Anticipation over whether host Steve Harvey would make another mistake did not lead to added interest in this year’s Miss Universe Pageant.
Based on preliminary data, it was actually down from the previous ceremony despite facing less competition.
According to fast national data posted by Showbuzz, FOX’s coverage of the “Miss Universe 2016” pageant averaged a 1.5 adults 18-49 rating and 5.21 million total viewers.
Last year’s event posted a 1.6 demo rating and reached 5.62 million viewers.
The difference maker was the early portion of the show. This year’s ceremony drew a mere 1.0 in the 7-8PM hour, while the 2015 edition posted a 1.5 in that segment. The 8-9PM and 9-10PM segments were fairly comparable year-over-year.
Airing in December, last year’s event faced competition from regular season football action (the early part of the broadcast battled the late afternoon game, while much of the balance faced Sunday Night Football). This year’s show faced the Pro Bowl, which does not typically draw as well as a regular game.
Miss France Universe Iris Mittenaere was crowned Miss Universe at this year’s event.