NBC Falls to Fifth Place, Trailing Behind Univision First Time Ever

The once no. 1 TV network for the first time in sweeps history is projected to finish fifth in rankings for adults age 18 to 49. Currently follows behind Univision as well as the other three major networks.

After winning first as it was "flying high in November" sweeps, the network has fallen for the next round of sweeps ratings.

"This is a great thing for our morale, if nothing else," Bob Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, told the Associated Press in November. "But I'm the first one to say there will be ups and downs for the next few years."

During the sweep period of January 31 through February 19, NBC averaged a 1.2 rating for adults 18-49, below the fourth-place Univision at 1.5 in the same demographic. CBS is leading the ratings with a 4.9, thanks to its broadcasts of the Super Bowl and Grammy Awards in 2013. FOX is second at 2.0 rating and ABC is third at 1.7.

Sweeps ratings occur three times for four-week periods every year as Nielson surveys the nation's TV viewing habits.

NBC continued its downward spiral with their lack of current sports programming and low numbers earned by new shows "1600 Penn" and "Do No Harm," as it received the lowest ratings ever for an in-season scripted series premiere. It was canceled after two episodes. A former hit "Smash" returned for its second season with very low numbers down 71% from its original season premiere.

NBC hopes to regain and see a turnaround when "The Voice" and "Revolution" comes back in March.

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