With people following the new ‘social distancing’ guidelines and people spending more time at home in recent weeks, the typical regular linear TV ratings slump that normally accompanies the Daylight Savings switch last week wasn’t there.
In fact, broadcast networks have been posting across-the-board, week-to-week, Live+SD ratings increases to levels not seen in years – levels that seemed a thing of the past in the modern age of streaming.
Shows like NBC’s “The Voice” leapt up 38% in ratings, while “Ellen’s Game of Games” climbed 44%. Scripted fare like “This Is Us,” “Bull” and “Bob Hearts Abishola” have also all posted season highs.
Additionally Monday this week saw regular TV viewing at its highest levels since Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 13th. Daytime and late-night usage levels have also been up.
It’s not clear what kind of long-term effect this will have but for now, the ratings uptick is a sign of good news for networks who face rough times with the suspension of most major sports, unfinished seasons of their scripted fare, and a pilot season mess.
Source: Deadline
