Despite stronger competition from the NFL, the first day of the MLB Division Series generated a double-digit increase in overnights.
Game 1 of the Royals/Angels American League Division Series drew a 3.2 overnight rating on TBS Thursday night, up 14% from Dodgers/Braves Game 1 last year (2.8). Earlier in the day, Tigers/Orioles Game 1 drew a 2.7 overnight — up 35% from last year’s Pirates/Cardinals opener (2.0).
So far this season, all four MLB playoff telecasts have had double-digit increases in overnight ratings versus the comparable night last year.
Thursday’s double-digit increases came despite tougher NFL competition. Thursday Night Football, now airing on CBS in addition to NFL Network, had a 10.4 overnight rating — nearly double last year’s 5.3.
Royals/Angels had a 30.8 rating in Kansas City — the highest ever for an MLB game in the market — and an 8.5 in Los Angeles. Tigers/Orioles drew a 17.3 in Baltimore and a 16.0 in Detroit.
(Thu. overnights from Turner Sports)
