Thursday night was dominated by sport with Seven and Nine going head to head for the most watched entertainment program of the evening.
Seven’s AFL coverage of Richmond Tigers taking on the Carlton Blues just pipped Nine, pulling in a total TV national reach of 1,875,000 and a total TV national average audience of 675,00. On the field and after its horrific opening round loss to the Swans, Carlton bounced back and beat one of its oldest rivals by a mere four points.
At halftime the Blues held a 37 point lead thanks to key-forward Harry McKay who booted two early goals. But, Carlton had an absolute dreadful second half only managing one goal. This one goal, however, was just enough to hold onto the win.
Heading north, and Nine’s broadcast of the NRL reached 1,567,000 and had an average audience of 772,000. In a high-scoring affair, the Parramatta Eels defeated the reigning premiers the Brisbane Broncos 32-40.
In front of a very healthy 39,015 Brisbane supporters, the post premiership hangover continued for the Broncos. Since winning the comp last year—and changing its logo—Brisbane are yet to manage a win in the 2026 season. Losing both of its opening matches and not to mention the Broncos also lost the World Club Challenge (a game where the NRL premiers go up against the Super League winners).
Over on 10, its broadcast of Gogglebox landed 14th on the overnight ratings. The episode drew in a reach of 775,000 and an average audience of 452,000.
