Will Daytime Blue Ridge Continue to Be on Nbc for Only Thirty Minutes for 2019

Our History

In the early years of the twentieth century, NBC and Universal began creating their extraordinary legacies in the exciting new worlds of motion picture production and distribution, location-based entertainment, and radio and television production and broadcasting. Today, as one company under the ownership of Comcast, NBCUniversal continues to build on this legacy of quality and innovation.

1912

Carl Laemmle founds Universal

Carl Laemmle's Independent Moving Pictures Company merged with five other film companies to create the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, headed by Laemmle. For the first time, a single entity encompassed all facets of the movie industry: production, distribution, and exhibition.

1915

Universal City opens its gates

At its opening, Universal City was billed as "the only moving-picture city in the world."

1926

David Sarnoff founds the nation's first permanent radio network, NBC

Heralding NBC's arrival, this advertisement appeared in newspapers across the nation.

1927

Radio captures the nation's imagination

Landmark radio broadcasts for NBC included the Rose Bowl, which was the first coast-to-coast radio network broadcast, the Tunney-Dempsey heavyweight fight, and Charles Lindbergh's return to the U.S. after the first trans-Atlantic flight.

1928

Real Folks debuts on NBC Radio

Premiering on August 6, 1928,Real Folks was NBC's first serial drama. Created and written by George Frame Brown (at microphone), the show revolved around the lives of the residents of Thompkins Corner, a typical small town in America.

Universal releases its first "talking picture," Melody of Love

The romantic drama in nine reels starred Mildred Harris as a French cabaret singer and Walter Pidgeon as the songwriter-turned-soldier who falls in love with her.

1929

NBC Sounds the Chimes

NBC had used chimes as a switching cue from its beginnings as a radio network. Many configurations of notes were used until 1929, when NBC settled on the familiar three tones that have become a…

1930

Universal wins its first Academy Award for Best Picture with All Quiet on the Western Front

The acclaimed epic war film is considered to be one of the most realistic portrayals of warfare in the history of cinema.

1931

Universal becomes king of the horror movie

DraculaandFrankenstein marked the beginning of Universal's leadership in the horror genre.

IT'S ALIVE!

- Frankenstein

NBC begins experimental TV broadcasts from atop new Empire State Building

This doll, named Felix the Cat, was one of the first images ever broadcast by television. Chosen for its tonal contrast and ability to withstand the high temperatures caused by the intense lighting needed for early broadcasts, Felix was placed on a rotating phonograph turntable and televised for a few hours each day, as RCA engineers worked to fine-tune the technology.

1933

Bob Hope begins his long broadcasting career on NBC

During NBC's radio years, staff kept extensive programming details on index cards. This is the first card for Bob Hope, showing him making his NBC debut on June 8, 1933, as a guest on Rudy Vallee'sFleischmann's Yeast Hour.

30 Rockefeller Center becomes home to NBC operations

Built at the depths of the Great Depression, Rockefeller Center was at the time the largest privately financed construction project in history.

1936

NBC Radio broadcasts the 1936 Berlin Olympics

African-American athlete Jesse Owens won four gold medals.

1937

1939

Now we add radio sight to sound.

- David Sarnoff

David Sarnoff launches regular TV service from the 1939 World's Fair in Flushing, Queens

Sarnoff spoke from the RCA Exhibit Building, heralding the birth of "a new art and a new industry, which eventually will provide entertainment and information for millions."

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade becomes a television tradition

The holiday special first aired as a local telecast in 1939. The photo featured here was from the 1945 parade.

1940

Abbott and Costello make Universal debut

Burlesque comic duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their debut as Universal stars in 1940 withOne Night in the Tropics, the first of 29 films made for the studio. The versatile performers also headlined a radio show on NBC from 1942 to 1947.

1941

NBC's WNBT in New York is granted FCC's first commercial TV station license

On July 1, 1941, WNBT (later to become WNBC) aired the first television commercial. A test pattern equipped with a second hand ticked off a full minute, with the phrase "Bulova Watch Time" visible in the lower right corner of the screen while the "Minute Waltz" played underneath. The spot cost $9.

1947

Meet the Press moves from radio to television

Meet the Press began in 1945 as a radio program on the Mutual radio network. It made its debut as a television program in 1947 and is the longest-running show in TV history. The show…

Howdy Doody and Kraft Television Theatre debut on NBC

Originating from Studio 3A in 30 Rock,Howdy Doody was one of the first television series to feature audience participation in the form of the famous "Peanut Gallery" of kids.Kraft Television Theatre was the first of the great live dramatic series on TV, broadcast from Studio 8H.

The first televised World Series is broadcast by NBC

The New York Yankees would defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in 7 games. Nearly 4 million Americans tuned in, more than 3 million of whom watched from their local tavern.

1948

Television gets political

TV played its first major role in covering a presidential election as NBC televised the nominating conventions. TheCamel Newsreel Theater was the first regularly scheduled newscast on NBC.

1949

1950

Thanks for the memory.

- Bob Hope

NBC pioneers daytime television with the Kate Smith Hour and introduces Sid Caesar in Your Show of Shows

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1950

Your Show of Shows

Caesar assembled one of the greatest writing teams in the history of show business including, (standing l-r) Danny Simon, Joseph Stein, Neil Simon (seated l-r) Mel Brooks, Tony Webster, and Mel Tolkin.

1950

Your Show of Shows

The ninety-minute live production dominated Saturday night television from 1949-1954.

1950

The Kate Smith Hour

Beloved singer Kate Smith, famous for her rendition of "God Bless America," transitioned from radio to television with The Kate Smith Hour.  The daily variety program was the first network daytime television show.

1950

The Kate Smith Hour

Smith, along with with her company of singers and dancers, enchanted American audiences from 1950-54.  Upon the show's cancellation, NBC received 400,000 letters of protest.

1951

NBC's Dragnet debuts as one of TV's earliest and most successful crime series

Dragnet began on NBC in 1949 as a radio show and moved to television two years later. It would run until 1956 and then be revived for a second run from 1967 to 1970. Shown here are the stars of the second version, Harry Morgan and Jack Webb.

Just the facts, ma'am.

- Dragnet

1952

David Garroway was the first host of the Today show

This is how Garroway opened the first show. Now, more than 60 years later, millions of people begin their day withToday.

1953

NBC begins first compatible color broadcasts, preceding other networks by nine years

NBC presented an episode ofKukla, Fran, and Ollie on August 30, 1953, as the first publicly announced experimental broadcast in compatible color.

Universal releases its first 3-D film, It Came From Outer Space

The sci-fi thriller was based on a story by Ray Bradbury.

1954

The Tonight Show, TV's first successful late-night talk show, debuts on NBC with Steve Allen as host

Allen originated features of late-night television that are now long familiar to viewers, such as the opening monologue and celebrity interviews. He broadcast the show from the Hudson Theatre on West 44th St. in New York City.

This program is going to go on forever.

- Steve Allen

The first TV "spectacular," Satin and Spurs, is shown on NBC

Yet another programming idea from the fertile imagination of Pat Weaver, the "spectacular" broke with the then-standard custom of airing programs sponsored (and controlled) by a single advertiser, in favor of a program controlled by the network, with commercial time sold to multiple advertisers.

1955

NBC Radio introduces Monitor, a new weekend program service

Monitorwas the last of Pat Weaver's innovations for NBC. The series offered an eclectic mix of programming from around the world. A critical and popular success, it ran for 20 years…

Mary Martin stars in Peter Pan on NBC

Broadcast in color, the live telecast drew a record-breaking estimated audience of 65 million.  NBC would again present a live production ofPeter Pan 59 years later on December 4, 2014 with Allison Williams as Peter Pan and Christopher Walken as Captain Hook.

1956

NBC's peacock logo debuts

To promote NBC's color programming (and sales of color TV sets made by NBC's owner, RCA), NBC introduced a brightly-colored eleven-feathered peacock logo and the famous voiceover "The following program is brought to you in living color on NBC."

Chet Huntley and David Brinkley gain national acclaim for their election coverage and their subsequent Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC

On the evening newscast, Chet Huntley reported from New York and David Brinkley from Washington. Their closing lines became one of television's best-known catchphrases: "Goodnight, Chet. Goodnight, David. And goodnight, for NBC News."

Nat King Cole is first major black artist to have his own network series, on NBC

Even with his enormous charm and a stunning array of guests, Cole was unable to overcome resistance to a black headliner from some advertisers and affiliates. Unable to secure a national advertiser, NBC was forced to cancel the program in December of 1957.

1957

Wagon Train and The Dinah Shore Chevy Show debut on NBC

Wagon Train was one of the first of what became an avalanche of Westerns on TV in the late 1950s. In 1958, there were 31 westerns on prime-time television. Balancing this was the folksy Dinah Shore, with her trademark hand-to-mouth smooch – "mwah!"

Jack Paar becomes host of The Tonight Show on NBC

With Paar, the show would relocate to Studio 6B in the RCA Building. In 1960, Paar famously walked off the program in protest to NBC management who had censored a water-closet joke, saying "There must be a better way of making a living than this." A month later, after having spent a few weeks in Hong Kong trying to calm down, he returned, admitting that he couldn't find a better way after all.

1959

Bonanza, first TV Western series in color, begins its 14-year run on NBC

Along withThe Wonderful World of Disney,Bonanzawas responsible for boosting color TV set penetration from virtually nonexistent to more than 50% by 1971.

1960

NBC initiates presidential TV debates (Kennedy and Nixon)

The debate, moderated by Howard K. Smith, reached more than 69 million people via TV and another 17 million on radio.

Universal's Spartacus premieres; the movie wins four Academy Awards

Starring Kirk Douglas and directed by Stanley Kubrick,Spartacus cost $12 million to make and grossed $14.6 million at the box office, making it one of the year's top movies.

The first NBC White Paper is produced, beginning a long-running documentary series

The first installment, The U-2 Affair, was about a spy mission in the Soviet Union. Running for two decades, the series won universal acclaim for its high journalistic standards.

1963

NBC News covers the assassination and funeral of President Kennedy

Over 400 newsman and mobile units were used during the 71 hours of coverage.

1964

NBC Sports televises the Tokyo Olympic Games

The segments included some live-by-satellite telecasts, as well as same-day coverage.

Universal Studios Tour opens for business

The tour was a reincarnation of the original Universal tour that was halted in the late 1920s, when "talkies" became the norm and producers demanded a set free of noise from visitors.

1965

I Dream of Jeannie premieres on NBC

Barbara Eden's Jeannie famously crossed her arms, nodded her head, and disappeared into a cloud of smoke.  Eden and co-star Larry Hagman captivated audiences with their magical chemistry until 1970.

1966

Live long and prosper.

- Star Trek

Future cult hit Star Trek debuts on NBC

The show developed a passionate following despite low ratings; it was ranked fifty-second in its first season.

1967

NBC's Ironside, the popular detective series starring Raymond Burr, debuts

The TV movie ofIronside was such a success that this show was turned into a series - arguably, the first-ever with a handicapped character.

Sock it to me!

- Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

1968

Groundbreaking comedy Julia debuts on NBC

Diahann Carroll was the first African-American woman to star in her own comedy television series. On NBC'sJulia, which aired from 1968 to 1971, she portrayed a widow and single mother working as a nurse to support her son. The image of a strong, modern, and professional African-American woman defied stereotypes and was a revolutionary concept for television during the Civil Rights era.

1969

NBC airs one of the biggest upsets in sports history: the 1969 Super Bowl

Joe Namath and the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts 16 to 7. In this photo, NBC Sports' Kyle Rote conducts the postgame interview with a victorious Namath.

1970

The Flip Wilson Show debuts on NBC

For the first two years after its debut, the show was the No. 2 program in America. Wilson earned a Golden Globe for his performance and the show garnered two Emmys.

What you see is what you get.

- Flip Wilson

1971

The NBC Mystery Movie, rotating three different detective series, introduces Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo

Steven Spielberg directed Lt. Colombo's first series case.

Just one more thing...

- Columbo

1973

Universal's The Sting premieres

The film, which starred Paul Newman, Robert Redford, captured seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

American Graffiti becomes an instant classic

The coming-of-age film, directed by George Lucas, starred Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Suzanne Somers, Cindy Williams, Wolfman Jack and Mackenzie Phillips.

Breaking new ground, NBC launches Tomorrow, a late-late-night talk program.

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1973

Hosted by Tom Snyder, Tomorrow was NBC's first network show in the 1 a.m. timeslot (after The Tonight Show).

Snyder conducted lengthy and personal interviews with guests outside the usual circuit of show business personalities, such as Ayn Rand and the Dalai Lama. Seen here, Snyder interviews John Lennon, in what would be Lennon's final televised interview.

1973

Hosted by Tom Snyder, Tomorrow was NBC's first network show in the 1 a.m. timeslot (after The Tonight Show).

Snyder conducted lengthy and personal interviews with guests outside the usual circuit of show business personalities, such as Ayn Rand and the Dalai Lama. Seen here, Snyder interviews John Lennon, in what would be Lennon's final televised interview.

1973

Bill Murray

Snyder interviews comedian and actor Bill Murray, who had recently concluded three years with the cast of Saturday Night Live and a starring role in Caddyshack.

1974

One of TV's most successful family series, Little House on the Prairie, is launched on NBC

Bonanzaveteran Michael Landon starred in and produced the series, which featured Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls Wilder.

1977

USA Network launches

The cable channel was originally called the Madison Square Garden Network – not to be confused with regional sports network MSG.

CHiPS debuts on NBC

Larry Wilcox and Eric Estrada starred as state motorcycle patrolmen with the California Highway Patrol, better known as CHiPs.

1978

NBC's Holocaust miniseries attracts 107 million viewers and wins 21 major awards

The nine-and-a-half hour television event aired over four nights in April of 1978 and starred Michael Moriarty and Meryl Streep.

Universal's National Lampoon's Animal House premieres

Director John Landis and star John Belushi (Saturday Night Live) shattered expectations with the low-budget college fraternity film that has since become a comedy classic.

Universal's The Deer Hunter premieres

The movie, which featured stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

1980

NBC's miniseries Shogun wins huge audiences and critical praise

The five-part, twelve-hour miniseries explored the world of feudal Japan and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series.

1981

Landmark series Hill Street Blues is introduced on NBC

The innovative police series was destined to become one of TV's most-honored programs, with 26 Emmys and 98 Emmy nominations.

Let's be careful out there.

- Hill Street Blues

1983

I pity the fool.

- The A-Team

Tom Brokaw becomes sole anchor of NBC Nightly News

After assuming his role as head anchor on September 5, 1983, Brokaw went on to cover historic events and conduct groundbreaking one-on-one interviews with notable political leaders of the time. He would continue to serve as anchor and managing editor of NBC's flagship news broadcast until 2004.

NBC programs receive 133 Emmy Award nominations

This is the most ever by one network. NBC also received 33 primetime awards, more than the other two networks combined.

1984

NBC's The Cosby Show debuts and quickly becomes TV's most popular series

The sitcom featured standup comedian Bill Cosby as the patriarch of an upper-middle class African-American family, a groundbreaking television concept at the time.  The show was the No. 1 program in the nation for five consecutive seasons.

1985

NBC's Today airs the first-ever live telecast from the coliseum in Rome

This was the first time American TV cameras have been allowed inside the Pauline Chapel, the Pope's private chapel. Pope John Paul II celebrated mass for theToday staff.

The Golden Girls debuts on NBC

The breakthrough show showcased the talents of comediennes Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty.The Golden Girls was a surprise hit, as a sitcom featuring a group of women over the age of fifty was considered an uncertain bet at the time.

NBC has its most successful season in 30 years

The network had nine of the top 20 programs, includingMiami ViceandGolden Girls.

Universal's Out of Africa premieres

The film was honored with seven Oscars, including Best Picture.

Universal's Back to the Future premieres

The time-traveling adventure starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd was the highest-grossing film of the year, with $381 million in box-office revenues.

If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.

- Back to the Future

1986

GE buys RCA for $6.4 billion

At the time, the deal was the largest non-oil acquisition in U.S. history. Pictured here is GE executive Bob Wright, who was named the new president of NBC.

Well, isn't that special?

- Saturday Night Live

1987

NBC's Today goes on the road to the People's Republic of China

Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley reported on the cultural treasures of the world's most populous nation.

1989

NBC launches CNBC

NBC's first successful foray into the new cable industry, CNBC was originally called the Consumer News and Business Channel. Today, it reaches nearly 400 million homes worldwide.

Universal's Field of Dreams premieres

Kevin Costner starred as Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who was inspired to build a baseball diamond in his field after hearing voices advising him: "If you build it, he will come."

The NBC hit sitcom Seinfeld makes its debut as The Seinfeld Chronicles

The program became a ratings powerhouse for NBC in the 1993-94 primetime season.

NBC launches The More You Know

The multiple award-winning public service campaign addresses issues such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, violence prevention, peer pressure, and sexually transmitted diseases.

NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw exclusively covers the fall of the Berlin Wall live

Brokaw was the only television journalist with a live satellite feed from Brandenburg Gate.

1990

Law & Order, the "mother ship" of the successful crime series franchise, makes its debut on NBC

The show, which featured plots that were "ripped from the headlines," was a staple of NBC's primetime lineup for two decades.

Universal Studios Florida Opens

1991

Tim Russert becomes the ninth moderator for Meet the Press

Russert, a top-notch interviewer, would expertly grill Washington's most powerful politicians during his 17-year tenure as host, the longest in the show's history.  His interviews were so compelling thatMeet the Press eventually expanded to an hour-long format in 1992.

If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press.

- Meet the Press

1992

Jay Leno makes his debut as the host of The Tonight Show

Leno, who frequently appeared onTonight during the Johnny Carson era, debuted as host in May of 1992.  The well-publicized transition between Carson and Leno was rocky, but Leno quickly became a late-night staple with his everyman humor and popular bits like "Headlines" and "Jaywalking."

1993

Universal Studio's CityWalk opens

CityWalk expanded Universal Studios Hollywood with a three-block entertainment, dining, and shopping promenade.

Universal's Jurassic Park premieres

With more than $1 billion in global box-office receipts, Steven Spielberg'sJurassic Parkis one of the most successful films in history.

Universal and Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List premieres

The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

- Seinfeld

1994

Blockbuster hit ER premieres on Thursday nights on NBC

Created by novelist Michael Crichton,ER ran on NBC for 15 seasons. It received 124 Emmy nominations, making it the most-nominated TV drama in history.

Landmark NBC comedy Friends premieres on Thursday nights

One of the most popular sitcoms of all time,Friends ran for 10 seasons on NBC. The cultural impact of the show includes star Jennifer Aniston's widely-copied hairstyle, "The Rachel," and Joey's (Matt LeBlanc) catchphrase, "Howyou doin'?"

1995

No soup for you!

- Seinfeld

Jay Leno surpasses David Letterman in late-night ratings war.

With Leno's Tonight and Conan's Late Night thriving, NBC recaptured its tradition of dominance in late-night programming.

1996

The hit series 3rd Rock from the Sun debuts in the first quarter on NBC

The extraterrestrial comedy aired until 2001, gathering eight Emmy Awards along the way.

NBC and Microsoft launch MSNBC

The 24-hour news and information cable network combined with an interactive online service to create a new model of television and Internet integration.

NBC solidifies its status as the home of the Olympics

The Games of the XXVI Olympiad took place in Atlanta, marking the third straight Summer Olympics telecast for NBC. NBC also acquired the broadcast rights to the Olympics through 2008.  During…

1998

Seinfeld airs its final episode on NBC, attracting over 76 million viewers

Although the finale was met with mixed reviews, it was ranked fourteenth on Nielsen's list of most-watched TV shows at the time.

1999

Universal Studios Florida expands to become Universal Orlando Resort

The destination opened its second park, Islands of Adventure, the Portofino Bay Hotel and the CityWalk entertainment complex.

West Wing premieres on NBC

The critical and commercial hit explored the inner workings of the White House through an ensemble cast that included Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, and Stockard Channing.  The complex drama was developed by legendary writer and producer Aaron Sorkin.

2000

NBC broadcasts the XXVII Olympiad from Sydney

NBC would air 441.5 hours of taped coverage on NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC, attracting a total of 185 million viewers. NBC's coverage garnered 10 Emmy Awards. In an electriying 400m sprinting event,…

2001

Universal Studios Japan stages grand opening

The first Universal theme park to be built in Asia, Universal Studios Japan shattered attendance records worldwide, reaching 1 million visitors just 37 days after opening, faster than any theme park in history.

2002

The XIX Olympic Winter Games is held in Salt Lake City

This marked NBC's first coverage of the Olympic Winter Games since 1972. The Games were the second-most-watched Winter Games in history, attracting 187 million American viewers.  During the…

NBC acquires Telemundo and Bravo

The acquisition gave NBC the nation's second-largest Spanish-language broadcaster and a leading entertainment cable network. Also acquired this year was TV station KNTV in San Jose/San Francisco.

2003

NBC acquires U.S. television broadcast rights for the 2010 and 2012 Olympic Games

The company would spend approximately $2.2 billion for rights to the two Olympic Games.

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy debuts on Bravo

The makover show became a smash hit and transformed Bravo into a pop culture trendsetter.

We're not here to change you, we're here to make you better.

- Queer Eye

Universal becomes the first studio with five summer releases breaking the $100 million mark

The summer hits wereBruce Almighty,2 Fast 2 Furious,Hulk,Seabiscuit, andAmerican Wedding.

2005

Battlestar Galactica airs on SCI FI Channel

With critical acclaim and high ratings, the debut episode would win the 2005 Hugo Award for Best Drama and the series would take home a Peabody Award.

The Office premieres on NBC

Over the next few seasons, the critically acclaimed comedy series would win multiple Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, and Golden Globe awards.

NBC is awarded the rights to the NFL's Sunday night primetime package

The rights deal included the 2009 and 2012 Super Bowls.

Universal's The 40 Year-Old Virgin opens

Starring Steve Carell from NBC'sThe Office, the film would gross more than $175 million worldwide.

Focus Features' Pride & Prejudice opens

The film would gross more than $120 million worldwide and receive four Academy Award nominations.

Universal Pictures' King Kong opens

The movie would gross more than $550 million worldwide and win three Oscars.

It was beauty killed the beast.

- King Kong

Focus Features premieres Brokeback Mountain

The groundbreaking movie would become Focus Features' top-grossing film ever and win three Academy Awards in addition to the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.

I wish I knew how to quit you.

- Brokeback Mountain

2006

Sleuth, a digital cable channel dedicated to crime and mystery programming, launches on NBC

The channel would be rebranded as Cloo in August 2011.

NBC Universal kicks off coverage of the Winter Olympics from Torino, Italy

The company's networks would broadcast an unprecedented 416 hours of programming.  American speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno captured the gold in the 500m event.

The Housewives phenomenon begins

Bravo's first iteration of its signature franchise began withThe Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006.  Viewers tuned in to catch the dramatic lives of the affluent housewives, and a reality show powerhouse was born.  The water cooler sensation led to spinoffs in New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Beverly Hills, and Miami.

USA network launches Psych

The show would be the No. 1 new cable series of 2006.

The NFL returns to NBC for the first time since the 1997 season

NBC's debut broadcast was the Thursday-night season-opener between the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins.

30 Rock premieres on NBC

Starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, the critically acclaimed comedy would dominate the awards landscape during the next few seasons, with multiple Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, and Golden Globe awards.

Meredith Vieira makes her debut as co-anchor of Today

Vieira replaced Katie Couric as co-anchor of the morning news program and quickly became a beloved part of theTodayfamily.

CNBC launches CNBC.com

The site is the financial news network's popular online destination for the latest stock market news, information, and headlines.

USA Network begins unprecedented streak as the No. 1 cable entertainment network

The network's unparalleled success was driven by original programming such asMonk,Psych,White Collar, andBurn Notice.

2007

Universal enters term deal with Chris Meledandri to head up a new animated film division at Universal

Meledandri had previously served as head of 20th Century Fox Animation. The partnership would eventually develop theDespicable Me franchise.

Burn Notice premieres on USA Network

The series would be the No. 1 new cable series of 2007.

Universal Pictures ends the summer with four $100 million-plus hits

The summer hits wereKnocked Up,Evan Almighty,The Bourne Ultimatum, andI Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.

NBC Universal completes acquisition of Oxygen Media

With the acquisition of Oxygen, NBC Universal added one of the nation's leading female-focused cable networks to its portfolio.

2008

NBC Sports broadcasts the first-ever outdoor NHL game held in the United States, the inaugural Winter Classic

Since then, the Winter Classic has become a perennial fan favorite.

Video website Hulu launches

The innovative joint venture of NBC Universal and News Corp. (now Comcast, 21st Century Fox, and Walt Disney Co.) provides premium content to users online for free in an ad-based environment.

Kathie Lee Gifford joins Hoda Kotb as co-host of the fourth hour of Today on NBC

The fourth hour of the long-running program launched in September 2007.

The Simpsons Ride opens at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood

The ride takes guests on a thrilling adventure with the Simpson family, incorporating the show's classic humor and instantly recognizable characters, all voiced by the original actors.

In Plain Sight premieres on USA Network

The series would become the No. 1 new cable series of 2008.

NBC Universal, along with two equity partners, acquires The Weather Channel

The addition of The Weather Channel to NBC Universal's NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC makes the company the leading provider of news, information, and weather, both online and on television.

Mamma Mia! opens in the U.S. and then expands globally to great success

Mamma Mia! would become the top-grossing movie of all time in the U.K. Global box-office revenues would surpass $600 million.

NBC Universal begins coverage of the Summer Olympic Games from Beijing

At the time, the Games would be the most-watched television event in U.S. history, with 215 million Americans tuning in.  Swimming phenomenon Michael Phelps made history by becoming the the…

NBC Universal acquires Carnival Film & Television Ltd., a U.K.-based television production company

Carnival would go on to produce the critically and commercially acclaimed seriesDownton Abbey.

The Rachel Maddow Show debuts on MSNBC with the most successful show launch in network history

Host Rachel Maddow went on to win numerous awards, including a Gracie Allen Award for Individual Achievement.

Telemundo and Grupo Televisa announce an agreement to broadcast soccer matches of the premier Mexican teams in the U.S.

The deal strengthened Telemundo's position as the home of the best in sports programming for U.S. Hispanics.

David Gregory joins Meet the Press

Gregory became moderator of the Sunday morning news program in December 2008 following Tim Russert's untimely passing.

2009

NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien signs off after 16 seasons

Conan O'Brien briefly replaced Jay Leno in the iconicTonight Show slot as Leno took on a new gig as the host of the short-livedJay Leno Showat 10 p.m.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon premieres on NBC

The SNL alum made his hosting debut with guests Robert De Niro and Justin Timberlake.

Parks and Recreation premieres on NBC

With a beloved ensemble cast led bySaturday Night Live's Amy Poehler, the hit comedy show would air for 7 seasons, receiving 14 Emmy nominations and helping launch the careers of Chris Pratt, star of Universal'sJurassic World, and comedians Aziz Ansari and Nick Offerman.

Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Don't teach a man to fish…and feed yourself. He's a grown man. And fishing's not that hard.

- Parks and Recreation

SCI FI Channel relaunches

The sixteen-year-old cable channel rebranded with a new name and logo: Syfy – still pronounced "sci fi."

After eight seasons on air, Monk ends its run on the USA Network

The show was the first basic cable series to have its repeats air in primetime on two broadcast networks. With 9.4 million viewers tuning in, the series finale set a record for the most-watched episode of a drama series on basic cable.  And by the show's end, Tony Shalhoub had won multiple Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a SAG Award for his role as the eponymous eccentric detective.

2010

NBC Universal begins coverage of the Winter Olympics from Vancouver, Canada

With more than 835 hours of coverage on six platforms, NBC Universal would offer more hours than the last two Winter Olympics combined.  U.S. snowboarder Shaun White scored the gold medal in…

Universal's Islands of Adventure debuts The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The themed area would quickly become a global sensation, setting records for guest satisfaction and business results.

Universal's Despicable Me premieres

The blockbuster became Universal Pictures' seventh-highest opening film of all time, and one of the most profitable films in Universal's history.

Top Chef nabs an Emmy

Bravo's culinary competition show won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program.

Your time starts now.

- Top Chef

2011

NBC Sports and the National Hockey League announce a 10-year television and media rights deal

Under the agreement, NBC remained the exclusive network home and VERSUS the exclusive cable home of the NHL in the U.S.

The Voice debuts on NBC

The first season of the blockbuster vocal competition featured coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green.  The show's innovative format includes four stages of competition: blind auditions, battle rounds, knockouts, and live performance shows.  Since debuting in 2011,The Voice has become a staple of NBC's primetime lineup.

Universal's Bridesmaids premieres

Star Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live) wrote the Academy Award-nominated screenplay with Annie Mumolo.  The female-led comedy, a hit with critics, dominated the box office with nearly $290 million in global box office receipts.

You're like the maid of dishonor.

- Bridesmaids

Universal Pictures' Fast Five, the fifth installment in the franchise, opens to $86.2 million at the North American box office

The movie represented the biggest 3-day opening weekend in Universal history and the biggest April opening ever, besting Universal's previous installment,Fast & Furious.

NBCUniversal acquires U.S. media rights to the 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games

Valued at $4.38 billion, the deal means that at the conclusion of the 2020 Games, NBC will have broadcast 11 consecutive Olympics.

NBCUniversal acquires the 50% of Universal Studios Orlando that it did not already own from Blackstone

The move reflected NBCUniversal's long-term commitment to the theme park business.

NBCUniversal signs a deal to extend its NFL rights package through the 2022 season

The agreement includes new features such as upgraded playoff coverage and an annual primetime game broadcast on Thanksgiving beginning in 2012. In addition to the 2012 Super Bowl, NBC will broadcast the Super Bowl in 2015, 2018 and 2021.

2012

Cable sports network Versus is re-launched as the NBC Sports Network

The channel is a 24/7 destination for the same award-winning storytelling and top-shelf production that has been synonymous with NBC Sports for over 60 years.

Universal's Dr. Seuss' The Lorax debuts

The family film notched the biggest box-office debut weekend of the year at that point, with more than $70 million in domestic box-office receipts.

Transformers: The Ride 3D opens at Universal Studios Hollywood

Based on the popular film franchise, the theme park's most ambitious ride ever created takes guests on an epic adventure as they fight the Decepticons alongside Optimus Prime.

Focus Features' Moonrise Kingdom premieres

During its opening weekend, the Wes Anderson-directed film set the record for the highest per-screen average for a live-action movie.

Universal's Ted debuts

Ted, the directorial debut ofFamily Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, had the third-best opening ever for an R-rated comedy at $54.1 million.  The sequel is set to be released in 2015.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem opens at Universal Studios Florida

A dedicated team from Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment worked alongside Universal Orlando to create a hilarious new storyline and animation for this incredile 3D adventure that features characteres voiced by the original actors from the hit movie.

The London Olympics are watched by 219 million Americans on the channels of NBCUniversal

These Olympic Games were the most-watched event in U.S. history.  Volleyball duo Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won their third consecutive gold medal in their final match as a…

NBC's America's Got Talent is the No. 1 summer series for a seventh year in a row

This season, Howard Stern joined Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel to make up the panel of judges.

Les Miserables premieres on Christmas Day

Unique among films of this type, the movie's vocals were recorded live during filming, rather than prerecorded in a studio with the actors lip-syncing on set.

2013

Syfy teams up with Trio Worlds to produce Defiance

Defiance represents the first-ever convergence of television and online gaming, featuring an interconnected world and storylines that co-exist on both platforms.

Fast & Furious 6 premieres

Opening Memorial Day weekend, the movie would represent the highest-grossing weekend in Universal's history with $120 million in ticket sales.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D opens at Universal Studios Florida

The attraction had already gained "must-see" status at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood. It was built at Universal Studios Florida in one year - the fastest build time in Universal history.

Universal Pictures partners with Legendary Entertainment

The five-year partnership includes a production, co-financing and distribution deal.  Legendary Entertainment served as the co-producer of such films asThe Dark Knight andThe Hangover.

Universal's Despicable Me 2 premieres

The film would be the No. 1 animated movie of 2013 and gross nearly $1 billion worldwide.

The hit Syfy original film Sharknado takes the social media world by storm

The buzz surrounding the made-for-TV movie would lead to multiple encore presentations, midnight move theater screenings, and a sequel.

We're gonna need a bigger chopper.

- Sharknado

Universal Pictures crosses the $2 billion mark at the international box office for the first time in the studio's 101-year history

The studio's success was driven by hits likeFast & Furious 6 andDespicable Me 2.

Esquire Network launches

The entertainment and lifestyle network, a strategic partnership between NBCUniversal and Hearst Magazines, debuted with a slate of both original and acquired programming.  One original series,Knife Fight, showcases underground culinary battles hosted byTop Chef winner Ilan Hall.

The NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group assumes full ownership of Sprout

Sprout is the first 24-hour preschool network.  Chica, the start of Sprout'sSunny Side Up Show, has the become the network's brand icon.  The daily show is currently broadcast live from 30 Rock.

2014

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics reach more Americans via more platforms than any other Winter Olympics in history

There were a record 242.3 million media exposures of Olympics coverage across NBCUniversal's broadcast, cable, and digital properties.

NBCUniversal acquires U.S. media rights to an additional six Olympics Games through to 2032

Valued at $7.65 billion, the deal is the longest U.S. Olympic sports rights agreement in history, and will extend NBCUniversal's streak of consecutive Olympics broadcasts to 17.

NBCUniversal reaches a new long-term deal with World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.

The agreement extended the run ofRaw on USA,SmackDown on Syfy, andTotal Divas on E!

NBC is No. 1 for the 2013-14 season

For the first time in 10 years, NBC won the 2013-14 season in adults 18-49 with help from the Sochi Olympics, reality hitThe Voice, breakout dramaThe Blacklist, and Jimmy Fallon's revitalizedTonight Show.

Universal Studios Florida unveils The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley doubles the size of the sweeping area already dedicated to Harry Potter's adventures at Universal Orlando - creating the world's first centrally-themed, multi-park experience.

Universal's Unbroken is Christmas Day hit

Unbroken, the inspirational drama about Olympian war hero Louis Zamperini (played by Jack O'Connell), opened on Christmas Day with more than $15 million in domestic box-office revenues and garnered nearly $50 million in its first four days, doubling industry expectations.

2015

Super Bowl XLIX on NBC is the most-watched show in U.S. television history

More than 114 million viewers tuned in to NBC to watch the New England Patriots come from behind to defeat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, giving the telecast the biggest audience in the history of U.S. television.

NBC broadcasts the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special

NBC's broadcast of the live special commemorating the show's 40th year on the air was the network's top-rated entertainment program in more than 10 years, with more than 25 million viewers.

Universal's Furious 7 premieres

Opening on April 3,Furious 7 is the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time, with more than $1.5 billion worldwide. A critical as well as commercial success, the movie is Universal's first film to cross the $1 billion threshold during its initial run.

American Pharoah wins the Triple Crown

With his commanding win of the 147th Belmont Stakes (to follow up wins at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes), American Pharoah became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37…

The Wiz Live! premieres on NBC

On December 3, NBC's live performance of The Wiz reached 11.5 million viewers. The star-studded cast featured Mary J. Blige, Common, Ne-Yo, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba, David Alan Grier, and Queen Latifah. Dorothy was played by newcomer Shanice Williams in her first major television role.

Adele Live in New York is NBC's most-watched television concert in over a decade

The Grammy winner's one-hour concert special, Adele Live in New York, aired on NBC on December 14 to 11.2 million viewers. Broadcast from Radio City Music Hall, the performance was Adele's first U.S. concert in years.

Universal sets global box-office records

Universal is the first studio to ever have three movies in a single year gross more than $1 billion, and the first ever to reach $4 billion at the international box office and $6 billion worldwide.

2016

Fandango makes key acquisitions

Fandango acquired Flixster, Rotten Tomatoes, ticketing service Cinepapaya (rebranded as Fandango Latin America), and premium video on-demand service M-GO (rebranded as FandangoNOW), enhancing its reputation as the online global destination for movie lovers.

El Señor de los Cielos breaks ratings records for Telemundo

The season four premiere of El Señor de los Cielos reached 2.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched series debut in Telemundo history.

NBC's This Is Us is the No. 1 new show on all broadcast and cable television

Including viewership on platforms other than the traditional TV set, the hit show would average 21.5 million viewers. The stage was set for the show's fall success in May, when the program's trailer was released and quickly amassed 50 million views online.

The Secret Life of Pets garners record box office

In its opening weekend, Illumination and Universal Pictures' The Secret Life of Pets generated more than $104 million at the North American box office, making it the biggest weekend ever for an original film, animated or otherwise. The movie would go on to become the highest-grossing original film in history, with worldwide box office receipts of more than $875 million.

NBCUniversal announces its largest movie acquisition ever

NBCUniversal inked a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television to gain U.S. broadcast and cable network television rights to J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Franchise, which includes all eight Harry Potter films, Fantastic Beasts films, Universal Parks content, and more. Beginning July 1, 2018, NBCUniversal will be able to air the Harry Potter movies on networks in its portfolio such as USA and Syfy.

NBCUniversal acquires DreamWorks Animation

In August 2016, NBCUniversal completed its acquisition of DreamWorks Animation, expanding its family entertainment portfolio with film franchises such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

USA Network receives its first Emmy nomination and win for a drama series

"Please tell me you're seeing this too." Rami Malek, star of USA Network's hit series Mr. Robot, addressed the crowd as he accepted the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This Emmy was USA Network's first ever nomination and win for a drama series, and it was Malek's first Emmy nomination and win.

MSNBC has its most-watched year ever

MSNBC hit its stride in 2016, attracting its biggest audience since its 1996 debut, with all-time highs in multiple dayparts and key shows such as Morning Joe, The Rachel Maddow Show, and more.

2017

The Fate of the Furious has biggest global opening of all time

After a $542 million global opening, the 8th installment of theFast and Furious franchise crossed the $1 billion mark at the international box office, becoming the 6th film in history to reach this milestone. The popular franchise has now grossed over $5 billion globally.

Universal Orlando opens "Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon"

The innovative and immersive attraction takes guests on an action-packed race through the Big Apple, against Jimmy Fallon himself.

In its 42nd season, SNL sees its ratings soar to a 23-year high

This year's hot political climate boosted SNLviewership to an average of 11 million viewers per episode. The show's trenchant take on presidential politics helped it secure 22 Emmy nominations, the most in the show's four-decade history.

Volcano Bay opens at Universal Orlando Resort

With its innovative technology, such as a wearable device that lets visitors virtually wait in line while enjoying other areas of the park, Volcano Bay set a new standard for water theme parks. The park's 18 discrete attractions deploy more than 10,000 linear feet of track, with the highest vertical drop coming in at 125 feet.

Despicable Me becomes top-grossing animated film franchise ever

Illumination's Despicable Me 3 crossed the $1 billion dollar mark, securing the franchise's spot as the highest-grossing animated series of all time. Internationally, the latest of the four films in the franchise smashed animation records in China with a $66 million opening weekend.

Telemundo is No. 1

For the first time in its history, Telemundo finished 2017 as the No. 1 Spanish-language broadcast network in weekday primetime.

2018

Hoda Kotb named Today show co-anchor

Hota Kotb joined Savannah Guthrie as co-anchor of Today, marking the first time in the program's 66-year history that Today has been led by two female anchors.

Goooal! for Telemundo

With its Spanish-language broadcasts of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, Telemundo Deportes set new network records, reaching 37 million viewers in the U.S. Seen here, iconic announcer Andrés Cantor.

2019

Universal's Green Book wins Oscars for best picture, original screenplay, and supporting actor

Directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen,Green Book is inspired by the true story of black concert pianist Don Shirley and his Italian-American bodyguard and driver Tony Vallelonga, on a road trip through the pre-civil rights Deep South.

Universal Orlando Resort opens Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Featuring rich sets, an actual forest with more than 1,200 trees, groundbreaking coaster technology, and a captivating storyline, the world's first "story coaster" opened June 13.

USA Network is highest-rated entertainment cable network

For the 14th consecutive year, USA Network is cable television's highest-rated entertainment network in total viewers.

NBC News is No. 1 across the board

NBC News's marquee programs –Today,NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, andMeet the Press – are ranked No. 1 for the fourth straight season.

2020

With many movie theaters closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Pictures releases the much-anticipated 'Trolls World Tour' via Premium Video On Demand.

In addition to becoming the largest digital debut for a film ever to date, it also pioneered a new hybrid distribution model for the film industry.

Theme Parks Pivot

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Theme Parks teams find creative solutions to welcome guests safely in Orlando and Japan, while construction continues at both our new park in Beijing and our highly anticipated Super Nintendo World in Japan.

NBCUniversal Launches Peacock

Comcast NBCUniversal introduces Peacock, strategically entering the streaming market with a differentiated, free, ad-supported model.

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