NBC has proved that its comedies can get fairly decent ratings — it just has to launch them out of “America’s Got Talent” during the summertime.
The network’s “Carmichael Show” hauled in 4.8 million total viewers with its premiere episode on Wednesday, the most eyeballs for a broadcast summer comedy debut in eight years. That distinction previously belonged to NBC’s “Mr. Robinson,” which launched with the same lead-in earlier this month to 4.6 million viewers.
In the key 18-49 demographic, “Carmichael” bowed slightly slower than “Mr. Robinson” had. A second episode of “Carmichael” dropped down to 4.1 million viewers last night.
All that said, CBS and NBC tied for first in ratings, both with a 1.2. CBS had a 5 share, while NBC had a 4. CBS was first in total viewers with 5.71 million; NBC was a close second with 5.68 million.
For CBS, “Big Brother” at 8 p.m. earned a 2.0/8 and 6.4 million viewers. At 9, “Extant” had a 0.8/3 and 4.9 million viewers. A rerun followed.
For NBC, “America’s Got Talent” at 8 got a 1.6/6 and 8.3 million viewers. “Carmichael Show” at 9 received a 1.1/4 and 4.8 million viewers. A second episode at 9:30 slipped to a 0.9/3 and 4.1 million viewers. “Last Comic Standing” at 10 got a 1.1/4 and 4.3 million viewers.
Fox was third in ratings with a 1.1/4 and in viewers with 3.8 million. “MasterChef” at 8 had a 1.4/5 and 4.5 million viewers. “Home Free” at 9 received a 0.8/3 and 3.2 million viewers.
ABC was fourth in ratings with a 0.8/3 and in viewers with 3.2 million. Following reruns, “Celebrity Wife Swap” at 10 got a 0.8/3 and 2.7 million viewers.
Univision and Telemundo tied for fifth in ratings, both with a 0.7. Univision had a 2 share, Telemundo had a 3. Univision was fifth in total viewers with 1.9 million viewers, Telemundo was sixth with 1.7 million.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.4/1 and in viewers with 1 million. “America’s Next Top Model” at 8 posted a 0.5/2 and 1.3 million viewers. “A Wicked Offer” at 9 received a 0.3/1 and 702,000 viewers.