ABC spells gold for the ESPYS

A shift to broadcast paid off big for The ESPYS. Marking its first year running on ABC, the annual awards show more than doubled its viewership over last year’s run on ESPN, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals. The show snared 7.7 million viewers, for a 250% jump over 2.2 million a year ago. Caitlyn Jenner’s speech while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award ranked as the most-watched hour of the event, hitting 8.5 million during the final hour. Of course, the show now ranks as the most-watched and highest-rated ESPYS ever.

TiVo ranked the top moments from the ESPY telecast, based on second-by-second audience measurement data.
1. 10:42p After a video recounting her journey, Caitlyn Jenner accepts the Arthur Ashe Courage Award with an emotional speech
2. 9:28p New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski wins Best Comeback Athlete
3. 8:53p LeBron James wins Best Championship Performance
4. 9:06p Tribute to Lauren Hill
5. 9:49p Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still accepts

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