NBC Wins Sunday, Boosted By U.S. Open Ratings

NBC won a weak summer Sunday -- with a stronger-than-expected U.S Open golf event.

The event's prime-time Nielsen preliminary 2.3 rating/9 share among 18-49 viewers was up 35% in ratings from a year ago. Two top golf personalities --Phil Mickelson and a better-playing Tiger Woods -- helped to lift these results.

But with repeats of "Minute To Win It" and sister channel's USA Network's "Law & Order: CI", NBC couldn't get over the 2 rating mark, the network averaged a 1.8/6 for the night.

ABC offered up two new scripted dramas on Sunday night. While the network gave these shows -- "Scoundrels" and "The Gates" -- some marketing push in recent weeks, it was not enough, with "Scoundrels" earning a 1.3/4 and "Gates" only doing a bit better, with a 1.4/4.

While most of the networks were in repeat mode, Fox did sneak in a couple of originals. Its much maligned and long-suffering comedy, "'Til Death" had its series finale. But it almost went unnoticed -- earning a 0.6/3 numbers, the second-worst-rated TV show of the night.

Another departing Fox show -- "Sons of Tucson,", which still has not finished its run -- had the lowest numbers, with a 0.6/2.

After the big golf event, Fox's big Sunday night animated comedy "Family Guy" offered up a decent 2.0/6 for a repeat airing.

Behind NBC, Fox came in second place among 18-49 viewers with a 1.3/5; followed by ABC at a 1.2/4; CBS with a 1.0/3; and Univision, at 0.7/2.

advertisement

advertisement

Next story loading loading..