TV ratings for SBS Eurovision 2021 coverage out

Viewing figures for the prime-time repeats of the broadcast of all three Eurovision shows are now out.

Despite not qualifying for the grand final, 165,000 viewers tuned in for Sunday night’s prime-time repeat of the show, while an average of 123,000 tuned in for the live early morning broadcast, peaking at 170,000 for the winner’s announcement.

That is a large group of dedicated fans getting up from 5:00am!

The figures also show fort the first semi-final (in which Australia competed) saw 157,000 people tune in during the Friday night prime-time broadcast, while the second semi-final saw a very small drop to 155,000 viewers.

Total numbers will be provided in time, including viewership for SBS On Demand.

The Grand Final prime-time viewing figures are a big increase on last year’s special, ‘Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light’, where only 98,000 tuned in.

However, in comparison to 2019’s Grand Final coverage (where Kate Miller-Heidke was considered a winning chance) viewership is down.

In 2019 that number was at 246,000 with 166,000 tuning in for the live early morning coverage.

It is always difficult to find out total numbers as Australian viewership is always split over morning live coverage to on demand habits during the day and the evening replay.

'Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020' however reached 334,000 in 2020 and 298,000 in 2019, showing there still is a healthy appetite for Eurovision coverage in Australia.

The drop this year is understandable without an Australian in the final and no Australia Decides to help tin the build up.

Hopefully we will see the return of the national final in 2022 to boost the profile of the show and artist for next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Italy.