Lowest Rated and Least-Watched Game 1 in World Series History: Diamondbacks vs Rangers

The first game of the World Series between the Diamondbacks and Rangers was a thrilling match on the field, but the ratings told a different story. With an average rating of 4.6 and 9.17 million viewers, it became the lowest rated and least-watched Game 1 in the history of the Fall Classic. This record was previously held by the Rays-Dodgers game in the 2020 'bubble' with a rating of 5.1 and 9.35 million viewers. No other Game 1 has ever had a rating lower than 5.7 or fewer viewers than 10.93 million.

In terms of overall viewership, the Rangers' extra-inning, walk-off win in Game 1 ranks as the second lowest rated and least-watched World Series game of all time, only surpassing Game 3 in 2020. The ratings for this year's Game 1 fell by 18% and viewership dropped by 20% compared to last year's Game 1.

Low ratings have become a trend in major sporting events in recent years, but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has been particularly significant. Prior to this year, the Dodgers-Rays World Series had the four smallest audiences on record, with five of the bottom seven games belonging to this series.

In terms of regional viewership, Game 1 had an 18.8 rating and 49 share in Dallas-Ft. Worth, and a 16.0/45 rating in Phoenix. The ratings for Game 2, which will be available on Tuesday, averaged a 17.7/49 in Dallas and a 14.7/44 in Phoenix.