SmackDown's debut episode on FOX was a massive win in the ratings.
According to Showbuzz Daily, the October 4 episode of SmackDown averaged 3.869 million viewers, making it the highest-watched WWE show on U.S. television since Raw back on April 9, 2018 when that show averaged 3.921 million viewers. SmackDown on FOX also averaged more viewers on its premiere episode on FOX than every SmackDown episode that aired live on USA Network in the last couple of years.
The show also nearly doubled SmackDown's previous episode -- the final one on USA Network -- on September 24 when it averaged just 2.099 million viewers. In the 18-49 demographic, hours one and two for the FOX premiere episode drew a 1.4 and 1.3 rating, respectively, which beat out all other evening programming from ABC, CBS, NBC and CW.
Hourly Breakdown:
Hour One: 3.92 million viewers, 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic
Hour Two: 3.818 million viewers, 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
Top 5 Most Viewed WWE SmackDown (10/4) Videos On YouTube
Cain Velasquez brings the fight to Brock Lesnar (2.3 million views)
The Rock and Becky Lynch humble King Corbin (1 million views)
Kofi Kingston vs. Brock Lesnar (804,000 views)
Braun Strowman stares down Tyson Fury (640,000 views)
Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan (523,000 views)
If you missed anything from SmackDown, check out Fightful’s full report on the show and listen to the post-show podcast for a complete review of all the action.
