The 2010 World Series ended as it began on Monday night, with another double-digit decline in the overnights.
The Giants’ series-clinching Game 5 win over the Rangers drew a 10.6 overnight rating on FOX Monday, down 17% from Game 5 last year (NYY/PHI: 12.8), and down 5% from Game 5 in 2008 (TB/PHI: 11.1).
Game 5 of the 2008 World Series began on a Monday night, was suspended to due to rain in the sixth inning, and concluded two nights later.
The 10.6 overnight is the highest of the Giants/Rangers series, topping the previous high of 10.4 set by Games 1 and 4.
Game 5 comfortably outdrew ESPN’s Monday Night Football (8.6) head-to-head, one night after losing to NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Of course, keep in mind that cable network ESPN is in fewer homes than broadcast networks FOX and NBC.
The Giants’ coronation earned a 37.9 rating in the Bay Area, up 4% from Game 4 (36.3). Local ratings for Game 5 of the 2002 Angels/Giants World Series were not available.
In Dallas-Ft. Worth, the game drew a 31.3 rating, down 1% from Game 4 (31.5). For some perspective, the Mavericks’ Game 6 loss to the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals drew a 39.6 rating in Dallas, while the Stars’ Game 6 loss to the Devils in the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals drew a 28.7.
Since 2000*, final ratings for Game 5 of the World Series have declined between 14% and 17% from the overnight, putting Monday’s clincher on pace to finish in the 8.8-9.1 range.
* Excludes 2006, as overnight ratings were not available for Game 5 of the Cardinals/Tigers World Series.
(Rating from Sports Business Daily)
