Media Alerts, Links, Interviews and more. This is the place to post them.

See video previews here: http://www.nbc.com/the-philanthropist/

Hope it's ok to post this here- there's a yahoogroup called rebelwithacause for discussion of The Philanthropist. you don't need a yahoo address to join.
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/rebelwithacause/

The TV Guide for next week has a small piece on The Philanthropist with a photo and interview with James purefoy.

NBC UNIVERSAL TEAMS UP WITH MICROSOFT TO INTRODUCE NBC VIEWERS TO THE NEW 'DECISION ENGINE' BING

Creative Integrated Marketing Campaign Gives Bing Visibility in NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," "The Philanthropist," and Network Interstitials

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – June 5, 2009 – NBC Universal, as part of its ongoing effort to develop creative promotional opportunities beyond traditional 30-60 second spots, has collaborated with Microsoft to help launch its new search engine Bing.com, it was announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios and Mike Pilot, President, NBC Universal Sales & Marketing.

"NBC is committed to working with advertisers to find creative ways to entertain our audiences and offer our clients value at the same time," said Silverman. "By partnering with Microsoft to promote Bing, we have a unique opportunity to give our audiences an enhanced viewing experience at the same time that we offer increased exposure for the Microsoft brand."

"It was important to Microsoft that we educate people about the unique value of Bing in a way that was engaging and fun, and NBC's cutting-edge approach to integrating advertisers allowed us to do just that," said Eric Hadley, GM of Marketing, Online Audience Business Group at Microsoft Corp. "The integration we're doing allows Bing to be incorporated into NBC programming in organic ways that directly address how it helps people cut through the clutter to make smarter, more informed decisions."
Added Pilot, "This is another great example of how we can partner with a client to create an entertaining and relevant marketing campaign that connects with the audience and enhances their brand message."

The three-pronged deal includes an ongoing segment in "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" in which audience members play a game that revolves around using Bing, Microsoft's new 'decision engine.' In addition, Bing will be incorporated into the NBC drama series, "The Philanthropist." The series, which features a globe-trotting, risk-taking adventurer billionaire, will make special use of Bing's trip planning tools and map features. In addition, Bing will direct viewers of the drama series to websites where they can get additional information related to various episodes. Finally, the deal provides for informational interstitials following NBC shows that will focus on each of Bing's key vertical areas: making a purchase decision, planning a trip, researching a health condition or finding a local business.

Discuss The Philanthropist's ratings and how many people watch the show.

The pilot did well with a rating of 1.9 (12 overall for the week), and had 7,119,000 viewers (16 overall)

The second episode, Myanmar, had a rating of 1.5 and had 5,719,000 viewers.

I guess the next episode will tell us if the ratings are going to begin to level off.

http://www.nbcumv.com/entertainment/releas...is351inadu.html

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 22-28

'THE PHILANTHROPIST' IS THE #1 DRAMA AND #1 SCRIPTED SERIES DEBUT OF THE SUMMER, BROADCAST OR CABLE, IN TOTAL VIEWERS, WINNING ITS WEDNESDAY HOUR IN ADULTS 18-49 AND OTHER KEY MEASURES

Wednesday's premiere telecast of "The Philanthropist" emerged as the #1 drama series debut and the #1 scripted series debut of the summer, broadcast or cable, in total viewers. "Philanthropist" won its hour in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and virtually all key measures, and ranked among the top 15 programs of the week on the broadcast networks in virtually all key demographic measures, including adults, men and women 18-49, adults, men and women 25-54, adults 18-34 and teens 12-17.

* Also on Wednesday, "The Philanthropist" premiered as the #1 drama series debut and the #1 scripted series debut of the summer in total viewers. "Philanthropist" won its hour in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and virtually all key measures.

http://www.nbcumv.com/entertainment/releas...tiesfor352.html

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 29-JULY 5

Wednesday

At 10 p.m., ET, "The Philanthropist" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.7 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 (tied), adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures.

Good.Meaning it's going to stay up there for some time. I would be interested in any series to be shot in Nigeria(not a request).

From Media Village

Published: July 9, 2009

At 10 p.m. ET, "The Philanthropist" averaged a 1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.1 million viewers overall, and is currently matching its 18-49 rating of the prior week. Pending updates, "The Philanthropist" is tied for #1 in the time period among the broadcast networks in men 25-54 (with a 1.7 rating, tying CBS's "CSI: NY" encore).

NBC ranked #1 for the night in total viewers.

Preliminary 18-49 averages for Tuesday night are: Fox, 2.8/9; NBC, 2.1/7; ABC, 2.1/7; CBS, 1.3/4; CW, 0.3/1. In overall total viewers, July 8 preliminary results are: NBC, 7.7 million; Fox, 7.5 million; CBS, 6.1 million; ABC, 6.0 million; CW, 0.9 million.

All national ratings are "live plus same day" unless otherwise indicated.

Overall, against other networks, for July 8.

"CSI: NY" (7.2 million) easily won the 10 o'clock hour in viewers for CBS, but "Primetime: Crime" (6 million) led the demo with a 1.9. "The Philanthropist" snagged 5.1 million viewers on NBC.

From Media Village

July 9th,2009

At 10 p.m. ET, NBC's "The Philanthropist" averaged a 1.4/4 in 18-49 and 5.1 million viewers overall, to match its 18-49 rating of the prior week. "The Philanthropist" is tied for #1 in the time period among the broadcast networks in men 25-54 (with a 1.6 rating, tying both ABC and CBS).

NBC ranked #1 for the night in total viewers.

I recently read that the ratings for The Philanthropist have been dropping, which means that it's not likely that NBC will continue the show. This is a disappointment for me. While I do not watch much tv, I have made a point of watching The Philanthropist and have enjoyed it. But the ratings drop does not surprise me.
While the show has an excellent premise, I felt that the writing for the pilot was weak, and apparently many viewers agreed with me. Unlike them, I did watch the entire show. But I felt the pilot did not provide enough character development to justify their actions. As others have commented, the pilot was too much of Teddy Rist throwing money at a problem to solve it. By the end of the first show, I felt like it was just a little too easy for Teddy to save the day.
It's a shame that the third episode, in Paris, was not used as the pilot. While it would have taken a bit more character development if it had been the pilot, it was a much stronger episode and the writing was much tighter.
I think the cast is a wonderful group of highly skilled actors, and will be sorry if they are not allowed to continue. As each episode passes, we get to know more about the characters and the show gets better and better.
Unfortunately, those viewers who turned away before the end of episode one probably won't be back. That's a shame.

'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT' TIES FOR THE #1 SHOW OF THE WEEK IN 18-49 AND RANKS #1 AND #2 IN TOTAL VIEWERS, PACING NBC'S WEEK OF JULY 27-AUG. 2
Published: August 4, 2009

FOR A SIXTH STRAIGHT WEEK, 'TALENT' IS #1 OR TIED FOR #1 FOR THE WEEK AMONG ALL NON-SPORTS TELECASTS IN BOTH 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS

THE TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY EDITIONS OF 'TALENT' ARE BOTH UP WEEK-TO-WEEK IN ADULTS 18-49

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – August 4, 2009 – Led by "America's Got Talent," which tied as the #1 program of the week in adults 18-49 and was the top program of the week and total viewers and other key measures, NBC averaged a 1.3 rating, 4 share in 18-49 and 5.1 million viewers overall for the week of July 27-August 2, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research. It's the sixth week in a row that "America's Got Talent" has ranked #1 or tied for #1 among all non-sports programs in both categories.

Last week, "America's Got Talent" again demonstrated its broad appeal, with the Tuesday edition of "Talent" ranking #1 among all primetime programs for the week in such diverse categories as adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers, kids 2-11 and teens 12-17. In total viewers, the Tuesday edition of "Talent," with 13.2 million viewers, and the Wednesday edition of "Talent," with 11.2 million viewers, were the #1 and #2 programs of the week. An encore telecast of "America's Got Talent" on Tuesday attracted 8.6 million viewers to rank #8 among all primetime programs this week on the broadcast networks in overall viewership.

In primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49, the Tuesday edition of "America's Got Talent" (with a 3.5 rating, 10 share) ranked #1 (tied) among all primetime programs. The Wednesday edition of "America's Got Talent" ranked #5 (tied) this week among adults 18-49, the Tuesday encore telecast of "Talent" ranked #11 (tied) and a rebroadcast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" was #15 (tied).

Primetime averages for the week of July 27-August 2 in adults 18-49 were Fox (1.8/6), CBS (1.5/5), NBC and ABC (1.3/4), Univision (1.2/4), CW (0.5/1) and Telemundo (0.4/1). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were CBS (6.2 million), NBC (5.1 million), Fox (4.8 million), ABC (4.4 million), Univision (2.9 million), CW (1.2 million) and Telemundo (1.0 million).

Season to date, NBC is running within 0.7 of a rating point of first place in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49, versus a deficit of 1.2 points at this time last season.


NBC highlights for the week of July 27-August 2:

* On Tuesday, "America's Got Talent" was the #1 show of the night on any network in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures.

* The Tuesday "Talent" dominated the competition in its time period, winning decisively in every key ratings category. The margin of victory over CBS's "Big Brother" in second place was 67 percent in adults 18-49 and 118 percent or nearly 7.2 million persons in total viewers. "Talent" topped the debut of Fox's "More to Love" by an 84 percent margin in adults 18-49 and by 230 percent or more than 9.2 million persons in total viewers.

* Also on Tuesday, in the 8 p.m. hour, an encore telecast of "America's Got Talent" delivered NBC's biggest overall viewership in the slot since the May 12 finale of "The Biggest Loser," and posted its second consecutive week of growth in adults 18-49, despite competition in the time period from Fox's "Hell's Kitchen."

* NBC tied for #1 on Tuesday night in adults 18-49 and won Tuesday night outright in total viewers, adults, men and women 25-54 and women 18-49.

* On Wednesday, "America's Got Talent" was the #1 show of the night in total viewers.

* The Wednesday edition of "America's Got Talent" grew by 12 percent in 18-49 rating versus the prior week's telecast.

* Also on Wednesday, "The Philanthropist" scored its highest 18-49 and total-viewer results in three weeks, increasing 18 percent in 18-49 rating versus the prior week.

* On Thursday, an encore telecast of "30 Rock" retained 100 percent of its lead-in from "The Office," to deliver its highest rating since May.

* Also on Thursday, a rebroadcast of "The Office" delivered the biggest overall viewership for that series in five weeks, and an encore telecast of "Law & Order" captured NBC's top 18-49 and total-viewer results in its time period in five weeks.

* On Friday, a two-hour "Dateline NBC" was the #1 show of the night in adults 18-49, marking the fifth time in seven weeks "Dateline" has been Friday's top telecast.

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 July 27-August 2:

On Monday July 27 at 8 p.m. ET, "Great American Road Trip" averaged a 0.9 rating, 3 share in adults 18-49 and 3.4 million viewers overall. At 9 p.m., "The Wanted" averaged a 0.4/1 in 18-49 and 2.0 million viewers overall.

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall) increased from its first half-hour to its second by 38 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.1 from a 0.8), by 25 percent in adults 25-54 (to a 1.5 from a 1.2) and by 24 percent in total viewers (to 4.6 million from 3.7 million).

On Tuesday, July 28 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "America's Got Talent" (2.2/7 in 18-49, 8.6 million viewers overall) delivered NBC's biggest overall viewership in this time period since the May 12 finale of "The Biggest Loser: Couples." In adults 18-49, it scored NBC's highest 18-49 rating in four weeks. The "Talent" encore ranked #2 in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures. Week-to-week, the 8 p.m. "Talent" rebroadcast was up 5 percent in adults 18-49 (2.2 vs. 2.19) and 4 percent in total viewers (8.6 million vs. 8.3 million), marking the second consecutive week of growth for this encore telecast.

Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, "America's Got Talent" (3.5/10 in adults 18-49, 13.2 million viewers overall) was the #1 show on television Tuesday night in adults 18-49 and total viewers. "Talent" dominated its time period, winning decisively in every key ratings category over Fox's premiere of "More to Love," CBS's "Big Brother" and ABC's encore telecast of "The Bachelorette" finale.

The margin of victory in the 9 p.m. ET hour for "America's Got Talent" was 67 percent in adults 18-49 (3.5 vs. a 2.1 for CBS's "Big Brother" in second place) and 118 percent or nearly 7.2 million persons in total viewers (13.2 million vs. 6.1 million for "Big Brother"). "Talent" topped the debut of Fox's "More to Love" by an 84 percent margin in adults 18-49 (3.5 vs. 1.9) and by 230 percent or more than 9.2 million persons in total viewers (13.2 million vs. 4.0 million).

Week-to-week, the Tuesday edition of "America's Got Talent" grew 3 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 3.5 from a 3.4).

Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (2.1/6 in 18-49, 7.2 million viewers overall) matched its highest 18-49 rating for an encore telecast since April 21. "SVU" ranked #2 in adults 18-49, behind ABC's "Bachelorette" special "After the Final Rose" and ranked #1 in men 18-49 and men 25-54. In the time period, "SVU" more than doubled CBS's rival drama encore "Medium" in adults 18-49 (2.1 vs. 1.0), men and women 18-49 and adults, men and women 18-34.

NBC tied for #1 on Tuesday night in adults 18-49 and won Tuesday night outright in total viewers, adults, men and women 25-54 and women 18-49.

On Wednesday July 29 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "America's Got Talent" averaged a 1.4/5 in 18-49 and 6.3 million viewers overall.

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, "America's Got Talent" (2.8/8 in 18-49, 11.2 million viewers overall) was the #1 show of the night on any network, broadcast or cable, in total viewers. In adults 18-49, the Wednesday edition of "Talent" grew 12 percent versus the prior week (2.8/8 vs. 2.5/7).

"America's Got Talent" finished within one share of the time-period lead in adults 18-49 and won the 9-10 p.m. ET hour in total viewers, adults and men 25-54 and men 18-49.

"America's Got Talent" posted dramatic growth in the Wednesday 9 p.m. ET time period versus NBC's pre-"Talent" summer average in the slot, including gains of 65 percent in adults 18-49 (2.8 vs. 1.7) and 71 percent in adults 25-54 (3.6 vs. 2.1).

Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, "The Philanthropist" (1.3/3 in 18-49, 4.9 million viewers overall) scored its highest 18-49 and total-viewer results in three weeks, up 18 percent in 18-49 (1.3 vs. 1.1) and 6 percent in total viewers (4.9 million vs. 4.6 million) versus the prior week's telecast. "The Philanthropist" ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in the hour in men 18-34 and men 18-49 (tied) and #2 or tied for #2 in numerous key measures, including adults 18-49 and adults 25-54.

On Thursday, July 30 from 8-8:30 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "30 Rock" (1.1/4 in 18-49, 3.6 million viewers overall) delivered NBC's biggest total viewership in the slot in six weeks (since June 18). At 8:30 p.m., a rebroadcast of "Parks and Recreation" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 2.8 million viewers overall) retained 91 percent of its 18-49 lead-in from "30 Rock."

Thursday from 9-9:31 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "The Office" (1.3/4in 18-49, 3.1 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in adults and women 18-34 and all key adult-male demos. In total viewers, this was the biggest overall audience for "The Office" in five weeks (since June 25).

Thursday from 9:31-10 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "30 Rock" (1.3/4 in 18-49, 3.0 million viewers overall) retained 100 percent of its 18-49 lead-in from "The Office" to claim its highest rating since May. "30 Rock" ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in adults, men and women 18-34 and men 18-49.

Thursday from 10-11 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Law & Order" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) captured NBC's top 18-49 and total-viewer result in the time period in five weeks (since June 25). "Law & Order" ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in the time period in adults 18-49, total viewers and all other key measures.

On Friday, July 31 from 8-9 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Southland" (0.7/3 in 18-49, 3.3 million viewers overall) tied for #1 among the broadcast networks in men 18-49 and men 25-54 and finished #2 in the time period in total viewers.

From 9-11 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (1.3/5 in 18-49, 5.8 million viewers overall) was the #1 telecast of the night in adults 18-49 and total viewers. This marks the fifth Friday in seven weeks that "Dateline" has reported the top results for any broadcast network in 18-49. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "Dateline" grew by 60 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.6/6 from a 1.0/4) and by 36 percent or more than 1.7 million persons in total viewers (to 6.6 million from 4.8 million).

On Saturday, August 1 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" averaged a 0.4/2 in 18-49 and 2.3 million viewers overall.

Saturday at 9 p.m. ET, the debut of "Face the Ace" averaged a 0.4/2 in 18-49 and 1.6 million viewers overall. "Face the Ace" built on its lead-in among men 18-34, men 18-49 and women 18-34.

Saturday from 10-11 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (0.9/3 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall) tied for #1 in the time period in adults 18-49 and ranked #1 outright among the broadcast networks in adults, men and women 18-34. From its first half-hour to its second, "SVU" increased by 43 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.0 from a 0.7) and by 32 percent in total viewers (to 4.2 million from 3.2 million).

On Sunday, August 2 from 7-8 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Dateline NBC" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall) ranked #2 or tied for #2 in the time period in adults 18-34, women 18-34, adults 25-54 and men 25-54, and tied for #1 among the broadcast networks in men 18-34. "Dateline" matched NBC's highest non-sports 18-49 rating in this time period since May 17. From its first half-hour to its second, "Dateline" increased by 30 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.3/5 from a 1.0/4) and by 15 percent in total viewers (5.4 million vs. 4.7 million).

Sunday from 8-9 p.m. ET, "Merlin" (1.1/4 in 18-49, 4.4 million viewers overall) matched its highest 18-49 rating since June 21 and delivered its biggest overall audience since that same date.

Sunday from 9-11 p.m. ET, "The Storm, Part 2" averaged a 1.0/3 in 18-49 and 4.1 million viewers overall. For its full two-hour time period, "The Storm, Part 2" ranked #2 in men 18-34 and in its final hour from 10-11 p.m. it finished #1 among the broadcast networks in that demo.

I would urge NBC to not be hasty in pulling the plug for this show. Like Sabelina, I thought the Pilot episode was not the best episode of the season. There was very little introduction of any other character but Teddy. While he is the central piece in the story, the audience needs to know who the other characters are and how they fit into Teddy's life.

As for the ratings, this is, after all, a summer series. NBC cannot expect the ratings to be exactly the same as they would for Fall/Winter primetime. From the last ratings numbers, it does appear there may be a slight rebound from earlier weeks, which is a good sign. But, it can't all be about the numbers. The ratings are still probably higher than repeats would be at this time of year!

Again, I urge NBC to give the show a chance.

'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT,' THE #1 SHOW OF THE SUMMER, LEADS NBC'S WEEK OF AUG. 10-16
Published: August 18, 2009

NBC WINS THREE PRIMETIME NIGHTS - TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY – IN BOTH ADULTS 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS

TUESDAY'S 'TALENT' IS THE #1 SHOW OF THE WEEK IN 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS

'TALENT' PACES NBC TO A TUESDAY PRIMETIME VICTORY IN ADULTS 18-49, TOTAL VIEWERS AND ALL OTHER KEY MEASURES

WEDNESDAY'S 'TALENT' IS THE #1 SHOW OF THE NIGHT IN ADULTS 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS, POSTING WEEK-TO-WEEK GROWTH IN BOTH MEASURES

NBC WINS WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN ADULTS 18-49, TOTAL VIEWERS AND OTHER KEY MEASURES

'DATELINE' REPORTS THE TOP RESULTS OF ANY SHOW FRIDAY IN 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS, LEADING NBC TO A FRIDAY WIN IN ADULTS 18-49, 25-54 AND TOTAL VIEWERS

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – August 18, 2009 – Led by "America's Got Talent," which was the #1 show of the week in adults 18-49, total viewers and numerous other key measures, NBC averaged a 1.4 rating, 5 share in 18-49 and 5.3 million viewers overall for the week of August 10-16, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research. NBC ranked #2 among the broadcast networks this week in adults 25-54 and total viewers.

The two-hour Tuesday edition of NBC's "America's Got Talent" was the top program on television this week in a broad array of categories, ranking #1 among all primetime programs in such diverse categories as adults, men and women 18-49, adults, men and women 25-54, kids 2-11 and total viewers. "America's Got Talent" is the #1 television program of the summer in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures and this marks the eighth week in a row that "America's Got Talent" has ranked #1 or tied for #1 among all programs in both adults 18-49 and total viewers (excluding sports telecasts).

This week, the Wednesday "America's Got Talent" results show also ranked among the top five primetime programs of the week on the broadcast networks in a wide range of measures, including adults 18-49 (#3), adults 25-54 (#2), total viewers (#3), kids 2-11 (#3) and teens 12-17 (#4, tie).

NBC won three nights of the week of August 10-16 in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49 – Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. NBC also ranked #1 in primetime on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in total viewers.

Primetime averages for the week of August 10-16 in adults 18-49 were CBS (1.6/5), Fox (1.5/5), NBC (1.4/5), Univision (1.3/4), ABC (1.2/4), Telemundo (0.5/2) and CW (0.4/1). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were CBS (6.3 million), NBC (5.3 million), ABC (4.3 million), Fox (4.1 million), Univision (3.1 million), Telemundo (1.1 million) and CW (1.0 million).

NBC highlights for the week of August 10-16:

* On Tuesday, "America's Got Talent" was the #1 television program of the night in both adults 18-49 and total viewers, outscoring such first-run rivals on the night as Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" and "More to Love," CBS's "Big Brother 11" and ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

* Tuesday's "America's Got Talent," which is the summer's #1 television series in both 18-49 and total viewers, dominated its two-hour time period, winning decisively in every key ratings category including adults 18-49 and total viewers. Versus the same night last year, "Talent" was up 3 percent in both 18-49 rating and total viewers.

* NBC won Tuesday night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures.

* On Wednesday, the "America's Got Talent" results show was the #1 program of the night in both 18-49 and total viewers. Versus the prior Wednesday's edition of "Talent," last week's Wednesday telecast grew 3 percent in 18-49 rating and 10 percent or more than 1.1 million persons in total viewers.

* Wednesday's "Talent" results show dominated its time period in all key measures. "Talent" topped its closest competitor in the slot, ABC's "Wipeout," by 36 percent in 18-49 rating and by 91 percent or more than 5.6 million persons in total viewers.

* Also on Wednesday, an "America's Got Talent" recap show ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in the 8-9 p.m. ET hour in virtually all key demographics, including adults, men and women 18-49, adults 18-34 and adults 25-54

* NBC ranked #1 in primetime Wednesday night, topping all broadcast and cable competition, in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures.

* On Thursday, an encore telecast of "30 Rock" matched its highest 18-49 rating of the summer to date, notching its best demo rating in more than two months. "30 Rock" tied for #1 among the English-language broadcast networks in the time period among adults 18-49 and was #1 outright in adults, men and women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

* Also on Thursday, a rebroadcast of "The Office" ranked #1 among the English-language broadcast networks in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and other key demos. Week-to-week, "The Office" gained 17 percent in 18-49 rating to hit a four-week high in that demo.

* On Friday, a two-hour "Dateline" was the #1 telecast of the night on the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 and total viewers. "Dateline" reported the top 18-49 rating for any Friday primetime telecast on any broadcast network in five weeks and the biggest overall audience for any Friday primetime telecast on any broadcast network in seven weeks. "Dateline" ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in its two-hour slot in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, adults 18-34, total viewers and other key measures

* NBC ranked #1 among the broadcast networks Friday night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures. This marks the third consecutive Friday on which NBC has ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in total viewers.

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 August 10-16:

On Monday, August 10 at 8 p.m. ET, "Great American Road Trip" averaged a 1.1 rating, 4 share in adults 18-49 and 3.7 million viewers overall. At 9 p.m. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" delivered a 1.0/3 in 18-49 and 4.7 million viewers overall.

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (1.6/5 in 18-49, 6.3 million viewers overall) ranked #2 in the time period in adults 18-49 and #1 among the broadcast networks in women 18-49 (tied) and women 25-54. From its first half-hour to its second, "Dateline" increased by 20 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.8/5 from a 1.5/4), 21 percent in adults 25-54 (to a 2.3/7 from a 1.9/5) and 16 in total viewers (to 6.8 million from 5.9 million).

On Tuesday, August 11 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "America's Got Talent" (1.6/5 in 18-49, 6.3 million viewers overall) increased from its first half-hour to its second by 13 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.7 from a 1.5) and 12 percent in total viewers (to 6.6 million from 5.9 million).

Tuesday from 9-11 p.m. ET, "America's Got Talent" (3.6/11 in adults 18-49, 12.9 million viewers overall) was the #1 program on television for the night in adults 18-49 and total viewers, outscoring such first-run Tuesday rivals as Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" and "More to Love," CBS's "Big Brother 11" and ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

"America's Got Talent" dominated its two-hour time period, winning decisively in every key ratings category including adults 18-49 and total viewers. Versus the same night last year, "Talent" was up 3 percent in both 18-49 rating and total viewers. "Talent" matched its highest 18-49 rating in four weeks.

The Tuesday edition of "America's Got Talent" is the summer's #1 television series in both 18-49 and total viewers.

NBC won Tuesday night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures.

On Wednesday, August 12 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an "America's Got Talent" recap show (1.6/6 in 18-49, 6.0 million viewers overall) ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in the hour in virtually all key demographics, including adults, men and women 18-49, adults 18-34 and adults 25-54. From its first half-hour to its second, the "Talent" recap increased 20 percent in adult 18-49 rating (to a 1.8 from a 1.5) and 13 percent in total viewers (to 6.5 million from 5.6 million).

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, "America's Got Talent" (3.0/9 in 18-49, 11.8 million viewers overall) was the #1 show of the night in adults 18-49 and total viewers.

The "Talent" results show dominated its 9-10 p.m. time period in all key measures. "Talent" topped its closest competitor in the slot, ABC's "Wipeout," by 36 percent in 18-49 rating (3.0/9 vs. 2.2/7) and by 91 percent or more than 5.6 million persons in total viewers (11.8 million vs. 6.2 million).

Versus the prior Wednesday's edition of "Talent, " last week's Wednesday telecast grew 3 percent in 18-49 rating (3.0 vs. 2.9) and 10 percent or more than 1.1 million persons in total viewers (to 11.8 million from 10.7 million).

"America's Got Talent" continues to exhibit dramatic growth in the Wednesday 9 p.m. ET time period versus NBC's pre-"Talent" summer average in the slot, this week posting gains of 76 percent in adults 18-49 (3.0 vs. 1.7) and 81 percent in adults 25-54 (3.8 vs. 2.1).

Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, "The Philanthropist" averaged a 1.1/3 in 18-49 and 4.5 million viewers overall. "Philanthropist" was up 5 percent in total viewers versus the prior week (4.5 million vs. 4.3 million).

NBC ranked #1 in primetime Wednesday night, topping all broadcast and cable competition in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures.

On Thursday, August 13 from 8-8:30 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "30 Rock" averaged a 1.1/4 in 18-49 and 2.9 million viewers overall. At 8:30 p.m., a rebroadcast of "Parks & Recreation" delivered a 0.9/3 in 18-49 and 2.3 million viewers overall.

Thursday from 9-9:31 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "The Office" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 3.2 million viewers overall) ranked #1 among the English-language broadcast networks in adults and men 18-49 and adults, men and women 18-34. Week-to-week, "The Office" gained 17 percent in 18-49 rating (1.4 vs. 1.2) to hit a four-week high in that key demo.

Thursday from 9:31-10:01 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "30 Rock" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 3.1 million viewers overall), matched its highest 18-49 rating of the summer to date, its best performance in more than two months (since May 28). "30 Rock" tied for #1 among the English-language broadcast networks in the half-hour in adults 18-49 and ranked #1 outright in adults, men and women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54. "30 Rock" retained 100 percent of its lead-in from "The Office" in adults 18-49 and adults 18-34 and built on that lead-in among adults 25-54 by 7 percent.

Thursday from 10:01-11 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Law & Order" (1.2/4 in 18-49, 3.8 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49, total viewers and all other key measures. Week-to-week, the "Law & Order" encore gained 20 percent in 18-49 rating.

On Friday, August 14 from 8-9 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Southland" averaged a 0.7/3 in 18-49 and 2.9 million viewers overall.

From 9-11 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (1.5/5 in 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall) was the #1 telecast of the night on the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 and total viewers. "Dateline" reported the top 18-49 rating for any Friday primetime telecast on any broadcast network in five weeks (since July 10) and the biggest overall audience for any Friday primetime telecast on any broadcast network in seven weeks (since June 26).

"Dateline" ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in the time period in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, adults 18-34, total viewers and numerous other key measures. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "Dateline" increased by 31 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.7/6 from a 1.3/5) and by 29 percent or more than 1.5 million persons in total viewers (to 6.8 million from 5.3 million).

This marks the seventh Friday in nine weeks that "Dateline" has reported the top results for any broadcast network in 18-49 and the third week in a row that it was the top program on Friday night in total viewers.

NBC ranked #1 among the broadcast networks Friday night in adults 18-49, adults 25-54, total viewers and other key measures. This marks the third consecutive Friday on which NBC has ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in total viewers.

On Saturday, August 15 from 8-10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports' coverage of the 2009 Visa Championships Gymnastics (0.7/3 in 18-49, 2.5 million viewers overall) increased from its first half-hour to its fourth by 33 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.8 from a 0.6) and by 30 percent in total viewers (to 2.8 million from 2.2 million).

Saturday from 10-11 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (0.9/3 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in the hour in adults 18-49 and total viewers and tied for #1 in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49.

On Sunday August 16, from 7-8 p.m. ET, "Merlin" averaged a 0.8/3 in 18-49 and 3.1 million viewers overall. From 8-9 p.m., a second episode of "Merlin" delivered a 0.9/3 and 4.0 million viewers overall, conjuring up a 13 percent increase in adults 18-49, an 18 percent increase in adults 25-54 (1.3 vs. 1.1) and a 29 percent increase in total viewers versus the 7-8 p.m. "Merlin" results.

Sunday from 9-11 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash 2008" averaged a 1.0/3 in 18-49 and 3.2 million viewers overall. From its first to its second hour, the special increased its 18-49 rating by 38 percent (to a 1.1 from a 0.8). For its concluding hour from 10-11 p.m., "Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash 2008" was #1 or tied for #1 among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49, adults, men and women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.