The World Series got off to a thrilling start on the field and a stronger start in the ratings.
Game 1 of the Mets/Royals World Series drew a 9.0 rating and 14.9 million viewers on FOX Tuesday, per Nielsen fast-nationals — up 23% in ratings and 22% in viewership from Giants/Royals last year (7.3, 12.2M) and up 5% and 3%, respectively, from Cardinals/Red Sox in 2013 (8.6, 14.4M).
Ratings and viewership peaked at a 10.4 and 17.3 million from 10:45-11 PM ET. The game averaged a 9.1 and 15.2 million for the first nine innings, and an 8.9 and 14.4 million for the remaining five.
The Royals’ win ranks as the highest rated Game 1 of the World Series since Phillies/Yankees in 2009 (11.9) and the most-watched since Rangers/Giants in 2010 (15.0M). It also scored the second-highest rating and viewership for a non-clinching World Series game in the past four years, trailing only Red Sox/Cardinals Game 4 in 2013 (9.4, 16.0M).
Game 1 had a 4.6 rating among adults 18-49, up 35% from last year (3.4), up 10% from 2013 (4.2) and the highest Game 1 rating the demo since 2010 (4.7). It had a 3.8 in the adults 18-34 demo, up 27% from last year (3.0) and up 6% from 2013 (3.6).
As one would expect, the World Series easily topped NBA Opening Night on TNT — which drew a 2.1 rating and 3.5 million viewers for Cavaliers/Bulls and a 1.5 and 2.5 million for Pelicans/Warriors.
(Tue. numbers from Fox Sports, with additional info from TV Media Insights)
