Clark gets the big numbers
An estimated 20 million people watched Dick Clark’s return to “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
More people watched the ball drop at midnight in Times Square with Clark than any prime-time program that week, Nielsen Media Research reportedFriday.
Clark, who co-hosted with Ryan Seacrest, was appearing for the first time on television since suffering a stroke nearly 13 months earlier. His voice occasionally was difficult to understand, but many people praised his bravery, including other stroke victims.
Clark’s two main competitors -- Carson Daly on NBC and Regis Philbin on Fox -- drew a combined total of 13.7 million viewers, Nielsen reported. Philbin was seen by 18.2 million people when he subbed for Clark on ABC last year.
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