Let’s face it. Viewers probably weren’t watching Swingtown last night. So let’s just focus on the one event the world was glued to: the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Although a lot of controversy has surrounded this year’s games, the ratings - at least for the tape-delayed opening ceremony - surpassed expectations:

• Beijing’s opening day was the most-watched summer ceremony held outside the United States.
• The 2004 Athens games scored a 18.0 rating/30 share; Friday’s event earned a 21.5 rating/37 share.
• In comparison, the 1996 Atlanta games pulled in a 23.6/45 on its opening day.

NBC is planning up to 3600 hours of coverage through August 24.