The Dodgers’ World Series clincher, a thrilling 8-7 win over the Yankees in Game 5, attracted an impressive average of 18.6 million viewers across FOX, FOX Deportes, and streaming platforms, as reported by Nielsen. This marks a significant milestone, representing the highest viewership for a Fall Classic game since the dramatic Game 7 in 2019.
This year’s series captivated audiences, averaging 15.81 million viewers, the best performance since 2017 when the Houston Astros defeated the Dodgers in a seven-game showdown with an average of 18.93 million viewers. The increased interest in this year’s matchup highlights the enduring rivalry between these iconic teams.
In stark contrast to last year’s postseason, which saw a record-low average of 9.11 million viewers during the Texas Rangers’ victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, this year’s Dodgers-Yankees series demonstrated a remarkable 67% increase in viewership. This resurgence underscores the excitement and anticipation surrounding the World Series.
The entire 2024 MLB Postseason on FOX and FS1 averaged 7,485,000 viewers, reflecting a 42% rise from last year’s average of 5,265,000. This year’s postseason viewership is the highest through Game 5 of the World Series since 2017, with a notable 101% increase in viewership among adults aged 18-34, indicating a growing appeal among younger audiences.
On the night of the decisive game, the audience peaked at 21.27 million viewers between 11:15 and 11:30 p.m. EDT, showcasing the event’s ability to draw in large crowds. The game recorded a 21.1 rating and a 55 share in Los Angeles, while New York saw a 14.8 rating and a 39 share, illustrating the strong local interest in this historic matchup.
A rating represents the percentage of television households tuned into the game, while the share indicates the percentage of the audience watching at that specific time. The impressive numbers reflect the Dodgers’ significant impact on the baseball landscape and their ability to engage fans across the country.
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