Often times the challenger party beats the incumbent party in enthusiasm at the convention AND in TV ratings. Not this time.
The numbers are in and DNC day 1 beats RNC day 1.
Total viewers:
RNC Day 1 (final hour): 20.5 million viewers
DNC Day 2 (final hour): 21.9 million viewers
Again, everyone knows the Obamas. The incumbent show isn't usually as interesting as the challenger show. People tune in that show to find out more about lesser know candidate/VP and families. So having 1.4 million viewers is big.
Also, among viewers 25-54 years old the lead is significant: 6 million for RNC, 7.3 million for DNC.
NBC and MSNBC led the ratings for the DNC. And you know which led the way for the RNC.