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NBC Beats ABC For 11th Week Victory

Dec 5, 2006  •  Post A Comment

For the first time this season, ABC’s thunder was stolen in the weekly ratings race.

NBC won the 11th week of the season, fueled by NFL football, “Heroes” and a strong performance from its newly formed Thursday night comedy block. NBC averaged a 3.7 rating among adults 18 to 49 for the week ending Dec. 3, according to Nielsen Media Research.

On two occasions previously this season, both NBC and CBS have managed to tie ABC, but neither has bested the network outright once live-plus-seven-day ratings were tabulated. This time, the margin of victory is likely wide enough to prevent a change in the outcome once later-day viewing is tabulated.

ABC was second with a 3.5 average, aided by “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Charlie Brown Christmas” and the broadcast premiere airing of “The Polar Express.”

CBS was close behind with a 3.4 due to the ongoing strength of its procedurals and its Monday night comedy block. Fox was fourth with a 3.3, with “House” continuing to perform strongly amid a week of third and fourth place finishes. The CW enjoyed five series high, giving the network its best week yet among adults 18 to 34 (1.8), while its 18 to 49 average was a 1.5.