Monday’s “Better Call Saul” brought an end to the series’ promising trend of week-over-week ratings upticks.
The episode, which was the penultimate season one installment, delivered a 1.13 adults 18-49 rating with 2.38 million viewers.
Down from the 1.33 rating and 2.87 million viewership total posted by last week’s episode, the numbers actually represented series lows for the “Breaking Bad” spin-off.
Despite that reality, they–particularly the adults 18-49 number–still fare very well within the overall cable universe. They do nothing to establish any regret regarding AMC’s decision to prematurely renew “Saul” for a second season.
And if one does feel inclined to dwell on the drop, he should consider this week’s heightened competition. Thanks to post-WrestleMania buzz, this week’s edition of USA Network’s WWE RAW drew dramatically stronger marks than it usually does. Comedy Central’s Roast of Justin Bieber also delivered impressive ratings.
The overlap might not have been significant, but it likely existed to some degree. And insofar as that is true, refraining from obsession over this week’s “Saul” ratings drop should not be difficult.
The first season finale airs next Monday.