The broadcast a preliminary rating of 5.1/8 in metered market ratings, 8 percent lower than last year, despite being up against the NBA game, which got a 12.9/22. The broadcast drew a preliminary rating of 5.1/8 in metered market ratings, 8 percent lower than last year, despite being up against the NBA Finals Game 2, which got a 12.9/22. The Tony Awards were watched by 7.05 million viewers, according to preliminary reports by Deadline Hollywood.

However, Variety cited figures from Nielsen Ratings Service saying that the show earned a record low preliminary 0.9 rating and 3 share in the important demographic of adults age 18-49, down 25 percent from last year’s preliminary 1.2 rating. If confirmed as accurate, that means only 6.35 million people watched the show overall, the lowest viewership since 2012.

The numbers have fluctuated in recent years, with 7.3 million in 2014 and 7.24 million in 2013, 6.01 million in 2012 and 7.43 million in 2009.

Figures for 2015 will be updated and finalized later this week.

"On a night coming off what was a ratings slam dunk and a nail-biter of a NBA Finals Game 1 on June 4 and the anticipation of Game 2, the Tonys held their own and were basically steady with last year’s MM results," the Deadline Hollywood wrote. Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth hosted the annual Tony ceremony, which was broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall.