The last time NBC’s “Today” show came in first place for a full week in the mornings was during the London Olympics. 18 months later, the Sochi games may be NBC’s ticket to a weekly win.
“Today” topped ABC’s “Good Morning America” last Thursday, Friday and yesterday according to Nielsen fast national numbers. And they’re doing it by increasing margins: by +72,000 on Thursday, +318,000 on Friday and +349,000 Monday. “Today” also leads “GMA” by an average of 338,000 A25-54 viewers over those three days.
“Today” is also up compared to the first three days of coverage from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver: +2% vs. the comparable Thursday, +9% Friday and +5% yesterday.
Monday’s show drew 6.293 million viewers, the show’s best day since August 3, 2012 during the London games.
“NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” is also seeing big viewership. On Saturday, the first full day of the games, Williams drew 11.179 million total viewers, Nightly’s best Saturday show since July 28, 2012, the first Saturday of the London Olympics.
Sunday was even bigger with 15.834 million watching, the show’s best Sunday in four years, since Feb. 2, 2006, the first Sunday of the Torino Winter Olympics.