nielsen ratings
(fast national numbers for saturday, october 13, 2012)

Here are the highlights of the eight ad-sustained programs that aired in primetime on the broadcast networks last night:

Coverage of the "NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from Charlotte" (4.73 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.2, #1) put ABC (4.73 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #1) in front on Saturday.

CBS (4.17 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T2) then claimed the number two spot with its mix of "NCIS: Los Angeles" (3.72 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.6, #5) and "Hawaii Five-0" (3.90 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T6) plus a new "48 Hours" (4.88 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.0, #2).

Next up was NBC (3.06 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T2) with its all-repeat lineup of "Revolution" (2.26 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T6), "Chicago Fire" (3.16 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.7, #4) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (3.76 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.9, #3).

And finally, FOX (1.72 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.5, #4) closed out the night with its "College Football: USC at Washington" (1.72 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T6) coverage.

In late-night metered market ratings (via NBC's press release):

"Saturday Night Live," with host Christina Applegate and musical guest Passion Pit (4.6/11 in metered-market households), dominated its time period. In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, the "Saturday Night Live" rebroadcast averaged a 2.2 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49. These are "SNL's" top results in the metered-market households and the Local People Meters since September 22.

"Saturday Night Live" was the #1 telecast of the night on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in the metered-market households and the Local People Meters, outscoring all primetime programs on those networks.

Here are the highlights of the nine ad-sustained programs that aired in primetime on the broadcast networks one year ago (10/15/11):

FOX (7.51 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.1, #1) wrapped its coverage of the "ALCS, Game 6" (7.51 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.1, #1) on top on Saturday.

ABC (5.03 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.5, #2) then took home the silver with its broadcast of the "NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from Charlotte" (5.03 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.5, #2).

Next up was CBS (3.86 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.8, #3) and its mix of "Two and a Half Men" (3.59 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T4), the relocated "How to Be a Gentleman" (2.43 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T6), "CSI: Miami" (3.81 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T6) and "48 Hours Mystery" (4.75 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T4).

And finally, encores of "Harry's Law" (3.11 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.4, #9), "Prime Suspect" (3.62 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.6, #8) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (4.79 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.1, #3) on NBC (3.84 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #4) rounded out the night.

In late-night metered market ratings (via NBC's press release):

"Saturday Night Live" (4.8/12 in metered-market households), hosted by Anna Faris with musical guest Drake, dominated its time period.

In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, "Saturday Night Live" averaged a 2.6 rating, 11 share in adults 18-49, tying it the #1 telecast of the night with Fox's coverage of the baseball playoffs and ahead of all other primetime programs on ABC, CBS or NBC.

Source: Nielsen Media Research