NBC had the second-highest Emmy rating in eight years, trailing only last year’s telecast since the 2006 Emmys, in early numbers.
In households in 56 markets tracked by Nielsen, the show earned a 10.9 rating and 18 share. NBC had expected lower numbers because the show aired in August on a Monday, rather than the usual Sunday. More complete numbers were expected later Monday.
The show, in which previous winners dominated, came within 1o percent of last year’s Emmys, which benefitted from airing on a Sunday in September and an NFL lead-in. Last year’s ceremony had a 12.1/19.
But August isn’t automatically a ratings killer: The 2006 Emmys, the top-rated in metered markets in the last eight years, earned a 13.1 rating, airing on Sunday, Aug. 27.
Monday’s 66th Primetime Emmys were hosted by Seth Meyers. “Breaking Bad” took home the Outstanding Drama Series award for the second consecutive year and “Modern Family” won for Outstanding Comedy Series for the fifth consecutive year.