World Series ratings continue to come in well below expectations.
Wednesday’s Dodgers-Red Sox World Series Game 2 delivered a 9.9 overnight rating on FOX, down 10% from Astros-Dodgers last year (11.0) and down 12% from Cubs-Indians in 2016, which aired in an earlier timeslot to avoid rain (11.3).
The 9.9 is the lowest for Game 2 of the World Series since Mets-Royals in 2015 (9.3), but the third-highest since 2011 (Rangers-Cardinals: 10.0).
Compared to the Red Sox’ last World Series appearance, against St. Louis in 2013, Game 2 overnights increased 4% over a 9.5.
Both games of Dodgers-Red Sox have earned a lower overnight than the previous 15 World Series games — all seven games of Astros-Dodgers and Cubs-Indians, and the final game of Royals-Mets in 2015.
Game 2 ended an hour earlier than last year’s extra-inning marathon, an indication that length of game is not a factor in the declines. Game 1, which ended more than a hour later than last year, posted a smaller decline.
Local ratings were not immediately available for Wednesday’s game.
With the Red Sox replacing the lesser-known Astros, expectations were that this year’s World Series would outperform last year (at least for the four guaranteed games).
[Numbers from Fox Sports PR/Twitter 10.25]
