Ratings: ABC’s AMAs Slip 8 Percent Versus Stiff NFL Competition

ABC’s “American Music Awards” slipped 8 percent year over year, despite the Disney broadcast network dropping a new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” clip during the program, which was headlined by Justin Bieber.

The awards show had to contend with a good NFL game all night, however — so the slide could have been worse. NBC topped Sunday with the primetime pro football contest. Fox was second in the key 18-49 demographic — but due to the nature of live sports, NBC, Fox and CBS’ numbers may all change when Nielsen finalizes its data.

You won’t catch ABC complaining on Monday morning, in all likelihood: the Jennifer Lopez-hosted AMAs generated the network’s best entertainment numbers in the time period since May’s Billboard Music Awards.

Also Read: American Music Awards: The Complete Winners List

NBC was first in ratings with an 4.9 rating/14 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and in total viewers with an average of 14.7 million, according to preliminary numbers. “Football Night in America,” beginning at 7 p.m., earned a 3.7/11 and 12.7 million viewers. After, the Cincinnati Bengals-Arizona Cardinals game scored a 5.6/16 and 16 million viewers.

Fox was second in ratings with a 3.0/9, but fourth and in viewers with 8.2 million. The network opened primetime with the conclusion of an afternoon NFL game, when its postgame show “The OT” was credited with a 5.6/17 and 16.7 million viewers. After, “The Simpsons” had a 2.3/7 and 5.6 million viewers. Then, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” got a 1.7/5 and 3.9 million viewers. Next, “Family Guy” received a 1.6/4 and 3.3 million viewers. Finally, “The Last Man on Earth” posted a 1.3/3 and 3.3 million viewers.

ABC was third in ratings with a 2.9/8 and second in viewers with 9.6 million. “America’s Funniest Home Videos” at 7 put up a 1.1/3 and 5.7 million viewers. The AMAs after landed a 3.5/10 and 11 million viewers.

Also Read: Nicki Minaj Appears to Throw Shade at Jennifer Lopez During AMAs 'Anaconda' Performance (Video)

CBS was fourth in ratings with a 1.1/3 and third in viewers with 8.7 million. At 7, “60 Minutes” had a 1.5/5 and 10.9 million viewers. “Madam Secretary” at 8 got a 1.1/3 and 9.9 million viewers. “The Good Wife” at 9 received a 0.9/2 and 7.8 million viewers. At 10, “CSI: Cyber” closed primetime with a 0.9/3 and 6.3 million viewers.

Univision was fifth in ratings with a 0.7/2 and in viewers with 2 million.

Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.3/1 and in viewers with 864,000.