Did You Watch Matthew Perry's New Sitcom? 18.5 Million Others Did

Did you happen to tune in to Matthew Perry's new sitcom "Go On" after the Olympics coverage on Wednesday night? If you did, you weren't alone: about 18.5 million people tuned in to watch the show, which is looking to be NBC's prized new offering for the fall schedule.

The show features former "Friends" star Perry as a recently widowed sportscaster who must undergo group therapy before he can continue working. Of course, when he gets to his therapy session, he finds that it is populated with zany characters whom he will undoubtedly learn to love and so on.

"Go On" is one of a few new offerings from NBC that takes on a broader style. While shows like "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory" are seeing huge success for CBS, more sophisticated and subtle comedies like "Parks and Recreation" and "Community" are in the ratings doldrums.

"Animal Practice" is NBC's other broad new comedy, centering on the staff of an animal hospital. Think "Scrubs," but with the occasionally cute furry animal. Like "Go On," "Animal Practice" will also enjoy a post-Olympics slot, airing this Sunday after the closing ceremonies.

Of course, "Go On" will not maintain a viewership of 18.5 million. However, "The Voice" saw a huge bump earlier this year from its post-Super Bowl slot, and continued to have a successful second season in terms of ratings. Could this be the solution to NBC's ratings problems?