NBC's 'Sound of Music Live' Earns Huge Ratings: Watch Videos of All the Songs!

Are we entering a new era of live TV musicals?

The results are in from last night's live broadcast of "The Sound of Music Live!" on NBC, and it's looking like the network's gamble has paid off.

The TV musical brought in a reported 18.5 million total viewers, with a 4.6 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic alone. That makes last night the highest-rated Thursday night, excluding sports, since the series finale of "ER" more than four years ago.

This is welcome news to NBC, as the network has struggled mightily in recent years. This year in particular, Thursday nights have been especially tough: With "The Office" now over, NBC is attempting to push new comedies "Sean Saves the World" and "The Michael J. Fox Show" with little success, and has even put "Parks and Recreation" on hiatus.

Ratings aside, audience reaction to the special have been mixed. While many fans, especially those of star Carrie Underwood, shared their delight with the performance on Twitter, critics have panned Underwood's acting.

Others have complained of the show's decision to go with the original stage version of the play, rather than opt for the slightly better-paced movie version. Co-star Stephen Moyer, famous for his role as Bill on "True Blood," earned slightly mixed reviews as well.

Still, one has to wonder if other networks will start considering live musical events such as this one in an attempt to hop on the bandwagon. NBC, having few other options for scripted programming, will almost definitely choose to do another. However, cost will be an issue as this single special cost an estimated $9 million to produce.

All of the songs from the production are now online; check some of them out below and let us know what you thought of Underwood's performance!