Even in our fractured age, the Olympics remain a reliably monocultural enterprise in the United States. Down ratings years (such as the pandemic Games in Tokyo) are usually followed in short order by up ratings years (as appears to be the case in 2024). The celebrity creation machine marches on.
Still, the ratings figure for the live women's gymnastics all-around team final Tuesday merits a second look. Even by Paris' high standards, it was a staggering number.
