The Grey Cup ratings rebounded from slip-sliding a year ago.
Even though Winnipeg led from start to finish and the decision was never really in doubt, the television number was up 14 percent year-over-year. In the key 25-54 age demographic, 1,117,400 tuned in.
The fact each fanbase was trying to end long draughts without hoisting the big silver trophy had people in Hamilton and the entire province of Manitoba intrigued along with Canadians across the country.
Hometown running back Andrew Harris put on a show, Keith Urban was a big-name halftime act and the quick-strike Ticats offence could have kept viewers interested for a possible late comeback.
The pre-game coverage which began at 6 p.m. eastern time drew 1,952,600 and post-game 1,517,000. Overall on Sunday, CFL content accounted for the top three ranked TV programs.
For comparison, the Toronto Raptors Game 6 NBA Finals victory against the Golden State Warriors is the largest sports TV rating in Canada throughout 2019 at 7,700,000; Super Bowl LIII which saw the New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 brought in 4,340,000; Stanley Cup Final Game 7 between Boston and St. Louis posted 4,150,000.
There was no epic or even close finish, but the Grey Cup proved the game itself ranks among the biggest sports properties in Canada. It was a below average rating when compared to the last 10 CFL championships, but there has been a major shift in terms of people cutting the cable cord and choosing to stream.
Grey Cup Sunday TV ratings 2019:
Hamilton vs. Winnipeg — 3,682,600
2018 Grey Cup
Ottawa vs. Calgary — 3,132,000
(Lowest-rated game since 2001 and smallest average audience — 2,700,000 — for TSN since taking over the broadcast rights prior to the 2009 season.)
2017 Grey Cup
Calgary vs. Toronto — 4,100,000
2016 Grey Cup
Calgary vs. Ottawa — 3,600,000
2015 Grey Cup
Ottawa vs. Edmonton — 4,100,000
2014 Grey Cup
Hamilton vs. Calgary — 4,100,000
2013 Grey Cup
Hamilton vs. Saskatchewan — 4,500,000
2012 Grey Cup
Calgary vs. Toronto — 5,500,000
2011 Grey Cup
Winnipeg vs. B.C. — 4,600,000
2010 Grey Cup
Saskatchewan vs. Montreal — 6,040,000
2009 Grey Cup
Saskatchewan vs. Montreal — 6,100,000
(Grey Cup record for average viewers.)
