Ratings: NBC’s Sunday Night Football Fends Off CBS, ‘Big Brother’

Ratings: NBC’s Sunday Night Football Fends Off CBS, ‘Big Brother’

NBC’s summer is surging even more now that Sunday Night Football has returned in (preseason) earnest.

The network topped both the key 18-49 demographic and total viewers on Sunday evening. CBS and ABC tied for second in the main demo; CBS was runner-up in total audience. “Big Brother” actually rose a hair despite its pigskin competition.

Due to the nature of live sports, Nielsen’s fast national numbers are preliminary and subject to change.

Also Read: MTV VMAs and Miley Cyrus Trashed as 'Preposterous,' 'Toxic' by Parents Television Council

NBC was first in ratings with a 1.8 rating/6 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and in total viewers with an average of 5.8 million, according to early numbers. Following reruns, the Arizona Cardinals-Oakland Raiders pre-game at 8 p.m. scored a 2.1/7 and 7.2 million viewers. The game itself at 8:30 earned a 2.0/6 and 6.3 million viewers.

CBS and ABC tied for was second in ratings, both with a 1.1 CBS had a 4 share, ABC had a 3. CBS was second in total viewers with 5.6 million, ABC was third with 4.2 million.

For CBS, between repeats, “Big Brother” at 8 received a 2.1/7 and 6.7 million viewers.

For ABC, following a rerun, “Bachelor in Paradise” at 8 posted a 1.3/4 and 4.4 million viewers. “Save My Life: Boston” at 10 had a 0.7/2 and 3.1 million viewers.

Also Read: 9 Best and Worst Moments From 2015 MTV VMAs: Nicki Minaj Beefs to Taylor Swift Olive Branches (Photos)

Fox was fourth in ratings with a 1.0/3 and in viewers with 2.5 million. An NFL overrun at 7 got a 1.9/8 and 5.2 million viewers. Repeats followed.

Univision was fifth in ratings with a 0.5/2 and in viewers with 1.3 million.

Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.4/1 and in viewers with 1 million.