Though not nearly as big a draw as the first presidential debate, the vice presidential debate was still tough enough competition to sink the A.L. Wild Card Game.
The Orioles/Blue Jays American League Wild Card Game had a 3.3 overnight rating on TBS Tuesday night, down 42% from Astros/Yankees on ESPN last year (5.7) and down 13% from A’s/Royals in 2014 (3.8). Compared to last year’s N.L. Wild Card Game on TBS, Cubs/Pirates, overnights sank 40% from a 5.5.
The 3.3 overnight is tied as lowest yet for an MLB Wild Card Game (10 telecasts dating back to 2012). The first ever Wild Card Game, Cardinals/Braves in 2012, had the same overnight in a late afternoon timeslot.
The Blue Jays’ extra-inning walk-off win, which peaked at a 4.0 from 10:45-11 PM per Sports Business Daily, faced tough competition from the vice presidential debate. That event had a 24.2 overnight rating according to Fox Sports executive Michael Mulvihill — off 48% from the first presidential debate eight days earlier (46.2) but still formidable competition.
Beyond the debate, Tuesday’s numbers were also affected the presence of the Blue Jays, a Canadian team whose market does not factor into U.S. television ratings.
(Tue. numbers from Sports Business Daily 10/5, Michael Mulvihill/Twitter 10/5)
