ESPN Faces Backlash Over In-Game Interview

The New York Mets' thrilling Wild Card victory over the Milwaukee Brewers attracted a record audience for ESPN, drawing 4.02 million viewers, the best since 2021. In a significant misstep during Game 2, ESPN faced backlash for conducting a live interview with Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell during the crucial ninth inning, which led to viewers missing key action. Fans criticized the network's decision to prioritize the interview over the game's momentum, with many expressing their displeasure on social media. Despite the controversy, the Mets have dominated viewership in Wild Card games, having played the five most-watched contests under the new format. The Mets' Game 3 victory showcased Pete Alonso's home run, which garnered over 9.5 million views on MLB's social media platforms. Overall, the Wild Card round averaged 2.8 million viewers across broadcast channels, marking a 25% increase from last year.