NBC has so far been generating its best ratings for a non-U.S. Summer Games since '92, but the network must be concerned that its boffo first week is in danger of falling off a cliff. First, Michael Phelps has dried off for good after completing his dramatic eight-for-eight gold medal quest.
Second, the other-side-of-the-world schedule is much less attractive this week, with most key events taking place in the evening Beijing time -- and thus in the early a.m. back here in the States. Last week, on the other hand, most of the key swim finals and the popular gymnastics team competition had been shoehorned (in part at NBC's request) into the morning in China, perfect for airing live in U.S. primetime. (Except for the West Coast, which had to wait anyway, but that's another story altogether.)
I know I have railed in the past (including this morning) at NBC's time-shifting, head-in-the-sand strategy to keep key events off the American airwaves for as much as 12 hours so it can air them (solely) on tape during primetime. But hey, as a former investment banker, I understand that it's a business decision. NBC paid a billion-dollar-or-so nut to air these games and wants to recoup its investment.
So I'm going to help out the Peacock Network. Here's why we should keep watching the Olympics this week on NBC:
10. Bela Karolyi might accidentally tear off Bob Costas' arm
9. Beach volleyball women show more skin than a German tourist
8. Usain Bolt plans to win the 200 meters -- running backwards
7. Rare chance to see all the countries we owe money to
6. Because after Sunday, it's all politics, all the time (zzzzz)
5. To find out LIVE! what happened 12 hours ago
4. Real football hasn't started yet anyway
3. When else are you gonna watch NBC?
2. See Kobe Bryant actually pass the ball (sometimes)
1. Because we have no choice
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yes Pete....Lolo won...but she should have taken Silver
Skooter23g
Lolo finished 7th, but she was the happiest runner until she hit the second last hurdle.
Ten Duke
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Did she win, or finish seventh?
The 10 Spot
Total Comments (6586)
She was 7th. Another American won the gold, though.
Stack1009
Total Comments (3557)
11) After the trampoline exercises, there will be the potato-gun shoot and the ATV races.
You got to love it when good redneck fun invades the Olympics.
manta
Total Comments (5655)
yes Pete....Lolo won...but she should have taken Silver
Skooter23g
Lolo finished 7th, but she was the happiest runner until she hit the second last hurdle.
Ten Duke
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Did she win, or finish seventh?
The 10 Spot
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I would concluded, yes.
Tom, ALRanger
Richardson , TX
Total Comments (2323)
See Carmelo Anthony win something.
Anthony Verna
New York , NY
Total Comments (5967)
11) After the trampoline exercises, there will be the potato-gun shoot and the ATV races.
You got to love it when good redneck fun invades the Olympics.
manta | 08/19/08, 11:11 AM
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Who'll win gold in the Moonshine Run?
Anthony Verna
New York , NY
Total Comments (5967)
5. To find out LIVE! what happened 12 hours ago
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Don't we call this NBC news?
Tom, ALRanger
Richardson , TX
Total Comments (2323)
#14
We should continue to watch so that we can take side bets on when the Chinese gymnastic team will lose thier baby teeth
Goodell: Bills =…
Nfl Headquarters, NY
Total Comments (6486)
Who'll win gold in the Moonshine Run?
Anthony Verna | 08/19/08, 11:12 AM
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Junior Johnson.
Marshall K. - Top…
Total Comments (6950)
10. Bela Karolyi might accidentally tear off Bob Costas' arm
10 Spot
Now that's funny!
Bela is a sideshow all by himself.
big west
Total Comments (2724)
Beach volleyball women show more skin than a German tourist
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Shouldn't that read, "...show paler than a German tourist"?
BKJ - no 10 Spot, no…
Jacksonville , FL
Total Comments (5679)
#17 We should continue to watch NBC for the simple fact that its not ABC
Goodell: Bills =…
Nfl Headquarters, NY
Total Comments (6486)
Who'll win gold in the Moonshine Run?
Anthony Verna | 08/19/08, 11:12 AM
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Junior Johnson.
Marshall K. - Top Cat
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I'm pickin Steve Earle...
gill_
Total Comments (10388)
Who'll win gold in the Moonshine Run?
Anthony Verna | 08/19/08, 11:12 AM
Roscoe P. Coltrane
big west
Total Comments (2724)
10. Bela Karolyi might accidentally tear off Bob Costas' arm
That's "reep-off" his arm Pete.
AFd1
Total Comments (4528)
2x) To see if any country scores a run against our softball team. Actually, have they even shown any of this?
big west
Total Comments (2724)
1x) Because if you don't watch the Olympics there will be no reason to read the 10 Spot and Pete will end up out of a job.
manta
Total Comments (5655)
You said in the Top 10 that you were going to "help out" only to take a fatalistic attitude in the end. How's that helping out, P?
BKJ - no 10 Spot, no…
Jacksonville , FL
Total Comments (5679)
The Olympics are still going on? I thought they were over after Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal.
Mr Adams
Total Comments (3332)
I'm out. I have to be productive today. Which isn't really saying much.
AFd1
Total Comments (4528)
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