Is the word espectador the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling, grammar, and fundamental dictionary definition of "espectador" are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage regarding television. In Brazil, when referring to someone watching television, the specific term telespectador is the much more natural and common way to express the idea. In Portugal, the word espectador is used much more broadly and is the standard term for both live audiences (theater, sports) and television viewers.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O espectador de cinema ficou muito surpreso com o final. (The movie viewer was very surprised by the ending.)
2. O telespectador da Globo viu o comercial de forma clara. (The viewer of Globo saw the commercial clearly.)
3. Os espectadores do estádio celebraram o gol com muita alegria. (The spectators at the stadium celebrated the goal with great joy.)
4. É difícil prender a atenção do telespectador com tantos anúncios. (It is hard to hold the TV viewer's attention with so many commercials.)
5. O espectador do YouTube deixou um comentário no vídeo. (The YouTube viewer left a comment on the video.)

Portuguese Examples

1. O espectador do filme ficou muito surpreso com o final. (The movie viewer was very surprised by the ending.)
2. O espectador da televisão viu o anúncio de forma clara. (The TV viewer saw the advertisement clearly.)
3. Os espectadores do jogo celebraram o golo com muita alegria. (The spectators of the game celebrated the goal with great joy.)
4. É difícil prender a atenção do espectador com tantos anúncios. (It is hard to hold the spectator's attention with so many advertisements.)
5. O espectador do YouTube deixou um comentário no vídeo. (The YouTube viewer left a comment on the video.)