Ratings: NBC's Preseason Football Fends Off 'Big Brother'-Boosted CBS

As it stands right now, NBC’s primetime preseason football game handed the network a Thursday night victory in the key 18-49 demographic — but not a win among total viewers.

That’s CBS’ honor for the moment, which may change when final Nielsen numbers adjust for time zones and local market preemptions. So, enjoy the top spot while it lasts, “Big Brother.”

The final outcome matters more than usual this time, as NBC was attempting to break its own record last night for most consecutive primetimes won in a row among an overall audience. At the moment, the network has fallen just a bit shy. We’ll know within a few hours if those fortunes reverse.

Also Read: NBC Set to Make TV Ratings History Tonight

NBC was first in ratings with a 1.6 rating/6 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and second in total viewers with an average of 5.66 million, according to early numbers. The broadcaster aired the Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins game through the entirety of primetime.

CBS was second in ratings with a 1.4/5 and in viewers with 5.71 million. Following reruns, “Big Brother” at 9 p.m. ET earned a 1.9/7 and 6.1 million viewers. Another repeat followed.

ABC and Fox tied for third in ratings, both with a 0.8/3. ABC was third in total viewers with 3.4 million, Fox was fourth with 3.2 million, airing reruns. That said, both CBS and Fox had some preemptions for NFL coverage.

Also Read: Ratings: Fox's 'MasterChef' Nearly Challenges 'AGT'-Powered NBC ... Nearly

For ABC, “BattleBots” at 8 p.m. ET received a 0.8/3 and 3.5 million viewers. Repeats followed.

Telemundo was fifth in ratings with a 0.7/3 and in viewers with 1.9 million.

Univision was sixth in ratings with a 0.5/2 and in viewers with 1.5 million.

The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.2/1 and in viewers with 756,000. Following a rerun, “Beauty & the Beast” at 9 p.m. ET managed a 0.2/1 and 706,000 viewers.

The Evolution of Michael Strahan, From NFL Star to Morning TV Host (Photos)

Michael Strahan's path to "Good Morning America" is a long one and involves a lot of football. Let's take a look back at his two decade journey to his split with Kelly Ripa.
As a college football All-American at the historically black Texas Southern University, Michael Strahan was a dominant force on the defensive line. He was named black college football defensive player of the year for the 1992 season.

Also Read: 21 Possible Michael Strahan Replacements for ‘Live!’ With Kelly Ripa (Photos)
Texas Southern University
Strahan was selected in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft by the New York Giants, the team he would play on for the entirety of his 15-year career.
In 2001, Strahan broke the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22.5. The final sack was made against Brett Favre, whom some pundits believed gave himself up to get Strahan the record. Strahan received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award that season.
Fox
In Strahan's final season in 2007, the Giants won the Super Bowl against the previously undefeated New England Patriots. Many thought he would retire before the season, as he missed training camp and the preseason, but he stuck around for one last go.
NFL
Strahan announced his retirement in June 2008. He finished his career with 141.5 sacks, 854 tackles, 24 force fumbles, 4 interceptions and 3 touchdowns.
ESPN
Immediately after his retirement, Strahan signed on for a home improvement show called "Backyard Stadiums" on the DIY Network, in which he and co-host Amy Winn Pastor would help build lavish sports facilities in families' yards. The show ran for five episodes.
DIY Network
Strahan made appearances in a number of ad campaigns, including a web series for Snickers, and commercials for Vaseline and Subway.
In 2009, Strahan headlined the Fox sitcom "Brothers," playing, aptly, a retired NFL player. The series also starred Daryl Mitchell, CCH Pounder and Carl Weathers but lasted only one season.
Fox
Strahan's first appearance on "Live!" came as a fill-in for co-host Regis Philbin in October 2010.
When Philbin retired in 2011, Strahan was tapped to replace him, and "Live! With Regis and Kelly" was renamed to "Live! With Kelly and Michael." Strahan co-hosted the show until 2016.

Also Read: Kelly Ripa Kept ‘In the Dark’ as Michael Strahan Sprinted to ‘GMA’
Getty Images
In 2014, Strahan was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Getty Images
Strahan did some more acting in recent years, with guest appearances on the TV shows "Entourage" and "Black-ish" and a supporting role as a stripper in 2015's "Magic Mike XXL." He also voices a character in the 2016 animated film "Ice Age: Collision Course."
"Magic Mike XXL"
On April 19, 2016, Strahan announced he was leaving "Live! With Michael and Kelly" for a full-time spot on "Good Morning America.

Also Read: Michael Strahan to Leave ‘Live’ for Full-Time ‘GMA’ Spot
ABC

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The Hall of Famer has had an illustrious two decades on the small screen

Michael Strahan's path to "Good Morning America" is a long one and involves a lot of football. Let's take a look back at his two decade journey to his split with Kelly Ripa.

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The Evolution of Michael Strahan, From NFL Star to Morning TV Host (Photos)

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