As the European Championship and Copa America finals draw near, Fox is celebrating its exceptional success in entertainment programming this summer. With a significant rise in viewership across platforms, Fox has seen a 57% increase from last year, amounting to a total of 18.5B minutes. The majority of this viewing can be attributed to sports, with an astonishing 66% growth, resulting in 12.4B minutes watched. Additionally, entertainment content has seen a 42% lift compared to last summer, totaling 6.1B minutes. Fox’s viewership records during the Euros and Copa America, with all four semifinal matches attracting impressive viewership, have been a major driving force behind this success.
The interest sparked by soccer has not only benefited Fox’s sports coverage but has also led to a surge in viewership across all its entertainment programming. Audience engagement has been boosted by popular series like “The Quiz with Balls” and “The 1% Club,” alongside a compelling lineup from Fox Sports. Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade emphasized the importance of delivering year-round originals and sports to meet audience expectations. This strategy has propelled Fox to the top spot in entertainment programming, with a 0.38 rating in adults 18-49 and a 0.54 rating in adults 25-54 after seven days of viewing. In primetime, Fox has experienced a remarkable 43% increase in adults 18-49 viewership, demonstrating a strong appeal to a wide demographic.
The introduction of new game shows, such as “The 1% Club” and “The Quiz with Balls,” has resonated well with audiences, garnering a 0.3 rating in the 18-49 demo after seven days of viewing. These shows, combined with other unscripted programming like WWE’s Smackdown, “Masterchef: Generations,” and “Beat Shazam,” have contributed significantly to Fox’s success this summer. The diverse range of programming has kept viewers engaged and entertained, further solidifying Fox’s position as a leading entertainment network.
Looking ahead, Fox may face a potential dip in viewership as the Copa America and Euros finals conclude, and attention shifts to other sports programming like NBC’s Paris Olympics coverage. Despite this, Fox is expected to maintain a strong audience throughout the summer, especially with WWE’s SummerSlam on the horizon in August. The consistent performance of WWE’s Smackdown, coupled with the allure of major events, is likely to sustain Fox’s viewership. However, the network will need to monitor the performance of its game shows and unscripted content to ensure continued success leading into the fall broadcast season and football season.
Fox’s summer success in entertainment programming can be attributed to its compelling lineup, record-breaking viewership, and strategic programming decisions. By capitalizing on the popularity of soccer coverage and introducing engaging new shows, Fox has managed to capture a diverse audience and solidify its position as a top entertainment network. With a focus on delivering high-quality content and maintaining audience engagement, Fox is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead and continue its impressive performance in the television landscape.