With Michael Phelps making his first appearance, the third night of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials improved over the previous two.
Night three of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials earned 5.9 million viewers on NBC Tuesday night, down 17% from coverage on a Wednesday night in 2012 (7.1M) but up 258% from 2008, when coverage aired on USA Network (1.6M). Ratings were not immediately available.
All three nights of the swimming trials have had a double-digit drop in viewership compared to 2012. That is also the case in the adults 18-49 demographic, where Tuesday’s 1.3 rating marked a 32% drop from a 1.9 four years ago.
Despite the decline, the telecast comfortably topped the first two nights of competition, which delivered 5.2 and 4.5 million viewers. Keep in mind it was the first night to feature the biggest star in the sport, Michael Phelps.
As was the case the previous two nights, the Olympic Trials was no match for its lead-out program. NBC’s reality show America’s Got Talent had 11.2 million viewers and a 2.4 in the demo.
(Tue. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily)
