NBC will air special episodes of “Superstore” and “The Voice” during the Summer Olympics this August, giving the America Ferrera-led comedy and hit singing competition huge boosts ahead of their fall premieres.
An original Olympics-themed episode of “Superstore” will air on Friday, Aug. 19, while a preview of “The Voice’s” audition episodes will air on Sunday, Aug. 21, following the closing ceremony. Both episodes will air at 10:30 p.m.
The scheduling move will likely give both shows a huge ratings boost ahead of their September premieres. NBC has pulled a similar move in the past, slotting previews of last fall’s new comedies after the ratings juggernaut “The Voice.”
“Superstore” was a modest ratings success for the network last fall, averaging a 2.1 rating among adults 18-49 and 6.6 million viewers in live-plus-seven viewing, according to Nielsen. NBC has a lot riding on the show heading into the new season — “Superstore” was one of just two comedies renewed for another season by the network, alongside “The Carmichael Show.”
“The Voice” also has a big season ahead, with the newly announced preview coinciding with the high-profile judging debuts of pop stars Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus.
“The Olympics give us a unique chance to expose some of our strongest shows to millions of viewers who might not otherwise see them,” NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement.
“So we wanted to showcase our great new comedy hit ‘Superstore’ with a special Olympics-related storyline, as well as blow the doors open on this fall’s blind auditions of ‘The Voice’ featuring Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus – our two new coaches – alongside Blake and Adam. Much appreciation to Mark Lazarus and our sports division who bring us the gift of the Olympics every two years.”