Olympic Ceremonies kick off tonight
The Opening Ceremonies of the XXVIII Olympic Games from Athens tonight kick off 1,210 hours of coverage from NBC and its corporate siblings MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Bravo and Telemundo. It is one of the grandest moments of each Games, featuring the parade of nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, plus an entertainment spectacle. You’ll no doubt hear a big sigh of relief from the people of Greece, as well, as there was a lot of concern whether all the facilities would be completed in time.
Serious competition begins over the weekend, with gymnastics and swimming. But in the meantime, there are some things we thought you needed to know about NBC and Co.’s coverage of the Games:
ITEM: Olympic host Bob Costas will be joined by Katie Couric on the mike tonight. No doubt he’ll be looking at issues of security and politics throughout the Games, along with the competition. But he’s not likely to make much of the fact that, due to the time difference, some marquee events will be held off the various live feeds to save them for NBC’s prime time.
ITEM: Jim Lampley will host USA Network coverage, so Keith Olbermann can stay with his MSNBC show, which is gaining “traction,” according to the NBC press release. We think that means it’s starting to get some viewers. But we’re not sure we buy that reason.
ITEM: If you’re having trouble keeping all 1,210 hours of coverage straight, an average of 70 hours per day, NBC wants to help. They’re offering detailed listings on NBCOlympics.com. They’ll also have little on-screen tips listing what’s being broadcast on the Olympics channel you’re not watching at the moment. Those will pop up at :15 and :45 of each hour. There’s also a special offer for Dish Network subscribers that will allow you to monitor five channels and pick one for normal-size viewing.
ITEM: At last count NBC and Co. had 102 commentators lined up to cover all 28 Olympic sports.
ITEM: At Universal Orlando resort, another NBC corporate cousin, some lucky viewers will be trying to break the Guinness World Record for consecutive hours of television viewing by watching nothing but the Olympics. The current record is 50 hours and 5 minutes. That’s a lot of Bob Costas. The lone survivor of 22 contestants will be awarded a trip to the 2006 Olympics. Which is about when his eyes will finally uncross.
Highlights
“AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Songs,” CBS at 8: Repeat of another American Film Institute countdown show, focusing on the greatest songs in movie history. Expect more Isaac Hayes and Bee Gees than Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. But really, this is CBS’ way of saying, “Enjoy the Olympics!”
Family Fare
“Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” Cartoon Network at 7:30: You and the kids should watch the Olympics together, but if that doesn’t appeal for some reason, check out this new series about a place where those forgotten childhood pals hang out. Three back-to-back episodes air, and repeat at 10.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Halle Berry and musical guest Maria Mena. Repeat.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Pamela Anderson and the “Last Comic Standing” winner. (Note time after Olympics.)
“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC at 12:05.