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Ratings: “This Is Us” Season Premiere Falls From Last Year, Still Posts Best Non-Boosted Scripted Numbers In Months

“This Is Us” was the best-performing scripted show since May.

On the one hand, Tuesday’s fifth season “This Is Us” premiere posted lower ratings than last year’s season opener and finale.

On the other hand, it delivered the best scripted numbers for a non-NFL-boosted broadcast since this spring.

Citing live+same-day data, NBC says the two-hour premiere averaged a 1.4 adults 18-49 rating and 7.3 million viewers. The demo rating was the best for a non-boosted scripted airing since the April 30 “Parks & Recreation” reunion special. The viewership figure was the best since the May 1 “Blue Bloods” finale.

Last year’s premiere and finale did, however, post stronger numbers. The season opener drew a 1.8 rating and 7.9 million viewers in September 2019, while the March 2020 finale posted a 1.7 rating and drew 8.0 million viewers.

Granted, this Tuesday’s premiere faced competition from the deciding World Series game.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

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