NBC suffering sweeps week like never before

In this book cover image released by Doubleday, "Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV," by Warren Littlefield, is shown. After being fired as NBC entertainment president toward the end of the "must see TV" period in 1998, Warren Littlefield packed photos, papers, awards and other memorabilia into a self-storage unit and turned the key. For 10 years he paid the rent and never stopped by. Finally he unlocked the unit and began combing through the boxes _ a process of rediscovery that eventually led to his new book. (AP Photo/Doubleday)

NBC once dominated primetime ratings and reigned supreme for "Must see TV" shows like Friends and Law and Order. However, it's been struggling to keep up with competitors and its ratings finished last place this sweeps week, behind ABC, CBS, Fox and Univision. Former NBC President of Entertainment joins Larry to give an insider account.

NBC is struggling this month after receiving its worst sweeps week ratings ever in the key 18-49 demographic, adding to a series of blows for the network. The network is failing to keep up with competitors ABC, CBS, Fox, and for the first time ranked below Spanish-language Univision -- finishing in last place during February sweeps.

In the 1990s, long before “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” fought tooth and nail for ratings, NBC reigned supreme during primetime. Their Thursday night line-up was unbeatable, and millions of viewers tuned in all week for heavy-hitters like “Friends,” “Frasier,” “Law and Order,” and “ER.” The network was at the top of its game, earning a reputation for “Must See TV.”

Former NBC President of Entertainment Warren Littlefield joins Larry to discuss his insider account of NBC in its golden age. His book, “Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV” is an oral history that includes behind-the-scenes accounts from some of NBC’s most beloved stars. Delve into the creativity, effort, and risk behind the shows that made the network so popular – before it all fell apart.

Guest:
Warren Littlefield, Former NBC President of Entertainment; Author, “Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV”