Game 1 of the World Series was one of the most dramatic postseason games in recent memory.
Unfortunately for Major League Baseball, it was also one of the least-watched as well.
In fact, Friday’s Game 1 was the least-watched World Series Game 1 in recorded history.
The Rangers euphoric 6-5 extra-innings win over the Diamondbacks managed to draw only 9.35 million television viewers.
According to Nielsen, the figure marks the lowest viewership for a Game 1 in the history of the World Series.
Despite an 11-inning marathon won by a walk-off home run, World Series Game 1 viewership hit an all-time low this past week.@MMcCarthyREV has more details ⤵️https://t.co/qoKmKkfMQv
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 30, 2023
Friday’s Game 1 witnessed a 20% decline in viewership compared to last year’s World Series opener between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, which drew 11.48 million viewers.
These figures underscore the struggles faced by Major League Baseball in maintaining its television audience, despite recent gains throughout the majority of the season.
MLB will have 9 different champs in 10 years. 14 teams have reached the World Series in that span. I don’t care about national TV ratings. More markets winning, more fans falling in love with their local teams is good for baseball.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) October 25, 2023
Of course, this year’s World Series doesn’t exactly feature marquee teams.
Hopefully we’ll have a long series however…
What is your take on the low ratings?