Key Highlights
- Dave Portnoy questions the accuracy of Nielsen ratings for his new FS1 show “Wake Up Barstool.”
- The show struggles to develop a consistent following, with low viewership numbers in its second week.
- Portnoy believes that small metrics may lead to undercounting by Nielsen’s system.
- While the YouTube version of the show is growing, consistency remains an issue for the daily live broadcast.
The Challenges Facing “Wake Up Barstool”
Dave Portnoy, a prominent figure in sports commentary and media, recently expressed doubts about the accuracy of Nielsen ratings for his new show, “Wake Up Barstool.” The show, which airs on FS1 and is produced by Barstool Sports, has faced challenges since its debut. In its second week, fewer than 10,000 people watched live on three out of five days.
Despite the initial low viewership numbers, Portnoy has managed to secure some attention-grabbing guests such as Jon Gruden and Fox’s Greg Olsen for Monday broadcasts. However, other days lack recognizable Barstool stars, leading to inconsistent viewer engagement.
Nielsen Ratings and Their Critique
During an update on his podcast, The Unnamed Show, Portnoy questioned the reliability of Nielsen ratings due to their small scale. “The numbers are so minuscule,” he stated, “they could be just wildly inaccurate because they’re so small.” He added that since many live sports events are now estimated on the high end, Nielsen might be undercounting low metrics.
“I’m not saying that’s not what was reported,” Portnoy continued, “but it’s so minuscule they’re not accurate. Because how many people have the tracking device in their houses?”
Nielsen uses a device planted in certain households to measure how people spend time across broadcast television, cable, and streaming services. However, this method faces challenges when applied to shows with very small audiences.
Barstool’s Digital Roots and Transition to TV
Portnoy acknowledged that the show is still building its audience but expressed concern about maintaining consistency day to day. “We started, really, with nothing,” he said. “There was nothing at the beginning, and hopefully it will slowly build.” He added, “But it is different formats, different people every day.”
While Portnoy focuses on Monday’s show, which he personally hosts, each day’s crew faces its own challenges in making the show a success. This approach aligns with Barstool’s digital roots and has led to numerous hits, but it may be harder for a daily live show where viewers often choose familiar content creators.
Expert Perspectives on the Show’s Future
Industry experts suggest that TV adaptation can present unique challenges. Colin Cowherd, known for his podcast, commented, “Barstool’s made their bones on digital and podcasting, so now they’re transitioning to TV, and TV’s hard.” This sentiment highlights the difficulties of shifting from a digital platform to linear television.
As Barstool Sports continues to navigate these challenges, the success or failure of “Wake Up Barstool” could have significant implications for their broader strategy in expanding into traditional media. The show’s journey is closely watched by both fans and industry insiders as it seeks to find its footing on FS1.
