NBC RATINGS: THE PEACOCK TAKES FLIGHT

NBC, which often struggles to stay out of last place in the ratings when Sunday Night Football and The Voice leave their regular program lineup, recorded one of its best weeks in years last week as it placed five programs in Nielsen’s top ten, was the most-watched network overall, and led among viewers in the key 18-49 age group. Nevertheless, its win was top-heavy. After its solid showing in the top ten, its next-highest-rated scripted series were Chicago Fire at No. 26 and Grimm at No. 46. NBC also led — as usual — in the nightly news category. NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams averaged 9.57 million total viewers for the week, with ABC World News with Diane Sawyer a strong runner-up with 7.99 million. An improved CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley placed third with 7.49 million viewers. For the week overall, NBC recorded a 6.4 household rating and a 10 share. CBS placed second with a 5.0/8, Fox came in third with a 4.2/7, while ABC trailed with a 3.7/6.