‘Elvis’ Is the King of Sunday’s Ratings

Elvis was still the king after taking on two high-powered network TV sweeps presentations Sunday.

ABC’s “Elvis and Me” beat CBS’ “Windmills of the Gods” and the first network showing of “Rambo: First Blood, Part II” on NBC in Sunday’s 15-city overnight ratings, the A. C. Nielsen ratings showed Monday. Those preliminary numbers and rankings, however, could change when national totals are released today.

In the overnight estimates, part one of “Elvis and Me” pulled a 21.9 rating and 32 share. That topped CBS’ “Windmills,” which posted a 20.7 rating and 30 share. “Rambo, First Blood, Part II,” came in a distant third with a 14.6 rating/21 share.

A national rating point equals 886,000 households; a share is the percentage of homes turned to a particular station out of the total using television at the time.

On the local stations, ABC’s margin was more decisive as “Elvis” fanned “Windmills” by more than seven rating points (locally, one rating point equals 46,527 households). Nielsen estimates gave “Elvis” a 26.6 rating and 39 share on Channel 7, to “Windmills’ ” 19.0 rating and 28 share on Channel 2. Again, “Rambo” was a distant third with a 12.8 rating/19 share on Channel 4. “Elvis” concluded Monday night, and “Windmills” wraps up tonight.

As a result of the three special offerings, television viewership levels and network viewership percentages were up more than 10 share points compared to Sunday night averages so far this season.