Affleck, Lopez boost NBC ratings

“Dateline NBC’s” exclusive Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez special drew a time-period-winning 10.6 million viewers Thursday, based on Nielsen Media Research estimates, far better than “ER” reruns have been faring in the time slot. The interview with Pat O’Brien, host of “Access Hollywood,” was promoted on that magazine show all week and timed to the release of “Gigli,” a romantic comedy in which the couple stars. It opens July 30.

-- Brian Lowry