'NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL,' 'HEROES' AND 'LAW & ORDER: SVU' RANK IN THE WEEK'S TOP 10 IN PRIMETIME'S KEY DEMO OF ADULTS 18-49

'HEROES' IS MONDAY NIGHT'S #1 SHOW IN ADULTS 18-49, RANKS #6 AMONG ALL PROGRAMS FOR THE WEEK

'LAW & ORDER: SVU' IS TUESDAY'S #1 PROGRAM IN ADULTS 18-49, CAPTURING ITS TIME PERIOD IN ADULTS 18-34, 18-49 AND 25-54

'THE OFFICE' IS THE TELEVISION'S #1 COMEDY SEASON TO DATE IN ADULTS 18-49

THROUGH FOUR WEEKS, 'THE OFFICE' LIFTS NBC'S THURSDAY 9 P.M. HOUR BY 55 PERCENT IN ADULTS 18-49

NBC'S WEDNESDAY LINEUP OF 'DEAL OR NO DEAL,' 'BIONIC WOMAN' AND 'LIFE' POSTS 33 PERCENT GROWTH IN 18-49 THIS SEASON VERSUS LAST

BURBANK, Calif. � October 23, 2007 � Paced by "Sunday Night Football," "Heroes," "Law & Order: SVU" and "The Office," NBC averaged a 3.1 rating, 9 share in 18-49 and 8.3 million viewers overall for the week of October 15-21, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.

NBC placed three programs in the week's top 10 in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49, with "NBC Sunday Night Football" (#5), "Heroes" (#6) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (#9 tied). Among adults 18-34, "Heroes" ranked #4 among all programs, "The Office" was #5 and "NBC Sunday Night Football" was #6.

Through the first four weeks of the 2007-08 season, "The Office" is television's #1 comedy in adults 18-49 and ranks #8 among all programs season-to-date.

Primetime averages for the week of October 15-21 in adults 18-49 were Fox (3.9/11), ABC (3.5/10), NBC (3.1/9), CBS (3.0/8), Univision (1.5/4), CW (1.3/3) and Telemundo (0.4/1). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were Fox (11.8 million), CBS (11.0 million), ABC (10.7 million), NBC (8.3 million), Univision (3.4 million), CW (3.2 million) and Telemundo (0.9 million).

Through the first four weeks of the 2007-08 season, NBC currently ranks #2 (tied) in adults 18-49. Primetime season-to-date averages in adults 18-49 are ABC (3.8/10), NBC and CBS (3.5/10), Fox (3.2/9), Univision (1.4/4), CW (1.3/3) and Telemundo (0.4/1).

NBC ranks #1 through the first four weeks of the season in adults 18-34 and in all key male demographics � men 18-34, men 18-49 (tied) and men 25-54.

NBC highlights for the week of October 15-21:

* On Sunday, despite competition from Major League Baseball's ALCS Game Seven, this week's "NBC Sunday Night Football" game, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Denver Broncos, increased by 17 percent in adult 18-49 rating and 19 percent in overall total viewers versus the prior week's "SNF" telecast. "NBC Sunday Night Football" was the #2 primetime telecast of the week among men 18-49 and men 25-54, trailing only the ALCS Game Seven.

* On Monday, "Chuck" was up 22 percent in 18-49 and 16 percent in total viewers versus the prior week, hitting its highest ratings since its series premiere on September 24.

* Also on Monday, "Heroes" was the #1 show of the night in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49. "Heroes" won its highly competitive slot in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and all key adult male demographics.

* On Tuesday, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" was the #1 show of the night in adults 18-49 and also won its time period in adults 18-34 and adults 25-54 against all entertainment and sports competition, including Major League Baseball's ALCS Game Four. With an average 12.5 million viewers overall, "SVU" attracted its highest total viewership so far this season.

* Also on Tuesday, "The Biggest Loser' was up 11 percent in 18-49 versus the prior week.

* On Wednesday, "Deal or No Deal" matched NBC's highest 18-49 rating in its time period in 10 months and was up 35 percent versus NBC's average in the slot last season.

* NBC's new Wednesday lineup of "Deal," "Bionic Woman" and "Life" are up 33 percent in adults 18-49 and 48 percent in total viewers so far this season versus NBC's Wednesday average at this comparable point last season.

* On Thursday, "ER" dominated its drama competition, topping ABC's "Big Shots" by 33 percent and CBS' "Viva Laughlin" preview by 74 percent in adults 18-49, despite significant lead-in advantages for the ABC and CBS competition. "ER" also beat the competing dramas in adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and total viewers.

* "ER" was up 14 percent in 18-49 and 19 percent in total viewers versus the prior week, delivering its highest overall viewership of the season to date.

* Also on Thursday, "The Office" continues to deliver robust ratings in its new 9 p.m. time period. Through the first four weeks of the season, "The Office" is up 55 percent in 18-49 rating versus NBC's performance in this slot through this point last season.

* On Friday, "Friday Night Lights" gained 12 percent versus the prior week in adults 18-49, finishing within one share of the time period lead in that key demo and ranking #1 among adults 18-34.

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 October 15-21:

On Monday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. ET, "Chuck" (3.3 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49, 8.4 million viewers overall) was up 22 percent in 18-49 and 16 percent in total viewers, delivering its best results since its season premiere. "Chuck" ranked #2 in the time period in adults 18-49 and #1 in adults 18-34 (tied).

"Chuck" grew from half-hour to half-hour, gaining 13 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 3.5 from a 3.1) and 9 percent in total viewers. "Chuck" has generated half-hour-to-half-hour increases with every one of its eight telecasts (four Monday originals and four Saturday encores).

At 9 p.m. ET, "Heroes" (5.2/12 in 18-49, 11.4 million viewers overall) was the #1 show of the night in adults 18-49, ranking #1 in its highly competitive hour in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and all key adult male demographics.

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, "Journeyman" averaged a 2.7/7 in 18-49 and 6.7 million viewers overall.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 8-9 p.m. ET, "Matt Lauer Reports," featuring Matt Lauer's interview with Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, averaged a 1.7/5 in 18-49 and 5.7 million viewers overall.

Tuesday from 9-10 p.m. ET, "The Biggest Loser" (3.0/8 in 18-49, 7.0 million viewers overall) was up 11 percent in adults 18-49 and 6 percent in total viewers versus the prior week. "Loser" gained 26 percent in 18-49 rating and 16 percent in total viewers from its first to its second half hour. "Loser' built on its lead-in from the previous hour by 76 percent in 18-49 rating.

Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (4.8/13 in 18-49, 12.5 million viewers overall) delivered the #1 rating of the night on any network in adults 18-49. "SVU" also ranked #1 in its time period in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and adults 25-54 against all entertainment and sports competition, including the American League Championship Series Game Four telecast on Fox.

In total viewers, "SVU" attracted its largest overall audience so far this season (since May 15).

"Law & Order: SVU" tied for the week's #1 rating for a 10 p.m. drama in adults 18-49, matching "CSI: Miami."

On Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ET, "Deal or No Deal" (3.1/9 in 18-49, 12.6 million viewers overall) matched NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the hour in 10 months (since December 11, 2006) to rank #2 in the time period in adults 18-49 and #1 in total viewers. "Deal" was up 35 percent in 18-49 versus NBC's average in this time period last season (3.1 vs. 2.3).

From its first half-hour to its second, "Deal" increased by 21 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 3.4 from a 2.8) and by 19 percent in overall viewership (to 13.5 million from 11.3 million).

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, "Bionic Woman" (3.4/9 share in 18-49, 8.6 million viewers overall) ranked #1 in the key male demographics of men 18-49 and men 18-34.

Wednesday from 10-11 p.m. ET, "Life" (2.8/8 in 18-49, 7.6 million viewers overall) won the hour in men 18-34 and was up 4 percent week-to-week in adults 18-49 (2.8 vs. 2.7). "Life" retained 82 percent of its 18-49 lead-in from "Bionic Woman," its best retention to date.

Through the first four weeks of the season, NBC's new Wednesday lineup is up 33 percent in adults 18-49 rating (a 3.6 vs.2.7), while the other major networks all have sustained double-digit drops. In overall total viewers, NBC's Wednesday lineup is up 48 percent so far this season

On Thursday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET, "My Name is Earl" (2.7/8 in 18-49, 7.3 million viewers overall) ranked #1 among men 18-34, despite competition from Major League Baseball's ALCS Game Five

At 8:30 p.m. ET, "30 Rock" (2.6/7 in 18-49, 6.2 million viewers overall) retained 96 percent of its "Earl" lead-in among adults 18-49. "30 Rock" built on its lead-in by 14 percent in adults 18-34 and by 22 percent among men 18-34.

Thursday from 9-10 p.m. ET, "The Office" (4.5/11 in 18-49, 8.6 million viewers overall) soared 41 percent above NBC's 18-49 average in this highly competitive time period last season (4.5 vs. 3.2). Season to date, "The Office" has lifted NBC by 55 percent in 18-49 rating in this time slot versus the network's average at this point last season (5.1 vs. 3.3).

"The Office" built on its lead-in by 73 percent in 18-49 and by 38 percent in total viewers. "The Office" dominated this fiercely competitive hour among men 18-34, outperforming its closest competitors (Fox's baseball telecast and ABC's "Grey's Anatomy") by a 49 percent margin in that elusive demographic.

Thursday from 10-11 p.m. ET, "ER" (4.0/11 in 18-49, 10.1 million viewers overall) was up 14 percent in 18-49 and 19 percent in total viewers versus the prior week. "ER" delivered its highest total viewership of the season to date (since February 15) and its highest 18-49 rating since its September 27 season premiere.

"ER" dominated the hour's drama competition, topping ABC's "Big Shots" by a 33 percent margin in adults 18-49 (4.0 vs. 3.0) and CBS' "Viva Laughlin" preview by 74 percent (4.0 vs. 2.3), despite significant lead-in advantages for the ABC and CBS competition. "ER" also beat the competing dramas in adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and total viewers. Among women 18-49 and women 25-54, "ER" also topped Fox's baseball telecast.

"ER" maintained its 4.0 18-49 rating from half-hour to half-hour, while ABC's "Big Shots" declined by 18 percent (to a 2.7 from a 3.3) and CBS' "Viva Laughlin" dropped by 30 percent (to a 1.9 from a 2.7). In total viewers, "ER" built slightly (to 10.2 million from 10.0 million), while "Big Shots" shed 16 percent (to 7.4 million from 8.4 million) and "Viva Laughlin" lost 25 percent (to 7.2 million from 9.6 million).

On Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET, "Deal or No Deal" (2.0/7 in 18-49, 9.2 million viewers overall) ranked #2 in 18-49 and #1 in total viewers. From its first to its second half hour, "Deal" increased by 22 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.2/7 from a 1.8/7) and by 21 percent, or more than 1.7 million persons, in total viewers (to 10.1 million from 8.3 million).

Friday at 9 p.m. ET, "Friday Night Lights" (1.9/6 in 18-49, 5.4 million viewers overall) finished within one share of the time period lead in 18-49 and was #1 in adults 18-34. "Lights" was up 12 percent in adults 18-49 versus the prior week (1.9/6 vs. 1.7/5).

At 10 p.m. ET Friday, "Las Vegas" (2.2/7 in 18-49, 7.7 million viewers overall) built on its lead-in from the previous hour by 16 percent in 18-49 rating and 43 percent in total viewers. "Las Vegas" ranked #2 in 18-49, total viewers and other key ratings measures.

On Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Bionic Woman" delivered a 1.0/4 in 18-49 and 3.4 million viewers overall. At 9 p.m., a rebroadcast of "Chuck" averaged a 1.1/3 in 18-49 and 3.1 million viewers overall. At 10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: SVU" delivered a 1.2/4 in 18-49 and 4.6 million viewers overall.

On Sunday, Oct. 21, "NBC Sunday Night Football," featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Denver Broncos, averaged a 5.5/13 in adults 18-49, 13.3 million viewers overall and an 8.31/13 household rating and share from 8:24-11:30 p.m. ET.

Despite competition from Major League Baseball's ALCS Game Seven, "NBC Sunday Night Football" increased by 17 percent in adult 18-49 rating and 19 percent in overall total viewers versus the prior week's "SNF" telecast. "NBC Sunday Night Football" was the #2 primetime telecast of the week among men 18-49 and men 25-54, trailing only the ALCS Game Seven.

Also on Sunday, "Football Night in America 2" from 7:30-7:59 p.m. ET averaged a 1.8/6 18-49, 4.6 million viewers overall and a 3.1 rating, 5 share in households. "Football Night in America 3" from 7:59-8:15 p.m. delivered a 3.5/10 in 18-49, 8.6 million viewers overall and a 5.5/9 in households. From 8:15-8:24 p.m., "NBC Sunday Night Football Pre Kickoff" averaged a 4.2/11 in 18-49, 10.4 million viewers overall and a 6.5/11 in households. Note: "Football Night in America" from 7-7:30 p.m. ET was sustaining programming and does not figure in the nightly or weekly primetime averages.