DWTS' Season Finale Delivers 6-Month Time-Slot High for ABC

Opposite competition from the 2-hour finale of NBC's "The Voice," ABC ran a strong second on the final Tuesday of the season in Total Viewers (8.4 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.4/5). In viewers and young adults, The Net marked its top Tuesday since November - since 11/24/15.

"Fresh Off the Boat" (8:00-8:30 p.m. - 4.9 million and 1.2/5 in AD18-49):
At 8:00 p.m., ABC's season finale of "Fresh Off the Boat" rose for the 2nd week in Total Viewers (+17% - 4.9 million vs. 4.2 million) and Adults 18-49 (+9% - 1.2/5 vs. 1.1/4), marking its most watched telecast since early March and a 4-week high with young adults - since 3/8/16 and 4/26/16, respectively.

"The Real O'Neals" (8:30-9:00 p.m. - 4.2 million and 1.0/4 in AD18-49):
At 8:30 p.m., ABC's freshman season finale of "The Real O'Neals" grew by double digits week to week in Total Viewers (+31% - 4.2 million vs. 3.2 million) and Adults 18-49 (+11% - 1.0/4 vs. 0.9/3), drawing it biggest-ever Tuesday audience and matching an 11-week high with young adults (since 3/8/16). On average during its freshman season, "The Real O'Neals" improved its time slot for ABC by 8% in Adults 18-49.

"Dancing with the Stars" (9:00-11:00 p.m. - 10.3 million and 1.6/5 in AD18-49):
Head to head from 9:00-11:00 p.m., ABC's 22nd season finale of "Dancing with the Stars" took second to NBC's "The Voice" finale in Total Viewers (10.3 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.6/5). The "Dancing" finale closed the gap year to year with "The Voice" finale in Adults 18-49 (5-tenths this year vs. 6-tenths last year).

In viewers and young adults, "Dancing" generated ABC's best numbers in the 2-hour time slot in 6 months - since 11/24/15.

Projections Rationale:
Lifts vs. L+SD are based on the 2015-16 season for premiere telecast or an average for originals (excluding the premiere).
Returning shows: Profile based on same show (either premiere or averages for originals).
New Series: Based on similar series.

A note about DVR penetration: DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample is currently at 48% in U.S. TV Homes. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which are increasingly not reflected in the overnight Live + Same Day numbers. As a result, the Live + 7 Day ratings are the most accurate measure to gauge the size of the TV audience.

Source: The Nielsen Company, Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings for 05/24/16.

Photo credit: ABC/ Nicole Wilder

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