Barring a sixth or seventh game, the 2012 World Series appears to be on track for a new record low.
Game 2 of the Tigers/Giants World Series drew an 8.8 overnight rating on FOX Thursday night, down 12% from Rangers/Cardinals Game 2 last year (10.0), and down 11% from Rangers/Giants Game 2 in 2010 (9.9).
The 8.8 is the lowest overnight ever for Game 2 of the World Series. The previous low was a 9.2 for Phillies/Rays in 2008.
In addition, the 8.8 is tied with Wednesday’s Game 1 as the lowest overnight ever for a non-Saturday World Series game. Prior to this year, the previous low was held by the previously mentioned Phillies/Rays Game 2.
One contributing factor to the record-low numbers, at least on Thursday night, was competition from “Thursday Night Football” on NFL Network. The Buccaneers/Vikings NFL game earned a 3.9 overnight.
Previous World Series games did not have to face Thursday night NFL action.
Thursday’s overnight is especially discouraging considering that the game was close. While the Giants won Game 1 with relative ease, Game 2 was tied into the seventh inning.
(Thursday’s overnight from Sports Business Daily)
