Even without a full suite of competition, early viewership numbers for Thursday’s “The Office” prove NBC is making the right call by bringing its aged series to an end.
Updated Data Based on Fast Nationals:
SNL – 1.6 A18-49 rating, 5.2 million viewers
Up All Night – 1.3 rating, 3.1 million viewers
The Office – 2.1 rating, 4.3 million viewers
Parks & Recreation – 1.7 rating, 3.5 million viewers
Rock Center – 1.1 rating, 4.0 million viewers
Though reviewed very well in comparison to the typical later season “Office” episode, the season nine premiere was only good for a 3.5 overnight metered market rating, notes TV Media Insights. That marks a drastic 35% decline from the season eight premiere.
While there was undoubtedly an early curiosity spike last year over desire to see how the NBC series would integrate James Spader (who has since departed) and move on from Steve Carell, there theoretically should have also been some curiosity in this season’s premiere, given that it began the setup for the show’s culmination.
The number was up slightly from the 3.4 delivered by last season’s finale, but by that point in May, “The Office”‘s adults 18-49 rating had fallen into the low-to-mid 2s, and it had long since lost the “ratings powerhouse” label it maintained for a decent portion of its run on NBC.
Demographic and viewership data will be available later Friday, but it seems highly unlikely “The Office” drew better than a 2.5 in adults 18-49 and low-5 millions in total viewers, so it is thus unlikely the aura of disappointment will change.
Earlier in the night, NBC offered the “SNL: Weekend Update” special (4.0 metered market) and the season premiere of “Up All Night” (2.7 metered market). “Parks & Recreation” followed “The Office” with only a 2.8 for its well-reviewed season opener.
At 10PM, “Rock Center” delivered a 3.4 metered market number.
