2012 NBA Playoffs Down on TNT, Still Second-Best Ever on the Net

Posted by | 06/07/2012 at 5:03 pm

Though down double-digits from last year, the 2012 NBA Playoffs was the second-most viewed ever on TNT.

Coverage of the 2012 NBA Playoffs averaged a 3.1 U.S. rating and 4.812 million viewers on TNT, down 11% in ratings and 13% in viewership from last year (3.5, 5.534M), but up 11% and 13%, respectively, from 2010 (2.8, 4.246M).

This marks the second-most viewed edition of the NBA Playoffs on TNT since the network began airing playoff games in 1984.

Of the 39 playoff games on TNT that can be compared to last year, 27 suffered declines in viewership. With that said, 27 of the 39 games that can be compared to 2010 had increases.

The Thunder/Spurs Western Conference Finals averaged a 5.0 U.S. rating and 7.823 million viewers, marking the fourth straight year the Conference Finals on TNT has averaged at least 7.8 million viewers. For some perspective, the Conference Finals averaged only 5.029 million on TNT as recently as 2007.

For some perspective, last year’s Cardinals/Brewers NLCS on TBS — featuring larger television markets — averaged a 2.9 U.S. rating and 4.613 million viewers.

Average Ratings/Viewership For the NBA Playoffs on TNT
Dating back to 2006

Year
 Net
Playoffs Overall
Conference Finals
TCs
Rating
Viewers (000)
Series
Rating
Viewers (000)
2012 TNT
42
3.1
4,812
 Thunder-Spurs
5.0
7,823
2011 TNT
40
3.5
5,534
 Heat-Bulls
6.2
10,413
2010 TNT
39
2.8
4,246
 Lakers-Suns
4.8
7,854
2009 TNT
43
3.1
4,708
 Magic-Cavs
5.4
8,633
2008 TNT
41
2.6
3,795
 Lakers-Spurs
4.2
6,307
2007 TNT
43
2.3
3,324
 Cavs-Pistons
3.5
5,029
2006 TNT
45
2.5
3,594
 Mavs-Suns
3.8
5,509

(This year’s averages from Turner Sports)

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