WWE SmackDown Viewership Greatly Rises For First Show Back On Road
Crowds do make a difference
Overnight viewership for WWE SmackDown shot up past two million viewers for the first time since May, and produced the best number since the end of January.
Per Spoiler TV, the July 16 SmackDown in Houston averaged 2,185,000 viewers, up 304,000 (16 percent) from last week's overnight average of 1,881,000 viewers.
Hour one did a healthy 2,221,000 viewers, while hour two fell to 2,148,000 viewers.
As far as overnight numbers go, it's SmackDown's best viewership since January 29, when the show averaged 2,228,000 viewers.
In 18-49, SmackDown drew a .60 rating across its two hours, up from the routine .50 that the show has usually drawn over the past few months.
SmackDown led all network programs in 18-49 on Friday night, doubling the next closest challengers, including CBS' Secret Celebrity Renovation and Love Island, and repeats of ABC's Shark Tank and 20/20.
SmackDown Overnight Viewership, Last 10 Weeks
* May 14: 1,800,000
* May 21: 1,830,000
* May 28: 1,755,000
* June 4: 1,792,000
* June 11: 1,853,000
* June 18: 1,926,000
* June 25: 1,859,000
* July 2: 1,741,000
* July 9: 1,881,000
* July 16: 2,185,000
10 WEEK AVERAGE: 1,862,200 (was previously 1,859,400)
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
