ABC had reason to celebrate at this year’s Academy Awards, as the show drew in 19.5 million viewers, a 4% increase from the previous year. The telecast also achieved a 3.8 demo rating, only slightly lower than the previous year’s 4.0. This significant boost in viewership can be attributed to a number of factors, including notable performances and the inclusion of mainstream blockbusters as strong contenders.
One standout moment from the Oscars was Ryan Gosling’s energizing performance of Barbie’s “I’m Just Ken,” which likely contributed to the heightened audience engagement. Additionally, films like Christopher Nolan’s biopic on the man who created the atom bomb and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie brought a refreshing mix of diversity and commercial appeal to the awards show, which had been lacking in recent years.
ABC’s viewership has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with this year’s Oscars marking a four-year audience high. The network’s efforts to keep the broadcast within primetime by starting the show an hour earlier also paid off, as viewers were more inclined to tune in and advertisers were able to reach a wider audience.
However, it is worth noting that despite these positive developments, award shows like the Oscars are unlikely to reach the audience numbers they achieved a decade ago. Over the past ten years, the Oscars have experienced a gradual decline in viewership, with the pandemic further impacting ratings. Nevertheless, the recent upward trend suggests that the awards show may soon surpass pre-pandemic levels.
This increase in viewership is not unique to the Oscars; most award ceremonies have seen a growth in audience numbers over the past year. The Golden Globes, for instance, experienced a 50% increase in viewership, while the Grammys also enjoyed a significant jump in audience engagement.
In conclusion, the 2024 Oscars showcased a significant increase in viewership for ABC, with 19.5 million people tuning in to watch the awards show. This boost can be attributed to a combination of factors, including engaging performances, diverse film choices, and strategic broadcast scheduling. While it is unlikely that award shows will reach the same viewership levels as a decade ago, the recent upward trend suggests a positive trajectory for the industry.