The 2017 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony drew fewer viewers than the 2016 edition.
The 2017 VMA pre-show also endured a year-over-year ratings decline.
According to live+same-day data posted by Showbuzz, Sunday’s pre-show drew a 0.60 adults 18-49 rating and averaged 1.15 million overall viewers. Last year’s pre-show drew a 0.99 rating and 1.90 million viewers.
Last year’s show did have a timeslot advantage; it aired at 8PM, while this year’s broadcast kicked off at 7PM.
One would have a very difficult time, however, blaming the year-over-year declines (39% in adults 18-49 and 40% in overall viewers) on timeslot.
The 2017 VMA pre-show featured performances by Cardi B, Bleachers and Khalid. The 2016 edition featured Alessia Cara & Troye Sivan, Jidenna and Lukas Graham.
