NBC RANKS #2 IN ADULTS 18-49 FOR THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF OCT. 18-24

NBC IS ALSO #2 FOR THE WEEK IN ADULTS 25-54 AND #1 IN ADULTS 18-34

'SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL' VIKINGS-PACKERS GAME IS NBC'S MOST-WATCHED 'SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL' TELECAST EVER AND #1 PROGRAM OF THE WEEK IN ADULTS 18-49, TOTAL VIEWERS AND VIRTUALLY ALL OTHER KEY MEASURES

'SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL' FUELS A SUNDAY WIN IN EVERY KEY MEASURE, GENERATING THE TOP-RATED SUNDAY AVERAGE FOR ANY NETWORK SINCE THE ACADEMY AWARDS IN MARCH

ON WEDNESDAY, 'LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES' SURGES WEEK-TO-WEEK BY 26 PERCENT IN ADULTS 18-49 TO RANK #1 AMONG THE COMPETING DRAMAS IN ITS HOUR

'LAW & ORDER: LA' IS UP 26 PERCENT IN 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS VERSUS NBC'S AVERAGES IN ITS WEDNESDAY SLOT LAST SEASON

ON WEDNESDAY, 'LAW & ORDER: SVU' GROWS WEEK-TO-WEEK BY 17 PERCENT IN 18-49 AND CAPTURES GAINS OF 50 PERCENT IN 18-49 AND 39 PERCENT IN TOTAL VIEWERS VERSUS NBC'S AVERAGE IN THE SLOT LAST SEASON

'THE OFFICE' RANKS #2 IN ITS TOUGH TIME PERIOD IN ADULTS 18-49 AND #1 IN ADULTS AND MEN 18-34, TOPPING EVEN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

THURSDAY COMEDY 'OUTSOURCED' IS THE #1 NEW SHOW OF THE SEASON, COMEDY OR DRAMA, IN ADULTS 18-34 AND IS ALSO THE MOST TIME-SHIFTED NEW COMEDY ON A PERCENTAGE BASIS GOING FROM 'LIVE PLUS SAME DAY' TO 'LIVE PLUS SEVEN' RESULTS

'PARENTHOOD' GAINS 42 PERCENT IN ADULTS 18-49 GOING FROM 'LIVE PLUS SAME DAY' TO 'LIVE PLUS SEVEN' RESULTS AND IS TIED AS THE #1 MOST TIME-SHIFTED PRIMETIME SERIES ON A PERCENTAGE BASIS

ON MONDAY, 'THE EVENT' IS UP 29 PERCENT IN 18-49 AND 24 PERCENT IN TOTAL VIEWERS VERSUS NBC'S 2009-10 REGULAR SEASON NON-SPORTS AVERAGE IN THE TIME PERIOD

SO FAR THIS SEASON, 'THE EVENT' IS THE MOST TIME-SHIFTED NEW PRIMETIME SERIES ON A PERCENTAGE BASIS ON ABC, CBS, NBC OR FOX

'CHASE' ON MONDAY TRACKS DOWN WEEK-TO-WEEK GAINS IN 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - October 26, 2010 - NBC ranked #2 for the week in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49, paced by "Sunday Night Football," which delivered record numbers and was the #1 primetime program of the week in virtually all key measures. NBC averaged a 2.7 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 8.0 million viewers overall for the week of October 18-24, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.

For the week, NBC ranked #2 in adults 18-49 and adults 25-54 and was #1 in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49 and tied for #1 in men 25-54.

NBC Sports' "Sunday Night Football" telecast of the Minnesota Vikings versus the Green Bay Packers was the #1 program of the week in virtually all key measures - adults, men and women 18-49, adults, men and women 18-34, adults and men 25-54, total viewers, teens 12-17 and kids 2-11. This marks the seventh straight week in which "NBC Sunday Night Football" has finished #1 in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49.

With an average 25.7 million viewers, NBC's Sunday Vikings-Packers game is the most-watched "Sunday Night Football" broadcast ever and the most-watched October primetime NFL game in 14 years (since San Francisco-Green Bay, October 14, 1996, on ABC).

Primetime averages for the week of October 18-24 in adults 18-49 were CBS (2.9/8), NBC (2.7/8), ABC (2.5/7), Fox (2.4/7) and CW (0.9/3). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were CBS (11.6 million), ABC (8.9 million), NBC (8.0 million), Fox (7.5 million) and CW (2.1 million).

Season-to-date through five weeks, NBC ranks #2 in adults 18-49, up from a #4 ranking at this point last season. NBC is up 7 percent in 18-49 rating versus the first five weeks of last season (2.9 vs. 2.7) and is the only network among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW to show year-over-year gains in 18-49 rating. Also, NBC is up 5 percent in total viewers versus the first five weeks of last season (8.207 million vs. 7.825 million).

NBC highlights for the week of October 18-24

* On Sunday, NBC Sports' "Sunday Night Football" telecast of the Minnesota Vikings at the Green Bay Packers attracted an average 25.7 million viewers, becoming NBC's most-watched Sunday night football game to date.

* "Sunday Night Football" gave NBC the top-rated Sunday night for any network in adults 18-49, total viewers and households since ABC televised the Academy Awards on March 7.

* "Sunday Night Football" fueled a dominant primetime win in all key measures - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, as well as total viewers. NBC's margin of victory over the #2 network in primetime Sunday was 125 percent in adults 18-49 and 62 percent or more than 8.3 million persons in total viewers.

* Sunday's Vikings-Packers game was up 66 percent in 18-49 rating and 71 percent in total viewers versus the "Sunday Night Football" Cardinals-Giants game that aired during the same week last year.

* On Thursday, "The Office" ranked #2 in its tough time period in adults 18-49 and was #1, ahead of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," CBS's "CSI" and Fox's Major League Baseball coverage in adults 18-34 and men 18-34.

* "The Office" ranked #16 (tied) among all primetime programs this week in adults 18-49 and was the #3 program of the week among adults 18-34 (excludes all football pre-game and post-game telecasts).

* Also on Thursday, despite time-period competition that included CBS's "Big Bang Theory" and Fox's baseball coverage, "Community" matched its year-ago rating in its time period and equaled NBC's 18-49 average in the slot last season. In the time period, "Community" was the #2 non-sports telecast among ABC, CBS NBC and CW in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key categories.

* Additionally on Thursday, "30 Rock" built on its lead-in from "Community" by 16 percent in both 18-49 rating and total viewers, and was also up 16 percent in 18-49 versus NBC's average in this slot last season, and "Outsourced" was the #1 non-sports telecast in its time period on ABC, CBS, NBC or CW in men 18-34.

* So far this season, "The Office" has added an average 31 percent to its 18-49 rating in going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven day" results, making it the biggest percentage gainer among all half-hour comedies. "Community," with a 30 percent gain is the #2 biggest gainer (tied with ABC's "Modern Family) and "30 Rock" (29 percent) is #4.

* "Outsourced" is the #1 new network show of the season in adults 18-34, averaging a 3.4 rating in that demo through five telecasts.

* So far this season, "Outsourced" is the #1 biggest gainer on a percentage basis going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven day" among all first-year half-hour comedies on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW.

* On Wednesday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" surged week-to-week by 26 percent in 18-49 rating and by 12 percent in total viewers to rank #1 among the competing network dramas in the time period - CBS's "The Defenders" and ABC's "The Whole Truth" - in adults 18-49 and other key measures.

* "Law & Order: LA" was up 26 percent in both adults 18-49 and total viewers versus NBC's averages in its time period last season.

* Also on Wednesday, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" grew week-to-week by 17 percent in 18-49 rating and 7 percent in total viewers. Versus NBC's average in its time period last season, "SVU" was up 50 percent in 18-49 rating and 39 percent or more than 2.4 million persons in total viewers.

* "Law & Order: SVU" grew from its first half-hour to its second in all key measures, posting gains of 16 percent in adults 18-49, 20 percent in adults 18-34, 19 percent in adults 25-54 and 16 percent in total viewers.

* Additionally on Wednesday, "Undercovers" increased week-to-week by 7 percent in 18-49 rating (1.5 vs. 1.4). From its first half-hour to its second, "Undercovers" grew by 7 percent in adults 18-49, 11 percent in adults 25-54 and 6 percent in total viewers (to 6.1 million from 5.7 million).

* On Tuesday, "The Biggest Loser" delivered its biggest overall audience and matched its highest 18-49 rating since September 28.

* From its first half-hour to its fourth, "Loser" grew by 26 percent in adults 18-49, 25 percent in adults 25-54 and 35 percent in adults 18-34 despite formidable time-period competition that included CBS's "NCIS" and "NCIS: Los Angeles," ABC's "No Ordinary Family" and "Dancing With the Stars" and Fox's "Glee" encore.

* Also on Tuesday, "Parenthood" ranked #2 in its time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49 and other key demos and tied for #1 in adults and women 18-34.

* So far this season, "Parenthood" has added an average 42 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from "live plus same day" ratings to "live plus seven day" results. On a percentage basis, "Parenthood" is the #1 biggest gainer, tied with Fox's "Fringe," in going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven" among all primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.

* On Monday, "The Event" was up 29 percent in 18-49 rating and 24 percent in total viewers versus NBC's non-sports average in its time period during the traditional 2009-10 season.

* "The Event" built on its lead-in by 16 percent in 18-49 rating and by 23 percent in total viewers.

* So far this season, "The Event" has added an average 31 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from "live plus same day" ratings to its "live plus seven day" figure, and has added an average 26 percent or more than 2.3 million persons in total viewers. Overall, "The Event" has derived 38 percent of its "live plus seven" 18-49 rating from time-shifted viewing, making "The Event" the most time-shifted new primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW on a percentage basis.

* Also on Monday, "Chase" tracked down week-to-week gains of 7 percent in adults 18-49 and 5 percent in total viewers. From its first half-hour to its second, "Chase" maintained its 18-49 rating while competing dramas "Castle" on ABC and "Hawaii Five-O" on CBS each declined by 0.3 of an 18-49 rating point each.

* Additionally on Monday, "Chuck" retained 100 percent of its 18-49 rating from the past two weeks. "Chuck" was up 5 percent versus its 18-49 average for the May sweep earlier this year.

Ratings reflect "live plus same day" data unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of "live plus seven day" data except for the two most recent weeks, which are "live plus same day."

Additional NBC highlights for the week of October 18-24:

On Monday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET, "Chuck" (1.9 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall) retained 100 percent of its 18-49 rating from the prior two weeks. "Chuck" was up 5 percent versus its 18-49 average for the May sweep earlier this year (1.9 vs. 1.8).

It's worth noting that so far this season, "Chuck" has added an average 27 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure.

Monday from 9-10 p.m. ET, "The Event" (2.2/5 in adults 18-49, 6.4 million viewers overall) matched its 18-49 rating of the prior week. "The Event" built on its lead-in by 16 percent in 18-49 rating and by 23 percent or more than 1.1 million persons in total viewers.

"The Event" delivered a 22 percent increase in adults 18-49 versus NBC's 1.8 average for the same night last year and a 29 percent increase versus the network's 1.7 average in the slot last season (non-sports "live plus same day").

In total viewers, "The Event" was up 24 percent, or more than 1.2 million persons, versus NBC's "live plus same day" average in the hour last season (6.502 million vs. 5.178 million).

So far this season, "The Event" has added an average 31 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure. In total viewers, "The Event" has added an average 26 percent or more than 2.3 million persons in going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven day." Overall, "The Event" has derived 38 percent of its "live plus seven" rating from time-shifted viewing, making "The Event" the most time-shifted new primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW on a percentage basis.

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, "Chase" (1.6/4 in adults 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall) tracked down week-to-week gains of 7 percent in 18-49 rating (1.6 vs. 1.5) and 5 percent in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 4.9 million). "Chase" was also up 7 percent versus NBC's 1.5 average in this time period during the traditional 2009-10 season (non-sports "live plus same day").

From its first half-hour to its second, "Chase" maintained its 18-49 rating while competing dramas on ABC and CBS each declined by 0.3 of an 18-49 rating point.

So far this season, "Chase" has added an average 23 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure

On Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 8-10 p.m. ET, "The Biggest Loser 10" averaged a 2.6/7 in adults 18-49 and 7.1 million viewers overall in a highly competitive time period that included CBS's "NCIS" and "NCIS: Los Angeles," ABC's "No Ordinary Family" and the "Dancing With the Stars" Results Show and Fox's "Glee" encore. "The Biggest Loser" matched its highest 18-49 rating since September 28 and delivered its largest overall audience since that same date.

From its first half-hour to its fourth, "Biggest Loser" grew by 26 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.9 from a 2.3), 35 percent in adults 18-34 (to a 2.3 from a 1.7), 25 percent in adults 25-54 (to a 3.5 from a 2.8) and 12 percent in total viewers (to 7.6 million from 6.8 million).

Tuesday from 10-11 p.m. ET, "Parenthood" (1.9/5 in adults 18-49, 4.9 million viewers overall.) ranked #2 among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49 and other key demographic measures and was tied for #1 in adults and women 18-34.

So far this season, "Parenthood" has added an average 42 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" ratings to its "live plus seven day" results. On a percentage basis, "Parenthood" is the #1 biggest gainer, tied with Fox's "Fringe," in going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven" among all primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox

On Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 8-9 p.m. ET, "Undercovers" (1.5/5in 18-49, 5.9 million viewers overall) increased week-to-week by 7 percent in 18-49 rating (1.5 vs. 1.4). From its first half-hour to its second, "Undercovers" grew by 7 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.6 from a 1.5), 11 percent in adults 25-54 (to a 2.0 from a 1.8) and 6 percent in total viewers (to 6.1 million from 5.7 million). .

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (2.7/7 in 18-49, 8.7 million viewers overall) grew week-to-week by 17 percent in 18-49 rating (2.7 vs. 2.3) and 7 percent in total viewers (8.7 million vs., 8.1 million).

"Law & Order: SVU" grew dramatically from its first half-hour to its second in all key measures. "SVU" increased by 16 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 2.9 from a 2.5), 19 percent in adults 25-54 (to a 3.2 from a 2.7), 20 percent in adults 18-34 (to a 2.4 from a 2.0) and 16 percent or 1.3 million persons in total viewers (to 9.4 million from 8.1 million).

Versus NBC's time-period averages in this slot last season, "Law & Order; SVU" was up 50 percent in 18-49 rating (2.7 vs. 1.8) and 39 percent or more than 2.4 million persons in total viewers (8.736 million vs. 6.278 million).

So far this season, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" added an average 25 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure.

Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" (2.4/7 in 18-49, 8.1 million viewers overall) surged week-to-week by 26 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.4 from a 1.9) and by 12 percent in total viewers (8.124 million vs. 7.262 million).

"Law & Order: LA" ranked #1 among the competing network dramas in the time period - CBS's "The Defenders" and ABC's "The Whole Truth" - in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and other key measures.

Versus NBC's averages in this hour last season, "Law & Order: LA" was up 26 percent in adults 18-49 rating (2.4 vs. 1.9) and also 26 percent or more than 1.6 million persons in total viewers (8.124 million vs. 6.456 million

On Thursday, Oct. 21 from 8-8:30 p.m. ET, "Community" averaged a 1.9/6 in 18-49 and 4.5 million viewers overall. Despite time-period competition that included CBS's "Big Bang Theory" and Fox's Major League Baseball coverage, "Community" matched its year-ago rating in this time period and equaled NBC's 18-49 average in the slot during the traditional 2009-10 season (1.9, non-sports, "live plus same day"). In the time period, "Community" was the #2 non-sports telecast among ABC, CBS NBC and CW in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key categories.

So far this season, "Community" has added an average 30 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure, making it the #2 biggest gainer among half-hour comedies, tied with ABC's "Modern Family" and behind only "The Office."

Thursday from 8:30-9 p.m. ET, "30 Rock" (2.2/7 in 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall) built by 16 percent on its lead-in in both 18-49 rating and total viewers. "30 Rock" was also up 16 percent in 18-49 versus NBC's slot average during the traditional 2009-10 season (1.9, non-sports, "live plus same day").

In the time period, "30 Rock" was the #1 non-sports telecast among ABC, CBS, NBC and CW in adults 18-34.

So far this season, "30 Rock" has added an average 29 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure

Thursday from 9-9:31 p.m. ET, "The Office" (3.4/9 in adults 18-49, 6.9 million viewers overall) ranked #2 in the time period in adults 18-49 and was #1, ahead of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," CBS's "CSI" and Fox's Major League Baseball coverage in adults 18-34 and men 18-34.

So far this season, "The Office" has added an average 31 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure. On a percentage basis, "The Office" is the #1 biggest gainer from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven" among all half-hour comedies on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW.

Thursday from 9:31-10 p.m. ET, "Outsourced" (2.3/5 in 18-49, 4.9 million viewers overall) was the #1 non-sports telecast on ABC, CBS, NBC or CW in men 18-34.

So far this season, "Outsourced" has added an average 20 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure. On a percentage basis, "Outsourced" is the #1 biggest gainer going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven" among all first-year half-hour comedies on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW.

Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, "The Apprentice" averaged a 1.3/4 in 18-49 and 3.6 million viewers overall. From its first half-hour to its second, "Apprentice" maintained its 18-49 rating and grew 8 percent in total viewers. Facing atypical competition from Fox's baseball coverage, "Apprentice" matched its 18-49 rating of the past three weeks.

So far this season, "The Apprentice" has added an average 30 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported "live plus same day" rating to its "live plus seven day" figure. On a percentage basis, "The Apprentice" is the #1 biggest gainer going from "live plus same day" to "live plus seven" among all unscripted shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW.

On Friday, Oct. 22 from 8-9 p.m. ET, "School Pride" averaged a 0.7/3 in 18-49 and 2.8 million viewers overall.

Friday from 9-11 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 4.6 million viewers overall) increased from its first half-hour to its fourth by 33 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.2 from a 0.9) and by 31 percent or more than 1.2 million persons in total viewers (to 5.2 million from 3.9 million).

On Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8-9 p.m. ET, "Outlaw" averaged a 0.5/2 in 18-49 and 3.2 million viewers overall. From half-hour to half-hour, "Outlaw" built by 20 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.6 from a 0.5) and 8 percent in total viewers (to 3.4 million from 3.1 million).

Saturday at 9 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Law & Order: Los Angeles" (0.7/2 in 18-49, 3.4 million viewers overall) grew from half-hour to half-hour by 33 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.8 from a 0.6) and by 16 percent in total viewers (to 3.7 million from 3.2 million). "Law & Order: LA" hit a three-week high in this time period in total viewers and matched its three-week high in 18-49 rating.

Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 4.9 million viewers overall) built on its lead-in by 71 percent in 18-49 rating and 42 percent in total viewers. From its first half-hour to its second, "SVU" grew by 18 percent in adult 18-49 rating (to a 1.3 from a 1.1) and 15 percent in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 4.5 million). "Law & Order; SVU" hit a three-week high in this time period in total viewers.

On Sunday Oct. 24, the "NBC Sunday Night Football" telecast of the Minnesota Vikings at the Green Bay Packers gave NBC its most-watched Sunday night regular-season football telecast ever, fueling a dominant primetime win in all key measures - adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, as well as total viewers. For its full duration, the Vikings-Packers game averaged a 9.8/25 in adults 18-49, 25.7 million viewers overall and a 15.4/25 household rating/share from 8:31-11:35 p.m. ET.

For the primetime night (from 7:30-11 p.m. ET), NBC averaged an 8.1/21 in adults 18-49 and 21.6 million viewers overall. NBC's margin of victory over the #2 network in primetime Sunday was 125 percent in adults 18-49 (8.1 vs. a 3.6 for CBS) and 62 percent in total viewers (21.6 million vs. 13.3 million for CBS).

This was the top-rated Sunday night for any network in adults 18-49, total viewers and households since ABC televised the Academy Awards on March 7.

Sunday's Vikings-Packers game was up 66 percent in 18-49 rating and 71 percent or 10.7 million persons in total viewers versus the "Sunday Night Football" game that aired during the same week last year (a 5.9/15 in 18-49 and 14.975 million viewers overall for the Cardinals-Giants match-up on October 25, 2009)

Also on Sunday, "Football Night in America 2" from 7:30-7:57 p.m. ET averaged a 3.2/10 in 18-49, 8.1 million viewers overall and a 5.1/9 household rating/share. "Football Night in America 3" from 7:57-8:22 p.m. delivered a 4.9/14 in 18-49, 13.7 million viewers overall and an 8.2/14 households. From 8:22-8:31 p.m., "NBC Sunday Night Football Pre Kickoff" averaged a 6.9/19 in 18-49, 19.3 million viewers overall and an 11.4/18 in households. Note: "Football Night in America" from 7-7:30 p.m. ET was sustaining programming and does not figure in the nightly or weekly primetime averages.