All eyes are on NBC this week as the previously struggling network is given a second chance. Weeks of Olympic coverage bolstered the network’s ratings temporarily, but with the closing ceremonies behind us, there have been rumors and promises of new shows on the horizon.
Tuesdays, notorious for primetime giants like Lost and American Idol, are dangerous territory for even more eager competitors. NBC brought its new show Parenthood to the table, filling the newly vacant 10 p.m. spot. The project didn’t manage to top the viewer numbers, but stayed afloat securing the majority of viewers from The Biggest Loser lead-in.
Jay Leno sat back down at his Late Night desk this week, happy to be returning after his failed primetime run. The heavily advertised Monday night premier captured 6.6 million viewers according to Nielsen ratings, leaving Leno’s longtime rival David Letterman in the dust with 3.8 million.
These types of numbers for Leno are unusual, representing a nearly 25 percent increase over his average ratings from last year before the switch. While the numbers are leaving many NBC executives optimistic about the decision to bring Leno back to 11:30, I think there’s reason to be skeptical.
The premier came on Monday following NBC’s rating domination with the winter games, and the heavily promoted program drew in a wide and curious audience. My reason for watching: I wanted to see what he might do.
The situation isn’t very different from situation Conan was in at the end of his run. A quick influx of viewers curious to see what new scandal will erupt from the feud at NBC flocked to the scene, hoping for another embarrassing stab at the show’s parent company. Only a few typical jokes were made; Leno seemed relieved to return to his usual one-line punches and easy stabs at political pendants.
In other TV news this week, American Idol reclaimed its top spot for Tuesday nights. CBS saw good numbers with its popular new drama The Good Wife on Wednesdays, and brought the goods with a Monday night premier of its top comedy shows, featuring the fan favorite How I Met Your Mother.
All in all, it seems that TV is back after the winter hiatus and Olympic shuffle. Keep a look out for the new shows promised, and the old ones that are on their way out.
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