ESPN’s lineup of daily studio shows has seen a notable rise in viewership, recording a 14% increase for the first quarter of 2026 according to Nielsen data.
This surge saw five shows achieving their highest Q1 averages ever, with two others drawing their largest Q1 viewership in 10 years.
Strong Start to 2026
The shows collectively averaged 485,000 viewers during Q1, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2025. January proved to be a strong month, setting the stage for the rest of the quarter.
Which Shows Performed Best?
Several ESPN studio shows experienced year-over-year Q1 viewership gains. First Take averaged 524,000 viewers, a 5% increase and its best Q1 since 2024; it also achieved its best February ever with 530,000 viewers, up 6%. The Sunday morning SportsCenter saw a 13% increase, averaging 455,000 viewers, its best Q1 since 2024.
The midnight SportsCenter (excluding Scott Van Pelt editions) averaged 443,000 viewers, a 2% increase and its best Q1 since 2022. The 7 a.m. SportsCenter averaged 270,000 viewers, an 11% increase and its best Q1 since 2020.
The 5 p.m. SportsCenter, which debuted in May 2025, averaged 477,000 viewers in its first Q1, a 10 percent increase over the timeslot last year.
ESPN App and Streaming Options
ESPN offers its networks and services directly to fans via the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. This provides access to over 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, studio shows and original programming.
- The ESPN App includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options.
- It also features swipe-able shortform vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You.
- Integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, and sports merchandise are also available.
Bundling options are available for fans, including a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN offering.
The performance of ESPN’s studio shows contributed to ESPN’s strong overall Q1 viewing figures.