MLB Postseason Viewership Hits 18% Surge Ahead of LCS \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Major League Baseball’s 2023 postseason has experienced a significant surge in viewership, with ratings up 18%, reaching 3.33 million viewers on average. The Division Series performed especially well, averaging 3.56 million viewers, a 14% rise from 2022. This boost is largely due to competitive matchups, including Dodgers-Padres Game 5, which garnered 7.5 million viewers—the most for a Division Series game since 2017.
MLB Postseason Viewership Quick Looks
- Postseason ratings spike: MLB postseason averages 3.33 million viewers, marking an 18% increase over last year.
- Division Series surge: The 2023 Division Series averaged 3.56 million viewers, showing a 14% year-over-year rise.
- Game 5 standout: Dodgers-Padres Game 5 pulled in 7.5 million viewers, the most-watched Division Series game since 2017.
- Rescheduled game pulls big numbers: The Guardians-Tigers matchup garnered 3.42 million viewers, making it the most-watched day-game window (pre-4 p.m.) Division Series game in 17 years.
- Fox and FS1 hit ratings peak: Fox and FS1 averaged 4.09 million viewers for National League games, the highest since FS1 started airing MLB postseason games in 2014.
- ALDS viewership success: TBS and TNT averaged 3 million viewers for the ALDS, where the Yankees eliminated the Royals.
Deep Look
Major League Baseball’s 2023 postseason is drawing record-breaking attention, with viewership surging by 18% compared to last year’s numbers. As the playoffs continue to heat up, an average of 3.33 million fans are tuning in per game, a marked improvement from the 2022 postseason, which drew 2.82 million. The increased excitement surrounding the playoffs has made this one of the most engaging MLB postseasons in recent years, particularly in the Division Series round, which has drawn in significantly higher ratings.
The 2023 Division Series was a major driver of this increased viewership, pulling in an average of 3.56 million viewers across 18 games, reflecting a 14% rise compared to the same stage in the 2022 playoffs. The uptick in ratings can be attributed to a few crucial factors: competitive matchups, large fanbases, and the allure of elimination games. High-profile teams, such as the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets, all played a pivotal role in boosting ratings. These teams have vast, passionate followings that go beyond their home cities, drawing national interest as the stakes rise deeper into the playoffs.
One of the most notable highlights of this year’s postseason was Game 5 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. This game, which took place on a Friday night and aired on Fox, Fox Deportes, and various streaming services, captivated an audience of 7.5 million viewers. It marked the highest ratings for a Division Series game since 2017. The showdown between these two iconic franchises was filled with high drama and intensity, which kept fans glued to their screens. The Dodgers, often viewed as one of the league’s most successful and star-studded teams, facing off against the Padres in a win-or-go-home game only increased the game’s appeal.
Another noteworthy matchup occurred during the American League Division Series (ALDS), when the Cleveland Guardians squared off against the Detroit Tigers. The deciding game of this series, which was originally scheduled for primetime, had to be rescheduled to a Saturday afternoon slot due to the threat of bad weather. Despite the time change, the game attracted 3.42 million viewers on TBS, making it the most-watched Division Series game in a day-game window (before 4 p.m. starts) in 17 years. This rescheduled game demonstrated the flexibility of baseball fans, who continued to tune in despite the unexpected schedule shift. The intrigue surrounding the Guardians’ potential advancement, along with Detroit’s solid playoff performance, likely contributed to the game’s high viewership.
The strong performance of the Division Series games wasn’t just confined to individual matchups—network-wide ratings also experienced a significant bump. Fox and FS1, which aired the National League Division Series games, averaged 4.09 million viewers, marking their highest postseason ratings since FS1 began broadcasting MLB playoff games in 2014. The network also benefitted from the Phillies-Mets series, which ended in four games with the Mets advancing. Both teams brought fervent fanbases to the postseason, especially the Mets, whose deep playoff run added to Fox’s viewership numbers. The rivalry between the Phillies and Mets, two teams in the same division, created must-watch TV for baseball fans.
TNT Sports also saw a notable rise in viewership, averaging 3 million viewers for the ALDS games aired on TBS and TNT. One of the key matchups in the ALDS was between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals. The Yankees, known for their dominance in October and their nationwide following, dispatched the Royals in four games, drawing consistent viewership throughout the series. The team’s rich playoff history and passionate fanbase play a significant role in boosting ratings, as fans around the country tuned in to watch the Yankees try to add another title to their storied franchise.
Several overarching trends explain the strong ratings throughout this year’s MLB postseason. Firstly, the involvement of large-market teams with dedicated, national followings—such as the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets—has had a considerable impact. These teams traditionally draw high numbers due to the sheer size of their fanbases, which expand far beyond their home cities. Additionally, the competitiveness of the series this year, particularly in the Division Series round, has made for compelling matchups. Games that go down to the wire or feature elimination scenarios tend to generate greater interest, as fans are drawn to the drama of do-or-die situations.
Furthermore, the accessibility of games across various platforms has allowed more viewers to tune in. With games airing on traditional television networks like Fox and TBS, as well as being available on streaming platforms, fans have greater flexibility in how and when they watch the games. This multi-platform availability, combined with the high stakes and captivating matchups, has contributed to the postseason’s success.
Looking ahead, the League Championship Series (LCS) promises to continue the upward trajectory in viewership. As some of the sport’s most storied franchises continue their playoff runs, fans are likely to remain engaged. The rise in ratings this postseason reflects the enduring popularity of October baseball, and with the World Series on the horizon, viewership numbers could climb even higher. If the trend continues, MLB’s 2023 postseason could be one of the most-watched in recent history, signaling a bright future for the sport as it continues to captivate both die-hard and casual fans alike.
