Facing the Republican presidential debate, FX’s “Baskets” suffered live+same-day declines in week two.
The series, which premiered to a 0.46 rating and 1.035 million total L+SD viewers last week, settled for a 0.35 adults 18-49 rating and 658,000 viewers this week.
As most new shows — including those that feature broader-skewing tone and humor than “Baskets” — suffer losses in their second weeks, it is likely “Baskets” would have fallen no matter what.
The Republican presidential debate definitely intensified that fall — especially when it comes to the total viewership figure.
While “Baskets” was down in all major demographics, it took a particularly strong hit with viewers over the age of 50. Last week’s episode drew a 0.38 in the 50+ demo, while this week’s posted a 0.19.
The debate resonated disproportionately well with that demographic; it drew a 2.27 in adults 18-49 but an 8.58 with the 50+ bracket.