The Starting Five

Bulls/Celtics Game #7 is Most Watched Round One Game in Cable Television History

TNT’s coverage of the 2009 NBA Playoffs is off to a strong start, netting the best first round ratings in cable television history.

Compared to last year’s record breaking first round coverage, the network earned an 11% increase in households (2,597,000 vs. 2,339,000) and (3,379,000 vs. 2,956,000).  Overall, TNT delivered a 2.3 US rating for 24 games, up 10% over last year (22 games).  In addition, TNT’s coverage of the showdown between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics on Saturday, May 2 was the most watched Round One game in cable television history in households (5,017,000) and (6,987,000), supplanting the network’s previous record for Game #6 of the series.  TNT earned a 4.4 US HH rating for the game in which the Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-99 to advance to the Conference Semi-Finals against the Orlando Magic. 14% increase in total viewers Game #7 total viewers

Additional highlights of TNT’s Round One NBA Playoffs coverage include:

Through Saturday, May 2, Game #7 of the Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics was the most watched Round One game on broadcast or cable since the 2004 L.A. Lakers @ Houston Rockets Game #4 on ABC.

Game #7 of the Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics was the #1 cable program to date in 2009 for adults 25-54 and men 25-54.

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