to 0.90) and +427,000 viewers overall (3.3 million to 3.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3.
From 10-11 p.m., “The Red Nose Day Special” averaged a 0.5/2 in 18-49 and 2.0 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET.
Friday
NBC tied for #1 among the Big 4 networks for the night in adults 18-49.
From 8-9 p.m. ET, two episodes of “Champions” earned a 0.4 and 0.3 in 18-49, respectively, with 1.9 million and 1.3 million viewers overall. The 8 p.m. episode equaled the show’s highest 18-49 rating since April 5 (0.5) and was the most-watched “Champions” episode since April 5 (2.0 million). L+3: The 8 p.m. “Champions” grew by +24% in 18-49 (0.38 to 0.47) and +219,000 viewers overall (1.9 million to 2.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, and the 8:30 telecast increased by +26% (0.31 to 0.39) and 214,000 persons (1.3 million to 1.6 million)..
“Dateline NBC” (0.6/3 in 18-49, 0.9 in adults 25-54, 3.9 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) ranked as the #1 show in the timeslot among the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and 25-54. For the night, “Dateline” tied as the #1 show on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in 18-49 and was #1 outright on those nets in 25-54. L+3: The prior Friday’s “Dateline” increased by +29% in 18-49 (0.78 to 1.01) and +1.1 million viewers overall (4.6 million to 5.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens.
‘TONIGHT SHOW’ TAKES THE LATE-NIGHT RATINGS WEEK OF MAY 21-25 IN 18-49, HITS A SEVEN-WEEK HIGH IN TOTAL VIEWERS
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” Wins the 12:35 a.m. Hour, Generates a Nine-Week High in Total Viewers
NEW YORK — May 30, 2018 — “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has won the late-night ratings week of May 21-25 in adults 18-49 and most other key demographics, while delivering a seven-week high in total viewers, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research. Note that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” aired a Friday encore and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” excluded a Friday rebroadcast from its averages.
“Tonight” won the 11:35 p.m. hour for the week over “Colbert” by +21% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.52 rating vs. a 0.43) and versus “Kimmel” by +41% (0.52 vs. 0.37).
In total viewers, “Tonight’s” average of 2.376 million is the show’s highest weekly average since April 2-6 (2.384 million).
Last week at 12:35 a.m. ET, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” outrated CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden” by a +38% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.29 rating vs. a 0.21).
For their head-to-head half-hour, “Late Night” beat ABC’s “Nightline” in all key measures, including a margin of +42% in adults 18-49 (0.34 vs. 0.24 from 12:30 to 1 a.m. ET).
In total viewers, Meyers averaged 1.327 million viewers, a nine-week high (best since March 19-23, 1.391 million).
LATE-NIGHT WEEKLY AVERAGES
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of May 21-25. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of May 21-25. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.52 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.43/3 *
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.37/2 *
NBC “Tonight” 0.52 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.43/3 *
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.37/2 *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.24/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.24/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.29/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.21/2 *
NBC “Late Night,” 0.29/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.21/2 *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.16/2 *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.16/2 *
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.376 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.729 million viewers *
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.933 million viewers *
NBC “Tonight,” 2.376 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.729 million viewers *
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.933 million viewers *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.222 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.222 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.327 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.155 million viewers *
NBC “Late Night,” 1.327 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.155 million viewers *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.741 million viewers *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.741 million viewers *
* Friday’s “Kimmel,” “Late Night” and “Last Call” were encores. Also on Friday, CBS ran re-titled encores, which are excluded from these averages.
SEASON AVERAGES
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.65 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.59/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
NBC “Tonight” 0.65 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.59/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.38/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.27/2
NBC “Late Night,” 0.38/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.27/2
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.22/2
NBC “Last Call,” 0.22/2
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.674 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.844 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.249 million viewers
NBC “Tonight,” 2.674 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.844 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.249 million viewers
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.389 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.389 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.554 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.380 million viewers
NBC “Late Night,” 1.554 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.380 million viewers
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.818 million viewers
NBC “Last Call,” 0.818 million viewers
SELECTED CABLE RESULTS, WEEK OF MAY 21-25
NATIONAL ADULT 18-49 RATING
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.14 (R)
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.07 (R)
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.07 (R)
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.12
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 0.56
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.45
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.45
Each adult 18-49 rating point equals 1.28 million viewers.
TOTAL VIEWERS
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.453 million (R)
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.190 million (R)
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.190 million (R)
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.311 million
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.138 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.882
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.138 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.882
‘TODAY’ IS #1 FOR 33 STRAIGHT MONTHS
‘TODAY’ Tops GMA in A25-54 and A18-49; Posts Best Demo Advantages Over GMA in Three Months
‘TODAY’ is Only Program to Grow Month-over-Month in Total Viewers
‘TODAY’ Wins Three Mornings Across the Board Last Week
NEW YORK – May 30, 2018 – NBC News’ TODAY was the number-one morning show for the month of May, topping ABC’s “Good Morning America” in the key A25-54 and A18-49 demos. TODAY has posted its best advantages over GMA in three months across the demos, winning A25-54 for 33 straight months and A18-49 for 38 consecutive months. TODAY is also the only program to increase its total viewership month-over-month.
TODAY was also the number-one morning show across the board for three days last week, topping GMA in total viewers, A25-54 and A18-49. TODAY posted its best A25-54 and A18-49 demo streaks in nearly six years. TODAY also narrowed the gap in total viewers vs. GMA by 63% year-over-year.
###
MAY 2018 (MONTHLY)
TODAY won its 33rd consecutive month among A25-54 viewers
Additional streak info: 34th win of last 35 months
- TODAY averaged 1.388 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming GMA by +155,000 (+13%) and CBS by +533,000 (+62%)
- TODAY’s demo advantages over GMA and CBS hit three-month highs
TODAY won its 38th consecutive month among A18-49 viewers
Additional streak info: 40th win of the last 42 months
- TODAY averaged 1.014 million A18-49 viewers, +109,000 (+12%) ahead of GMA and +390,000 (+62%) over CBS
- TODAY had its highest A18-49 advantages over GMA and CBS in three months
Among total viewers, TODAY averaged 4.058 million, leading CBS by +806,000 (+25%)
- TODAY was the only morning news program to increase its viewership month-over-month, up +49,000 (+1%)
- Versus GMA, TODAY closed the total viewer gap by 60% compared to both prior month (April 2018) and prior year (May 2017)
- TODAY posted higher advantages over CBS versus prior month (up +22%) and prior year (52% higher)
WEEK OF MAY 21-27, 2018
| Net | HH Rtg | HH Shr | P2+ Imps | P18-49 Rtg | P18-49 Imps | P25-54 Rtg | P25-54 Imps |
| TODAY | 2.98 | 13 | 4,074 | 0.77 | 987 | 1.14 | 1,371 |
| CBS THIS MORNING | 2.35 | 10 | 3,206 | 0.47 | 603 | 0.70 | 845 |
| GOOD MORNING AMERICA | 3.05 | 13 | 4,159 | 0.67 | 869 | 1.00 | 1,207 |
TODAY averaged 1.371 million A25-54 viewers, leading GMA by +164,000 (+14%) and CBS This Morning by +526,000 (+62%)
- TODAY has now ranked #1 among A25-54 viewers for 126 consecutive weeks (best streak in almost six years) and 142 of the last 143 weeks
- TODAY delivered a 1.14 A25-54 rating, +0.14 points ahead of GMA and +0.44 points more than CBS
- TODAY won all five mornings among A25-54 viewers
- TODAY topped GMA by at least 100,000 demo viewers for the fifth consecutive week
TODAY averaged 987,000 A18-49 viewers, +118,000 (+14%) ahead of GMA and +384,000 (+64%) higher than CBS
- Among A18-49 viewers, TODAY has now posted 146 consecutive weekly wins and has finished #1 in 152 of the last 154 weeks and 163 of the last 167 weeks
- TODAY’s 0.77 A18-49 rating led GMA by +0.10 points and CBS by +0.30 points
- TODAY won all five morning among A18-49 viewers
TODAY averaged 4.074 million total viewers, leading CBS This Morning by +868,000
- TODAY ranked #1 in total viewers on three out of five mornings
- TODAY posted its largest advantage over CBS in 13 weeks, since Week #2 of the Pyeongchang Olympics (week of 2/19/2018)
- TODAY was the only morning news program to see an increase of total viewers over its 2Q-to-date average (up +1%, or +46,000)
- Compared to the same week last season, TODAY reduced the gap with GMA by 63% while widening its own lead over CBS by 64%
SEASON-TO-DATE
TODAY ranks #1 among A25-54 viewers
- Leads GMA by +165,000 and CBS by +579,000
TODAY ranks #1 among A18-49 viewers
- Leads GMA by +165,000 and CBS by +439,000
TODAY Leads CBS by +749,000 total viewers
“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT” WINS MAY, NOW #1 FOR 35 STRAIGHT MONTHS
#1 in A18-49 for 36 of the last 37 Months
#1 Most Watched Season-to -Date in Key Demo
MAY 30, 2018 – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” is the #1 most-watched broadcast in the key demo for the month of May, winning 35 straight months, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The broadcast’s winning streak in the demo most valued by news advertisers is its longest in four years, averaging 1.6 million A25-54 viewers this past month, beating “ABC World News Tonight” by +46,000 viewers (+3%) and “CBS Evening News” by +457,000 viewers (+39%).
This month Holt had an exclusive interview with Meek Mill for the rapper’s first in-depth sit-down since being released from prison on bail. Additionally, Holt embarked on his second “Across America” tour in as many years, traveling from coast to coast to report on stories impacting Americans’ hometowns such as job creation, reducing crime, and opioid addiction. On the tour, Holt visited and anchored the broadcast from Portland, Ore., Denver, Colo., Chicago, Ill., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Holt also anchored the broadcast from Santa Fe, Texas to report on the deadly school shooting at Santa Fe High School.
In May, “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +19,000 viewers (+2%) and CBS by +276,000 viewers (+34%). The broadcast has won the A18-49 demo for 36 of the past 37 months.
7.6 million viewers tuned in to “Nightly News” for the month of May 2018, +1.9 million total viewers (+33%) more than “CBS Evening News.
For the week of May 21, “Nightly News” averaged 1.6 million A25-54 viewers, leading CBS by +443,000 viewers (+38%). “Nightly News” also averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers last week, topping CBS by +298,000 viewers (+36%). 7.7 million total viewers tuned in to the broadcast for the week of May 21, besting CBS by +2.0 million viewers (+35%).
For the week of May 21, “Nightly News” rated for four nights (May 21, May 22, May 23, and May 24) due to the Memorial Day holiday.
“Nightly News” continues as the #1 most-watched evening newscast season-to-date in the key demo, delivering its largest demo lead over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Monthly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.6 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming ABC by +46,000 (+3%) CBS by +457,000 (+39%).
- “Nightly News” has ranked #1 in A25-54 for 35 consecutive months.
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +19,000 (+2%) CBS by +276,000 (+34%).
- Nightly News” has ranked #1 in A18-49 for 36 of the last 37 months.
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.6 million viewers in May, besting CBS by +1.9 million (+33%).
Weekly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.6 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming CBS by +443,000 (+38%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers, topping CBS by +298,000 (+36%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.7 million total viewers, besting CBS by +2.0 million (+35%).
Season Highlights:
- “Nightly News” is the #1 evening newscast this season in A25-54 and A18-49
- “Nightly News” holds its largest A25-54 demo advantage over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Week of May 21 – May 25, 2018:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.678 | 1.34 | 1.623 | 0.87 | 1.127 |
| CBS | 5.670 | 0.98 | 1.180 | 0.64 | 0.829 |
| ABC | 7.976 | 1.36 | 1.642 | 0.88 | 1.130 |
# # #
ABOUT NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT” WINS 12TH STRAIGHT SWEEP IN THE KEY DEMO
#1 in A18-49 Demo Also for 12th Straight Sweeps
NEW YORK (May 25, 2018) – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” ranked #1 in the key demo for the May 2018 sweep period according to Nielsen Research data.
The broadcast averaged 1.6 million A25-54 viewers, leading “ABC World News Tonight” by +35,000 viewers (+2%) and “CBS Evening News” by +451,000 viewers (+39%). "Nightly News" has finished #1 in the demo for 12 consecutive sweep periods and 38 of the last 41 sweeps. The NBC News broadcast's May sweep advantage over CBS increased for the third straight year (+10% vs May 2017); and was its biggest May win since 2013.
Among A18-49, “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million viewers for the sweep period, topping ABC by +10,000 (+1%) and CBS by +268,000 (+33%). “Nightly News” has been #1 in A18-49 for 12 straight sweeps and 42 of the last 43 sweeps.
“Nightly News” averaged 7.5 million total viewers for May 2018 sweep, leading "CBS Evening News" by +1.9 million viewers (+33%). “Nightly News” improved its lead over CBS by +29% from the May 2017 sweep. The broadcast delivered its biggest May sweep total viewer win over CBS since 2014, and grew its advantage over CBS by 29% compared to May 2017.
May 2018 Sweep Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.6 million A25-54 viewers, leading “ABC World News Tonight” by +35,000 (2%) and “CBS Evening News” by +451,000 (+39%).
- “Nightly News” has finished #1 in the demo for 12 consecutive sweep periods and 38 of the last 41 sweeps.
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers for the sweep period, topping ABC by +10,000 viewers (+1%) and CBS by +268,000 viewers (+33%).
- “Nightly News” has been #1 in A18-49 for 12 straight sweeps and 42 of the last 43 sweeps.
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.5 million total viewers for May sweep, leading CBS Evening News by +1.9 million viewers (+33%).
May 2018 Sweep:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.534 | 1.34 | 1.618 | 0.84 | 1.080 |
| CBS | 7.896 | 1.31 | 1.583 | 0.83 | 1.070 |
| ABC | 5.671 | 0.97 | 1.167 | 0.63 | 0.812 |
# # #
ABOUT NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
‘TODAY’ WINS MAY SWEEP
‘TODAY’ #1 in A25-54 for 12 Consecutive Sweeps; #1 in A18-49 for 14 Straight Sweeps
‘TODAY’ Posts Best May Sweep Margin Vs. GMA in Total Viewers; Narrows Gap by 63%
NEW YORK – May 25, 2018 – NBC News’ TODAY won all the key demos for the May sweep period, topping ABC’s “Good Morning America” in both A25-54 and A18-49. TODAY has been number-one in the key A25-54 news demo for 12 consecutive sweeps, and number-one in A18-49 for 14 straight sweeps, outperforming GMA by 12% and 11%, respectively. Among total viewers, TODAY has closed the gap with GMA by 49% vs. May ’17, posting its best May sweep margin vs. GMA in six years.
TODAY HIGHLIGHTS:
| Net | HH Rtg | HH Shr | P2+ Imps | P18-49 Rtg | P18-49 Imps | P25-54 Rtg | P25-54 Imps |
| TODAY | 2.94 | 12 | 4,059 | 0.79 | 1,017 | 1.15 | 1,391 |
| CBS THIS MORNING | 2.39 | 10 | 3,272 | 0.49 | 631 | 0.72 | 865 |
| GMA | 3.04 | 13 | 4,158 | 0.71 | 914 | 1.03 | 1,243 |
A25-54: TODAY won its 12th consecutive sweep
- TODAY averaged 1.391 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming GMA by +148,000 (+12%) and CBS This Morning by +526,000 (+61%)
A18-49: TODAY won its 14th consecutive sweep and 93 of the last 96 sweeps
- TODAY averaged 1.017 million A18-49 viewers, +103,000 (+11%) higher than GMA and +386,000 (+61%) more than CBS
P2+: TODAY averaged 4.059 million total viewers, leading CBS by +787,000 (+24%), -2% from GMA
- TODAY’s total viewer gap vs. GMA was 49% closer than May’17. This was TODAY’s best May sweep margin vs. GMA in six years.
- TODAYs total viewer advantage over CBS was 44% higher than during May’17
NBC’S “SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” IS PRIMETIME TELEVISION’S NO. 1 SHOW FOR UNPRECEDENTED SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
SNF No. 1 in Primetime in Viewership & HH Rating As TV Season Ends Today
Most Dominant Season Ever for NBC SNF in Average Viewership & HH Rating vs. Competition
STAMFORD, Conn. – May 23, 2018 – With the 2017-18 TV season wrapping up tonight, NBC’s Sunday Night Football finishes as primetime’s #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year – breaking a tie with American Idol for the most consecutive years atop the charts (since 1950), based on live plus same day data provided by Nielsen. Sunday Night Football also ranked as the No. 1 show in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic for the eighth consecutive TV season.
“As part of the strongest primetime lineup in TV, this milestone is a testament to the hundreds of hard-working members of the Sunday Night Football team, who are devoted to putting on a superb show each week,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Broadcasting & Sports. “We celebrate this accomplishment with the NFL and the millions of loyal viewers who tune in every Sunday.”
Most Consecutive Years, #1 Ranked Show in Primetime, Since 1950
7 years in a row – Sunday Night Football (2011-12 through 2017-18)
6 years in a row – American Idol (2005-06 through 2010-11)
5 years in a row – The Cosby Show (1985-86 through 1989-90)…tied Cheers in ‘89-90
5 years in a row – All in the Family (1971-72 through 1975-76)
4 years in a row – Gunsmoke (1957-58 through 1960-61)
SNF POSTS MOST DOMINANT STANDING COMPARED TO PRIMETIME’S #2 SHOW IN ITS HISTORY
Viewership
NBC Sunday Night Football averaged 18.2 million TV viewers in 2017, which topped the #2 primetime show by 29% -- marking the most dominant season in NBC SNF history (since 2006 debut). SNF also beat the top scripted series (Big Bang Theory) by 30%.
Household Rating
SNF averaged a 10.3/19 household rating in posting the series’ largest-ever advantage (20%) over primetime’s #2 show. SNF also easily topped the highest-rated scripted series (Big Bang Theory), with a 23% margin.
Also notable from the 2017-18 TV season:
- The Total Audience Delivery (TAD) for the 2017 Sunday Night Football season on NBC and NBC Sports Digital was 18.4 million viewers. For SNF, NBC Sports Group’s Total Audience Delivery measures broader consumption by calculating average minute viewing across broadcast and digital.
- For the 2017-18 primetime television season, Sunday Night Football ranked as the highest-rated (10.3 HH rating) and most-watched show (18.2 million TV-only viewers), and the No. 1 program among Adults 18-49 (6.1).
- In each of its 12 seasons (2006-17), Sunday Night Football has averaged at least a 10.0 U.S. household rating (10.3 this season) and a 6.0 rating in the key Adult 18-49 demographic (6.1 this season). Among other primetime shows, only American Idol has posted a 10.0 HH rating and a 6.0 demo rating more than twice in that 12-year stretch, and has not done so since 2010. (Nielsen Live + Same Day Data, 9/7/17-5/22/18; Excludes Pre- and Post-Game Shows)
- SNF’s seven-year run at the top marks the only seven times on record that a sports series has been the highest-rated and most-watched show of the primetime TV season.
NBC WINS THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF MAY 14-20 WITH TOP-10 RATINGS FROM ‘BILLBOARD’ & BOTH EDITIONS OF ‘THE VOICE’
Sunday’s “2018 Billboard Music Awards” Ranks #2 Among Big 4 Shows in 18-49, Monday’s “Voice” Ties for #4 & Tuesday’s Editions Ranks #8
Monday’s "Voice" Is the #1 Broadcast Show of the Night, Winning 8-10 p.m. Among the Big 4 by a +60% Margin; "Grylls" Wins at 10 p.m. Among ABC-CBS-NBC by +33%
Tuesday’s "Voice” Grows to Three-Week Highs, “Chicago Med" Wins Again in 18-49 at 10 p.m.
L+3: “Med” Sews Up Tuesday’s Biggest L+3 Lift on the Big 4 in 18-49 Percentage
“Dateline” Reports Its Top Friday 18-49 Rating Since Jan. 12, “Blindspot” Captures Its High Since March 30
Saturday’s Capitals-Lightning NHL Coverage & “SNL Vintage” Win the Night Among the Big 4 in 18-49
The Billboard Music Awards” Dominates Sunday Among The Broadcast Nets, Sweeps Its Timeslot In All Key Measures, Triples NBC’s Season Average in the Time Period Excluding Sports & Golden Globes
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — May 22, 2018 — NBC has won the primetime ratings week of May 14-20 in adults 18-49 and ranks #1 among the Big 4 networks in every other key ratings demographic, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research. NBC’s 1.1 rating in adults 18-49 equals the highest for any network since the week of March 26.
NBC’s week was paced by top-10 ratings for Sunday’s “Billboard Music Awards” and both editions of “The Voice.” “Billboard” finished #2 for the week among primetime programs on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49, Monday’s “Voice” tied for #4 and Tuesday’s “Voice” ranked #8.
The last time a network rated higher for a week than NBC’s 1.1 this week was the week of March 26-April 1, when ABC earned a 1.3
NBC is concluding the traditional September to May primetime season (see separate release) with a dominant win in the key adult 18-49 demographic, with leads over #2 ABC, CBS and Fox of +0.7 of a rating point or +47% (2.2 vs. 1.5). The +47% advantage is the best for any #1 network at this point in the season in the 30-year history of Nielsen’s current people-meter sample.
NBC also ranks #1 for the season among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in every other key demographic – adults, men and women 18-34; men and women 18-49; and adults, men and women 25-54. In total viewers, NBC is running within 106,000 persons of #1, NBC’s most competitive position at this point in the season in 16 years, since 2001-02. Even excluding all sports, NBC is running closer to CBS at this point in the season in total viewers than it’s been in 14 years, since 2003-04 (currently within 1.656 million total viewers of CBS excluding sports, best since the gap was 1.635 million in 2003-04).
Counting entertainment programming only, NBC leads the season in adults 18-49, and also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 in adults 25-54, men 18-49, women 18-49, women 25-54 and men 18-34.
Weekly ratings are “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date ratings are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”
Week 34 Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “live plus same day,” May 14-20
NBC…1.1
ABC…0.9
CBS…0.8
Fox…0.8
CW…0.4
Total Viewers
CBS…6.6 million
NBC…5.0 million
ABC…4.5 million
Fox…2.5 million
CW…1.2 million
Season-to-Date Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “Most Current”
NBC…2.2
CBS…1.5
ABC…1.5
Fox…1.5
CW…0.6
Total Viewers
CBS…9.0 million
NBC…8.9 million
ABC…6.1 million
Fox…4.9 million
CW…1.7 million
NBC highlights for the week of May 14-20:
Monday
NBC wins Monday night in total viewers among the Big 4 networks for a 14thconsecutive week and for a 13thtime in 14 weeks in 18-49. NBC led the night among the Big 4 in every key ratings measure (including a tie in men 18-34).
“The Voice” (1.6 rating, 7 share in adults 18-49, 8.7 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) ranked as the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and total viewers and won the 8-10 p.m. slot among those nets in every key category (including a tie in men 18-34). “The Voice” beat the timeslot’s #2 broadcast show, “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes,” head to head from 8-10 p.m. by a +60% margin in 18-49 (1.6 vs. 1.0) and in total viewers by +13% (8.7 million vs. 7.7 million). Week to week, “Voice” grew +7% in 18-49 (1.6 vs. 1.5) and +4% in total viewers (8.7 million vs. 8.4 million).
“Live Plus Three Day” Ratings: “Voice” increased by +17% in 18-49 (from a 1.62 rating to a 1.89) and +1.1 million viewers overall (8.7million to 9.8 million) going from “live plus same day” Nielsens to L+3.
“Live Plus Seven Day” Ratings: Monday’s “The Voice” has grown by +25% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.08 to a 2.61) and +1.9 million viewers overall (10.2 million to 12.1 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Voice” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.44.
Upscale: “The Voice” is delivering a solid upscale audience, generating a 108 index among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes, according to “most current” Nielsens, including L+3).
“Running Wild with Bear Grylls” (0.8/3 in 18-49, 3.0 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 and every other key demographic, leading among those networks in adults 18-49 by a +33% margin over second-place “Elementary” (0.9 vs. 0.6). L+3: “Running Wild” increased by +11% in 18-49 (0.75 to 0.83) and +304,000 viewers overall (3.0 million to 3.3 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens.
Tuesday
“The Voice” (1.4/6 in 18-49, 8.2 million viewers overall from 8-9:01 p.m. ET) grew +8% week to week in 18-49 (1.4 vs. 1.3) and +12% in total viewers (8.2 million vs. 7.3 million), to score three-week highs for a Tuesday telecast in both measures (best since April 24, 1.6 in 18-49, 9.3 million viewers overall). For its second half-hour from 8:30-9 p.m., “The Voice” took over the #1 spot I 18-49 among the Big 4. The May 15 “Voice” finished within 0.1 of its rating for the year-ago night in 18-49 (1.4 vs. 1.5 on May 16, 2017) and retained 95% in total viewers (8.2 million vs. 8.6 million), despite this year’s competition from “Roseanne.” L+3: “The Voice” grew by +15% in 18-49 (1.38 to 1.59) and +907,000 viewers overall (8.2 million to 9.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: Tuesday’s “Voice” has increased by +24% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.96 to a 2.43) and +1.8 million viewers overall (10.0 million to 11.8 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the Tuesday “Voice” 18-49 figure grows to a 3.30.
The finale of “Rise” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 4.1 million viewers overall from 9:01-10 p.m. ET) maintained 100% of the prior week’s rating in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.7) and grew +9% in total viewers (4.1 million vs. 3.8 million) for the show’s most-watched episode since April 24 (4.2 million)
“Rise” maintained a steady 0.7 rating in 18-49 through its last four weeks on the schedul a fourth week in a row. L+3: “Rise” increased by +37% in 18-49 (0.71 to 0.97) and +993,000 viewers overall (4.1 million to 5.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: “Rise” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 117 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes and a 131 among 18-49s with four or more years of college.
The season finale of “Chicago Med” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 5.6 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) won the time period among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49 to remain undefeated in the timeslot when in original this season versus regular ABC and CBS competition in adults 18-49, finishing #1 or tied for #1 versus that competition with 20 of 20 first-run telecasts (L+SD). “Med” retained 100% week to week in 18-49 (1.0 vs. 1.0) and 96% in total viewers (5.6 million vs. 5.8 million). L+3: “Med” grew by +63% in 18-49 (0.96 to 1.56) and +3.0 million viewers overall (5.6 million to 8.6 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest 18-49 percentage lift of the night on the Big 4 networks. L+7: “Med” is increasing by +74% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.23 to a 2.14) and +3.9 million viewers overall (6.7 million to 10.6 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Med” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.88.
Wednesday
The season finale of “The Blacklist” (0.8/3 in 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) finished #2 in the hour among the Big 4 networks in total viewers, behind only “Survivor” and ahead of “Empire.” “Blacklist” maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 to capture its fifth consecutive 0.8 rating, and was up +5% in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 5.0 million). Versus its year-ago finale, “Blacklist” was up +6% in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 4.9 million on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 10 p.m.). L+3: “Blacklist” increased by +56% in 18-49 (0.75 to 1.17) and +1.9 million viewers overall (5.2 million to 7.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Blacklist” is growing by +72% in 18-49 rating this season going from L+SD to L+7 (0.95 to a 1.63) and +3.0 million viewers overall (5.7 million to 8.7 million). Upscale: “Blacklist” delivers a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 128 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 5.3 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) ranked #2 in the hour among the Big 4 networks in total viewers. “SVU” built by +25% on its lead-in in adults 18-49. L+3: “SVU” grew +70% in 18-49 (0.98 to 1.67) and +2.2 million viewers overall (5.3 million to 7.5 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens,. L+7: “SVU” has grown by +73% this season in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.28 to a 2.21) and +2.9 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 8.9 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “SVU” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.43.
The NBC Special “Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan” (0.6/3 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) equaled the two previous Royal Wedding specials on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 rating (on Fox, Friday, May 11, 0.6 from 8-10 p.m.; and on CBS, Friday, April 20, 0.6 from 10-11 p.m.), pending updates. The NBC special ranked #2 among ABC, CBS and NBC in the timeslot in total viewers, tied for #2 in adults 18-49 and tied for #1 among those nets in adults, men and women 18-34. L+3: “Inside the Royal Wedding” grew by +16% in 18-49 (0.63 to 0.73) and +570,000 viewers overall (3.7 million to 4.3 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens.
Thursday
A rebroadcast of “Ellen’s Game of Games” (0.8/4 in 18-49, 3.9 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) grew by+12% versus the show’s most recent encore in total viewers (3.9 million vs. 3.5 million on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 10 p.m.).
“American Ninja Warrior: All-Stars Special” (0.8/3 in 18-49, 3.4 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) tied for #2 in the timeslot among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49 and tied for #1 in adults 18-34. L+3: “Ninja” increased by +24% in 18-49 (0.80 to 0.99) and +611,000 viewers overall (3.4 million to 4.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3. L+7: “Ninja” grew by +21% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.44 to a 1.74) and +943,000 viewers overall (5.9 million to 6.8 million). Upscale: Last season, “Ninja” delivered a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 121 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
Friday
“Blindspot” (0.5/3 in 18-49, 3.0 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) generating its most-watched episode since March 23 (3.3 million) while maintaining a steady 0.5 in 18-49 for a fifth week in a row. L+3: The prior week’s “Blindspot” grew by +71% in 18-49 (0.49 to 0.84) and more than +1.2 million viewers overall (2.8 million to 4.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: “Blindspot” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 116 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Dateline NBC” (0.8/4 in 18-49, 1.1 in adults 25-54, 4.6 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) scored the show’s high for a Friday edition since Jan. 12 in adults 18-49 (0.8 from 10-11 p.m.), matched its Friday 25-54 high since Dec. 29 (1.2 from 9-11 p.m.) and delivered its most-watched telecast since April 6 (4.8 million from 9-11 p.m.), growing +14% week to week in 18-49 (0.8 vs. 0.7) and +11% in total viewers (4.647 million vs. 4.205 million). L+3: The prior Friday’s “Dateline” increased by +33% in 18-49 (0.69 to 0.92) and +974,000 viewers overall (4.2 million to 5.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: Friday’s “Dateline” is delivering a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 113 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes
Saturday
NBC won the night among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49.
NBC Sports’ 7:09-10 p.m. ET coverage of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey, featuring the Washington Capitals at the Tampa Bay Lightning (0.8/4 in 18-49, 2.9 million viewers overall) scored as the night’s #1 telecast on the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49. With a total audience delivery (TAD) of 2.952 million viewers, this was NBC’s most-watched Conference Final game in three years, since the May 30, 2015 Blackhawks-Ducks Game 7 (4.636 million TAD).
“SNL Vintage” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.3 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET, with an encore of a May 20, 2017 telecast of “Saturday Night Live” with host Dwayne Johnson and musical guest Katy Perry) led the broadcast networks in the hour in 18-49. The May 19 “SNL Vintage” equaled the highest 18-49 rating for an “SNL” encore in this slot since Jan. 13 (0.8).
Sunday
“Dateline NBC” averaged a 0.6/3 in 18-49, 0.9 in 25-54 and 4.1 million viewers overall from 7-8 p.m. ET.
The “Billboard Music Awards” (2.4/10 in 18-49, 7.9 million viewers overall from 8-11 p.m. ET) tripled NBC’s timeslot season average excluding sports and the Golden Globes in 18-49 (2.4 vs. 0.8) and was up +3.8 million persons or +91% in total viewers (7.9 million vs. 4.1 million), to score NBC’s best 18-49 rating in the timeslot, excluding sports and Golden Globes, in more than three years (since the “SNL 40” special on Feb. 15, 2015). The “Billboard” telecast, hosted by Kelly Clarkson, won the three-hour 8-11 pm. time period among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49, total viewers and every other key measure, and grew in rating through each successive hour (2.08 from 8-9 p.m., up +18% to a 2.45 from 9-10, up +3% to a 2.53 from 10-11).
‘TONIGHT SHOW’ WINS THE LATE-NIGHT RATINGS WEEK OF MAY 14-18 IN 18-49
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” Claims the 12:35 a.m. Hour
NEW YORK — May 22, 2018 — “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has won the late-night ratings week of May 14-18 in adults 18-49 and most other key demographics, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research. Note that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” aired Monday and Tuesday encores.
“Tonight” won the 11:35 p.m. hour for the week over “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by a +19% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.50 rating vs. a 0.42) and versus “Kimmel” by +43% (0.50 vs. 0.35).
Last week at 12:35 a.m. ET, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” outrated CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden” by a +22% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.28 rating vs. a 0.23).
For their head-to-head half-hour, “Late Night” beat ABC’s “Nightline” in all key measures, including a margin of +39% in adults 18-49 (0.32 vs. 0.23 from 12:30 to 1 a.m. ET).
LATE-NIGHT WEEKLY AVERAGES
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of May 14-18. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of May 14-18. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.50 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.42/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.35/2 *
NBC “Tonight” 0.50 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.42/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.35/2 *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.23/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.23/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.28/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.23/2 *
NBC “Late Night,” 0.28/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.23/2 *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.16/2 *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.16/2 *
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.276 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.928 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.756 million viewers *
NBC “Tonight,” 2.276 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.928 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.756 million viewers *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.170 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.170 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.281 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.232 million viewers *
NBC “Late Night,” 1.281 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.232 million viewers *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.731 million viewers *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.731 million viewers *
* Monday and Tuesday “Kimmel” telecasts and Friday’s “Late Night” and “Last Call” were encores. A Friday “Late Late Show” was re-titled and is excluded.
SEASON AVERAGES
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.65 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.59/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
NBC “Tonight” 0.65 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.59/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.38/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
NBC “Late Night,” 0.38/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.681 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.853 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.255 million viewers
NBC “Tonight,” 2.681 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.853 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.255 million viewers
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.392 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.392 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.557 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.385 million viewers
NBC “Late Night,” 1.557 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.385 million viewers
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.821 million viewers
NBC “Last Call,” 0.821 million viewers
SELECTED CABLE RESULTS, WEEK OF MAY 14-18
NATIONAL ADULT 18-49 RATING
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.24 **
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.11 **
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.11 **
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.15 (R)
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 0.59
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.46
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.46
Each adult 18-49 rating point equals 1.28 million viewers.
TOTAL VIEWERS
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.771 million **
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.281 million **
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.281 million **
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.337 million (R)
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.194 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.914
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.194 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.914
** Thursday’s Comedy Central shows were encores.
NBC WINS THE SEPT. TO MAY SEASON IN 18-49 FOR THE 4TH TIME IN 5 YEARS, GENERATING THE TOP WINNING MARGIN FOR ANY NET IN PEOPLE-METER HISTORY
With Three Nights Left to Count in the Traditional Season, NBC Has Clinched a #1 Finish in the Key 18-49 Demo; Wins the Season in All Programs, Entertainment Programs Only, Scripted Programs Only and Alternative Programs Only (Tie)
In Total Viewers, NBC Is Poised to Win September-To-September, and Will Deliver Its Most Competitive September-to-May Since ’01-02
NBC Takes the Season in Every Key Demographic – Adults, Men and Women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54; It’s the First Time in 10 Years a Network Has Swept All Those Categories
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — May 22, 2018 — NBC has clinched first place for the traditional September to May season in primetime’s key demographic of adults 18-49, marking the network’s fourth win in five years.
The network is generating +47% margin of victory with a 2.2 rating vs. a 1.5, the biggest advantage at the close of the September to May season for any network in the 31-year history of Nielsen’s current people-meter sample.
The network is also running within 106,000 viewers of first place in total viewers, the network’s most competitive finish among overall viewers in 16 years.
With three nights left to count in the traditional season, NBC is averaging a 2.2 rating in adults 18-49, versus a 1.5 for CBS, a 1.5 for ABC and a 1.5 for Fox, according to “most current” averages from Nielsen Media Research through 34 completed weeks of the season. The traditional season ends this Wednesday, May 23.
NBC’s primary focus remains the full 52-week season that ends in September, with NBC well-positioned to win that full season this year for a fifth year in a row in adults 18-49 and in total viewers for the first time since 2001-02.
“I’m so proud that NBC has yet again won the September to May season in the demo, but even more ecstatic that we also delivered our most competitive season in total households in many years,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment. “In fact, for several months this spring, we surpassed CBS in total viewers and became the ‘most watched network in America,’ the first time since 2002! And I predict when the numbers are in for the full September to September year -- which is what we focus on -- we will again be #1 in total viewers because of the strength of our summer line-up that includes ‘America’s Got Talent,’ our biggest unscripted hit. I’m also thrilled that we lead all networks in the demo even when you factor out sporting events, which this year included both the Olympics and the Super Bowl for us. I am inordinately proud of the programming, marketing, and scheduling teams at NBC and everyone who worked so hard to deliver a provocative, high-quality, and winning lineup that includes some of the best scripted and unscripted series on television.”
For the conventional September to May season, NBC not only wins in adults 18-49 counting all programs, it also ranks #1 counting entertainment programming only, as well as scripted programs only and alternative programs only (tie).
Pacing NBC’s top-ranking regular lineup this season were television’s #1 drama in 18-49 and total viewers, “This Is Us”; the #1 primetime series on broadcast television in 18-49, “Sunday Night Football”; the #1 alternative series in 18-49 and total viewers, Monday’s “The Voice”; timeslot wins generated by each of the network’s “Chicago” dramas; Friday’s #1 newsmagazine, “Dateline NBC”; and the top-scoring new in-season alternative series of the past two seasons, “Ellen’s Game of Games.”
That regular-schedule strength was teamed this season with NBC Sports’ coverage of the Super Bowl, which will rank as the most-watched program of 2018, and the PyeongChang Olympics, which scored as the most dominant Winter Games on record.
In total viewers, NBC will finish the conventional September to May season ranking #2 and in its most competitive position in 16 years, with these “most current” total-viewer averages with three days left to count in the season: CBS, 8.979 million, NBC, 8.873 million; ABC, 6.072 million; Fox, 4.917 million; CW, 1.724 million. NBC is currently running within 106,000 persons of #1, the closest the network has been to first place at this point in the season since it ranked #1 in the 2001-02 season.
Even excluding all sports, NBC is running closer to CBS at this point in the season in total viewers than it’s been in 14 years, since 2003-04 (currently within 1.656 million total viewers of CBS excluding sports, best since the gap was 1.635 million in 2003-04).
Among all programs, NBC has won the season not only in adults 18-49, but also ranks #1 among the Big 4 networks in every other key demographic -- adults, men and women 25-54; men and women 18-49; and adults, men and women 18-34. It’s the first time in 10 years a network has won the season in every key demographic, a feat that was last accomplished by Fox in the 2007-08 season.
In late-night, NBC leads the season in the daypart’s key demographic of adults 18-49 with “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” both of which have won their timeslots versus the broadcast competition every week this season when in originals.
Leading late-night overall is “Saturday Night Live,” which has averaged 9.4 million viewers overall (L+7 originals only). That makes this the show’s second-most-watched season in 23 years, since “SNL” averaged 9.9 million viewers for originals at this point in 1994-95, trailing over that span only last year’s election-fueled average of 11.0 million viewers
2017-18 Primetime Averages thru 34 Weeks, “Most Current”
Adult 18-49 Rating
NBC…2.2
CBS…1.5
ABC…1.5
Fox…1.5
CW…0.6
Total Viewers
CBS…9.0 million
NBC…8.9 million
ABC…6.1 million
Fox…4.9 million
CW…1.7 million
“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT” IS #1
#1 Most Watched Season-to-Date in Key Demo
Largest Key Demo Advantage Over ABC in Seven Weeks
Grows Across the Board Week Over Week
MAY 22, 2018 – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” is the #1 most-watched evening broadcast in the key news demo for the week of May 14, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The broadcast continues its dominance in the key demo, averaging 1.7 million A25-54 viewers and beating “ABC World News Tonight” by +112,000 viewers (+7%) and “CBS Evening News” by +528,000 viewers (+44%). “Nightly News” has won the demo 7 out of the last 9 weeks and delivered its largest key demo advantage over ABC in seven weeks. The broadcast grew year-over-year in the key demo (+1%, +22,000) and showed the greatest growth among the three networks in the key demo vs the prior week (+13%, +194,000)."Nightly News" was also the only broadcast to show double digit week-over-week growth in the key demo.
Last week, Holt anchored the broadcast from Santa Fe, Texas to report on the deadly school shooting that occurred Friday morning. Prior to travelling to Texas, Holt anchored two NBC News Special Reports from New York as reports of the incident unfolded. On Saturday morning, Holt provided two updates on the tragedy, reporting live from Santa Fe High School during NBC’s special coverage of the Royal Wedding.
For the week of May 14, “Nightly News” is the most-watched broadcast among A18-49 viewers averaging 1.2 million, topping ABC by +61,000 viewers (+5%) and CBS by +328,000 viewers (+38%).
7.8 million total viewers tuned in to “Nightly News” for the week of May 14, besting “CBS Evening News” by 2.1 million total viewers (+36%) and posting year-over-year (+5%, +387,000) and week-over-week growth (+6%, +453,000).
“Nightly News” continues as the #1 most-watched evening newscast season-to-date in the key demo, delivering its largest demo lead over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Weekly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.7 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming ABC by +112,000 viewers (+7%) and CBS by +528,000 (+44%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.2 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +61,000 (+5%) and CBS by +328,000 (+38%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.8 million total viewers, beating CBS by +2.1 million (+36%).
- “Nightly News” was the only broadcast to show double digit week-over-week growth in the key demo.
- “Nightly News” grew year-over-year in the key demo and total viewers and grew across the board week-over week.
Season Highlights:
- “Nightly News” is the #1 evening newscast this season in A25-54 and A18-49
- “Nightly News” holds its largest A25-54 demo advantage over CBS in seven seasons.
Week of May 14 – May 18, 2018:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.796 | 1.44 | 1.736 | 0.92 | 1.190 |
| CBS | 5.731 | 1.00 | 1.208 | 0.67 | 0.862 |
| ABC | 8.154 | 1.35 | 1.624 | 0.88 | 1.129 |
# # #
Weekly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.7 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming ABC by +112,000 viewers (+7%) and CBS by +528,000 (+44%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.2 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +61,000 (+5%) and CBS by +328,000 (+38%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.8 million total viewers, beating CBS by +2.1 million (+36%).
- “Nightly News” was the only broadcast to show double digit week-over-week growth in both younger demos.
- “Nightly News” grew year-over-year in the key demo and total viewers and grew across the board week-over week.
Season Highlights:
- “Nightly News” is the #1 evening newscast this season in A25-54 and A18-49
- “Nightly News” holds its largest A25-54 demo advantage over CBS in seven seasons.
Week of May 14 – May 18, 2018:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.796 | 1.44 | 1.736 | 0.92 | 1.190 |
| CBS | 5.731 | 1.00 | 1.208 | 0.67 | 0.862 |
| ABC | 8.154 | 1.35 | 1.624 | 0.88 | 1.129 |
# # #
ABOUT NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
‘TODAY’ WINS THE ULTIMATE RATINGS CROWN ACROSS THE BOARD WEEK OF ROYAL WEDDING
‘TODAY’ Wins Total Viewers and Reigns Supreme in Key A25-54 and A18-49 Demos for Entire Week
‘TODAY’ #1 in A25-54 for 125 Consecutive Weeks, and Season-to-Date; Only Broadcast Up Year-Over-Year in Total Viewers
‘TODAY’ Also #1 Across the Board on Wedding Day with Entire Anchor Team Live from Windsor
NEW YORK – May 22, 2018 – NBC News’ TODAY won the ultimate ratings crown across the board during the entire week of the royal wedding, topping ABC’s “Good Morning America” in all key measurements: total viewers, A25-54 and A18-49. TODAY has been the number-one morning show in A25-54 for 125 straight weeks and in A18-49 for 145 consecutive weeks, while delivering its biggest advantage over GMA among A25-54 in 12 weeks. Additionally, TODAY delivered its best total viewers margin vs. GMA in 12 weeks, and its highest total viewer average in 10 weeks, and is the only morning broadcast to increase year-over-year and week-over-week.
TODAY also dominated across the board on wedding day Saturday with TODAY’s entire anchor team live from an exclusive vantage point directly overlooking the castle where Prince Harry and Meaghan Markle tied the knot. After the show’s outright win on Friday with all four hours live from location, TODAY delivered the number-one broadcast on the big day across all key measurements: total viewers, A25-54 and A18-49 (6-9am ET). Anchored by Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, and joined by Megyn Kelly, Kathie Lee Gifford, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones, NBC averaged 6.417 million viewers, beating ABC’s 6.348 million and CBS’ 4.786 million. NBC also beat the other broadcasters with 2.314 million viewers in A25-54 and 1.761 million viewers in A18-49.
Season-to-date, TODAY is number-one in the key A25-54 and A18-49 demos, and has improved the total viewer gap with GMA by 87%, closing in to only -25,000 viewers, and also improved its lead over CBS’ “This Morning” by 8%.
###
TODAY HIGHLIGHTS:
| Net | HH Rtg | HH Shr | P2+ Imps | P18-49 Rtg | P18-49 Imps | P25-54 Rtg | P25-54 Imps |
| TODAY | 3.00 | 13 | 4,149 | 0.82 | 1,061 | 1.18 | 1,418 |
| CBS THIS MORNING | 2.39 | 10 | 3,312 | 0.52 | 674 | 0.73 | 881 |
| GOOD MORNING AMERICA | 3.06 | 13 | 4,147 | 0.71 | 914 | 1.03 | 1,241 |
TODAY averaged 1.418 million A25-54 viewers, leading GMA by +177,000 (+14%) and CBS This Morning by +537,000 (+61%)
- TODAY has now ranked #1 among A25-54 viewers for 125 consecutive weeks (best streak in almost six years) and 141 of the last 142 weeks
- TODAY delivered a 1.18 A25-54 rating, +0.15 points ahead of GMA and +0.45 points more than CBS
- TODAY’s A25-54 viewership saw the biggest increase week-over-week, up +3% or +46,000
- TODAY’s A25-54 advantage over GMA increased by 14% week-over-week, hitting its best mark since Week #2 of the Pyeongchang Olympics (a 12-week high)
- TODAY won all five mornings among A25-54 viewers
- TODAY topped GMA by at least 100,000 demo viewers for the fourth consecutive week
TODAY averaged 1.061 million A18-49 viewers, +147,000 (+16%) more than GMA and +387,000 (+57%) higher than CBS
- Among A18-49 viewers, TODAY has now posted 145 consecutive weekly wins and has finished #1 in 151 of the last 153 weeks and 162 of the last 166 weeks
- TODAY’s 0.82 A18-49 rating led GMA by +0.11 points and CBS by +0.30 points
- TODAY posted its best A18-49 viewership in eight weeks (since the week of 3/19/2018) and its biggest win over GMA since Week #2 of the Pyeongchang Olympics (week of 2/19/2018)
- Week-over-week, TODAY saw the biggest gain among A18-49 viewers (+7%, or +65,000)
- TODAY won all five morning among A18-49 viewers
TODAY averaged 4.149 million total viewers, leading GMA by +2,000 and CBS This Morning by +837,000 (+25%)
- TODAY also posted its first total viewer win over GMA and largest advantage over CBS This Morning since Week #2 of the Pyeongchang Olympics (week of 2/19/2018)
- TODAY won four out of five mornings among total viewers
- TODAY’s total viewership hit a 10-week high, its biggest average since the week of 3/5/2018
- TODAY was the only morning news program to increase its total viewership both week-over-week (4%, or +172,000) and year-over-year (+2%, or +71,000)
SEASON-TO-DATE
TODAY ranks #1 among A25-54 viewers
- Leads GMA by +166,000 and CBS by +582,000
TODAY ranks #1 among A18-49 viewers
- Leads GMA by +168,000 and CBS by +442,000
TODAY leads CBS by +745,000, 8% higher than last season and trails GMA by -25,000, an improvement of 87% versus than last season
NBC TIES FOR #1 IN 18-49 FOR THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF MAY 7-13
Monday & Tuesday Editions of “The Voice,” “SVU,” the Three “Chicago” Dramas & “SVU” All Deliver Top-25 Ratings Among Primetime Big 4 Shows in 18-49
Season to Date, NBC Rules the Adult 18-49 Race by a +47% Margin, the Biggest Advantage for Any Network at This Point in the Season in the 30-Year History of Nielsen’s Current People Meter Sample
NBC Ranks #1 for the Season in Every Key Demo, Is in Its Most Competitive Position in Total Viewers in 16 Years
NBC Sweeps Monday Among the Big 4 as "The Voice" & "Bear Grylls" Win Among Those Nets by Margins of +50% Each
Tuesday’s "Chicago Med" & “The Voice” Grow Week to Week, “Rise” Maintains 100%, “Med” Wins Again at 10 p.m.
On Wednesday, the "Chicago P.D." Season Finale Wins Among the 10 p.m. Dramas by +71% in 18-49, +1.3 Million Viewers Overall
Thursday’s "Chicago Fire" Season Finale Beats the 10 p.m. Dramas in 18-49 & Total Viewers With the Best “Fire” Results Since March 22
Saturday’s Jets-Golden Knights NHL Coverage & “SNL Vintage” Win the Night Among the Big 4 in 18-49
L+3: “Chicago P.D.” Locks Up Wednesday’s Biggest L+3 Lift in Total Viewers, “Chicago Fire” Is the Top Gainer on the Big 4 Thursday in 18-49 Percentage, Prior Sunday’s “Timeless” Clocks That Night’s Best 18-49 Percentage Lift
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — May 15, 2018 — NBC has tied for #1 in adults 18-49 in ratings results for the primetime week of May 7-13, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research.
Leading NBC’s week was the Monday edition of “The Voice,” which tied for #8 among primetime programs on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49. Joining Monday’s “Voice” among the top-25 shows on that list are Tuesday’s “Voice” (tied for #12), “Chicago P.D.” (tied for #16), “Chicago Med” and “Law & Order: SVU” (tied for #21) and “Chicago Fire” (tied for #24).
In adults 18-49, NBC is dominating the current primetime season, with leads over #2 ABC, CBS and Fox of +0.7 of a rating point or +47% (2.2 vs. 1.5). The +47% advantage is the best for any #1 network at this point in the season in the 30-year history of Nielsen’s current people-meter sample.
Season to date, NBC also ranks #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in every other key demographic – adults, men and women 18-34; men and women 18-49; and adults, men and women 25-54. In total viewers, NBC is running within 33,000 persons of #1, NBC’s most competitive position at this point in the season in 16 years, since 2001-02. Even excluding all sports, NBC is running closer to CBS at this point in the season in total viewers than it’s been in 14 years, since 2003-04 (currently within 1.642 million total viewers of CBS excluding sports, best since the gap was 1.608 million in 2003-04).
Counting entertainment programming only, NBC leads the season in adults 18-49, and also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 in adults 25-54, men 18-49, women 18-49, women 25-54 and men 18-34.
Week 33 Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “live plus same day,” May 7-13
CBS…0.9
ABC…0.9
NBC…0.9
Fox…0.7
CW…0.3
Total Viewers
CBS…7.1 million
NBC…4.5 million
ABC…4.4 million
Fox…2.6 million
CW…1.0 million
Season-to-Date Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “Most Current”
NBC…2.2
CBS…1.5
ABC…1.5
Fox…1.5
CW…0.6
Total Viewers
CBS…9.0 million
NBC…8.9 million
ABC…6.1 million
Fox…5.0 million
CW…1.7 million
NBC highlights for the week of May 7-13:
Monday
NBC won Monday night in total viewers among the Big 4 networks for a 13th consecutive week and for a 12th time in 13 weeks in 18-49. NBC led the night among the Big 4 networks in every key ratings measure and swept six of six half-hours in adults 18-49.
“The Voice” (1.5/6 in 18-49, 8.4 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) scored as the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and total viewers and was the #1 show on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in the 8-10 p.m. slot by a +50% margin over “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” in 18-49 (1.5 vs. 1.0) and by +8% in total viewers (8.4 million vs. 7.7 million).
“Live Plus Three Day” Ratings: “Voice” increased by +15% in 18-49 (from a 1.49 rating to a 1.72) and +1.0 million viewers overall (8.4 million to 9.4 million) going from “live plus same day” Nielsens to L+3.
“Live Plus Seven Day” Ratings: Monday’s “The Voice” has grown by +26% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.10 to a 2.64) and +1.9 million viewers overall (10.3 million to 12.2 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Voice” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.46.
Upscale: “The Voice” is delivering a solid upscale audience, generating a 108 index among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes, according to “most current” Nielsens, including L+3).
The fourth season debut of “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” (0.9/4 in 18-49, 3.5 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 and every other key demographic, dominating among those networks in adults 18-49 with a +50% margin of victory (0.9 vs. 0.6 for second-place “Elementary”). “Running” maintained 100% of the show’s debut from last season in 18-49 (0.9 vs. 0.9 on Monday, May 22, 2017 from 10-11 p.m. ET) and was up +80% versus the show’s most recent telecast in 18-49 (0.9 vs. 0.5 on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 from 10-11 p.m. ET). L+3: “Running Wild” increased by +15% in 18-49 (0.87 to 1.00) and +472,000 viewers overall (3.5 million to 4.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: The last full season of “Running Wild” grew by +18% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.26 to a 1.49 and +707,000 viewers overall (3.8 million to 4.6 million) going from L+SD to L+7. Upscale: The last full season of “Running Wild” delivered a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 115 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
Tuesday
“The Voice” (1.3/6 in 18-49, 7.3 million viewers overall from 8-9:01 p.m. ET) grew +8% week to week in 18-49 (1.3 vs. 1.2), and was also up in adults, men and women 18-34, including a week-to-week gain of +25% in women 18-34 (1.0 vs. 0.8). L+3: “The Voice” grew by +12% in 18-49 (1.25 to 1.40) and +830,000 viewers overall (7.3 million to 8.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: Tuesday’s “Voice” has increased by +24% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.00 to a 2.48) and +1.8 million viewers overall (10.1 million to 11.9 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the Tuesday “Voice” 18-49 figure grows to a 3.32.
“Rise” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 3.8 million viewers overall from 9:01-10 p.m. ET) retained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.7) and as also up in total viewers (3.751 million vs. 3.736 million). “Rise” maintained 100% of NBC’s result in the hour on the year-ago night in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.7 on May 9, 2017) and was up +24% in total viewers (3.8 million vs. 3.0). L+3: “Rise” increased by +32% in 18-49 (0.66 to 0.87) and +951,000 viewers overall (3.8 million to 4.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Rise” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.17. Upscale: “Rise” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 118 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes and a 131 among 18-49s with four or more years of college.
“Chicago Med” (1.1/5 in 18-49, 5.8 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) grew +10% week to week in 18-49 (1.1 vs. 1.0) and was also up in total viewers (5.847 million vs. 5.843 million), to win the time period among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49 and rank #1 or tied for #1 among those dramas in adults 25-54 and most other key demos. In adults 18-49, “Med” delivered a +38% margin of victory among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49 (1.1 vs. 0.8 for CBS’s “NCIS: New Orleans”). “Med” remained undefeated in the timeslot when in original this season versus regular ABC and CBS competition in adults 18-49, finishing #1 or tied for #1 versus that competition with 19 of 19 first-run telecasts (L+SD). L+3: “Med” grew by +57% in 18-49 (1.06 to 1.66) and more than +2.8 million viewers overall (5.8 million to 8.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Med” is increasing by +73% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.25 to a 2.16) and +3.9 million viewers overall (6.8 million to 10.7 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Med” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.90.
Wednesday
“The Blacklist” (0.8/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) retained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.8 vs. 0.8), marking the fourth straight week “Blacklist” has maintained its 0.8 rating. L+3: “Blacklist” increased by +51% in 18-49 (0.76 to 1.15) and +1.8 million viewers overall (5.0 million to 6.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Blacklist” is growing by +73% in 18-49 rating this season going from L+SD to L+7 (0.95 to a 1.64) and +3.1 million viewers overall (5.7 million to 8.8 million). Upscale: “Blacklist” delivers a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 128 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1.1/5 in 18-49, 5.7 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) finished within 0.1 of a rating point of #1 in the hour among the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and ranked #2 among those nets in total viewers, within 440,000 persons of #1. “SVU” built by +38% on its lead-in in adults 18-49. L+3: “SVU” grew +58% in 18-49 (1.12 to 1.77) and +2.0 million viewers overall (5.7 million to 7.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night in total viewers. L+7: “SVU” has grown by +73% this season in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.28 to a 2.22) and +2.9 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 8.9 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “SVU” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.43.
The season finale of “Chicago P.D.” (1.2/5 in 18-49, 6.3 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) delivered a +71% margin of victory among the ABC-CBS-NBC dramas in adult 18-49 rating (1.2 vs. 0.7 for CBS’ #2 “Code Black”) and +1.3 million persons in total viewers (6.3 million vs. 5.0 million for “Code Black”). “P.D.” won the timeslot among the ABC-CBS-NBC dramas in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and every other key measure, while maintaining 100% week to week in 18-49 (1.2 vs. 1.2) and growing +5% in total viewers (6.3 million vs. 6.1 million). “P.D.” concluded its season having won the timeslot or tied for #1 versus regular ABC and CBS competition with its last 38 straight original telecasts in adults 18-49 (L+SD), extending back to October 2016. L+3: “P.D.” grew by +55% in 18-49 (1.20 to 1.86) and +2.9 million viewers overall (6.3 million to 9.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night in total viewers. L+7: “Chicago P.D.” is increasing by +88% in 18-49 rating this season going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.20 to a 2.25) and +4.1 million viewers overall (6.4 million to 10.5 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the “P.D.” figure grows to a 3.00.
Thursday
A rebroadcast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” averaged a 0.5/2 in 18-49 and 2.7 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET.
The two-hour season finale of “Chicago Fire” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 6.0 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) maintained 100% of the prior week’s regular 10-11 p.m. telecast in 18-49 (1.0 vs. 1.0) and grew +7% in total viewers (6.0 million vs. 5.5 million) to equal the show’s highest 18-49 rating since March 22 (1.2 from 9-11 p.m.) and deliver the most-watched “Chicago Fire” since that same date (6.9 million viewers). “Fire” leapt +1.3 million persons or +28% versus NBC’s non-sports Thursday 9-11 p.m. average in total viewers (6.0 million vs. 4.7 million).
For its climactic hour from 10-11 p.m., the “Fire” season finale ranked #1 among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers and grew versus the prior week by +11% in 18-49 (1.1 vs. 1.0) and +14% in total viewers (6.3 million vs. 5.5 million) to the show’s best 10-11 p.m. results since March 22 (1.3 in 18-49 from 10-11 p.m., 7.1 million viewers overall). L+3: “Fire” increased by +71% in 18-49 (1.00 to 1.71) and more than +2.9 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 8.9 million) going from L+SD to L+3, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night on the Big 4 in 18-49 percentage. L+7: “Chicago Fire” is growing by +95% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.09 to a 2.13) and +4.1 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 10.1 million) going from L+SD to L+7. With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the “Fire” figure increases to a 2.87 in 18-49.
Friday
“Blindspot” (0.5/3 in 18-49, 2.8 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) finished within 0.1 of the timeslot win among the Big 4 networks in 18-49 (0.5 vs. 0.6 for CBS and Fox) and maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.5 vs. 0.5) while growing +4% in total viewers (2.8 million vs. 2.7 million). It was the most-watched “Blindspot” since March 30 (2.9 million). L+3: The prior week’s “Blindspot” grew by +67% in 18-49 (0.52 to 0.87) and more than +1.3 million viewers overall (2.7 million to 4.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: “Blindspot” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 116 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Dateline NBC” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 1.1 in adults 25-54, 4.2 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) equaled the show’s high for a Friday edition in 18-49 since Jan. 12 (0.8 from 10-11 p.m.) and in 25-54 since Dec. 29, 2017 (1.2 from 9-11). “Dateline” was the #1 newsmagazine of the night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers. L+3: The prior Friday’s “Dateline” increased by +29% in 18-49 (0.72 to 0.93) and +965,000 viewers overall (4.2 million to 5.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: Friday’s “Dateline” is delivering a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 114 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes
Saturday
NBC won the night among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49.
NBC Sports’ 7:06-10:02 p.m. ET coverage of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey, featuring the Winnipeg Jets at the Vegas Golden Knights (0.7/4 in 18-49, 2.3 million viewers overall) tied NBC’s “SNL Vintage” as the night’s #1 telecast on the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49.
“SNL Vintage” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.4 million viewers overall from 10:10-11 p.m. ET, with an encore of a May 9, 2015 telecast of “Saturday Night Live” with host Reese Witherspoon and musical guest Florence + the Machine) tied Jets-Golden Knights hockey coverage as the #1 Big 4 show of the night in 18-49. The May 12 “SNL Vintage” is the top-rated “SNL” encore in this slot since Jan. 27 (0.7).
Sunday
“Genius Junior” averaged a 0.5/2 in 18-49 and 2.6 million viewers overall from 7:14-8:14 p.m. ET) equaled the show’s highest 18-49 rating since April 8 (0.7 at 9 p.m.).
A second telecast of “Genius Junior” (0.6/2 in 18-49, 3.0 million viewers overall from 8:14-9:14 p.m. ET) equaled the show’s highest 18-49 rating since April 8 (0.7 at 9 p.m.) and grew +20% versus the prior Sunday’s 8 p.m. telecast in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.5) and +7% in total viewers (3.0 million vs. 2.8 million), pending updates.
The two-hour season finale of “Timeless” (0.6/2 in 18-49, 2.4 million viewers overall from 9:14-11:14 p.m. ET) grew +0.1 of a point or +20% week to week in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.5 from 10-11 p.m.) and +9% in total viewers (2.428 million vs. 2.228 million), to equal the show’s highest 18-49 rating since March 18 with its second episode of the season. For the 10:30-11 p.m. ET half-hour, “Timeless” tied for #1 among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. L+3: The prior week’s “Timeless” increased by +80% in 18-49 (0.54 to 0.97) and more than +1.5 million viewers overall (2.2 million to 3.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 percentage. Upscale: “Timeless” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 134 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
‘TONIGHT SHOW’ RANKS #1 FOR THE LATE-NIGHT RATINGS WEEK OF MAY 7-11 IN 18-49 AND EVERY OTHER KEY DEMO
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” Claims the 12:35 a.m. Hour in Every Key Measure
NEW YORK — May 15, 2018 — “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has won the late-night ratings week of May 7-11 in adults 18-49 and every other key demographic – adults, men and women 18-34; men and women 18-49; and adults, men and women 25-54 -- according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research. Note that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” aired a Friday encore.
“Tonight” won the 11:35 p.m. hour for the week over “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by +20% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.48 rating vs. a 0.40) and versus “Kimmel” by +30% (0.48 vs. 0.37).
Last week at 12:35 a.m. ET, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” outrated CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden” by a +26% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.29 rating vs. a 0.23).
Meyers topped Corden in all key ratings categories – adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers --and also beat ABC’s “Nightline” in their head-to-head half-hour from 12:30 to 1 a.m. ET in all key measure.
LATE-NIGHT WEEKLY AVERAGES
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of May 7-11. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of May 7-11. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.48 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.40/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.37/2 *
NBC “Tonight” 0.48 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.40/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.37/2 *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.26/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.26/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.29/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.23/2 *
NBC “Late Night,” 0.29/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.23/2 *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.18/2 *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.18/2 *
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.194 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.911 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.836 million viewers *
NBC “Tonight,” 2.194 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.911 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.836 million viewers *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.189 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.189 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.287 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.266 million viewers *
NBC “Late Night,” 1.287 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.266 million viewers *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.748 million viewers *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.748 million viewers *
* Friday’s “Kimmel,” “Late Night,” “Late Late Show” and “Last Call” were encores.
SEASON AVERAGES
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.66 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.59/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
NBC “Tonight” 0.66 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.59/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.39/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
NBC “Late Night,” 0.39/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.691 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.860 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.268 million viewers
NBC “Tonight,” 2.691 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.860 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.268 million viewers
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.397 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.397 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.562 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.388 million viewers
NBC “Late Night,” 1.562 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.388 million viewers
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.824 million viewers
NBC “Last Call,” 0.824 million viewers
SELECTED CABLE RESULTS, WEEK OF MAY 7-11
NATIONAL ADULT 18-49 RATING
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.24
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.12
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.12
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.14
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 0.60
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.48
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.48
Each adult 18-49 rating point equals 1.28 million viewers.
TOTAL VIEWERS
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.853 million
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.321 million
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.321 million
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.352 million
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.209 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.935
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.209 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.935
“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT” IS #1 AGAIN
Wins Week of ‘Across America’ Series, Remaining #1 Most Watched Season-to-Date in Key Demo
#1 in the Key Demo Six Out of the Past Eight Weeks
MAY 15, 2018 – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” is the #1 most-watched evening broadcast in the key news demo for the week of May 7, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The broadcast continues its dominance in the key demo, averaging 1.5 million A25-54 viewers and beating “ABC World News Tonight” by +5,000 viewers (+0.33%) and “CBS Evening News” by +393,000 viewers (+34%). “Nightly News” has won the demo 6 out of the last 8 weeks.
Last week, Holt embarked on his second “Across America” series, traveling coast to coast reporting on stories impacting Americans’ hometowns such as job creation, reducing crime, and opioid addiction. Each night, Holt anchored “NBC Nightly News” live from a different city beginning in Portland, Ore. and continuing to Denver, Colo., Chicago, Ill., Pittsburgh, Pa., and finally Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Compared to same day week prior, each market saw notable ratings activity, including Portland and Pittsburgh, where “Nightly News” jumped to #1 in households and Chicago, where “Nightly News” was the only program to grow versus the prior week.
For the week of May 7, “Nightly News” is the most-watched broadcast among A18-49 viewers averaging 1.0 million, topping ABC by +13,000 viewers (+1%) and CBS by +252,000 viewers (+32%).
7.3 million total viewers tuned in to “Nightly News” for the week of May 7 besting “CBS Evening News” by 1.8 million total viewers (+31%).
“Nightly News” continues as the #1 most-watched evening newscast season-to-date in the key demo, delivering its largest demo lead over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Weekly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.5 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming ABC by +5,000 viewers (+0.33%) and CBS by +393,000 (+34%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.0 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +13,000 (+1%) and CBS by +252,000 (+32%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.3 million total viewers, beating CBS by +1.8 million (+31%).
Season Highlights:
- “Nightly News” is the #1 evening newscast this season in A25-54 and A18-49
- “Nightly News” holds its largest A25-54 demo advantage over CBS in seven seasons.
Week of May 7 – May 11, 2018:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.343 | 1.28 | 1.542 | 0.80 | 1.031 |
| CBS | 5.588 | 0.95 | 1.149 | 0.60 | 0.779 |
| ABC | 7.643 | 1.27 | 1.537 | 0.79 | 1.018 |
# # #
ABOUT NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
‘TODAY’ WINS AGAIN
TODAY #1 in Key A25-54 Demo for 124 Consecutive Weeks – Best Streak in Six Years
TODAY Takes A18-49 Demo for 144 Straight Weeks
TODAY Narrows Total Viewers Gap with GMA Year-Over-Year
Total Improves A25-54 Advantage vs. GMA Week-Over-Week and Year-Over-Year
NEW YORK – May 15, 2018 – NBC News’ TODAY is the number-one morning show across the key demos. The broadcast, anchored by Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, wins the A25-54 demo for 124 consecutive weeks and the A18-49 demo for 144 straight weeks, its best streak in both measurements for nearly six years. TODAY also narrows the total viewer gap with ABC’s “Good Morning America” by 42% compared to the same week last year. Additionally, TODAY improves its A25-54 lead over GMA compared to both the prior week and the same week last year.
TODAY is heading to Windsor this week to cover the Royal Wedding between Princess Harry and Meghan Markle. NBC will present the primetime special “Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan,” hosted by Guthrie and Kotb, on Wednesday, May 16 at 10pm ET, and all four hours of TODAY will be live from Windsor on Friday, May 18 from 7 to 11am ET. On Saturday, the day of the wedding, Guthrie and Kotb will co-anchor “TODAY at the Royal Wedding” beginning at 4:30am ET.
TODAY HIGHLIGHTS:
| Net | HH Rtg | HH Shr | P2+ Imps | P18-49 Rtg | P18-49 Imps | P25-54 Rtg | P25-54 Imps |
| TODAY | 2.89 | 12 | 3,977 | 0.77 | 995 | 1.14 | 1,372 |
| CBS THIS MORNING | 2.37 | 10 | 3,263 | 0.48 | 617 | 0.71 | 857 |
| GOOD MORNING AMERICA | 2.99 | 13 | 4,119 | 0.70 | 901 | 1.01 | 1,217 |
TODAY averaged 1.372 million A25-54 viewers, leading GMA by +155,000 (+13%) and CBS This Morning by +515,000 (+60%)
- TODAY has now ranked #1 among A25-54 viewers for 124 consecutive weeks (best streak in almost six years) and 140 of the last 141 weeks
- TODAY delivered a 1.14 A25-54 rating, +0.13 points ahead of GMA and +0.43 points more than CBS
- TODAY’s A25-54 lead over GMA was 19% higher than prior week and improved by 7% versus the same week last season
- TODAY topped GMA by at least 100,000 demo viewers for the third consecutive week
TODAY averaged 995,000 A18-49 viewers, +94,000 (+10%) more than GMA and +378,000 (+61%) higher than CBS
- Among A18-49 viewers, TODAY has now posted 144 consecutive weekly wins and has finished #1 in 150 of the last 152 weeks and 161 of the last 165 weeks
- TODAY’s 0.77 A18-49 rating led GMA by +0.07 points and CBS by +0.29 points
- Week-over-week, TODAY improved its A18-49 lead over GMA by 16%
TODAY averaged 3.977 million total viewers, leading CBS This Morning by +714,000 (+22%)
- Compared to the same week last season, TODAY narrowed the total viewer gap vs. GMA by 42% while also posting a 68% higher advantage over CBS
SEASON-TO-DATE
TODAY ranks #1 among A25-54 viewers
- Leads GMA by +166,000 and CBS by +583,000
TODAY ranks #1 among A18-49 viewers
- Leads GMA by +168,000 and CBS by +443,000
TODAY leads CBS by +742,000 total viewers, 6% higher than last season
NBC RATINGS RESULTS FOR THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF APRIL 30-MAY 6
Monday & Tuesday Editions of “The Voice,” “SVU,” the Three “Chicago” Dramas, NHL Hockey & “Good Girls” All Deliver Top-30 Ratings Among Primetime Big 4 Shows in 18-49
Season to Date, NBC Rules the Adult 18-49 Race by a +38% Margin, the Biggest Advantage for Any Network at This Point in the Season in 10 Years, 2nd Biggest in the 30-Year History of Nielsen’s Current People Meter Sample
NBC Ranks #1 for the Season in Every Key Measure, Including Total Viewers, for the First Time Since 2001-02
NBC Sweeps Monday Among the Big 4, "Voice" Wins From 8-10 p.m. Over "Dancing With the Star" By +55%, "Good Girls" Over "Elementary" by +50%
Tuesday’s "Chicago Med" Wins the 10 p.m. Hour in 18-49, “Med” & “Rise” Maintain 100% Week to Week
Wednesday’s “SVU” Wins the 9 p.m. Hour in Total Viewers & "Chicago P.D." Locks Up the 10 p.m. Win Among the ABC-CBS-NBC Dramas in Every Key Measure
On Thursday, “Chicago Fire” Wins at 10 and Matches Its High Since March 22; Season Finales of “Superstore” & “A.P. Bio” Grow Week to Week
Friday’s “Dateline” Ties as the #1 Broadcast Show of the Night in 18-49 and NBC Ties for the Nightlong Win Among the Big 4; “Blindspot” & “Dateline” Maintain 100% Week to Week
Saturday’s Penguins-Capitals NHL Coverage Is the Second Most Watched Early-Round Stanley Cup Playoff Telecast on Record
L+3: The Prior Sunday’s “Timeless” Captures That Night’s Top Lift in 18-49
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — May 8, 2018 — NBC has finished #2 in adults 18-49 in ratings results for the primetime week of April 30-May 6, and also ranked #2 or tied for #2 among the Big 4 networks in adults , men and women 18-34 and men and women 18-49, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research.
Leading NBC’s week was the Monday edition of “The Voice,” which ranked #6 among primetime programs on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49. Joining Monday’s “Voice” among the top 30 shows on that list are Tuesday’s “Voice,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “Chicago P.D.” (all tied for #12), Saturday’s Penguins-Capitals Stanley Cup Playoff hockey (tied for #20), “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med” (tied for #24) and “Good Girls” (tied for #20).
In adults 18-49, NBC is dominating the current primetime season, with leads over #2 CBS of +0.6 of a rating point or +38% (2.2 vs. 1.6). The +38% advantage is the best for any #1 network at this point in the season in 10 years (since Fox led by +40% in 2007-08) and the second-best in the 30-year history of Nielsen’s current people-meter sample.
Season to date, NBC is also running #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in every other key ratings measure, including total viewers, for the first time since 2001-02. Excluding all sports, NBC is running closer to CBS at this point in the season in total viewers than it’s been in 15 years, since 2002-03 (currently within 1.6 million total viewers of CBS excluding sports, best since the gap was 706,000 in 2002-03).
Counting entertainment programming only, NBC leads the season in adults 18-49, and also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 in adults 25-54, men 18-49, women 18-49 and women 25-54.
Weekly ratings are “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date ratings are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”
Week 32 Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “live plus same day,” April 30-May 6
ABC…1.1
NBC…0.9
CBS…0.8
Fox…0.7
CW…0.3
Total Viewers
CBS…6.7 million
ABC…4.9 million
NBC…4.5 million
Fox…2.5 million
CW…1.0 million
Season-to-Date Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “Most Current”
NBC…2.2
CBS…1.6
Fox…1.5
ABC…1.5
CW…0.6
Total Viewers
NBC…9.1 million
CBS…9.0 million
ABC…6.1 million
Fox…5.0 million
CW…1.7 million
NBC highlights for the week of April 30-May 6:
Monday
NBC won Monday night in total viewers among the Big 4 networks for a 12th consecutive week and for an 11th time in 12 weeks in 18-49. NBC led the night among the Big 4 in every key ratings measures and swept six of six half-hours in adults 18-49.
“The Voice” (1.7/7 in 18-49, 8.8 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) ranked as the #1 show of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and total viewers, growing +13% week to week in 18-49 (1.7 vs. 1.5) and +4% in total viewer (8.8 million vs. 8.4 million). “Voice” beat ABC’s premiere of “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” head to head from 8-10 p.m. by a +55% margin in 18-49 (1.7 vs. 1.1) and in total viewers by +4% (8.8 million vs. 8.5 million).
“Live Plus Three Day” Ratings: “Voice” increased by +14% in 18-49 (from a 1.66 rating to a 1.90) and +1.1 million viewers overall (8.8 million to 9.9 million) going from “live plus same day” Nielsens to L+3.
“Live Plus Seven Day” Ratings: Monday’s “The Voice” has grown by +25% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.13 to a 2.67) and more than +1.9 million viewers overall (10.4 million to 12.3 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Voice” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.47.
Upscale: “The Voice” is delivering a solid upscale audience, generating a 108 index among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes, according to “most current” Nielsens, including L+3).
The season finale of “Good Girls” (0.9/4 in 18-49, 4.0 million viewers overall from 10:01-11 p.m. ET) won the 10 p.m. hour among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49, as well as every other key demographic (including a tie among men 25-54), delivering a dominating +50% margin among those nets over CBS’ second-place season premiere of “Elementary” (0.9 vs. 0.6). “Good Girls” concluded its season having finished #1 or tied for #1 in the timeslot among ABC, CBS and NBC in 18-49 for its last five telecasts in a row. L+3:“Good Girls” grew by +44% in 18-49 (0.88 to 1.27) and +1.2 million viewers overall (4.0 million to 5.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens.
Tuesday
“The Voice” (1.2/6 in 18-49, 7.6 million viewers overall from 8-9:01 p.m. ET) grew +18% from its first half-hour to its second in every key measure. In the timeslot, “The Voice” tied for #2 among the Big 4 networks. L+3: “The Voice” grew by +14% in 18-49 (1.25 to 1.42) and +828,000 viewers overall (7.6 million to 8.5 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: Tuesday’s “Voice” has increased by +24% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.02 to a 2.51) and more than +1.8 million viewers overall (10.1 million to 12.0 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the Tuesday “Voice” 18-49 figure grows to a 3.34.
“Rise” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall from 9:01-10 p.m. ET) maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.7) and grew in the adult 18-34 demo. L+3: “Rise” increased by +36% in 18-49 (0.67 to 0.91) and +955,000 viewers overall (3.7 million to 4.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: “Rise” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 119 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
“Chicago Med” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 5.8 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) finished #1 in the time period among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49 and is #1 or tied for #1 among those dramas in adults, men and women 18-34; men and women 18-49; and women 25-54. “Med” remained undefeated in the timeslot when in original this season versus regular ABC and CBS competition in adults 18-49, finishing #1 or tied for #1 versus that competition with 18 of 18 first-run telecasts (L+SD). L+3: “Med” grew by +66% in 18-49 (0.97 to 1.61) and more than +2.8 million viewers overall (5.8 million to 8.7 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Med” is increasing by +73% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.26 to a 2.18) and +3.9 million viewers overall (6.8 million to 10.7 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Med” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.93.
Wednesday
“The Blacklist” (0.8/4 in 18-49, 5.5 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) retained 100% of tis prior telecast in 18-49 and grew +6% in total viewers (5.5 million vs. 5.2 million) to generate its most-watched episode since March 14 (5.546 million). L+3: “Blacklist” increased by +45% in 18-49 (0.85 to 1.23) and +1.9 million viewers overall (5.5 million to 7.4 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Blacklist” is growing by +73% in 18-49 rating this season going from L+SD to L+7 (0.96 to a 1.66) and +3.1 million viewers overall (5.7 million to 8.8 million). Upscale: “Blacklist” delivers a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 128 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1.2/5 in 18-49, 6.2 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) tied for #1 in the timeslot among the Big 4 networks in 18-49 and won the competitive hour outright in total viewers versus Fox’s “Star” and ABC’s “Modern Family.” “SVU” grew half-hour to half-hour in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers, while the other three Big 4 networks were flat or down in all three categories from half-hour to half-hour. L+3: “SVU” grew +52% in 18-49 (1.21 to 1.84) and more than +2.0 million viewers overall (6.2 million to 8.3 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night in total viewers. L+7: “SVU” has grown by +73% this season in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.28 to a 2.22) and +2.9 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 8.9 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “SVU” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.43.
“Chicago P.D.” (1.2/5 in 18-49, 6.0 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) locked up the 10 p.m. hour among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in 18-49, 25-54, total viewers and every other key measure. “P.D.” maintained 100% of its prior original in 18-49 (1.2 vs. 1.2 on April 18) and has now won the timeslot or tied for #1 versus regular ABC and CBS competition with its last 37 straight original telecasts in adults 18-49 (L+SD), extending back to October 2016. L+3: “P.D.” grew by +55% in 18-49 (1.17 to 1.81) and +3.0 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 9.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night in total viewers. L+7: “Chicago P.D.” is increasing by +88% in 18-49 rating this season going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.20 to a 2.25) and +4.1 million viewers overall (6.4 million to 10.5 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the “P.D.” figure grows to a 2.99.
Thursday
The season finale of “Superstore” (0.8/4 in 18-49, 3.0 million viewers overall from 8-8:31 p.m. ET) grew versus the prior week by +0.1 of a point or +14% increase in 18-49 and +4% increase in total viewers (3.0 million vs. 2.9 million) to deliver the show’s most-watched episode since April 12 (3.1 million). L+3: “Superstore” increased by +52% in 18-49 (0.85 to 1.29) and +934,000 viewers overall (3.0 million to 3.9 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: “Superstore” is delivering a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 122 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes.
The season finale of “A.P. Bio” (0.6/3 in 18-49, 2.0 million viewers overall from 8:31-9 p.m. ET) grew versus the prior week by +0.1 of a rating point or +20% in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.5) and also +20% in total viewers (2.0 million vs. 1.7 million). “A.P. Bio” equaled its high 18-49 rating since March 22 (0.8) and delivered its most-watched episode since April 12 (2.1 million). L+3: “A.P. Bio” grew by +44% in 18-49 going from L+SD to L+7 (0.59 to 0.85) and +572,000 viewers overall (2.0 million to 2.6 million). Upscale: “A.P. Bio” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 124 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes. Among adults 18-49 with four or more years of college, “A.P. Bio” is indexing at a 149 and ranks #3 among primetime series on the Big 4 networks.
An encore telecast of “Will & Grace” averages a 0.5/2 in 18-49 and 2.0 million viewers overall from 9-9:30 p.m. ET.
“Champions” (0.4/2 in 18-49, 1.5 million viewers overall from 9:30-10 p.m. ET) retained 100% week to week in 18-49 and grew +2% in total viewers (1.530 million vs. 1.497 million). L+3: “Champions” grew by +24% in 18-49 (0.38 to 0.47) and +230,000 viewers overall (1.5 million to 1.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: “Champions” generates a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 122 among adult 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes. Among adults 18-49 with four or more years of college, “Champions” is indexing at a 137 and ranks tied for #9 among primetime series on the Big 4 networks.
“Chicago Fire” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 5.5 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) won the 10 p.m. timeslot among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in 18-49, 25-54, total viewers and most other measures, generating a week-to-week increase in 18-49 of +11% (1.0 vs. 0.9) to this week to equal its highest 18-49 rating since March 22 (1.2). L+3: “Fire” increased by +77% in 18-49 (1.00 to 1.77) and more than +3.2 million viewers overall (5.5 million to 8.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night on the Big 4 in 18-49 percentage. L+7: “Chicago Fire” is growing by +95% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.10 to a 2.14) and +4.1 million viewers overall (6.0 million to 10.1 million) going from L+SD to L+7. With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the “Fire” figure increases to a 2.87 in 18-49.
Friday
NBC tied for the Friday win among the Big 4 networks in 18-49.
“Blindspot” (0.5/3 in 18-49, 2.7 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 and has now maintained a 0.5 rating for three weeks in a row. In total viewers, “Blindspot” grew +2% week to week (2.747 million vs. 2.685 million) to its high since March 30 (2.9 million). L+3: The prior week’s “Blindspot” grew by +75% in 18-49 (0.51 to 0.89) and +1.5 million viewers overall (2.7 million to 4.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Blindspot” is increasing by +94% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 0.65 to a 1.26) and +2.1 million viewers overall (3.4 million to 5.5 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Blindspot” 18-49 rating grows to a 1.97. Upscale: “Blindspot” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 116 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Dateline NBC” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 1.1 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. ET) tied as the #1 show of the night on the broadcast networks in 18-49, while equaling the show’s high for a Friday edition since Jan. 12 in adults 18-49 (0.8 from 10-11 p.m.) and since Dec. 29 in adults 25-54 (1.2 from 9-11 p.m.). “Dateline” maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.7), while growing +10% in 25-54 (1.1 vs. 1.0) and +2% in total viewers (4.2 million vs. 4.1 million). For its second hour from 10-11 p.m., “Dateline NBC” ranked #1 among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. “Dateline” was the #1 newsmagazine of the night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers. L+3: The prior Friday’s “Dateline” increased by +27% in 18-49 (0.67 to 0.85) and +939,000 viewers overall (4.1 million to 5.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: Friday’s “Dateline” is delivering a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 113 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes
Saturday
NBC Sports’ 7:10-10:10 p.m. ET coverage of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey, featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Washington Capitals (1.1/6 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) ranks as the second most watched early-round Stanley Cup Playoff game on record (since 1993), behind the Penguins-Capitals Round 2 Game 5 telecast on May 6, 2017 (4.4 million).
Sunday
“Dateline NBC” averaged a 0.6/3 in 18-49, 0.8 in 25-54 and 3.2 million viewers overall from 7-8 p.m. ET. L+3: The previous week’s Sunday “Dateline” grew by +17% in 18-49 (0.69 to 0.81) and +494,000 viewers overall (4.3 million to 4.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. Upscale: Sunday’s “Dateline” is indexing at a 122 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
A special 8 p.m. telecast of “Genius Junior” (0.5/2 in 18-49, 2.8 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) built by +7% from its first half-hour to its second in total viewers (2.7 million to 2.9 million).
“Genius Junior” (0.6/2 in 18-49, 2.8 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.6) and built by +20% on its 18-49 lead-in in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.5). Upscale: “Genius Junior” is delivering a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 106 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes.
“Timeless” (0.5/2 in 18-49, 2.2 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) tied for #2 in the timeslot among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in adults 18-49 and ranked #2 outright among those dramas in men 18-49. L+3: The prior week’s “Timeless” increased by +70% in 18-49 (0.57 to 0.97) and more than +1.4 million viewers overall (2.5 million to 4.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lifts of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 rating and percentage. Upscale: “Timeless” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 135 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
‘TONIGHT SHOW’ WINS THE WEEK OF APRIL 30-MAY 4 IN 18-49 WITH ITS BIGGEST MARGIN VS. ‘COLBERT’ SINCE MARCH 12-16
Tuesday’s Telecast, With Guest Ariana Grande, Ties As the Top “Tonight” in 18-49 in Three Weeks
Fallon Hits a Four-Week High With 2.3 Million Viewers Overall
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” Claims the 12:35 a.m. Hour
NEW YORK — May 8, 2018 — “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has taken the ratings week of April 30-May 4 in the key late-night demographic of adults 18-49, scoring “Tonight’s” biggest percentage margin over “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” since mid-March, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research.
“Tonight” won the 11:35 p.m. hour for the week over “Colbert” by a +27% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.52 rating vs. a 0.41) and versus “Jimmy Kimmel Live” by +44% (0.52 vs. 0.36). It’s “Tonight’s” biggest advantage over a week of “Late Show” originals since March 12-16 (+35%, 0.58 vs. 0.43) and its biggest versus a mostly original week of “Kimmel” since Feb. 5-9 (+91%, 0.84 vs. 0.44). Note that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” airs Friday encores.
“Tonight’s” week was boosted by the Tuesday, May 1 telecast with guest Ariana Grande, which tied Monday’s edition (0.55 each) as the highest-rated “Tonight” in three weeks (since Tuesday, April 10, 0.57) and topped all late-night programs as the most social episode of 2018 with 3 million total interactions. Year-to-date, “The Tonight Show” ranks as the #1 most social late-night series on television with 11.7 million total interactions. (Source: Nielsen Social - https://twitter.com/NielsenSocial/status/991756576276041729 Total interactions over Twitter, Facebook [owned only] and Instagram [owned only]).
For the week, “Tonight” delivered a three-week high in 18-49 (its best average since April 9-13, 0.53) and a four-week high in total viewers (with 2.334 million, best since April 2-6, 2.383 million).
Last week at 12:35 a.m. ET, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” outrated CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden” by a +27% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.28 rating vs. a 0.22).
For their head-to-head half-hour, “Late Night” beat ABC’s “Nightline” in all key measures, including a margin of +32% in adults 18-49 (0.33 vs. 0.25 from 12:30 to 1 a.m. ET).
LATE-NIGHT WEEKLY AVERAGES
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of April 30-May 4. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of April 30-May 4. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.52 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.41/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.36/2 *
NBC “Tonight” 0.52 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.41/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.36/2 *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.25/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.25/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.28/2 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.22/2 *
NBC “Late Night,” 0.28/2 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.22/2 *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.18/2 *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.18/2 *
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.334 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.918 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.869 million viewers *
NBC “Tonight,” 2.334 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.918 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.869 million viewers *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.252 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.252 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.296 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.272 million viewers *
NBC “Late Night,” 1.296 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.272 million viewers *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.751 million viewers *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.751 million viewers *
* Friday’s “Kimmel,” “Late Night,” “Late Late Show” and “Last Call” were encores.
SEASON AVERAGES
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.66 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.60/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
NBC “Tonight” 0.66 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.60/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.47/3
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.39/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
NBC “Late Night,” 0.39/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.704 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.869 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.276 million viewers
NBC “Tonight,” 2.704 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.869 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.276 million viewers
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.403 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.403 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.566 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.390 million viewers
NBC “Late Night,” 1.566 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.390 million viewers
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.826 million viewers
NBC “Last Call,” 0.826 million viewers
SELECTED CABLE RESULTS, WEEK OF APRIL 30-MAY 4
NATIONAL ADULT 18-49 RATING
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.23
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.11
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.11
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.12 **
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 0.59
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.45
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.45
Each adult 18-49 rating point equals 1.28 million viewers.
TOTAL VIEWERS
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.812 million
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.322 million
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.322 million
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.351 million **
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.172 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.898
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.172 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.898
** "Conan" was preempted on Tuesday.
“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT” IS #1
#1 Most-Watched Season-to-Date in the Key Demo
Largest Key Demo Advantage Over ABC in Five Weeks
MAY 8, 2018 – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” is the #1 most-watched evening broadcast in the key news demo for the week of April 30, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The broadcast continues its dominance in the key demo, averaging 1.6 million A25-54 viewers and beating “ABC World News Tonight” by +85,000 viewers (+5%) and “CBS Evening News” by +472,000 viewers (+41%). “Nightly News” posted its largest key demo advantage over ABC in five weeks.
This week, Holt embarks on his “Across America” tour, traveling from coast to coast to report on stories impacting Americans’ hometowns such as job creation, reducing crime, and opioid addiction. Each night, Holt will anchor “NBC Nightly News” live from a different city. All last week, “Nightly News” previewed Holt’s exclusive interview with Meek Mill for “Dateline.” It was the rapper’s first in-depth interview since being released from prison on bail just a few weeks ago.
For the week of April 30, “Nightly News” is the most-watched broadcast among A18-49 viewers averaging 1.0 million, topping ABC by +10,000 viewers (+1%) and CBS by +239,000 viewers (+30%).
7.5 million total viewers tuned in to “Nightly News” for the week of April 30, besting “CBS Evening News” by 1.8 million total viewers (+31%).
“Nightly News” continues as the #1 most-watched evening newscast season-to-date in the key demo, delivering its largest demo lead over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Weekly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.6 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming ABC by +85,000 viewers (+5%) and CBS by +472,000 (+41%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.0 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +10,000 (+1%) and CBS by +239,000 (+30%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.5 million total viewers, beating CBS by +1.8 million (+31%).
Season Highlights:
- “Nightly News” is the #1 evening newscast this season in A25-54 and A18-49
- “Nightly News” holds its largest A25-54 demo advantage over CBS in seven seasons.
Week of April 30 – May 4, 2018:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.472 | 1.35 | 1.627 | 0.81 | 1.044 |
| CBS | 5.713 | 0.96 | 1.155 | 0.62 | 0.805 |
| ABC | 7.728 | 1.28 | 1.542 | 0.80 | 1.034 |
# # #
ABOUT NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
‘TODAY’ CONTINUES WIN STREAK
TODAY #1 in A25-54 for 123 Straight Weeks – Best Streak in Nearly Six Years
TODAY Posts Best Total Viewers Ratings in Nine Weeks – Narrows Gap with GMA vs. Last Week and Last Year
TODAY Wins A18-49 for 143 Consecutive Weeks
TODAY Only Morning Broadcast to Post Week-Over-Week Growth in Total Viewers
NEW YORK – May 8, 2018 – NBC News’ TODAY continues its run as the number-one morning show in the key A25-54 and A18-49 demos, marking its best streak in both measurements in six years. TODAY also posted its best total viewers ratings in nine weeks, narrowing the gap with GMA by 63% year-over-year and week-over-week. TODAY has topped ABC’s “Good Morning America” with A25-54 for 123 straight weeks and A18-49 for 143 consecutive weeks and was the only broadcast morning show to deliver week-over-week growth among total viewers.
TODAY HIGHLIGHTS:
| Net | HH Rtg | HH Shr | P2+ Imps | P18-49 Rtg | P18-49 Imps | P25-54 Rtg | P25-54 Imps |
| TODAY | 2.91 | 12 | 4,043 | 0.79 | 1,014 | 1.16 | 1,396 |
| CBS THIS MORNING | 2.36 | 10 | 3,226 | 0.47 | 602 | 0.69 | 836 |
| GOOD MORNING AMERICA | 2.99 | 13 | 4,112 | 0.72 | 933 | 1.05 | 1,266 |
TODAY averaged 1.396 million A25-54 viewers, leading GMA by +130,000 (+10%) and CBS This Morning by +560,000 (+67%)
- TODAY has now ranked #1 among A25-54 viewers for 123 consecutive weeks (best streak in almost six years) and 139 of the last 140 weeks
- TODAY delivered a 1.16 A25-54 rating, +0.11 points ahead of GMA and +0.47 points more than CBS
- TODAY posted its best A25-54 lead over CBS since the week of 3/5/2018 (eight-week high)
TODAY averaged 1.014 million A18-49 viewers, +81,000 (+9%) more than GMA and +412,000 (+68%) higher than CBS
- Among A18-49 viewers, TODAY has now posted 143 consecutive weekly wins and has finished #1 in 149 of the last 151 weeks and 160 of the last 164 weeks
- TODAY’s 0.79 A18-49 rating led GMA by +0.07 points and CBS by +0.32 points
- TODAY had its biggest A18-49 advantage over CBS in nine weeks (since the week of 2/26/2018)
TODAY averaged 4.043 million total viewers, leading CBS This Morning by +817,000 (+25%)
- TODAY had its narrowest total viewer gap in nine weeks (since the week of 2/26/2018), 63% closer than both prior week and the same week last season
- Versus CBS, TODAY posted its biggest total viewer win since the week of 2/26/2018.
- TODAY’s total viewer lead over CBS increased by 26% week-over-week and was 34% higher than the same week last season
SEASON-TO-DATE
TODAY ranks #1 among A25-54 viewers
- Leads GMA by +166,000 and CBS by +585,000
TODAY ranks #1 among A18-49 viewers
- Leads GMA by +170,000 and CBS by +445,000
NBC RATINGS RESULTS FOR THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF APRIL 23-29
Monday & Tuesday Editions of “The Voice” Deliver Top-10 Ratings in 18-49 and Total Viewers
Season to Date, NBC Rules the Adult 18-49 Race by a +38% Margin, the Biggest Advantage for Any Network at This Point in the Season in 10 Years, 2nd Biggest in the 30-Year History of Nielsen’s Current People Meter Sample
NBC Ranks #1 for the Season in Every Key Measure, Including Total Viewers, for the First Time Since 2001-02
On Monday, NBC Is the #1 Big 4 Network & "The Voice" the #1 Show in Both 18-49 & Total Viewers, "Good Girls" Wins Among the Broadcast Nets at 10
"The Voice" Is Tuesday's #1 Entertainment Show in 18-49 & Total Viewers; "Chicago Med" Wins at 10 p.m. Among ABC, CBS and NBC by +38%
Wednesday’s "Chicago P.D." Encore Ties for #1 Among the 10 p.m. Dramas Vs. Original Competition
Sharks-Golden Knights Stanley Cup Playoff Hockey Wins Saturday Primetime Among the Broadcast Nets in 18-49
L+3: “Chicago Med” Sews Up Tuesday’s Top L+3 Lifts in 18-49 and Total Viewers; “Chicago Fire” Is Thursday’s Biggest Gainer on the Big 4 in 18-49 Percentage; The Prior Sunday’s “Timeless” Nabs That Night’s Top Lift in 18-49
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — May 1, 2018 — NBC has tied for #2 in adults 18-49 in ratings results for the primetime week of April 23-29, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research.
Pacing NBC’s week were the Monday and Tuesday editions of “The Voice,” which ranked in the top 10 among primetime programs on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in both adults 18-49 and total viewers. Tuesday’s “Voice” tied for #5 for the week in 18-49 and ranked #3 in total viewers, while the Monday edition tied for #7 in 18-49 and ranked #6 in viewers.
In adults 18-49, NBC is dominating the current primetime season, with leads over #2 CBS of +0.6 of a rating point or +38% (2.2 vs. 1.6). The +38% advantage is the best for any #1 network at this point in the season in 10 years (since Fox led by +43% in 2007-08) and the second-best in the 30-year history of Nielsen’s current people-meter sample.
Season to date, NBC is also running #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in every other key ratings measure, including total viewers, for the first time since 2001-02. Excluding all sports, NBC is running closer to CBS at this point in the season in total viewers than it’s been in 15 years, since 2002-03 (currently within 1.6 million total viewers of CBS excluding sports, best since the gap was 720,000 in 2002-03).
Counting entertainment programming only, NBC leads the season in adults 18-49, and also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 in adults 25-54, men 18-49, women 18-49 and women 25-54.
Weekly ratings are “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date ratings are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”
Week 31 Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “live plus same day,” April 23-29
ABC…0.9
CBS…0.8
NBC…0.8
Fox…0.8
CW…0.3
Total Viewers
CBS…6.4 million
ABC…4.5 million
NBC…4.4 million
Fox…2.7 million
CW…1.1 million
Season-to-Date Averages
Adult 18-49 Rating, “Most Current”
NBC…2.2
CBS…1.6
Fox…1.5
ABC…1.5
CW…0.6
Total Viewers
NBC…9.2 million
CBS…9.0 million
ABC…6.1 million
Fox…5.0 million
CW…1.7 million
NBC highlights for the week of April 23-29:
Monday
NBC won Monday night in total viewers among the Big 4 networks for an 11th consecutive week and for a 10th time in 11 weeks in 18-49.
“The Voice” (1.5/6 in 18-49, 8.4 million viewers overall from 8-10:01 p.m. ET) ranked as the #1 entertainment show of the night in 18-49 and total viewers and was the #1 show on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in the 8-10 p.m. timeslot in adults, men and women 18-49; adults, men and women 25-54; and total viewers.
“Live Plus Three Day” Ratings: “Voice” increased by +23% in 18-49 (from a 1.51 rating to a 1.86) and +1.3 million viewers overall (8.4 million to 9.7 million) going from “live plus same day” Nielsens to L+3.
“Live Plus Seven Day” Ratings: Monday’s “The Voice” has grown by +25% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.15 to a 2.69) and +2.0 million viewers overall (10.4 million to 12.4 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Voice” 18-49 rating increases to a 3.46.
Upscale: “The Voice” is delivering a solid upscale audience, generating a 108 index among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes, according to “most current” Nielsens, including L+3).
“Good Girls” (0.9/4 in 18-49, 4.0 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, as well as every other key demographic (including ties in men 18-49 and women 18-34). Week to week, “Good Girls” retained
100% in 18-49 (0.9 vs. 0.9) and has now finished #1 or tied for #1 in the timeslot among ABC, CBS and NBC for the last four weeks in a row. L+3:“Good Girls” grew by +41% in 18-49 (0.86 to 1.21) and more than more than +1.0 million viewers overall (4.0 million to 5.0 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Good Girls” has increased by +46% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.08 to a 1.58) and +1.7 million viewers overall (4.6 million to 6.3 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Good Girls” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.57.
Tuesday
NBC won Tuesday night in total viewers.
“The Voice” (1.6/7 in 18-49, 9.3 million viewers overall from 8-9:01 p.m. ET) ranked as the #1 entertainment show of the night in 18-49 and total viewers, winning its hour among the Big 4 nets in adults 18-49, total viewers and all other key measures (including a tie in men 18-34). “Voice” increased by +7% week to week in 18-49 (1.5 vs. 1.5) and +11% in total viewers (9.3 million vs. 8.4 million), while maintaining 99% of the total-viewer result for the show’s same episode during the prior cycle (9.3 million vs. 9.4 million on Nov. 21, 2017). L+3: “The Voice” grew by +14% in 18-49 (1.57 to 1.79) and more than +1.0 million viewers overall (9.3 million to 10.3 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: Tuesday’s “Voice” has increased by +25% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 2.04 to a 2.54) and +1.9 million viewers overall (10.2 million to 12.1 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the Tuesday “Voice” 18-49 figure grows to a 3.33.
“Rise” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall from 9:01-10 p.m. ET) finished within 0.1 of the previous week in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.8) and retained 99.7% in total viewers (4.202 million vs. 4.214 million), to tie for #2 in the timeslot among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49. L+3: “Rise” increased by +36% in 18-49 (0.75 to 1.02) and +1.0 million viewers overall (4.2 million to 5.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Rise” has grown by +53% in 18-49 rating (from a 0.94 to a 1.44) and +1.9 million viewers overall (4.8 million to 6.7 million) going from L+SD to L+7. Upscale: “Rise” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 121 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
“Chicago Med” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 6.2 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) ranked #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and all other key demographics (including a tie in men 18-49) with a +43% margin among those nets in 18-49 (1.0 vs. 0.7 for ABC’s #2 “Deception”). L+3: “Med” grew by +71% in 18-49 (0.96 to 1.64) and more than +2.9 million viewers overall (6.2 million to 9.1 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the night’ biggest L+3 lifts in 18-49 rating and total viewers. L+7: “Med” is increasing by +72% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.27 to a 2.19) and +3.9 million viewers overall (6.8 million to 10.7 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Med” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.95.
Wednesday
“The Blacklist” (0.8/3 in 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET), despite the prior week’s preemption, maintained 100% of its previous telecast on April 11 in 18-49 (0.8 vs. 0.8) and grew in total viewers (5.240 million vs. 5.151 million). L+3: “Blacklist” increased by +43% in 18-49 (0.81 to 1.16) and +2.1 million viewers overall (5.2 million to 7.3 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Blacklist” is growing by +73% in 18-49 rating this season going from L+SD to L+7 (0.96 to a 1.66) and +3.1 million viewers overall (5.7 million to 8.8 million). Upscale: “Blacklist” delivers a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 128 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
An encore telecast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” averaged a 0.6/2 in 18-49 and 3.5 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET.
A rebroadcast of “Chicago P.D.” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 3.6 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) tied for #1 among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in the timeslot in adults 18-49 with CBS’ third-season premiere of “Code Black” and topped ABC’s original “Designated Survivor” in the timeslot in adults 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.5) and total viewers (3.6 million vs. 3.4 million).
Thursday
“Superstore” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.9 million viewers overall from 8-8:31 p.m. ET) grew +3% in total viewers (2.9 million vs. 2.8 million). L+3: “Superstore” increased by +60% in 18-49 (0.75 to 1.20) and +957,000 viewers overall (2.9 million to 3.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Superstore” is growing by +53% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 1.05 to a 1.61) and +1.2 million viewers overall (3.8 million to 5.0 million). When projected non-linear 35-day viewing is included, the “Superstore” 18-49 rating increases to a 2.79. Upscale: “Superstore” is delivering a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 122 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes.
“A.P. Bio” (0.5/2 in 18-49, 1.7 million viewers overall from 8:31-9 p.m. ET) finished within 0.1 of the previous week in 18-49 (0.5 vs. 0.6) and retained 91% in total viewers (1.7 million vs. 1.9 million), despite this week’s special competition from multi-network coverage of the NFL Draft.. L+3: “A.P. Bio” grew by +61% in 18-49 going from L+SD to L+7 (0.46 to 0.74) and +607,000 viewers overall (1.7 million to 2.3 million). L+7: “A.P. Bio” is increasing by +49% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 so far this season (from a 0.79 to a 1.18) and +934,000 viewers overall (2.9 million to 3.9 million). With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the “Good Place” figure grows to a 2.14. Upscale: “A.P. Bio” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 125 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes. Among adults 18-49 with four or more years of college, “A.P. Bio” is indexing at a 148 and ranks #5 among primetime series on the Big 4 networks.
An encore telecast of “Will & Grace” averaged a 0.4/2 in 18-49 and 1.7 million viewers overall from 9-9:30 p.m. ET.
“Champions” (0.4/1 in 18-49, 1.5 million viewers overall from 9:30-10 p.m. ET) maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.4 vs. 0.4) and retained 100% of its 18-49 lead-in. L+3: “Champions” increased by +29% in 18-49 (0.38 to 0.49) and +272,000 viewers overall (1.5 million to 1.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Champions” has increased by +38% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (0.58 to a 0.80) and +583,000 viewers overall (2.3 million to 2.9 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Champions’” 18-49 rating increases to a 1.36. Upscale: “Champions” generates a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 121 among adult 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes. Among adults 18-49 with four or more years of college, “Champions” is indexing at a 138 and ranks #10 among primetime series on the Big 4 networks.
“Chicago Fire” (0.9/4 in 18-49, 5.6 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) ranked #1 among the ABC, CBS and NBC dramas in the timeslot in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 (tie) and total viewers. Despite competition this week from multi-network coverage of the NFL Draft and ABC’s season premiere of “Quantico,” “Fire” grew +3% week to week in total viewers (5.6 million vs. 5.4 million). L+3: “Fire” grew by +91% in 18-49 (0.89 to 1.70) and more than +3.2 million viewers overall (5.6 million to 8.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night on the Big 4 in 18-49 percentage. L+7: “Chicago Fire” is growing by +94% in 18-49 rating (from a 1.11 to a 2.15) and more than +4.0 million viewers overall (6.1 million to 10.1 million) going from L+SD to L+7. With the addition of projected 35-day non-linear ratings, the “Fire” figure increases to a 2.87 in 18-49.
Friday
“Blindspot” (0.5/3 in 18-49, 2.7 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.5 vs. 0.5) and 99% in total viewers (2.685 million vs. 2.717 million), ranking #2 in the timeslot among the Big 4 networks in total viewers. L+3: The prior week’s “Blindspot” grew by +82% in 18-49 (0.50 to 0.91) and +1.5 million viewers overall (2.7 million to 4.2 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: “Blindspot” is increasing by +94% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 0.65 to a 1.26) and +2.1 million viewers overall (3.4 million to 5.5 million). When projected 35-day non-linear viewing is included, the “Blindspot” 18-49 rating grows to a 2.00. Upscale: “Blindspot” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 116 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Dateline NBC” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 1.0 in adults 25-54, 4.1 million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m.) equaled the show’s high for a Friday edition since Jan. 12 in adults 18-49 (0.8 from 10-11 p.m.) and maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.7) and 25-54 (1.0 vs. 1.0) while growing +5% in total viewers (4.148 million vs. 3.953 million). “Dateline” was the #1 newsmagazine of the night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers. L+3: The prior Friday’s “Dateline” increased by +27% in 18-49 (0.67 to 0.85) and +852,000 viewers overall (4.0 million to 4.8 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens. L+7: Friday’s “Dateline” is growing by +35% this season in 18-49 rating (from a 0.82 to a 1.11) and more than +1.2 million viewers overall (4.6 million to 5.9 million) going from L+SD to L+7. Upscale: Friday’s “Dateline” is delivering a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 113 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes
Saturday
NBC Sports’ 8:08 p.m.-12:23 a.m. ET coverage of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey, a double-overtime game featuring the San Jose Sharks at the Vegas Golden Knights (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.2 million viewers overall) won the night among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49
Sunday
“Dateline NBC” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 1.0 in 25-54, 4.3 million viewers overall from 7-8 p.m. ET) grew +0.1 of a point or +17% week to week in 18-49 (0.7 vs. 0.6), +11% in 25-54 (1.0 vs. 0.9) and +11% in total viewers (4.3 million vs. 3.9 million) to equal its season high for a regular 7-8 p.m. Sunday “Dateline” in 18-49 and 25-54 hit a new season high for a regular Sunday 7-8 p.m. original in total viewers. L+7: Sunday’s “Dateline” is increasing by +13% this season in 18-49 rating (from a 0.62 to a 0.70) and +465,000 viewers overall (4.1 million to 4.6 million) going from L+SD to L+7. Upscale: Sunday’s “Dateline” is indexing at a 124 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 representing an average concentration of those homes).
“Little Big Shots” (0.8/3 in 18-49, 6.0 million viewers overall from 8-9 p.m. ET) maintained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.8 vs. 0.8) and grew +2% in total viewers (6.0 million vs. 5.9 million) to hit a three-week high in total viewers (best since April 8, 6.7 million). L+7: “Little Big Shots” is increasing by +15% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 0.93 to a 1.07) and +941,000 viewers overall (6.5 million to 7.4 million).
“Genius Junior” (0.6/2 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall from 9-10 p.m. ET) retained 100% week to week in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.6) and increased +2% in total viewers (3.7 million vs. 3.6 million). L+7: “Genius Junior” has grown by +9% this season in 18-49 rating (from a 0.76 to a 0.83) and +428,000 viewers overall (4.4 million to 4.8 million) going from L+SD to L+7. Upscale: “Genius Junior” is delivering a solid upscale audience, indexing at a 109 among adults 18-49 in $100K+ homes.
“Timeless” (0.6/2 in 18-49, 2.5 million viewers overall from 10-11 p.m. ET) grew +0.1 of a point or +20% week to week in 18-49 (0.6 vs. 0.5) and +9% in total viewers (2.519 million vs. 2.308 million) to equal the show’s 18-49 high since March 18 (0.7 with the second “Timeless” episode of the season) and deliver its most-watched telecast since that same date (2.8 million). L+3: The prior week’s “Timeless” grew by +86% in 18-49 (0.51 to 0.95) and +1.6 million viewers overall (2.3 million to 3.9 million) going from L+SD to L+3 Nielsens, for the biggest L+3 lift of the night on the Big 4 networks in 18-49 rating (tie) and percentage. L+7: “Timeless” is growing by +88% in 18-49 rating going from L+SD to L+7 (from a 0.66 to a 1.24) and more than +2.2 million viewers overall (2.7 million to 4.9 million). Upscale: “Timeless” is generating a strong upscale audience, indexing at a 134 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes.
‘TONIGHT SHOW’ LEADS THE LATE-NIGHT RATINGS WEEK OF APRIL 23-27 IN 18-49
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” Takes the 12:35 a.m. Hour
NEW YORK — May 1, 2018 — “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has finished #1 for the late-night ratings week of April 23-27 in the key demographic of adults 18-49, according to “live plus same day” figures from Nielsen Media Research. Note that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” aired a Friday encore.
“Tonight” won the 11:35 p.m. ET hour for the week over “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by a +20% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.49 rating vs. a 0.41) and versus “Kimmel” by +32% (0.49 vs. 0.37).
“Tonight” also led the timeslot competition in adults 25-54, adults 18-34 and all key adult-female demographics.
Last week at 12:35 a.m., “Late Night with Seth Meyers” outrated CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden” by a +41% margin in adults 18-49 (with a 0.31 rating vs. a 0.22). “Tonight” topped “Late Late Show” for the week in adults, men and women 18-49; adults, men and women 25-54; adults and women 18-34; and total viewers.
For their head-to-head half-hour, “Late Night” beat ABC’s “Nightline” in all key measures, including a margin of +30% in adults 18-49 (0.35 vs. 0.27 from 12:30 to 1 a.m. ET).
LATE-NIGHT WEEKLY AVERAGES
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of April 23-27. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
(According to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research for the week of April 23-27. Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”)
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.49 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.41/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.37/2 *
NBC “Tonight” 0.49 rating, 3 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.41/3
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.37/2 *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.27/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.27/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.31/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.22/2 *
NBC “Late Night,” 0.31/3 *
CBS “Late Late Show,” 0.22/2 *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.19/2 *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.19/2 *
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.218 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.822 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.883 million viewers *
NBC “Tonight,” 2.218 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 2.822 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 1.883 million viewers *
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.229 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.229 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.313 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.207 million viewers *
NBC “Late Night,” 1.313 million viewers *
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.207 million viewers *
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.740 million viewers *
NBC “Last Call,” 0.740 million viewers *
* Friday’s “Kimmel,” “Late Night,” “Late Late Show” and “Last Call” were encores.
SEASON AVERAGES
ADULTS 18-49
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight” 0.67 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.60/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.48/3
NBC “Tonight” 0.67 rating, 4 share
CBS “Late Show,” 0.60/4
ABC “Kimmel,” 0.48/3
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
ABC “Nightline,” 0.30/2
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 0.39/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
NBC “Late Night,” 0.39/3
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 0.28/2
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
NBC “Last Call,” 0.23/2
TOTAL VIEWERS
11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Tonight,” 2.714 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.874 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.284 million viewers
NBC “Tonight,” 2.714 million viewers
CBS “Late Show,” 3.874 million viewers
ABC “Kimmel,” 2.284 million viewers
12:35-1:05 a.m. ET
ABC “Nightline,” 1.406 million viewers
ABC “Nightline,” 1.406 million viewers
12:35-1:35 a.m. ET
NBC “Late Night,” 1.577 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.393 million viewers
NBC “Late Night,” 1.577 million viewers
CBS “The Late Late Show,” 1.393 million viewers
1:35-2:05 a.m. ET
NBC “Last Call,” 0.830 million viewers
NBC “Last Call,” 0.830 million viewers
SELECTED CABLE RESULTS, WEEK OF APRIL 23-27
NATIONAL ADULT 18-49 RATING
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.25
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.11
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.11
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.17
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 0.60
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.45
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.45
Each adult 18-49 rating point equals 1.28 million viewers.
TOTAL VIEWERS
Comedy Central, 11-11:30 p.m., “The Daily Show,” 0.858 million
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.307 million
Comedy Central, 11:30-midnight ET, “The Opposition,” 0.307 million
TBS, 11 p.m.-midnight, “Conan,” 0.404 million
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.193 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.905
Adult Swim, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET, 1.193 million
Adult Swim, 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET, 0.905
“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT” WINS APRIL, NOW #1 FOR 34 STRAIGHT MONTHS
Broadcast Grows Year Over Year in Key Demo
MAY 1, 2018 – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” is the #1 most-watched broadcast in the key demo for the month of April, winning 34 straight months, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The broadcast’s winning streak in the demo most valued by news advertisers is its longest in nearly four years, averaging 1.7 million A25-54 viewers this past month, beating “CBS Evening News” by +484,000 viewers (+39%).
This month, Holt spoke exclusively to rapper Meek Mill on two occasions – first from prison by phone, and again two weeks later in Philadelphia for Mill’s first interview after being released on bail. Additionally, he spoke exclusively with former Attorney General Loretta Lynch in a wide ranging interview that included her relationship with James Comey, days before the former FBI Director’s autobiography was released.
In April, “Nightly News” averaged 1.2 million A18-49 viewers, topping CBS by +303,000 viewers (+36%).
The broadcast grew year-over-year in total viewers with 7.8 million tuning in to “Nightly News” for the month of April 2018: +1.8 million total viewers (+30%) more than “CBS Evening News.
For the week of April 23, “Nightly News” averaged 1.7 million A25-54 viewers, leading CBS by +465,000 viewers (+39%). “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers, topping CBS by +285,000 viewers (+34%). 7.7 million total viewers tuned in to the broadcast for the week of April 23, besting CBS by +1.8 million viewers (+31%).
“Nightly News” continues as the #1 most-watched evening newscast season-to-date in the key demo, delivering its largest demo lead over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Monthly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.7 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming CBS by +484,000 (+39%).
- “Nightly News” has ranked #1 in A25-54 for 34 consecutive months.
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.2 million A18-49 viewers, topping CBS by +303,000 (+36%).
- “Nightly News” grew year-over-year in total viewers, averaging 7.8 million viewers in April, besting CBS by +1.8 million (+30%).
Weekly Highlights:
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.7 million A25-54 viewers, outperforming CBS by +465,000 (+39%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 1.1 million A18-49 viewers, topping CBS by +285,000 (+34%).
- “Nightly News” averaged 7.7 million total viewers, besting CBS by +1.8 million (+31%).
Season Highlights:
- “Nightly News” is the #1 evening newscast this season in A25-54 and A18-49
- “Nightly News” holds its largest A25-54 demo advantage over CBS in seven seasons.
# # #
Week of April 23 – April 27, 2018:
| Total Viewers | A25-54 Rating | A25-54 Viewers | A18-49 Rating | A18-49 Viewers | |
| NBC | 7.710 | 1.38 | 1.671 | 0.86 | 1.113 |
| CBS | 5.893 | 1.00 | 1.206 | 0.64 | 0.828 |
| ABC | 8.310 | 1.42 | 1.708 | 0.89 | 1.147 |
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ABOUT NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is the most-watched evening newscast in America, providing the very latest on the day’s top stories and going beyond the headlines to add context and analysis to the most pressing issues of our times. NBC Nightly News reaches more than 24 million people every week through its broadcast and millions more through NBCNews.com, the Nightly News app, and social media platforms. Lester Holt is the anchor, and Sam Singal is the executive producer.
‘TODAY’ IS #1 FOR 32 MONTHS STRAIGHT
TODAY Tops GMA in A25-54 for the Month of April
TODAY Also Wins A18-49 for 37 Consecutive Months
TODAY Narrows Total Viewer Gap with GMA Year-Over-Year
TODAY Posts Best A25-54 Lead Over GMA in Eight Weeks
NEW YORK – MAY 1, 2018 – NBC News’ TODAY was the number-one morning show for the month of April, topping ABC’s “Good Morning America” in the key A25-54 demo. This win marks TODAY’s 32ndstraight month (122 straight weeks) in first place in the key demo, its best in nearly six years. TODAY also won with A18-49, its 37thconsecutive month at number one (142 consecutive weeks). Additionally, year-over-year, TODAY narrowed the total viewer vs. GMA in April. The morning broadcast also had its best A25-54 lead over GMA in eight weeks, more than doubling it vs. the prior week, and posted its best A18-49 advantage over GMA in nine weeks.
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TODAY HIGHLIGHTS:
APRIL
2018
TODAY has been #1 among A25-54 viewers for 32 consecutive months and 33 of the last 34 months.
- TODAY averaged 1.405 million A25-54 viewers, +97,000 (+7%) higher than GMA and +519,000 (+59%) more than CBS
TODAY has ranked #1 among A18-49 viewers for 37 consecutive months
- TODAY averaged 1.029 million A18-49 viewers, outperforming GMA by +84,000 (+9%) and CBS by +384,000 (+60%)
- Month-over-month, TODAY posted modest increases in its A18-49 leads over GMA (4% higher) and CBS (2% higher)
TODAY averaged 4.007 million total viewers, +660,000 (+20%) higher than CBS
- Year-over-year, TODAY narrowed the total viewer gap vs. GMA by 29%
- TODAY widened its total viewer margin over CBS by 57% compared to April 2017
WEEK OF APRIL 23-29, 2018
| Net | HH Rtg | HH Shr | P2+ Imps | P18-49 Rtg | P18-49 Imps | P25-54 Rtg | P25-54 Imps |
| TODAY | 2.92 | 12 | 4,021 | 0.81 | 1,040 | 1.18 | 1,419 |
| CBS THIS MORNING | 2.49 | 10 | 3,371 | 0.50 | 643 | 0.75 | 900 |
| GOOD MORNING AMERICA | 3.08 | 13 | 4,206 | 0.71 | 911 | 1.04 | 1,261 |
TODAY averaged 1.419 million A25-54 viewers, leading GMA by +158,000 (+13%) and CBS This Morning by +519,000 (+58%)
- TODAY has now ranked #1 among A25-54 viewers for 122 consecutive weeks (best streak in almost six years) and 138 of the last 139 weeks
- TODAY delivered a 1.18 A25-54 rating, +0.14 points ahead of GMA and +0.43 points more than CBS
- TODAY posted its best A25-54 lead over GMA since the week of 2/26/2018 (eight-week high)
- TODAY more than doubled its demo lead over GMA week-over-week (up 139%) and also saw a 41% improvement versus the same week last season
TODAY averaged 1.040 million A18-49 viewers, +129,000 (+14%) more than GMA and +397,000 (+62%) higher than CBS
- Among A18-49 viewers, TODAY has now posted 142 consecutive weekly wins and has finished #1 in 148 of the last 150 weeks and 159 of the last 163 weeks
- TODAY’s 0.81 A18-49 rating led GMA by +0.10 points and CBS by +0.31 points
- TODAY saw its best A18-49 advantage over GMA in nine weeks (since the week of 2/19/2018)
- TODAY’s A18-49 lead over GMA was 70% higher than prior week and up 36% versus the same week last season
TODAY averaged 4.021 million total viewers, leading CBS This Morning by +650,000 (+19%)
- TODAY narrowed the total viewer gap vs. GMA by 24% week-over-week and by 47% compared to the same week last season
- Versus CBS, TODAY improved its total viewer lead by 57% year-over-year
SEASON-TO-DATE
TODAY ranks #1 among A25-54 viewers
- Leads GMA by +167,000 and CBS by +586,000
TODAY ranks #1 among A18-49 viewers
- Leads GMA by +173,000 and CBS by +446,000
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