The most recent Super Bowl, which saw Philadelphia triumph over Kansas City with a score of 40-22, drew an unprecedented audience of 127.7 million viewers across various platforms in the United States. This marks a significant 3% increase from the previous year's event, making it the second consecutive year that the Super Bowl has achieved record-breaking viewership. The game was broadcast on Fox, Fox Deportes, Telemundo, and streamed on Tubi as well as NFL’s digital platforms. Peak viewership reached 137.7 million during the second quarter.
This year's Super Bowl not only showcased impressive ratings but also highlighted changes in how audiences are counted. Nielsen introduced a new method to include out-of-home viewers for all states except Hawaii and Alaska, previously limited to the top 44 media markets. Additionally, the inclusion of data from smart TVs, cable, and satellite set-top boxes contributed to the increased numbers. Streaming platforms played a crucial role, with 14.5 million viewers tuning in online, including 13.6 million on Tubi. Spanish-language broadcasts on Telemundo and Fox Deportes attracted an average of 1.87 million viewers. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show also garnered attention, averaging 133.5 million viewers.
The presence of notable figures such as Donald Trump and Taylor Swift added to the event's allure. Trump became the first former president to attend a Super Bowl, while Swift’s relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce kept fans engaged. The NFL has seen a resurgence in television viewership after a period where four out of five games before 2023 had fallen short of 100 million viewers due to cord-cutting trends. Despite this positive trend, the NFL playoffs experienced a slight decline in viewership compared to last year, averaging 35.2 million viewers over the first three weekends.
The Super Bowl continues to be a cultural phenomenon, drawing massive audiences and setting new records. The combination of engaging gameplay, high-profile performances, and celebrity attendance ensures its status as one of the most-watched events in the United States. While challenges persist, the NFL remains a dominant force in sports entertainment, consistently captivating millions of viewers each year.