The most anticipated NBA Playoffs in recent memory got off to a superb start in the ratings.
TNT averaged a 2.1 rating and 3 million viewers for 22 first round NBA Playoff games, up 10% and 11%, respectively, from a 1.9 and 2.7 million viewers last year. Ratings were up 18% among adults 18-34 and 18-49, with increases of at least 20% among men 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.
The network averaged 2.3 million households during the first round, up 10% from last year, and the most since 1994.
First round coverage helped TNT win the most recent week on cable for the first time this year. Suns/Spurs Game 5 tied as the highest rated cable program of the week, drawing a 3.1. Three other NBA games, all televised by TNT, finished in the top 20 — including Lakers/Nuggets Game 4 (2.8 rating), Spurs/Hornets Game 1 (2.6) and Hawks/Celtics Game 5 (2.6).
Average households for first round NBA Playoff games on TNT.
since 2004
2008: 2.3 million (22 games)
2007: 2.1 million (24 games)
2006: 2.1 million (24 games)
2005: 2.2 million (25 games)
2004: 2.1 million (22 games)
