Television By Numbers reports that the 4th episode of The Ultimate Fighter 18 scored a viewer average of 778,000 for a 0.5 share in the 18-49 demo. The rating is the second highest of the season and is up from last week.
Episode 1: 762,000 viewers
Episode 2: 870,000 viewers
Episode 3: 639,000 viewers
Episode 4: 778,000 viewers
Payout Perspective:
As some have pointed out, Wednesday’s episode epitomizes what the TUF franchise should be. It was good storytelling in getting to know the fighters so that when it was time for the fight you feel compelled to side with Jessica or Roxanne or both. Based on the numbers, either viewers are getting tired of this or the storytelling has not been there. Certainly there is the built in “start up” network theory of why the numbers are down from previous seasons.
South Park ruled the night in its return with the highest ratings in 4 years for the show with 2.88 million average viewers and a 1.8 share in the 18-49 demo. South Park, in its 17th season, was direct competition for the 18th edition of TUF in the 10pm slot.
The numbers are great for FS1. Interesting that they had a huge bump from last week. When the women fight, there is a bump.
I chalk that up to coincidence.