Show of the week: 2012 London Olympics

The Games that could produce the most decorated Olympian in history—swimmer and 16-time medalist Michael Phelps—get underway. Bob Costas will lead NBC’s 272.5 hours of broadcasting, but that’s only a fraction of the coverage to be offered July 27–Aug. 12 by such sister properties as NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, Bravo, and affiliated online portals. The opening ceremonies, titled “Isles of Wonder” and masterminded by Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle, will begin at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 27, on NBC. For up-to-date schedules, consult NBCOlympics.com.