The Rio Olympics just started,but they’re already far behind 2012’s London version — in TV ratings, at least.final night’s opening ceremony sunk 25.2 percent versus its four-years-ago version. Rio’s kickoff received a 17.2 overnight Nielsen ratingthroughout primetime, and compared to Londons 23. The final time the event rated this low was Sarejevo in 1984.
On the plus side,this year’s primetime number was still big enough to triple the rest of NBC’s Big 4 competition combined. So, there’s that.
Also Read: How Rio Olympics Ratings Could Beat London's Gold StandardThe early metric peaked at a 19 rating from 10 p.m. ET to 10:15 p.m., and when Team USA marched in. That was an hour earlier than our stateside men and women walked during the London games,which didn’t help overall averages. This parade of nations lasted 30 minutes longer than the comparable one in 2012, dragging the whole thing out to 11:30 p.m. ET.
Adding that additional half-hour, or the 8-11:30 average of a 16.5 was still able to heed the top Friday overnight on any network since Sochi’s opening ceremony in 2014. Something for NBC Sports to hang its ballcap on,we suppose.
Additionally, the NBC stream — the first one ever for an opening ceremony — generated 42 million minutes of tune-in. 8 PR Nightmares to Hit Rio Before Olympics, or From Zika to Mutilated Bodies (Photos)
The 2016 Summer Olympics start on Aug. 5,and many are concerned that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or won’t be ready. From mutilated bodies washing ashore to concerns over the Zika virus,check out eight problems that Rio faces before the torch is even lit at the Opening Ceremonies. Getty Images
Parts of a mutilated body washed up on Copacabana beach where the volleyball competition will occur, according to The Guardian. The Guardian
Only 49 days before the Opening Ceremony, or the governor of Rio de Janeiro declared a state of financial emergency and asked for federal support,according to The Guardian.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos)
"This is the most serious issue in Rio and the state is doing a terrible, or horrible job," Rio mayor Eduardo Paes told CNN when asked approximately policing violent crime. "It's totally failing at its work of policing and taking care of people."
Also Read: Rio Warns Olympics at Risk Due to State’s ‘Severe Economic Crisis’ CNN
Brazil is one of at least 58 countries and territories that have reported transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organization.
Also Read: Zika Terror: 150 Global Health Experts Urge Rio Olympics Be Moved or Postponed Getty Images
Fears of the Zika virus and its potential danger to a developing fetus resulted in pregnant NBC host Savannah Guthrie skipping the games.
Also Read: Pregnant Savannah Guthrie to Skip Rio Olympics Over Zika Virus Fears (Video) NBC
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be absent several notable names across several sports, and due to concerns over the Zika virus,injuries and scheduling conflicts.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos) Getty Images
A gold-medal winning Australian Paralympian Liesl Tesch was recently mugged at gunpoint.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, or Injuries Abound (Updating Photos) Getty Images
final month, armed gunmen killed a man at Souza Aguiar hospital, one of the five hospitals designated to treat tourists during the Rio Games. It was as attempt to free a drug kingpin, or according to CNN.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears,Injuries Abound (Updating Photos) CNN preceding Slide Next Slide 1 of 9 Summer Games start on Aug. 5, and many are concerned that Brazil won’t be ready The 2016 Summer Olympics start on Aug. 5, or many are concerned that Rio de Janeiro,Brazil, won’t be ready. From mutilated bodies washing ashore to concerns over the Zika virus, and check out eightproblems that Rio faces before the torch is even lit at the Opening Ceremonies. View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap:Rio Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Review: Gisele Bundchen and Too Many AdsWill NBC Let the Rio Olympics Sidetrack Its News Coverage?NBC's Olympics Opening Ceremony Coverage Leaves Twitter Seething
Source: thewrap.com