Ratings for Tonys drop almost 1 million from last year

NEW YORK, N.Y. – CBS’ Tony Awards show was seen by 6 million viewers, down significantly from last year’s 6.9 million — and against much softer competition, according to preliminary Nielsen figures released Monday.

The data makes it the second-lowest ratings for the Tony awards since 1988.

The Tony broadcast was up against the season finale of AMC’s “Mad Men” but faced no competition from the NBA post-season, as it did last year when it aired opposite Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Neil Patrick Harris returned as host again this year but there was no clear, dying-to-see-it front-running Broadway show like last year’s juggernaut, “The Book of Mormon.” The sweet musical “Once” won eight awards this year.

Updated ratings figures will be available on Tuesday.