Michael Phelps keeps NBC streak going

By Paul J. Gough

NEW YORK -- Record-breaking Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps keeps working his magic on NBC.

Monday's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" with guest star Phelps gave the late-night talker its best ratings since June 17. "Tonight" averaged a 4.1 household metered-market rating/10 share, Nielsen Media Research said Tuesday.

That gave "Tonight" another win against the competition at 11:35 p.m., including ABC's "Nightline" (2.6/6) and "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (1.2/4) as well CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman" (2.5/6). Only "Kimmel" was a repeat.

Phelps' appearance on "Tonight" lifted the tide of "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," which averaged a 1.7/6. CBS' "Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" averaged a 1.3/5.