NBC was pummeled by viewers who took to social media after the network cut away early from the closing ceremonies of the London Games on Sunday to air a new television show, drawing outrage from those who tuned in for the highly anticipated musical spectacle.

The Twitter-sphere exploded -- with "#NBCfail" and "#closingceremonies" trending worldwide -- after NBC cut out performances by Ray Davies, Kate Bush, the Who and the Muse in favor of a commercial-free airing of "Animal Practice."

"I still don't understand, it's a tape delay, so can't you do the math in advance? Why do you need to cut off the closing ceremony? #nbcfail," wrote Raj Sarkar on Twitter.

Actor Nate Barlow posted to his Twitter account: "Why #nbcfail ranks last: no better way to turn people off a new show than to preempt @thewho & other rock legends for it."

The network was under fire for much of the 16 days of the Games by viewers who took to Twitter and Facebook to complain about its tape-delayed coverage of big ticket events, which NBC has said was necessary to maximize its prime-time audience.

NBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision to cut away from the ceremonies, though it did appear to warn viewers that it was about to end its Olympic coverage.

"And that's a wrap! Thanks for enjoying the 2012 #Olympics with us! RT if you CAN'T WAIT for #Sochi2014!," read a post that appeared on the NBC Olympics Twitter page as the closing ceremonies aired on the East Coast.

It posted a similar message on Facebook, which drew immediate reaction.

"Why did you have to cut off the closing ceremony NBC? I didn't even get to see Muse and the Who perform, and the ending of the ceremony. No one cares about that stupid animal show," wrote Ashley Cerezo.

John Kwon wrote: "I tuned out when NBC interrupted the closing ceremony."

But at least those at the closing ceremonies in London enjoyed the show.

"What an incredible night! Closing ceremonies were unbelievable but I am EXHAUSTED!," Missy Franklin wrote on Twitter. "I'll post a few pics before bed."