Super Bowl shatters records as most-watched program in US history

The latest Super Bowl game has made history as the most-watched program ever in U.S. television, drawing an average of 123.7 million viewers. This thrilling showdown between Kansas City and San Francisco, which went into overtime, captivated audiences across various platforms, marking a significant 7% increase from the previous year.

The game, broadcasted by CBS, Nickelodeon, and Univision, attracted a record-breaking 202.4 million viewers who tuned in at least part of the time. CBS alone averaged 120.3 million viewers, setting a new benchmark for the network's Super Bowl broadcasts. The addition of out-of-home viewers in Nielsen's ratings also contributed to the increased viewership, with this measurement expected to expand further across the country.

Exciting overtime thrills viewers

The game's intensity peaked as it entered overtime, only the second time in Super Bowl history. Kansas City's victory over San Francisco was sealed with a dramatic touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Mecole Hardman, thrilling fans worldwide. This exciting finish, coupled with the star-studded halftime performance by Usher, added to the game's allure.

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The presence of pop sensation Taylor Swift, who is romantically linked with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, added a new dimension to the Super Bowl's appeal. This celebrity connection has drawn fresh interest from fans, contributing to the game's widespread popularity.

Record-breaking halftime show

Usher's halftime performance set a new record as the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show, with an average of 129.3 million viewers. This marked a 7% increase from the previous year's performance by Rihanna, showcasing the enduring appeal of Super Bowl entertainment.

The Super Bowl's success extended beyond traditional broadcasts, with Nickelodeon's kid-centric alternate feed attracting 1.2 million viewers. Additionally, Univision saw record-breaking viewership of 2.3 million, making it the highest viewership for a Spanish-language network.

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The Super Bowl's impressive viewership numbers reflect its enduring popularity, with consistent growth seen throughout the NFL playoffs and regular season. This sustained interest underscores the significance of major sporting events in American culture and entertainment.