NBC’s Olympics coverage topped primetime once more on Wednesday, though versus the 2010 Game’s comparable night, Sochi coverage dropped 38 percent in the key demo.
Viewers-wise, last night’s games were down 29 percent versus Vancouver. But there was a good reason: the comparable night four years ago is considered the most successful in U.S. history, with six medals won, including golds from downhill skier Lindsey Vonn, snowboarder Shaun White and speed-skater Shani Davis.
NBC was first in ratings with a 5.6 rating/16 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and first in viewers with an average of 20.8 million, according to preliminary numbers. The Winter Games made up NBC’s entire schedule.
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Fox was second in ratings with a 3.4/10 and in viewers with 11.4 million. “American Idol” was the only show on the schedule.
ABC was third in ratings with a 1.2/3 and fourth in viewers with 3.6 million. In between reruns, “Super Fun Night” at 9:30 got a 1.3/3 and 3.5 million viewers.
Univision was fourth in ratings with a 1.1/3 and fifth in viewers with 2.9 million.
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CBS was fifth in ratings with a 0.9/3 and third in total viewers with 5 million, airing just reruns.
Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.5/1 and 1.3 million viewers.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.3/1 and in total viewers with 924,000. The network aired a movie repeat.