The Big Game in the Big Easy now holds the record for most-watched TV show ever, which is good news for those companies that spent $4 million on those commercials.
The 2012 NFL season concluded with another television milestone as Super Bowl XLVII on CBS reached a total audience of 164.1 million viewers (6:32-8:41 and 9:11-10:47 PM, ET), making it the most-viewed show in U.S. television history according to The Nielsen Company.
The 49ers-Ravens championship game topped the previous record of 162.9 million total viewers for Super Bowl XLV (Packers-Steelers) and marks the fifth consecutive Super Bowl to reach a total audience of more than 150 million viewers. Super Bowls account for the 22 most-watched programs in history in terms of total audience.
In addition, an average of 108.4 million viewers watched Super Bowl XLVII – ranking third all-time.
Most-Watched TV Programs, Total Viewers
|
Game |
Total Viewers |
|
Super Bowl XLVII (49ers-Ravens), 2/3/13 |
164.1 million |
|
Super Bowl XLV (Packers-Steelers), 2/6/11 |
162.9 million |
|
Super Bowl XLVI (Giants-Patriots), 2/5/12 |
159.2 million |
|
Super Bowl XLIV (Colts-Saints), 2/7/10 |
153.4 million |
|
Super Bowl XLIII (Cardinals-Steelers), 2/1/09 |
151.6 million |
Source: NFL, The Nielsen Company
