NBC’s summer is surging even more now that Sunday Night Football has returned in (preseason) earnest.
The network topped both the key 18-49 demographic and total viewers on Sunday evening. CBS and ABC tied for second in the main demo; CBS was runner-up in total audience. “Big Brother” actually rose a hair despite its pigskin competition.
Due to the nature of live sports, Nielsen’s fast national numbers are preliminary and subject to change.
NBC was first in ratings with a 1.8 rating/6 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and in total viewers with an average of 5.8 million, according to early numbers. Following reruns, the Arizona Cardinals-Oakland Raiders pre-game at 8 p.m. scored a 2.1/7 and 7.2 million viewers. The game itself at 8:30 earned a 2.0/6 and 6.3 million viewers.
CBS and ABC tied for second in ratings, both with a 1.1 CBS had a 4 share, ABC had a 3. CBS was second in total viewers with 5.6 million, ABC was third with 4.2 million.
For CBS, between repeats, “Big Brother” at 8 received a 2.1/7 and 6.7 million viewers.
For ABC, following a rerun, “Bachelor in Paradise” at 8 posted a 1.3/4 and 4.4 million viewers. “Save My Life: Boston” at 10 had a 0.7/2 and 3.1 million viewers.
Fox was fourth in ratings with a 1.0/3 and in viewers with 2.5 million. An NFL overrun at 7 got a 1.9/8 and 5.2 million viewers. Repeats followed.
Univision was fifth in ratings with a 0.5/2 and in viewers with 1.3 million.
Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.4/1 and in viewers with 1 million.