Even without a game 7 of the NLCS four Cubs games in a week had FS1 easily beating ESPN in primetime for the week. FS1 led all cable (not just sports) in primetime viewership for the week with 4.235 million viewers, though this week FS1 trailed ESPN in total day viewing.
While the Fox mothership is ecstatic to have the Cubs in the World Series on its broadcast network, it’s not a “No Cubs, no problem!” situation for FS1. Credit FS1 for making the most of a good situation but look for it to fall way, way back this week.
Primetime rankings for the week ending October 23, 2016:
| Net | Viewers (000) | Viewers 18-49 (000) |
| FS1 | 4,235 | 1,523 |
| ESPN | 2,222 | 972 |
| NFLN | 524 | 270 |
| ESP2 | 261 | 101 |
| UDN | 261 | 162 |
| FOXD | 165 | 80 |
| NBCS | 137 | 52 |
| NBAT | 89 | 41 |
| ESNU | 87 | 30 |
| GOLF | 69 | 19 |
| MLBN | 44 | 14 |
| FS2 | 20 | 7 |
| BEIE | 15 | 7 |
| BEIN | 9 | 3 |
–
Total Day:
| Net | Viewers (000) | Viewers 18-49 (000) |
| ESPN | 914 | 443 |
| FS1 | 847 | 324 |
| NFLN | 265 | 133 |
| ESP2 | 219 | 98 |
| NBCS | 189 | 57 |
| UDN | 66 | 41 |
| ESNU | 60 | 27 |
| GOLF | 60 | 15 |
| MLBN | 49 | 16 |
| FOXD | 48 | 25 |
| NBAT | 40 | 20 |
| BEIE | 24 | 13 |
| FS2 | 19 | 7 |
| BEIN | 10 | 4 |
Don’t go out of your way on that pick for next week on FS1. LOL.
Well, #4 Washington at #16 Utah is on FS1 this Saturday.