The Olympics continue to be a huge ratings winner in Washington and Baltimore. As testimony to that last night’s opening of the Women’s Figure Skating competition was a huge success beating American Idol on NBC4 in Washington as well as WBAL in Baltimore.
The numbers were impressive in Washington the Olympics generated an 14.6 local rating, while Idol came in at a 12.9. Meanwhile the Baltimore numbers were strong 15.1 and Idol did a 13.4.
Here are some other stats of note for you ratings fans on a national level.
Last night head-to-head
* Idol – 23.96 million viewers, Olympics – 20.8 million (-13%)
Torino comparable Tuesday night that featured American skating star Sasha Cohen.,
* Idol 30.2 million, Olympics – 22.7 million (-25%)
NBC cut into the deficit from last Tuesday night while going head to head vs. Idol
* Last Night head-to-head: Idol – 23.96 million viewers, Olympics – 20.8 million (-13%)
* Last Tuesday head-to-head, Idol – 23.92 million, Olympics – 19.8 million (-17%)
NBC’s Olympic coverage and Fox’s Idol coverage have identical viewership numbers (based on Average Viewers 2+)
* Season to Date: Idol – 25.2 million (13 telecasts)
* Season to Date: Olympics – 25.2 million (12 telecasts) – through last night.
Based on Total Audience figures…this is a good note:
* The Olympics in 11 days (thru Monday) reached 171 million viewers 2+ — 22% more than the entire last season of American Idol delivered (140 million over 39 telecasts).
ON THE RECORD QUOTE FROM MIKE MCCARLEY, SVP, MARKETING, NBC SPORTS:
“American Idol deserves applause. It’s an absolute juggernaut that went undefeated for six years and is now 223-1, we are just happy to be the 1.”
