Oscar Ratings Continue Downward Trend as Broadcast Pulls in Lowest Audience Since ’08

Well, the preliminary numbers are in for last night’s Academy Awards broadcast…and ABC can’t be thrilled with the results (much like the producers of La La Land).

Based on the overnight ratings in Nielsen’s metered markets, the 89th Academy Awards averaged a 22.4 rating, which is down from last year’s overnight ratings of 23.4 in the comparable markets. (That broadcast would eventually come in with a total of 34.4 million viewers.)

Last year’s Oscars was already the show’s low-water mark since the Jon Stewart-hosted 2008 program which had a 21.9 overnight ratings and a final viewership of 32 million. When comparing to last year, 2017’s broadcast — hosted by Jimmy Kimmel — should finish with roughly 33 million viewers.

Considering the potential for explosive political comments this year following Donald Trump’s election — awards shows had already been steeped with them coming in — one would have to think that execs at ABC would be disappointed in the dip in ratings. Of course, at the same time, despite the downward trend, the broadcast will still end up being one of the most watched programs of the year.

Final numbers from Nielsen will be in later today.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Justin Baragona on Twitter: @justinbaragona

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