World Series attracts biggest TV audience since 2009

Cleveland's 6-0 victory over the Cubs in Tuesday's World Series opener drew the largest audience for Game 1 of the World Series since 2009, showing wide interest in two teams that have suffered for decades without bringing home a title.

The broadcast delivered a 12.6 rating, meaning almost 13 percent of U.S. TV households were tuned in, according to preliminary data released by the Fox network, which televised the game. That was the highest rating since the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees faced off in 2009, according to the broadcast unit of 21st Century Fox.

The Cubs and Indians have the longest championship droughts in baseball, with Chicago's team having last won in 1908. The Indians took home baseball's championship in 1948. Viewing in those cities was especially high, with almost 50 percent of Cleveland's TV's tuned in and 34 percent watching in Chicago. Eight newer teams, including five that joined the majors in 1960s, have never won the World Series.