NFL preseason’s domination of NBA Christmas in TV ratings isn’t as impressive as it seems

A frankly absurd variety of individuals tuned in to look at the ultimate preseason recreation between the Lions and Steelers. In complete an estimated 5.82 million tuned in to look at, with Pittsburgh’s quarterback battle nonetheless being waged between Mitchell Tubisky and Kenny Pickett, whereas the Lions proceed to point out promise, and are garnering consideration from their look on Exhausting Knocks this yr.

Whereas CBS and the NFL are clearly over the moon with that determine, it’s a little bit extra nuanced that some takes on the ranking might need you imagine.

To be clear: Sure, in general viewers the Lions-Steelers recreation did entice extra general viewers — however the concept it “beat” the NBA on Christmas, nicely, that’s probably not correct. On the planet of tv complete viewers is a pleasant peg to hold your hat on, however the cash is de facto made within the demographic breakdown. Each community cares much less about what number of complete viewers they entice, and extra about what number of viewers they get in the important thing demographic, which is adults aged 18-49.

That is the demographic advertisers need to entice, as a result of there’s a perception they’ve the cash to make their very own buying choices, however usually are not but set of their methods with model loyalty. It’s the place manufacturers hope to make lifelong clients, and there’s a premium positioned on TV renewal based mostly on focusing on the important thing demographic. It’s why you see Coke, Apple, and different premium companies promote throughout exhibits which might be robust within the 18-49 bracket, whereas nearly all of cable information get commercials for all times insurance coverage, copper steadiness bands, and horribly overpriced pillows.

It’s for that reason that when TV scores are reported they rank the true “winner” by efficiency in 18-49, and never complete viewers.

See Love & Hop Hop Atlanta for example. The present solely garnered 652,000 viewers, however recorded a 0.26 share in individuals aged 18-49 — whereas Tucker Carlson Tonight had over 3.3M complete viewers, however the overwhelming majority of its scores have been in individuals aged 50+. The extra “beneficial” present within the eyes of TV execs is Love & Hip Hop, as a result of it’s attracting the viewers they need to promote promoting area for.

While you have a look at demographic breakdown the preseason recreation between the Lions and Steelers nonetheless did astoundingly nicely contemplating it was a largely meaningless recreation, but it surely’s disingenuous to say it “beat” the NBA in the case of community TV scores.

• NFL Preseason: Lions vs. Steelers, 18-49 demographic: 1.20
• NBA Christmas: Celtics vs. Bucks, 18-49 demographic: 1.52
• NBA Christmas: Warriors vs. Suns, 18-49 demographic: 1.64
• NBA Christmas: Nets vs. Lakers, 18-49 demographic: 1.57

Nonetheless, we’re speaking a few premier day within the NBA calendar vs. a preseason recreation within the NFL — however the actual lesson right here isn’t attempting to dunk on one other league, however being ashamed all of us have so little else to do than watch a preseason recreation on our Sundays when there’s a complete broad world on the market.