TV Sports Ratings

Despite being the series-clincher, Game 6 ratings were clearly hurt by the lopsided score - ending up as just the 2nd highest rated of the series.

Airing from 9:05p-12:01a on ABC, Lakers/Celtics averaged 8.6 ratings in both Men 18-49 and M18-34 with an average audience of 16.9 million viewers. 

These levels are up slightly from the last deciding Game 6 (2006; Miami vs. Dallas).

The full series averaged a 7.8 rating among Men 18-49, a 7.9 in Men 18-34 and an average audience of 14.9 million viewers.

Compared to the 2007 Finals (Cleveland/San Antonio; 4 games), Lakers/Celtics was up 59% in Men 18-49, 61% in Men 18-34 and 61% in average audience.

This stands as the highest rated Finals since 2004 (Detroit/LA Lakers).

Game 5 of Celtics/Lakers (ABC; Sunday 6/15/08) hit series-high levels with 9.2 ratings in both Men 18-49 and M18-34 and an average audience of 17.4 million viewers.

This was the highest rated Finals Game 5 since 2004:

Through 5 games, the 2008 Finals are averaging 7.7 ratings in Men 18-49 and Men 18-34 (up 57% vs. the 2007 Finals full 4 game average) and 14.6 million viewers (up 57%).

Celtics/Lakers is sure to be the highest rated Finals since Lakers/Pistons in 2004, but is unlikely to meet or surpass those lofty numbers.

Hampered by a lopsided first half, Game 4 of Celtics/Lakers dropped from Game 3 (about 10% in demos).  However, this was still the highest rated Game 4 since 2004.

The lack of growth from Game 3 to Game 4 likely erases the remote chance that the full series average could match or exceed 2004.  However, the 2008 Finals are pacing to be the highest rated since that 5 game set.

Tuesday night’s Game 3 picked up a full point in Men 18-34 and 1 million viewers from Game 2.  Airing on ABC from 9:04-11:59p, Celtics/Lakers averaged a 7.8 in Men 18-49, an 8.1 in Men 18-34 and an average audience of 14.5 million viewers.

This is the highest rated Game 3 since 2004:

Through 3 games, the 2008 Finals are averaging a 7.3 rating in Men 18-49, a 7.3 in Men 18-34 and an average audience of 13.8 million viewers.

Compared to the 2007 Finals (Cleveland/San Antonio) through 3 games, ABC is up 52% in both Men 18-49 and Men 18-34, while up 52% in average audience.

Game 2 of Lakers/Celtics on Sunday night averaged a 7.1 in Men 18-49, a 7.0 in Men 18-34 and 13.5 million viewers.

These are very similar to the levels for Game 1.  Also, as was the case with the series opener, these are the best Game 2 numbers since 2004.

Through 2 games, ABC is averaging a 7.1 in Men 18-49, a 6.9 in Men 18-34 with an average audience of 13.4 million viewers.

Compared to 2007 through 2 games, ABC is up 48% in Men 18-49, 44% in Men 18-34 and 52% in average audience.

These are the best Finals ratings through 2 games since 2004.