[5] On May 10, 2012, NBC announced that Rock Center had been removed from the schedule for the remainder of the May 2012 sweeps period due to low ratings.

[7] The program received considerable attention for its November 14, 2011 broadcast, in which Bob Costas interviewed former Penn State Nittany Lions football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

[10] Sandusky proclaimed his innocence in light of recent child sex abuse charges against him, despite acknowledging inappropriate contact with the victims, and denied the alleged cover-up by his former employers.

[11] Rock Center changed its nightly timeslot five times since its inception, initially broadcasting on Monday evenings at 10 p.m.

[19] Matt Roush of TV Guide gave it a moderate review, stating "Substantive without being stuffy, workmanlike but something less than a wow.

[20] James Poniewozik of Time also gave a moderate, general review, paying particular attention to a closing segment with Jon Stewart of The Daily Show.

[21] Hank Stuever of Washington Post gave a positive review, saying "The result was assured, quick-paced and enjoyably flavored with a few spicy dashes of Brian Williams' dry rub.