‘Er’ Sews Up Record Audience

Mon., Sept. 29, 1997

Brian Lowry Los Angeles Times

“ER” proclaimed its latest operation a success, as last Thursday’s live episode charted the NBC drama’s highest rating ever, capping a stellar night that included big premieres for “Seinfeld” and the new Kirstie Alley comedy “Veronica’s Closet.”

The season-opening “ER” drew 42.7 million viewers, a 22 percent increase over last year’s first episode. The program essentially doubled the combined audience for the two network programs competing with it, ABC’s “20/20” and CBS’ “48 Hours.”

Anticipation for the episode appeared to lift NBC’s ratings throughout the night, as “Seinfeld” drew its largest audience ever - nearly 38 million people - while more than 35 million saw the premiere of “Veronica’s Closet.”

“Friends” improved compared to last year as well, with more than 29 million people watching its season premiere. About 13 percent of those viewers bailed on “Union Square,” a new sitcom sandwiched between “Friends” and “Seinfeld.”

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