With regular sports programming out of the mix, one of television’s longest-running reality shows — along with COVID-19 coverage — seem to be getting a ratings boost. Here’s a look at Wednesday and Thursday overnights in English Canada:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Global’s big night was topped by 20-year wonder Survivor playing to 1,843,000 according to overnight estimates. The lead-in at 7 p.m. was the Wednesday edition of Big Brother Canada, which drew 1,134,000. Soon-to-depart comedy Modern Family was watched by 824,000. Viewers flee at 9:30 when Schooled (313,000 and then S.W.A.T. come on (488,000).
CTV stayed right behind with The Masked Singer (1,383,000) followed by the afore mentioned Transplant (760,000) and Stumptown (788,000). The CTV National News drew a robust 1,483,000.
Citytv is a factor Wednesdays thanks to their Dick Wolf first responder franchise. Chicago Med (908,000), Fire (935,000) and PD (669,000) still draw big crowds with the first two sure to pass the million mark in totals.
Wednesday remains a tough night for CBC. Family Feud Canada posts a descent start (431,000) but then there are Diggstown (144,000) and the beer baron documentary series The Oland Murders (220,000). Despite the weak leads, The National explained it all to 581,000 at 10 p.m.
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CBC News Network was watched by 429,000 at 11 a.m. for a Justin Trudeau press conference. Another 318,000 watched the news channel’s early window on The National. CNN’s coverage of the pandemic peaked at 10 p.m. with 284,000 watching Don Lemon. CP24’s Ontario+ coverage drew 274,000 for its morning Dayside block. CTV News Channel pulled 242,000 for a morning virus update.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
CTV had a strong one-two with Station 19 (1,398,000) followed by ever potent Grey’s Anatomy (1,503,000). A Big Bang fill-in double play drew 716,000 and 555,000 at 10 p.m., leading into the CTV National News (1,447,000).
Global fought back with their Thursday edition of Big Brother Canada (1,045,000) but it was downhill from there with Will & Grace (528,000), Superstore (171,000) and SEAL Team (249,000). Global National at 6:30 drew 985,000 viewers.
Citytv and CTV2 had quiet nights. CBC went Family Feud (529,000), Fridge Wars (232,000) and Secrets of the Royals (still a secret at 249,000). The National (603,000) continues to draw well above average, as does the CBC News Network, which saw an overnight, estimated 393,000 tune in for an 11 a.m. virus response update from the Prime Minister.
