Strong start for World Series fades as Game 3 ratings hit a low point, then rebound in Game 4

Game 3 audience drops sharply

Game 3 averaged 8.44 million viewers across Fox and Fox Deportes. It ranks as the fourth-least-watched World Series game, behind Games 3 and 4 in 2023 and Game 3 in 2020.

The Brewers beat the Rays 10-1 in the game, which aired against Monday Night Football. The NFL matchup averaged 18.73 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network.

First two games drew more

The series opened with stronger audiences. Game 1 averaged 12.26 million viewers, followed by 10.85 million for Game 2. Both totals exceeded the audiences for the equivalent games in 2020 and 2023, when each drew well under 10 million viewers. That contrast cautions against treating Game 3’s figure as a measure of interest in baseball overall.

Ratings comparisons have limits

Nielsen began measuring World Series television viewership in 1968. Its planned move to the Big Data standard in September 2025 adds out-of-home metrics and set-top box data, changes that have generally raised reported audiences for sports.

Taking those measurement changes into account, the report says Game 3 may have been the least-watched World Series game since measurement began. It also suggests the low figure reflects the blowout and competing football more than a decline in interest in the teams or baseball.

Game 4 audience could rebound

Multiple reports put the preliminary audience for the 12-inning Game 4 at 13.5 million viewers. The total could increase when Big Data numbers are added. Games 4 and 5 faced no notable NFL or college football competition on Tuesday or Wednesday, a factor that may have helped their viewership.