ESPN used its Disney ties to generate a boost in "MNF" overnights, as the halftime debut of the trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," led to an 8% ratings increase year over year. The Vikings' 20-17 win over the Bears last night generated a 7.0 overnight on ESPN, up from a 6.5 for last year's comparable Buccaneers-Panthers matchup in Week 5. Last night's telecast peaked with an 8.3 rating between 9:45-10:00pm ET, coinciding with the halftime debut of the trailer. Last night's game earned a combined 36.4 rating in Minneapolis-St. Paul (11.0 on ESPN, 25.4 on WCO-CBS) and a 23.3 in Chicago (10.6 on ESPN, 12.7 on WGN-Ind.). Season to date, "MNF" is averaging an 8.0 overnight rating, up 5% from a 7.6 to this point in '16 (Josh Carpenter, Assistant Editor).
JEDI MIND TRICKS: "Star Wars" was a constant presence during last night's game, with a group of Stormtroopers marching onto the field at halftime and another Stormtrooper appearing in the broadcast booth with ESPN’s Sean McDonough. McDonough said, “I’m joined by (a) First Order Stormtrooper. The world has been holding its breath waiting for the debut of the trailer.” After the trailer was aired, McDonough said, “In anticipation of the ‘Star Wars’ movies, excitement (is) all over the world” (“MNF,” ESPN, 10/9).
