‘America’s Got Talent’ premieres to lower ratings than last season – competition to blame?

By Andrew Sims (@Sims) at 12:45 pm, May 15, 2012

The much-anticipated debut of Howard Stern on America’s Got Talent went down last night on NBC, but the show actually received lower ratings than season six’s premiere.

There is one big difference, however. NBC moved this season’s premiere up two weeks earlier than normal so that it could compete in May sweeps. As a result, the show went up against Dancing with the Stars, The Bachlorette, How I Met Your Mother, Mike & Molly, and Two and a Half Men last night.

America’s Got Talent had 10.3 million viewers and a 3.6 rating. That’s 16% lower than last year (with no new judges).

Meanwhile, America’s Got Talent returns to NBC tonight for a 2-hour episode from San Francisco at 8 PM ET/PT.

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IrmaSDean

http://goo.gl/l94VI
http://hypable.com John Thrasher

I think people are getting sick of talent shows. I can’t even think of the last one that has produced a huge name other than the handful from American Idol. Right now we have American Idol, The Voice (last week’s finale) and now AGT all happening at the same time? Way too much of the same thing.
- ChaosMaster16
  
  To be honest, I think the ratings slide is simply The Olympics’ fault. Because of the Olympics, NBC had to push the show waaay back into May. Last year, if I recall correctly, it didn’t start until June– it usually starts then too because it is a SUMMER show. It also faced a billion finales and premieres last night. AND it is two new nights.
  
  Here is just hoping they get new Voice coaches. Like get some Gaga, Adel, and 2 other big names and you got a monster.
Guest

I think it’s Stern’s fault; no one wants to see a vulgar creep judge a talent competition.

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‘America’s Got Talent’ premieres to lower ratings than last season – competition to blame?

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