Why The Simpsons' live ratings are high in fall but low in spring?

[AnthonyNoHomers70100]

The Simpsons episodes premiered in fall has the highest ratings. but the episodes premiered in spring has the lowest ratings. For example: the season premiere has the highest ratings but the season finale has the lowest.

 

[biffwestwood]

It's because when football season ends, ratings decline because football fans typically stick with the network after the game.

 

[wiley207]

It's because when football season ends, ratings decline because football fans typically stick with the network after the game.

Yeah, but usually they'll just have the TV on in the background and not really pay attention to what's playing while they all socialize and snack and whatever. Someone could glance over at the TV and be like, "Oh, I didn't know The Simpsons was still on."
Additionally, DVRs have been taking a big bite out of the show's ratings for several years now. And if there's a football game scheduled before "The Simpsons," it often ends up delaying the start of the show, and anyone who was planning to record it but has no time to modify the recording to go past its' set end time would have no choice but to watch it live in order to catch the entire episode. So, that leads to a BIG boost in the ratings.