An estimated 18.3 million people watched the “Stand Up to Cancer” Telethon Friday night, which was hosted by the three network news anchors, Brian Williams, Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric.

Nielsen says that is up more than 15% from the 2008 special, which drew 15.9 million viewers.

“Stand Up to Cancer” aired on the big four broadcast networks: ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox as well as on Biography, Discovery Health, E!, G4, HBO, MLB Network, mun2, Showtime, Style, TV One, and, VH1.