Primetime Ratings: Emmys Down in Demo, Up in Total Viewers

Football tops TV kudoscast to win night for NBC

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/24/2012 11:48:29 AM

ABC's broadcast of the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards gave the network an overall 2.9 rating/7 share in the adults 18-49 demo Sunday night, according to Nielsen overnight numbers. True fast national time-zone adjusted numbers had the three-hour awards telecast at a 3.8, down 10% from last year's show which aired on Fox. The show did draw 13.2 million total viewers, however, up from last year's 12.4 million. The Countdown to the Emmys red carpet preshow drew a 1.6.

NBC took the nightly victory with an overall 6.4/17. The New England Patriots-Baltimore Ravens matchup drew a fast-affiliate rating of 8.1 from 8:30-11 p.m., up 6% from last week's preliminary rating (NBC will release final numbers Monday afternoon). Football Night in America drew a 3.7, down 23% from last week.

CBS placed second with an NFL-inflated 3.0/8, which is subject to heavy adjustment. 60 Minutes featuring dual interviews with President Obama and Mitt Romney drew a 3.1 preliminary rating.

Fox aired repeats (some markets experienced NFL overrun) for a 1.5/4.