NBC Buys In Bulk On 'Superstore' With Full Season Order

Comcast Corporation's CMCSA NBC became the first network to give one of its show the full season pickup on Friday, but it wasn't one analysts expected.

Usually full-season orders this early go to a break-out freshman hit, but here it was "Superstore," which is a sophomore series. The move makes sense on NBC's part, as it has been desperately trying to get itself back on the right track with its comedies and "Superstore" had been delivering.

Debuting earlier this year, the comedy spoof about employees at a big-box store, utilized its "Voice" lead-in to make a mark with audiences. Executives noticed and renewed it for a second season, which kicked off with a special episode airing during the Olympics. The Summer Games themed installment earned a 3.0 in the 18-49 demo.

"Superstore's" season two debut last week earned a 1.5 in the demo (a three-year high for a NBC comedy) and that helped give freshman series "The Good Place," a strong (by today's comedy standards) launch with a 1.4 rating.

As the first season of "The Good Place" is meant to be a 13-episode series, "Superstore" will eventually be looked on to help NBC maintain stability as it tries to launch other new comedies this season.