While NBC is predicting an out-right victory in the adults 18-49
demographic for the November sweeps, Fox executives on Wednesday were saying the
two networks will likely share the first place crown.
With one night remaining in the sweeps (Nov 1-28), Fox
researchers say they will wind up with a 5.1/13 in the key demo.
NBC executives predict Fox will finish with a 5.0/13.
If Fox does tie NBC, it will be the first time in the network's 15-year history it has ever won a sweeps period in adults 18-49.
"We congratulate NBC and look forward to the competitive season still ahead," Fox Entertainment Group President Sandy Grushow told reporters during a conference call. Final results won't be available until late Thursday.
Fox executives also made several programming moves Wednesday, including picking up full-season orders of new series Bernie Mac and 24.
Fox Entertainment President Gail Berman also announced that That `70s Show spin-off That `80s Show will debut on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.(ET/PT).
New drama Emma Brody will move into Ally McBeal's Monday time slot in March for a test run and rocker/actor Jon Bon Jovi will appear in nine episode of Ally McBeal starting in midseason.
Berman also said the network isn't giving up on ratings- challenged newcomer Pasadena.
She says the show will come back to the network's schedule later in the year.
- Joe Schlosser
