NBC's Tape-Delay Strategy Is Working, So Far

Apparently NBC's controversial tape-delay strategy is working. The Olympics opening ceremony drew the largest audience ever for an opening ceremony that didn't take place in the U.S., NBC announced on Saturday. The broadcast earned a 23 overnight rating and 40 share. NBC's PR Twitter feed has been releasing facts and math about how great the ceremony went for them. According to them, it was the most watched opening ceremony for a summer Olympics ever. The network has faced a lot of criticism for not airing events live, and instead opting to package everything nicely and air it in primetime. It should also be noted that NBC is being criticized for cutting away from a part of the ceremony meant to be dedicated to survivors of the July 7, 2005 terrorist attacks in London.

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Apparently illegal streaming didn't bother them on Friday, though, and everyone sat patiently and avoided the Internet like our Richard Lawson. The ceremonies were, eventually, a lot of fun. If you missed them, Elspeth Reeve did a nice photo recap of them last night.