NBC’S ‘Chicago’ dramas help it dominate in premiere week for TV’S broadcast networks

NEW YORK » NBC opened the new television season with a dominant week against its rivals, and it wasn’t just football that was responsible.

The network’s Sunday night football franchise was by far last week’s mostwatched prime time program, as it traditionally is each fall. But NBC said it was the first time it won television’s fall premiere week in 20 years when only entertainment programming — and not sports — is taken into account.

NBC’S Wednesday night slate of “Chicago” dramas is potent, particularly for younger viewers. The network also touted its new series “Ordinary Joe,” which more than doubled its premiere night audience when delayed and digital viewing is taken into account.