SmackDown Hits Ratings Slump: Lowest Viewership Since June

One big thing: SmackDown’s audience shrinks

WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown saw a significant drop in viewership for its August 23rd episode, recording its lowest numbers since June 14, 2024.

• Viewership: 2.050 million (down from 2.252 million the previous week)
• Key demo (18-49): 0.56 rating (down from 0.61)

Why it matters

SmackDown is WWE’s flagship show and a consistent ratings performer. This unexpected dip could signal:

• Potential viewer fatigue
• Increased competition from other entertainment options
• Need for creative adjustments in storylines or character development

By the numbers

• 9%: Decrease in total viewership from the previous week
• 8.2%: Drop in the key 18-49 demographic rating

Show highlights

Despite the ratings slip, the episode featured notable moments:

• LA Knight confirmed an open challenge for the US Championship at Bash in Berlin
• The Bloodline made changes to their tag team title reign strategy

The big picture

While one week of lower ratings isn’t cause for panic, WWE will likely monitor this trend closely. SmackDown’s performance is crucial for:

• Advertising revenue
• Network negotiations
• Overall brand strength in the competitive wrestling landscape

What’s next?

WWE will aim to bounce back with upcoming episodes, potentially:

• Introducing new storylines
• Featuring surprise appearances
• Promoting high-stakes matches

Did you watch this episode of SmackDown? What do you think WWE should do to boost viewership? Share your thoughts in the comments below.