The debut of Thursday Night Football generated strong numbers on CBS and NFL Network.
The Week 2 Steelers/Ravens Thursday Night Football game drew a 12.7 rating and 20.8 million viewers on CBS and NFL Network, according to Nielsen fast-nationals — up 84% in ratings and 89% in viewership from Jets/Patriots on NFL Network and local affiliates last year (6.9, 11.0M), and the highest rated and most-watched game in the history of the Thursday Night Football franchise.
The previous highs for TNF were a 7.0 rating for Chiefs/Eagles last year and 12.3 million viewers for 49ers/Ravens on Thanksgiving 2011. Both numbers include local affiliate figures.
To put the numbers in perspective, NBC’s Sunday Night Football averaged a 12.8 rating and 21.7 million viewers last season. This year’s SNF season premiere drew a 13.9 and 23.7 million, a five-year low in both measures for the Sunday night opener.
Among adults 18-49, Thursday’s game delivered a 7.5 rating. The SNF premiere had a 9.0.
(Thu. numbers from CBS Press Express, NFL via TV By the Numbers)
