Together, the first two games of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians have been a ratings success.
Combined, the two games have averaged 18.3 million viewers for Fox. That’s up 27 percent from last year’s series and the highest two-game start since 2009 (Yankees vs. Phillies).
Specifically, Chicago’s game two win over the Indians on Wednesday night received an 11.3 rating and 19 share, averaging 17.4 million viewers. For reference, last year’s second World Series game averaged 13.7 million viewers.
All in all it’s a promising start for what could end up being a record-breaking series if a certain team ends up winning it all in six or seven games. But as for the hot start, it might be worth noting that it actually could have been hotter.
Weekday game starting times have long been a controversial topic for many, especially those on the East Coast who are tired of needing to stay up until Midnight or later to see the end of important games. Critics say that an earlier start time would benefit all audiences and give them all a chance to see as much of the game as possible.
Michael Mulvihill, Senior Vice President for Programming and Research for the Fox Sports Media Group, has been tweeting out his thoughts on ratings and start times and he thinks that game two’s early start (7 p.m. ET) contributed to some lost ratings numbers.
First things first on Game 2: it was absolutely pouring, bone-chilling and miserable in CLE within 45 minutes of the last out of Game 2.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
Given the way things played out I don't see how anyone could argue that MLB didn't make the right call in moving up first pitch.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
That said, the earlier start clearly impacted ratings for the worse. A trade we'll make gladly to get all 9 in and keep series on schedule.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
Game 2 ratings vs Game 1, by hour:
First hour: -32%
Second hour: -15%
Third hour: +1%
Fourth hour: +9%— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
Impact of the early start on kids and teens somewhere between a wash and slight negative. Kids up 4% over Game 1, Teens down -14%.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
First hour way down among both kids and teens. Final hour way up.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
Honestly think the whole subject of kids watching the World Series is overrated and has been for a long time.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
Earlier starts tougher the further you get from east coast. At first pitch last night CT Chicago trailed ET Cleveland by 18 share points!
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
Game 2 stream on FSGO had more uniques but lower average minute than Game 1. Early start made some start on digital, switch to TV later?
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 27, 2016
While it was just one game, it’s a damning indictment for folks like Mike & Mike who have been calling for earlier game starts in order to make life easier for those who need to get up early the next day. There’s no arguing with ratings.
Friday night’s Game 3 goes back to an 8 p.m. ET start time. Given the importance of the game, the interest in seeing the Cubs and Indians win a title, and the weekend placement, we can expect the ratings to keep going up. We can also expect, weather permitting, the start times to stay as they’ve been.
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