Sports TV
On Fox, the best Series since 2004
By Diego Vasquez
Nov 3, 2009 - 7:58:05 AM

No doubt Fox was cheering loudest for the Philadelphia Phillies to extend the World Series last night, because the longer this series goes on, the better for the network.

Sunday's Phillies-New York Yankees game produced the best ratings for any World Series game since 2004, when the Boston Red Sox clinched their first championship in 86 years.

Game four averaged 22.8 million total viewers and a 13.5 household rating, according to Nielsen, also series bests.

It marked the most-watched game in any World Series since Boston's game four win in 2004 averaged 28.8 million and an 18.2 rating.

Compared to game four last year, this year's contest was up 47 percent in total viewers and 45 percent in ratings.

This year remains on pace to be the most-watched World Series since 2004. Through four games, it's averaging 19.1 million total viewers, an 11.5 household rating and a 6.1 among adults 18-49, and it has given Fox a huge fourth-quarter boost.

The network is averaging a 3.7 18-49 rating, 16 percent ahead of second-place CBS's 3.2, giving Fox its best-ever fourth quarter. And the longer the World Series continues, the bigger Fox's lead will grow.

The Phillies extended the series to at least a game six with their victory last night in Philadelphia.



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