NBC earned its smallest audience so far for primetime coverage of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Friday’s primetime coverage of the Winter Olympics earned an 11.0 rating and 19.2 million viewers on NBC, according to Nielsen fast-nationals, down 18% in ratings and viewership from Vancouver in 2010 (13.4, 23.3M), and down 2% and up 2%, respectively, from Turin in 2006 (11.2, 18.9M). The comparable night of the most recent Olympics — London in 2012 — earned a 16.2 and 28.5 million.
The telecast ranks as the lowest rated and least-viewed primetime window of the Sochi Olympics. The previous marks were held by ‘bonus’ coverage on the opening Thursday (11.3, 20.0M). In addition, ratings and viewership trailed every single night of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Friday’s telecast also had the second-largest declines of the Olympics, trailing only Wednesday night.
(Fri. numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
