NASCAR overnights hit a broadcast network low over the weekend. In other news, Penguins-Flyers led weekend NHL overnights on NBC and the NFL schedule release was a mixed bag.
NASCAR Ratings: Richmond Overnights at Broadcast Network Low
The 1.7 declined 37% from last year (2.7) and 41% from 2016 (2.9), when the race took place on a Sunday afternoon. Compared to the last time the race ran on a Saturday night, overnights fell 43% from a 3.0.
Pens-Flyers Overnights Up on NBC
The previous day, regional coverage of Devils-Lightning or Blue Jackets-Capitals had a 1.4 across NBC and NBCSN — even with last year on NBC alone (Wild-Blues) and up 17% from 2016 (Rangers-Penguins: 1.2).
On Friday, Flyers-Penguins Game 5 drew a 0.49 and 875,000 on NBCSN, up 23% in ratings and 36% in viewership from last year (Maple Leafs-Capitals: 0.40, 642K). Including the streaming audience on NBC Sports digital platforms, the game’s audience of 903,000 was the largest for a first round Game 5 since 2012.
In other action, Avalanche-Predators had a 0.45 and 801,000 later in the night, and Wild-Jets had 249,000 on USA Network.
NFL Schedule Release Mixed Bag
[Wknd. numbers from Sports Business Daily 4.23; Programming Insider 4.23; ShowBuzz Daily 4.21]
