The Emmys Sees Record Low TV Viewers, But That's Not Unexpected

Sunday's all-virtual Emmy awards were not a hit for the TV audience, the final viewer count has confirmed. The 2020 awards attracted a total of 6.1 million viewers on ABC, down from 6.9 million when it aired on Fox last year, as reported by The Wrap.

This year's numbers are part of a continuing downward trend, however--this year saw a decline of 29% on last year's numbers, while last year also saw a 32% drop from the previous year. The show still attracted relatively big numbers for ABC, representing the channel's largest audience on a Sunday since an episode of American Idol on April 5.

While the TV numbers were less than encouraging, this year's Emmys were a hit on social media, seeing a total of 11.9 million social interactions for an increase of 108% from last year. The show's isolation-based gags may have helped with that, including a team of tuxedo hazmat-suited people who were charged with hand delivering trophies to the winners--and apparently gloating at the losers.

For a full list of the 2020 awards winners, check out our list here. Or for the short version--the big winners of the night were Watchmen, Schitt's Creek and Succession, with each taking home plenty of awards in their respective categories. The night also saw Zendaya become the youngest person to win best actress in a drama series for her role in Euphoria.