Sports TV Ratings Day After Cam Newton Signing

Sports TV finally had something interesting to talk about Monday amid Cam Newton's surprising signing with the New England Patriots.

Here are the top-rated sports shows from the day:

The Newton news did not provide much of a spark. Compared to last Monday, some shows were up slightly, others were down. To name a few: First Take +14,000, Get Up +13,000, 12 p.m. SportsCenter -40,000, Around the Horn -27,000. Undisputed was off last Monday.

These results are disappointing as the news was a fun, much-needed distraction. It is the best sports talking point in months.

It's still puzzling that ESPN is airing PTI inside the 5 p.m. SportsCenter as opposed to a stand-alone show. PTI is the top-viewed sports show nearly every day it airs.

Comparatively speaking, NFL Live quietly draws well. As reported by Outkick, it's getting an overhaul with Laura Rutledge as the new host. She'll be joined by Keyshawn Johnson, Mina Kimes, Marcus Spears, and Dan Orlovsky. The move is an attempt to spice up the show, say sources. But it's no guarantee it'll boost the ratings. In fact, I may lean the other way, at least early on.

NFL Live could possibly move later in the lineup, too. 4 p.m. has been discussed, per sources.

ESPN's afternoon block has really been struggling. Even Around the Horn, which is usually near the top, had a rough outing on Monday.



Disclosure: Outkick’s founder Clay Travis is an on-air personality at FS1.