Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
NBC gets silver for Olympics, Seinfeld no medal
|
Edition:
U.S.
Article
Save
Email
Print
Reprints
Most Popular
Most Shared
UPDATE 1-Winter storms to distort US jobless figures-Summers
01 Mar 2010
Obama said poised to offer more healthcare changes
01 Mar 2010
UPDATE 2-Toyota to announce March incentives in U.S.-source
01 Mar 2010
Obama said poised to offer more healthcare changes
01 Mar 2010
China PLA officer urges challenging U.S. dominance
28 Feb 2010
UPDATE 1-Winter storms to distort US jobless figures-Summers
01 Mar 2010
China PLA officer urges challenging U.S. dominance
28 Feb 2010
UPDATE 2-Toyota to announce March incentives in U.S.-source
01 Mar 2010
Brain images suggest Alzheimer's drug is working
28 Feb 2010
Freescale's new chip aims to lower e-reader price tag
01 Mar 2010
NBC gets silver for Olympics, Seinfeld no medal
Jill Serjeant
LOS ANGELES
Mon Mar 1, 2010 7:07pm EST
Executive producer Jerry Seinfeld answers questions during a panel for the NBC's ''The Marriage Ref'', January 10, 2010.
Credit: Reuters/Phil McCarten
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Vancouver Winter Olympics proved a ratings triumph for beleaguered NBC, but popular comedian Jerry Seinfeld's new show stumbled with critics as the U.S. television network returned to regular programing.
Entertainment | Sports | Television | Media
NBC said on Monday that 190 million Americans watched the Vancouver Olympics on its stations and cable outlets over 17 days, making them the second-most-watched Winter games since Lillehammer in 1994.
The network, which has been bottom of the four big U.S. TV broadcasters for several years, said NBC's Vancouver cover drew 9 percent more viewers than the combined efforts of rivals ABC, CBS and Fox during more than two weeks of competition.
The prime time average nightly audience for the Olympics was 24.4 million compared to an average 22.3 million over the 17 days for ABC, CBS and Fox. The action in Vancouver also twice toppled Fox ratings king "American Idol," marking the first defeats of "Idol" in six years by any TV program.
Despite strong viewership, NBC has said it will lose about $250 million on its coverage after paying a record sum for U.S. broadcasting rights to the Olympics.
As the Vancouver games ended on Sunday, NBC launched one of its most-anticipated new shows, a comedy game panel called "The Marriage Ref" from the star of 1990s comedy series "Seinfeld."
The show is one of the highlights of NBC's hastily revamped lineup after it axed "The Jay Leno Show" in February in an embarrassing retreat from cheap-to-produce talk show fare at 10 p.m., traditionally seen as a time for expensive scripted dramas.
"The Marriage Ref," which has stars weigh-in on the lighthearted arguments of American couples, drew a strong 14.5 million viewers but some scathing reviews.
The Star Ledger's Alan Sepinwall called it an "ugly, unfunny, patronizing mess." Time magazine's James Poniewozik said it was "the most God-awful mishmash."
Sunday's show featured one couple arguing about stuffing their dead dog and another about whether to put a stripper pole in their bedroom. Seinfeld, who has done little TV since his old show ended in 1998, is executive producer and an occasional panelist on "The Marriage Ref".
Other reviewers were kinder and intrigued about seeing pop star Madonna, actress Tina Fey and "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria-Parker in upcoming episodes.
"Perhaps foremost, 'The Marriage Ref' provides light entertainment at a time when silliness represents a balm to grim tidings elsewhere," said Daily Variety.
Other new shows being launched this week by NBC include family drama series "Parenthood" and "Who Do You Think You Are?" in which Sarah Jessica Parker, Spike Lee, Lisa Kudrow and other celebrities trace their family roots.
Monday also sees the return of Leno to "The Tonight Show" following the controversial exit in January of Conan O'Brien after just seven months in the job.
(Editing by Bob Tourtellotte and Eric Walsh)
Entertainment
Sports
Television
Media
More from Reuters
GM recalling 1.3 million vehicles over steering problems
DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co is recalling 1.3 million compact cars in North America to address a power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes and one injury, the company said on Tuesday.
One iron ore price spells more chaos in China market
Toyota to announce March incentives in U.S.
U.S. seeks to smooth China ties, win backing on Iran
Obama faces moment of truth with Iraq election
Obama said poised to offer more healthcare changes
» More Top News
Politics shade economic debate
Chinese economists are surprisingly in line with their Western counterparts on a prescription for reform. Will Beijing buy it? Full Article
Factbox: Key political risks to watch
China pulls on economic reins
China
Betting on a weak euro
Hedge funds are betting on debt problems beyond just Greece -- Spain, Italy, Portugal -- by putting their money on a slumping euro. Full Article
Hedge funds, PE face profit squeeze
Secondary deals seen picking up
Distress expert sees risk of double dip
PE and Hedge Funds Summit
© Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters
Editorial Editions:
Africa
Arabic
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Reuters
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Help
Journalism Handbook
Archive
Site Index
Video Index
Analyst Research
Mobile
Newsletters
RSS
Podcasts
Widgets
Your View
Labs
Thomson Reuters
Copyright
Disclaimer
Privacy
Professional Products
Professional Products Support
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Careers
Online Products
Acquisitions Monthly
Buyouts.com
Buyouts Europe:
Buyouts Conferences:
Venture Capital Journal
EVCJ
International Financing Review
International Securitisation Report
Project Finance International
PEhub.com
PE Week
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Tuesday, 2 March 2010 Iran to cooperate with IAEA, continue talks
French rescuers search for more bodies after deadly storm
Chile rushes troops, aid to quake-stricken towns
|
US-TECH Summary
US consumer spending grows but incomes lag
Turkey warns U.S. against "genocide" bill in Congress
Spain accuses Venezuela over plot to kill Uribe
Freescale's new chip aims to lower e-reader price tag
Iran 'not cooperating' on nuclear issue: IAEA chief
Spanish court says Venezuela helped ETA, FARC
|
EU privacy body wants changes to Google Street View
One in four Germans wants microchip under skin: poll
EU membership a 'priority': Ukraine president
Dubai says hit team had 27th member
U.N. report on possible Iran bomb work factual: Amano
|
With new fighter in hand, Putin wants modern bombers
|
Yemeni forces clash with suspected rebels in south
|
UK arrests Bosnian ex-leader wanted by Serbia
|
Top US court dismisses Uighur Guantanamo appeal
Freescale's new chip aims to lower e-reader price tag
|
U.S., Russia arms teams pause before treaty push
Israel says China attentive to Iran sanctions plea
US plans 'dramatic' cuts in nuclear arsenal
Lockheed seeks to predict cybersecurity threats
|
Idol creator launches Dream interactive venture
|
Focus on rising Chinese political star Bo
Uzbekistan charges 200 with plotting alleged coup
Attacks kill 4 NATO personnel in Afghanistan
Indian PM visits Saudi Arabia
Pro-gov't party leads vote results in Tajikistan
Pixi discounts seen hurting Palm profits
|
Prudential buys AIG Asia for record 35.5 billion dollars
Toyota president apologizes to Chinese customers
Japan's new car sales up despite Toyota recalls
Japanese fishing town recalls horror of tsunami 50 years ago
Ailing Quebec churches undergo secular transformation
Spelling reform causing headaches in Portugal
TV's "Parenthood" revisits family life, 20 years on
Irish town snubs Israel envoy in protest: report
Former Bosnian leader Ganic arrested in London
Chile struggles to keep order in quake-hit city
|
Common weed-killer chemically castrates frogs: study
NASA radar finds ice on moon's north pole
Telco software groups line up facing Google, Apple
Russia says it may consider Iran sanctions
British scientist in climate row admits 'awful' emails
Afghanistan bans coverage of Taliban attacks
|
Obama plans 'dramatic reductions' in US nuclear weapons
Game on for PS3 users after Sony fixes bug
Medvedev moves Russia closer to Iran sanctions
Apple cracks down on labor abuses at gadget factories
Dubai murder suspects hiding out in Israel: police
EU ups pressure in Greece debt crisis
Medvedev in France backs sanctions on Iran
Intel's Maloney, possible CEO heir, suffers stroke
Afghan violence kills four NATO soldiers, 10 civilians
Anti-drug drive a challenge for Mexico: U.S. report
|
Russia says it may consider Iran sanctions
|
Sustainable Energy bets on Ontario solar market
Google buys photo editing site Picnik
Spain accuses Venezuela over assassination plot
Haitian-Americans aid quake recovery, eye future
|
"Idol" creator launches "Dream" interactive venture
German high-tech sector flat in 2010: trade body
Lockheed seeks to predict cybersecurity threats
Medvedev hopes for START successor deal soon
|
Game on for PS3 users after Sony fixes bug
Clinton balks at Argentine request for Falklands mediation
Obama plans 'dramatic reductions' in US nuclear weapons
Telco software groups line up facing Google, Apple
|
Protests by Muslims leave 2 dead in southern India
Intel's Maloney, possible CEO heir, suffers stroke
|
Malaysia confirms 1st swine flu death this year
Violence in India over Bangladesh writer
Japan will push to resume commercial whaling
Top China football officials charged in graft probe
Reports: 2 SKorea fighter jets crash into mountain
Indonesian police warn protesters against insults
U.S. seeks to smooth China ties, win backing on Iran
N.Korea cutting back on drug trafficking: US
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Report: China drafts 10-year 'green energy' plan
Seoul shares rise 1.3 pct;chips gain, Hyundai down
Prudential taps Asia sovereign funds over AIA deal
NZ dollar eases after Australian rate hike
Toyota repairing leaky oil hoses in US, Japan
PAKISTAN
US seeks China, India, Brazil info on Doha deal
Korea Hot Stocks
S.Korea bonds edge down, Feb inflation seen slower
Japan's unemployment rate falls in January
Hollywood film tackles Taiwan's martial law era
NBC gets silver for Olympics, Seinfeld no medal
|
The Pacific a realistic view of American combat
|
Crazies remake influenced by post-9/11 world
|
Final Shrek movie to open Tribeca Film Fest
|
David Bowie's new makeover: Rock 'n' roll recluse
|
Wall Street is alive with the sound of ... Chopin?
|
Winter Olympics pull impressive ratings for NBC
TLC dumps Miss America franchise
|
Keeping clean and healthy with cow dung and urine
Shutter Island still captivates moviegoers
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Palm oil: environmental curse or a blessing?
"Crazies" remake influenced by post-9/11 world
US daredevil breaks Harley leap record twice in one hour
In Poland, Chopin's music defines a nation
Hollywood film tackles Taiwan's martial law era
Nepal's stolen children highlight flawed adoption system
Iraq war takes centre stage at Oscars
TLC dumps Miss America franchise
Pakistan seizes Taliban, Al-Qaeda base
Rwandan leader's widow arrested in France
GM recalls 1.3 mln American cars over power steering
General and prosecutor charged in Turkey plot case
Nokia starts new phone line with C5 model
Iran detains director Panahi
Ukraine coalition collapses, no-confidence vote due
|
Google launches 'Street View' charm offensive
GM to more than triple Opel investment
Dubai asks FBI to check credit cards in Hamas hit
Google acquires photo-editing site
Israel urges U.S. to adopt Cuba-like embargo on Iran
|
Karadzic denies Sarajevo, Srebrenica war crimes
|
Mayor delays divisive east Jerusalem park project
Award-winning filmmaker Panahi arrested in Tehran raid: son
North Korea presses direct nuclear talks with U.S
|
UK opposition says Labour victory would weaken pound
|
General and prosecutor charged in Turkey plot case
|
Sri Lanka to call dissolved parliament to extent emergency
|
Rwandan ex-president's widow arrested in France
|
Nokia starts new phone line with C5 model
Apple sues HTC for patent infringement
|
Nokia starts new phone line with C5 model
|
Google acquires photo-editing site
|
Turkmens aim to soften punitive system
2 South Korean fighter jets crash; 3 airmen killed
N.Korea says war games threaten nuclear disarmament
India's PM meets rebels in bid to end insurgency
Tajikistan's Islamic party to sue election board
North Korea presses direct nuclear talks with U.S.
India, Pakistan to attend US nuclear summit
Australia to extradite killer of famed surgeon
US envoys' visit to Beijing aims to heal ties
Bangladesh arrests man in '99 Indian Air hijacking
India exports rise for 3rd month, new orders peak
Pakistani rupee at closing low; o/n rates, stocks up
Taiwan banks' profits to rise, provisions too-Fitch
Japan's jobless rate down, but Toyota woes seen as threat
Europe has 'solid case' over China shoe dumping
Daimler, BYD to build electric car for Chinese market
S.Korea Feb inflation slows, but outlook higher
China high-speed railway firm plans to list: media
Philippine phone company's profit up 15 percent
Toyota fixing 1.3 million vehicles over oil leak
French medieval statues march in New York
China demand driving world wine market growth: study
Australia pays Indonesia $27 million to save trees
Looking back at Oscar's biggest goof
|
Durban's street vendors tackle new languages for WC fans
Looking back at Oscar's biggest goof
Rocks, tear gas fly outside Indonesian parliament
Indonesian-Australian carbon project in Sumatra
Top court sides with publishers on $18 million deal
|
Crisis-hit Russian city fears total shutdown
Indonesia bank bail-out: Protesters, police clash
David Bowie's new makeover: Rock 'n' roll recluse
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights