'THE VOICE' PACES NBC'S PRIMETIME WEEK OF MAY 7-13

TUESDAY AND MONDAY EDITIONS OF 'THE VOICE' TIE FOR #2 AND #6 FOR THE WEEK RESPECTIVELY IN 18-49 AND RANK #2 AND TIED FOR #3 IN 18-34

NBC IS THE ONLY NETWORK AMONG ABC, CBS, NBC AND FOX TO MATCH OR TOP ITS RATING FOR THE SAME WEEK LAST YEAR IN 18-49, 18-34, 25-54 OR TOTAL VIEWERS

'THE VOICE' MATCHES ITS TOP MONDAY 18-49 RATING IN FOUR WEEKS AND DELIVERS ITS BIGGEST MONDAY OVERALL AUDIENCE IN FIVE WEEKS

MONDAY'S 'SMASH' BEATS NBC'S PRE-'SMASH' 18-49 AVERAGE IN THE TIME PERIOD BY 80 PERCENT

NBC WINS TUESDAY, AS 'THE VOICE' FINALE GROWS VERSUS THE SHOW'S YEAR-AGO CLOSER BY 19 PERCENT IN 18-49

'THE VOICE' FINALE DOUBLES NBC'S SEASON AVERAGES IN THE SLOT, HITTING SEASON HIGHS FOR THE NET IN 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS

ON WEDNESDAY, THE 8:30 'OFF THEIR ROCKERS' PULLS A 17-WEEK TIME-PERIOD HIGH IN TOTAL VIEWERS

THURSDAY'S 'OFFICE,' 'PARKS AND RECREATION,' 'COMMUNITY' AND 'AWAKE' ALL EQUAL THEIR HIGHEST 18-49 RATINGS SINCE MARCH

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - May 15, 2012 - The Monday and Tuesday editions of "The Voice" have both delivered top-six rankings in adults 18-49 for the primetime week of May 7-13 and top-three rankings in adults 18-34, leading NBC's lineup to an average 1.7 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 5.6 million viewers overall for the week, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.

NBC matched its 1.7 rating for the same week last year in adults 18-49 and was the only network among ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox to equal or top its rating for the year-ago week in adults 18-49, 18-34 or 25-54. NBC was also the only network among those four to improve versus last year in total viewers.

Tuesday's finale of "The Voice" tied for #2 for the week in adults 18-49 with a 4.4 rating, and the Monday edition tied for #6. In the valuable adult 18-34 demo, Tuesday's "Voice" ranked #2, Monday's "Voice tied for #3, "The Office" tied for #11 and "Parks and Recreation" tied for #20.

Primetime averages for the week of May 7-13 in adults 18-49 were Fox (2.3/7), CBS (2.3/7), ABC (2.1/6), NBC (1.7/5) and CW (0.5/2). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were CBS (10.0 million), ABC (7.9 million), Fox (7.3 million), NBC (5.6 million) and CW (1.2 million).

NBC highlights for the week of May 7-13

* On Monday, "The Voice" matched its highest Monday 18-49 rating in four weeks and delivered its biggest overall Monday audience in five weeks, to win the time period in 18-49 and tie for the #1 adult 18-49 rating of the night.

* Monday's "The Voice" was up 111 percent versus NBC's time-period average prior to "The Voice" in 18-49 rating and up 92 percent in total viewers.

* Also on Monday, "Smash" was up versus NBC's time-period average for the season prior to "Smash" by 80 percent in 18-49 and 48 percent in total viewers.

* NBC won Monday in 18-49 for the 11th time in the last 12 weeks that have not featured major sports competition.

* On Tuesday, NBC won the night in 18-49, led by the season finale of "The Voice," which topped the show's year-ago closer by 19 percent in 18-49 rating and 8 percent in total viewers.

* "The Voice" finale doubled NBC's season averages in the Tuesday 9-11 p.m. ET slot, setting season highs for the network in the time period in 18-49 and total viewers.

* Also on Tuesday, "Fashion Star" delivered half-hour to half-hour growth in every key ratings category, including a gain of 36 percent in 18-49 rating.

* On Wednesday, the 8 p.m. ET edition of "Off Their Rockers" jumped week to week by 15 percent in 18-49 rating and the 8:30 telecast captured NBC's biggest overall viewership in the slot in the last 17 weeks.

* On Thursday, "The Office" matched its highest 18-49 rating since March 15, "Parks and Recreation" equaled its high since March 8 and "Community" and "Awake" matched their respective highs since March 29.

* On Sunday, "Harry's Law" filed its highest 18-49 rating in five weeks.

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 May 7-13:

On Monday, May 7 from 8-10 p.m. ET, "The Voice" (3.8 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49, 10.7 million viewers overall) delivered week-to-week gains of 9 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 3.8 from a 3.5) and 13 percent or 1.2 million persons in total viewers (to 10.7 million from 9.5 million) to match the show's highest Monday 18-49 rating in four weeks (since April 9) and deliver its biggest overall Monday audience in five weeks (since April 2). "The Voice" finished #1 in its time period in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and other key demographics, topping the 18-49 average of CBS's 8-10 p.m. comedy block in 18-49 by a 12 percent margin (with a 3.8 rating vs. a 3.4), while also besting ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" in 18-49 by a 41 percent advantage (3.8 vs. 2.7). "The Voice" delivered substantial growth throughout this its telecast, with this half-hour track in 18-49 rating: 3.3, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "The Voice" grew by 27 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 4.2 from a 3.3). "The Voice" has now generated NBC's 14 highest non-Olympic 18-49 ratings in this slot in three years (since February 9, 2009). "The Voice" tied for the #1 rating of the night in adults 18-49 and was #1 for the night outright in adults 18-34.

Versus NBC's averages in the time period this season prior to "The Voice," this week's telecast is up 111 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 3.8 vs. a 1.8, "live plus same day") and up 92 percent in total viewers (10.7 million vs. 5.6 million).

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, "Smash" (1.8/5 in 18-49, 5.7 million viewers overall) matched its 18-49 rating of the prior week and was up 7 percent week to week in total viewers (5.7 million vs. 5.3 million). "Smash" finished within 1 share of first-place in the time period among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49 and was #1 among those networks in adults and women 18-34. "Smash" has now delivered NBC's 14 highest in-season 18-49 ratings in this time period since January 31, 2011. This week's "Smash" beat NBC's time-period average this season prior to "Smash" by 80 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 1.8 vs. a 1.0) and by 48 percent in total viewers (5.7 million vs. 3.9 million).

NBC was #1 for the night among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49 and other key demographics. NBC has now won 11 of the last 12 Mondays that have not featured major sports competition, after having not won an in-season Monday with regular programming in four years

On Tuesday, May 8, from 8-9 p.m. ET, "Fashion Star" (1.3/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) grew from its first half-hour to its second in all key ratings categories, including gains of 36 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.5 from a 1.1) and 12 percent in total viewers (4.6 million vs. 4.1 million). Despite its move from 10 p.m. the prior week to 8 p.m. this week, "Fashion Star" generated a 3 percent increase in total viewers week to week (to 4.3 million from 4.2 million).

Tuesday from 9-11 p.m. ET, the season finale of "The Voice" (4.4/11 in 18-49, 11.9 million viewers overall) delivered a 19 percent increase on the show's year-ago finale in 18-49 rating (with a 4.4 vs. a 3.7 from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2011). In total viewers, "The Voice" finale is up versus last year by 8 percent (11.9 million vs. 11.0 million). "The Voice" was the #1 telecast of the night on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49, marking the sixth Tuesday in a row "The Voice" has been #1 or tied for #1. This week's "The Voice" won the two-hour time period in every key demographic, including an adult 18-49 victory by a 76 percent margin (with a 4.4 rating vs. a 2.5 for CBS's second-place lineup of "NCIS" and "Unforgettable"). "The Voice" grew steadily throughout its two-hour time period, with this half-hour track in 18-49 rating: 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "The Voice" grew by 15 percent in 18-49 rating and by 17 percent or 1.9 million persons in total viewers (to 13.0 million from 11.1 million).

"The Voice" finale hit season highs for NBC in the time period in 18-49 and total viewers. Versus the network's season averages in the slot, "The Voice" is up 110 percent in 18-49 (4.4 vs. 2.1) and up 105 percent in total viewers (11.926 million vs. 5.810 million). Versus its prior Tuesday telecast, "The Voice" finale was up 42 percent in 18-49 (4.4 vs. 3.1) and 34 percent in total viewers (11.926 million vs. 8.903 million). These are the top Tuesday "Voice" results of the season and best for either a Monday or Tuesday "Voice" telecast since Monday, March 26.

NBC was #1 Tuesday night in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and other key categories. It's the fifth time in six weeks NBC has been #1 or tied for #1 in adults 18-49 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.

On Wednesday, May 9 from 8-8:30 p.m. ET, "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" (1.5/5 in 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall) was up week to week by 15 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.5 from a 1.3) and up 6 percent in total viewers (5.226 million vs. 4.915 million) in an intensely competitive time period opposite Fox's "American Idol," CBS's "Survivor" and ABC's "The Middle." In its six weeks in this time period, "Off Their Rockers" has delivered NBC's six biggest overall audiences in the Wednesday 8-8:30 half-hour since January 11.

Wednesday at 8:30 ET, a second telecast of "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" (1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall) matched its 18-49 rating of the prior week and was up week to week by 2 percent in total viewers (4.998 million vs. 4.900 million). The 8:30 "Off Their Rockers" matched NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the time period in nine weeks (since March 7) and delivered the network's biggest overall audience in the slot in 17 weeks (since January 11).

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, "Rock Center with Brian Williams" averaged a 0.7/2 in 18-49 and 3.3 million viewers overall.

Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" delivered a 1.8/5 in 18-49 and 5.9 million viewers overall. "SVU" grew from its first half-hour to its second by 6 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.8 rating from a 1.7) and 6 percent in total viewers (6.1 million vs. 5.7 million), while rival dramas on ABC and CBS declined half-hour to half-hour in both categories. "SVU" built on its lead-in by 157 percent in 18-49 rating and 79 percent in total viewers.

On Thursday, May 10 at 8 p.m. ET, "Community" (1.4 /5 in 18-49, 3.0 million viewers overall) equaled the prior week's 18-49 rating and matched its highest result in six weeks (since March 29) in a highly competitive time period versus CBS's "Big Bang Theory," Fox's "American Idol" and ABC's "Missing." Keep in mind that on average this season, original telecasts of "Community" have been adding 39 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 ratings when Nielsen includes additional time-shifted viewing in "live plus seven day" results.

Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET, "30 Rock" (1.5/5 in 18-49, 2.9 million viewers overall) was up week to week by 7 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.5 from a 1.4) and built on its 18-49 lead-in by 7 percent in a competitive time period versus Fox's "American Idol," CBS's "Rules of Engagement" and ABC's "Missing." Note that "30 Rock" originals have been adding 44 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" results so far this season.

Thursday from 9-9:31 p.m. ET, "The Office" (2.3/6 in 18-49, 4.5 million viewers overall) matched its highest 18-49 rating since March 15 and delivered its biggest overall audience since that same date. In its time period, "The Office" ranked #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in men 18-34, tied for #1 in men 18-49 and as #2 in adults 18-34. "The Office" built on its lead-in by 53 percent in 18-49 rating and 54 percent in total viewers. Note that "The Office" originals have been adding 49 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" results so far this season.

Thursday at 9:31 ET, "Parks and Recreation" (1.7/5 in 18-49, 3.4 million viewers overall) equaled its highest 18-49 rating since March 8 (1.8 at 8:30) and attracted its biggest total-viewer result since April 19 (3.5 million at 9:31). This week's "Parks" retained 74 percent of its 18-49 lead-in from "The Office," up versus its 69 percent average in this time period last season. Against the concluding half-hours of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," CBS's "Person of Interest" and Fox's "Touch," "Parks" ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-34, women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54 (tie) and #1 in men 18-34. Keep in mind that on average this season, original telecasts of "Parks and Recreation" have been adding 38 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 ratings when Nielsen includes additional time-shifted viewing in "live plus seven day" results.

Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, "Awake" averaged a 0.9/3 in 18-49 and 2.5 million viewers overall, for a 29 percent increase versus the prior week in 18-49 rating (0.9 vs. 0.7) and a 17 percent gain in total viewers (2.5 million vs. 2.1 million). "Awake" equaled its highest 18-49 rating since March 29 and earned its biggest overall audience since April 19. Note that "Awake" is one of the most time-shifted shows on television, with the "live plus same day" rating growing by 62 percent when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" ratings.

Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET, "Who Do You Think You Are?" averaged a 0.9/3 in 18-49 and 4.8 million viewers overall. From its first half-hour to its second, "Who Do You Think You Are?" grew by 13 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.9from a 0.8) and 6 percent in total viewers (4.9 million vs. 4.6 million).

Friday at 9 p.m. ET, "Grimm" captured a 1.2/4 in 18-49 and 4.5 million viewers overall and ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49 and #1 among those networks in men 25-54. "Grimm" built on its lead-in by 33 percent in 18-49 rating. Note that "Grimm" originals have been adding 66 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" results.

Friday at 10 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" averaged a 1.2/4 in 18-49 and 4.6 million viewers overall. "Dateline" grew from its first half-hour to its second by 8 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.3 rating from a 1.2), 6 percent in adults 25-54 (1.7 vs. 1.6) and 10 percent in total viewers (4.9 million vs. 4.4 million).

On Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Harry's Law" averaged a 0.3/1 in 18-49 and 2.6 million viewers overall, attracting NBC's biggest overall audience in the time period since March 17.

Saturday at 9 p.m. ET, "The Firm" delivered a 0.4/1 in 18-49 and 2.2 million viewers overall.

Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, an encore of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (0.7/2 in 18-49, 3.6 million viewers overall) grew from its first half-hour to its second by 33 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 0.8 rating from a 0.6), 25 percent in adults 25-54 (1.0 vs. 0.8) and 23 percent in total viewers (3.9 million vs. 3.2 million).

On Sunday, May 13 from 7-7:08 p.m. ET, NBC Sports' coverage of golf's Players Championship averaged a 1.1/4 in adults 18-49, 5.5 million viewers overall and a 3.5 rating, 8 share in household.

Sunday from 7:08-8 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" averaged a 0.7/3 in 18-49 and 3.4 million viewers overall. "Dateline" reported a week-to-week increase of 7 percent in total viewers (3.4 million vs. 3.2 million).

Sunday from 8-9 p.m. ET, "Harry's Law" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 7.6 million viewers overall) was up week to week by 25 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.0 rating from a 0.8), for its highest 18-49 rating in five weeks (since April 8). "Harry's Law" was up versus this week's total-viewer lead-in by 126 percent. From its first half-hour to its second, "Harry's Law" grew by 11 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.0 from a 0.9) and by 12 percent in total viewers (8.1 million vs. 7.2 million). Versus NBC's non-sports average in the time period last season, "Harry's Law" was up 61 percent in total viewers (7.645 million vs. 4.756 million).

Sunday from 9-11 p.m. ET, "The Celebrity Apprentice" averaged a 1.8/5 in 18-49 and 5.5 million viewers overall, finishing within 5 percent of the prior week's 1.9 rating in 18-49 despite this week's special competition from CBS's "Survivor" finale and ABC's "Desperate Housewives" series finale. This week's "The Celebrity Apprentice" grew from its first half-hour to its fourth by 25 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.0 from a 1.6). "Apprentice" built on NBC's results in the prior hour from 8-9 p.m. by 80 percent in 18-49 rating.