As I write this blog, I have the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on in the background.
Like many others, I can’t get enough of the progression of 65 teams down to a single champion. Drama served up seemingly each hour.
That formula helped CBS to a ratings victory on the second day of the tournament, Friday, March 20. CBS averaged a 5.2 rating/9 share in primetime in initial ratings, well ahead of second-place ABC’s 3.8/7.
Besides the overall ratings victory, CBS scored particularly well with adults 18-49 as the only network to to register above a 2.0 rating at 2.9.
On the opening Thursday, CBS preempted ratings powerhouses Survivor and CSI but still managed to finish second in the initial ratings. During the 8 p.m. hour, NCAA basketball averaged 9.7-million viewers.
Keep in mind that many fans watch basketball at sports bars and restaurants, so they may not be correctly accounted for in ratings. I would say there is plenty of interest in March Madness.