Like a phoenix, NBC has risen from the ashes of the past and reclaimed the top spot ... for now.
According to the network, it was tops in the 18-49 demographic for premiere week, averaging a 2.9 rating. Fox came in at No. 2 with a 2.6. This is the first time NBC has come out on top since 2003 when the network still had power players such as "ER," "Will & Grace," "Friends" and "The West Wing."
So what's the key to NBC's success? All signs point to "The Voice." The singing competition series has been crushing it in the 18-49 demographic, usually pulling in at least a 4 rating. The Monday, October 1 outing of "The Voice" had 12.3 million viewers and a 4.5 rating. As a lead-in, "The Voice" series has been helping new drama "Revolution" perform solidly. NBC says it's the No. 1 new series (in the demographic). The most recent episode of "Revolution" had 8.4 million viewers and a 3.2 rating.
On Tuesdays, "The Voice" has also been helping "Go On," Matthew Perry's new sitcom. The Tuesday, September 25 episode of "Go On" had a 2.7 rating and 6.9 million viewers.
According to NBC, it's the only network among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox that is up versus last year's premiere week in total viewers and the 18-49 demographic.
However, it's not all good news for the Peacock network. Some of its new fall shows haven't been performing as well as "Revolution." The Wednesday, September 26 episode of "Animal Practice" had 5.2 million viewers and a low 1.4 rating. "Guys With Kids" came in even lower with 4.8 million viewers, but a 1.6 rating.
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