Despite LeBron James’ absence, Lakers-Warriors did well for ABC. Also: there was no ratings bump for Johnny Miller’s swan song, the Penguins continue to move the needle for NBCSN, and the latest 30 For 30 failed to match last year.
Lakers-Warriors overnights up despite James’ absence
Lakers-Warriors scored a 3.2 overnight rating on ABC’s NBA Saturday Primetime last night, up 52% from a 2.1 both last year (Rockets-Cavaliers) and in 2017 (Cavaliers-Knicks). The 3.2 is tied as the highest NBA overnight of the season, excluding Christmas. Warriors-Celtics had the same rating a week earlier.
In other NBA action, Sixers-Warriors scored a 1.5 final rating and 2.30 million viewers on TNT Thursday, up 70% in ratings and 71% in viewership from last year (Thunder-Nuggets: 0.9, 1.34M). Versus Warriors-Clippers in the same window two years ago, ratings increased 3% (from 1.45) but viewership declined 2% (from 2.35M).
Earlier in the night, Bucks-Raptors had a 1.0 (+2%) and 1.47 million (+2%).
On Wednesday, ESPN drew a 0.7 (-3%) and 1.01 million (+4%) for Jazz-Blazers and a 0.6 (-40%) and 903,000 (-41%) for Pacers-Wizards.
No ratings bump for Miller’s farewell
Third round coverage of the PGA Tour Phoenix Open, marking the final broadcast for NBC analyst Johnny Miller, had a 2.0 overnight rating on Saturday — down 13% from last year (2.3), but up 18% from 2017 (1.7). Coverage aired on CBS in those years.
Pens keep moving needle for NBCSN
Lightning-Penguins scored a 0.29 rating and 494,000 viewers on the latest edition of NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Hockey, up 26% in ratings and 28% in viewership from last year (Flyers-Capitals: 0.23, 386K), and up 12% in the latter from 2017 (Bruins-Capitals: 441K).
It ranks as the sixth-most watched game on NBCSN this season, with Pittsburgh in six of the top eight.
Earlier in the week, NBCSN scored 352,000 for Flyers-Rangers Tuesday and 195,000 for Jets-Flyers Monday.
Fewer viewers for “Deion’s Double Play”
The premiere of the ESPN 30 For 30 documentary “Deion’s Double Play” scored a 0.7 rating and 1.15 million viewers Thursday night, down a tick in ratings and 9% in viewership from “The Two Bills” on the comparable night last year (0.8, 1.26M), but up a tick and 26% respectively from “This Was the XFL” in 2017 (0.6, 917K).
[Numbers from ESPN PR 2.3, Golf Channel PR 2.3, Programming Insider 1.31, 2.1]
