Despite high expectations, World Series Game 1 ratings posted a slight decline in the metered markets.
Tuesday’s Dodgers-Red Sox World Series Game 1 delivered a 10.0 overnight rating on FOX, down 2% from Astros-Dodgers last year (10.2) and down 21% from Cubs-Indians in 2016 (12.6).
The 10.0 is the lowest for Game 1 of the World Series in four years, since Giants-Royals in 2014 (8.0).
Compared to the last time the Red Sox were in the World Series, against St. Louis in 2013, overnights increased 6% from a 9.4.
While Game 1 could still end up with an increase in the final nationals, the metered market decline was a surprise given the circumstances. This year’s World Series is a matchup of tradition-rich franchises in two major markets that have a long history with each other. Game 1 was a back-and-forth affair until the Red Sox broke things open late.
Ordinarily, sports television ratings tend to rise the later a game goes. The Midnight ET finish should have provided an advantage over last year’s opener, which ended before 11 PM ET.
However, there are indications that the game’s late finish negatively impacted the numbers. From 8-11 PM, Game 1 overnights were on par with last year at a 10.2. The tune-out as the game lingered past Midnight pulled the numbers downward.
Game 1 drew a 35.1 rating in Boston, down 12% from 2013 (39.7). The Red Sox’ World Series openers in 2004 and 2007 both topped a 50 rating in the market. In Los Angeles, Game 1 had a 24.8 — up 2% from a 24.2 last year.
[Numbers from Fox Sports/Twitter 10.24]
