“Jeopardy” Jumps as Richards’ Era Ends

“Jeopardy” Jumps as Richards’ Era Ends

Review based on a national syndicated rating report for the week ending September 19, 2021.

Family Feud (5.3 live plus same day national Nielsen rating, down 5% from the week before) continued to top the syndicated game shows in the round ending September 19, but Jeopardy (5.1, up 24%) was not far behind. The week marked both the beginning and the end for controversial Jeopardy host Mike Richards’ run.

Several talk shows had huge weeks.

Ellen DeGeneres (14-week high 1.0, up 25%) broke out with the premiere of its 19th and ultimate season, surging 33% in the key W25-54 demo and beating its year-ago rating by 25%. On fire lately, “Ellen” ratings have risen 43% over the past two weeks.

Kelly Clarkson (0.9, up 13% in households and up 33% among W25-54) pulled back the curtain on its third season with its strongest rating in four months and also outperformed the same week last year by 13%.

Drew Barrymore (0.5, up 25%) also chalked up strong numbers, scoring with a spectacular second season opener shot outdoors on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles. “Drew” also exceeded the ratings of most of the popular talkers in New York, the No. 1 market.

At the top of the category Dr. Phil (1.7, up 21%) began season 20 tying Live with Kelly and Ryan (1.7, steady) for first place.

Court shows were led by Judge Judy (4.5, down 2%) and Hot Bench (16-week high 1.6, up 7%), which called its eighth season to order.

By Magid | 09/28/21