NBC’s Today fell down to second place in ratings for the first time while airing the Olympic games.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Good Morning America received 6.42 million viewers for the final fast national returns. They beat out Today by 412,000 viewers. Good Morning America spent much of the show covering the passing of actor Shirley Temple.
Today had 6.008 million viewers. Matt Lauer played double duty while Bob Costas recovers from a double eye infection. Lauer is covering NBC’s primetime Olympic coverage. Today may be been lifted by their on location telecast from Sochi but the on-air talent has been lacking. With the lack of stars on 2014’s U.S. Team, there was concern for NBC. Lindsey Vonn bowed out of the games in January.
Snowboarder Shaun White received a blow when he did not medal for the half-pipe competition. This did not dampen primetime ratings.
Today did win the desired news demo of adults 25-54 with 2.562 million viewers compared to ABC’s 2.472 million viewers.