Pleased with the strong ratings of the “Summer Olympics,” NBC executives have decided to order a full season of the sports-themed show.

            “I have to tell you, this has been a real ratings surprise for us this summer,” said NBC CEO Jeff Zucker. “We have been fourth place in ratings for a while, and this was a much-needed jolt. Viewers are watching NBC again and advertisers are noticing. So we’re going to order more of ‘Summer Olympics’ for the fall and spring. We think it can drive our fall lineup.”

            While pleased with ‘Olympics,’ NBC executives plan to meet with the show’s creators to re-tool some of it in hopes of attracting a broader audience.

            “I know what viewers want,” said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman of NBC Entertainment. “We already have some good characters to work with – Michael Phelps, those volleyball chicks – but there are also areas to improve. Like, what’s with all the Chinese people? I don’t think the average American Joe on the couch wants to watch a show about Chinese people.”

            Once “Summer Olympics’” two-week run ends this weekend, Silverman will lead a team that will quickly revamp the show in time for a full fall launch.

            “It’s got to be more sexy, first of all,” said Silverman. “Those female gymnasts look like kids. That might get Calvin Klein to buy some ads, but that’s about it. So we’ll hire some hot talent to take their places. And maybe keep the gymnasts on for stunt work.”

            One of Silverman’s biggest tasks will be to sign Phelps to a new contract.

            “I’m hearing whispers that he wants to take some time off,” said Silverman. “Which is ridiculous. Does the guy want to be a real star? Or does he want to be some guy who was a lead character on a somewhat successful two-week pilot in the summer of 2008? It’s no-brainer. He’ll re-sign.”

            And if all goes well, NBC has big plans for the “Olympics” franchise.

            “We think this can be big,” said Silverman. “This has spin-off potential. Picture it: a few years from now, a new Olympics show ... but one in the winter on snow and ice. Then we throw in Tina Fey or Amy Poehler and we’re golden.”