Although a verdict will not be available until final, time-adjusted numbers reveal viewership for the live MLB All-Star Game, the early news reflects a decline from last year’s viewership.
Sports have been all the rage this summer–the NBA Finals and World Cup were big ratings winners–but America’s growing love for athletic endeavors apparently did not translate into an increased appetite for NL vs. AL action. According to Nielsen fast national data, the game averaged a 3.5 adults 18-49 rating with 11.27 million viewers from 8:30-11PM, a decline from last year’s 4.0 fast national rating with more than 12.5 million viewers.
When all was said and done, last year’s final rating clocked in at 14.6 million viewers with a 4.7 adults 18-49 rating.
Though the All-Star Game easily won FOX the evening, of note is the fact that hour two of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” actually beat the 10PM hour of the game in total viewership (11.94 million to 11.00 million) and tied the event in the adults 18-49 demo. For the evening, “Got Talent” scored a 3.3 with 11.52 million viewers, leading out of “Losing it with Jillian” (4.03 million viewers, 1.4 rating).
Although ABC aired a repeat of “Wipeout” this week, its provided satisfactory alternative fare for the MLB game and delivered a strong 2.7 adults 18-49 rating with 7.78 million viewers. “Downfall” followed with a terrible 1.3 rating and 3.80 million viewers, but it at least improved from last week’s demo rating. “Primetime: Family Secrets” scored a 1.3 with 4.34 million viewers.
Ratings Sources: Nielsen, Media Week