MMA Payout has learned that the fifth episode of TUF earned an average audience of 1.9 million viewers and an overall 1.34 household rating. The 1.9 million viewers is a season high. This week’s TUF garnered a strong 1.93 rating in M18-49 and a 2.2 in M18-34.
The quarter hours/ hh rating are as follows: 1.28/1.29/1.35/1.42
The second of UFC Primetime which aired immediately after TUF saw a rise in the average amount of viewers from last week: 1.1 million viewers.
Payout Perspective:
Brocktober must be warming up as viewership is rising. TUF was not spectacular although the Nam Phan/Spencer Paige fight was solid. In my opinion, it would have been fun to watch more of Jean-Charles Skarbowsky although it looked as though he could have really hurt some guys.
Primetime continued to tell the story of Cain Velasquez. We also learn that Lesnar will not let cameras into his home or show his wife and children. Thus, this week’s episode featured Lesnar, his crew, and a day at the park.
Two random observations: Is it me, or is does Lesnar look superhuman when he is handling those ropes? Pat Barry has now been in two different MMA “behind the scenes” type television shows (the other being World of Jenks featuring Anthony Pettis)
From a business perspective, the MMA t-shirt companies are capitalizing on the exposure. Dethrone and Deathclutch are prominently shown throughout training. Frankly, I don’t recall a prior Primetime with such blatant product enhancement (e.g., Jimmy John’s sponsoring Brock’s truck, RBP wheels on Cain’s vehicle and American Kickboxing Academy). I am not saying that this is a bad thing, just making an observation.
Sportsnation on ESPN mention Brock and the Primetime show not sure if other espn shows did the same. But that could have had an effect on ratings.
Yeah was definitely hoping for more JCS than what we got to see – he’s a living Muaythai LEGEND! 🙂
one word – Brocktober