NBC picks up 'The Biggest Loser,' 'Who Do You Think You Are?' and 'The Sing-Off'

NBC issued pickups for three returning alternative series in 2011-12 in "The Biggest Loser," "Who Do You Think You Are?" and the singing competition series "The Sing-Off."

The announcement was made Tuesday by Bob Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment.

"Alternative series such as these three bonafide hits are important not only to their loyal audiences, but also as strong components of the NBC schedule," said Greenblatt. "They are each unique, attention-getting shows with terrific producing and talent auspices, and we're proud to be associated with them."

"The Biggest Loser 10" averaged a 3.1 rating/8 share in adults 18-49 and 8.3 million viewers overall in the fall, and "The Biggest Loser 11" is averaging a 3.3/9 in 18-49 and 9.0 million viewers overall so far this winter. "The Biggest Loser" is NBC's No. 1 entertainment series among women 18-49 and women 25-54. The series consistently over-indexes in upscale demos.

Season two of "Who Do You Think You Are?" is off to a solid start, averaging a 1.4 rating/5 share in adults 18-49 and 7.0 million viewers overall after its first two weeks, making it NBC's No. 1 Friday series so far this season in total viewers. Over those opening two weeks, "Who Do You Think You Are?" was No. 1 in the time period in all key female demos while scoring NBC's highest 18-49 and total-viewer results in the Friday 8-9 p.m. (ET) slot since Oct. 8, 2010. Upcoming episodes will feature Kim Cattrall, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lionel Richie, Ashley Judd and Steve Buscemi.

This season's cycle of "The Sing-Off" averaged a 3.2 rating/8 share in adults 18-49 and 9.2 viewers overall, jumping versus the prior season by 28 percent in 18-49 rating and 27 percent in total viewers. Each of the five telecasts this season out-delivered each of the four telecasts of last season in 18-49 and total viewers. The Dec. 20, 2010, finale, in which pop gospel sensations Committed were crowned champions, tied as the No. 1 primetime telecast of that week in adults 18-49.