NBC posts most-watched non-live Winter Olympics opening ceremony in two decades with Sochi telecast

Rating 33 percent higher than last European Olympic Winter Games in Torino in 2006

NBC's coverage of the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics averaged 31.7 million viewers to rank as the most-watched opening ceremony for a non-live Winter Games since the 1994 Lillehammer Games, according to live plus same day fast national data released today by The Nielsen Company. In addition, last night's telecast ranks No. 2 all-time among most-watched non-live Winter Olympics opening ceremonies (chart below).

"Like Team USA, we're off to a great start, and we're gratified that the American audience tuned in in such large numbers for the tremendous opening ceremony from Sochi," said NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus. "It's an early sign that our strategy of emphasizing primetime viewing is working, and we're excited for the competition over the next two weeks."

•Viewership for the NBC telecast (8-11:08 p.m. ET/PT) was up 43 percent from the last non-live Winter Games opening ceremony (22.2 million for 2006 Torino Games), while last night's 17.0/28 household rating/share produced a 33 percent increase over Torino (12.8/21).

•Compared to the live (ET/CT) 2010 Vancouver opening ceremony, last night's telecast was off only 2 percent in household rating (17.3/30) and 3 percent in viewership (32.7 million).

•NBC scored the most dominant primetime Winter Olympics victory on record in Adults 18-49 with an 8.7 rating - 235 percent above the combined ABC/CBS/FOX rating (based on People Meter, which dates to 1987).

Most-watched non-live Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, average viewers (P2+):

TOP 20 METERED MARKETS FOR OPENING CEREMONY: