Baseball’s All-Star Game took the night, but the biggest surprise may have come at CW.
FOX: Per Mitch Metcalf: FOX won the night with the 84TH MLB ALL-STAR GAME. We estimate the official rating will go up to a 3.5 adult 18-49 rating from the 3.0 fast national rating (which understates viewing on the west coast because of the live broadcast pattern). The 3.5 rating would be up 9% from last year’s 3.2 official rating for the game. Last night’s ratings for the game peaked in the 10:00 half hour when Mariano Rivera, the last player to wear #42 and the best relief pitcher in history, entered the game. The field was completely cleared as he ran to the mound with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blaring and the entire stadium (including both teams at dugout railings) giving him a long standing ovation. One of the best sports moments televised this year, especially in comparison to what immediately preceded it: Neil Diamond warbling “Sweet Caroline,” complete with half-hearted audience participation. Let’s all agree this odd tradition should be sheltered in place New England-style and restricted to Fenway Park.
CW: Even during the regular season, a 1.1 on CW is a big-time number, and since the network has been in hiding for weeks with nothing but reruns, last night’s resurrection of WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY was particularly impressive. It shows once again that viewers know how to find a show they want to watch. However, Line provided no momenum for the debut of PERFECT SCORE, which fell to a 0.4 at 9PM and 0.3 at 9:30PM. Next likely stop is a 0.2 and a short run.
NBC: AMERICA’S GOT TALENT is currently down one tenth of a rating point from last week to 2.5, although it will probably rise the usual tenth to a 2.6 in the official ratings this afternoon (which would be down a modest two tenths from last year’s episode that aired against the All-Star Game).
ABC: EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS was even with last week’s 1.1.
CBS: An all-rerun night, led by 1.3 for NCIS.
Every network (except CW) has at least one new show tonight, although the only new scripted hour is the second episode of CAMP on NBC.
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