Record Number of Viewers Tune in to Super Bowl LIX Despite Blowout
In a surprising turn of events, a blowout game on the field did not deter a record number of viewers from tuning in to watch Super Bowl LIX. Fox Sports’ telecast on Sunday averaged an impressive 126 million viewers across all platforms, marking a potential second consecutive year of setting an all-time viewing record in the United States. This year’s game is currently up about 2 percent compared to the previous year, which had set a record with 123.7 million viewers.
Super Bowl Sets Streaming Record
Not only did the game break records in traditional TV viewership, but it also set a new Super Bowl streaming record. Fox reported that there were 13.6 million viewers on its free streaming platform, Tubi, and 14.5 million including NFL digital platforms. This surpasses the previous streaming high of about 11.2 million viewers in 2022, showcasing the growing trend of viewers opting for digital streaming options.
Shift in Broadcast Trends
While the primary broadcast on Fox may see a slight decline in viewership year-over-year, the increase in streaming numbers more than compensates for it. Last year’s game drew 120.25 million viewers for CBS, showing a shift in how audiences consume content with the rise of streaming platforms.
Audience Engagement Despite Game Outcome
The lopsided nature of the game, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, did not seem to impact the TV audience. Despite the Eagles holding a significant lead throughout the game, viewers held steady, reaching a peak of 135.7 million during the second quarter. Notably, viewers stuck around for Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, featuring his Grammy-winning hit "Not Like Us," showcasing high audience engagement throughout the event.
Continued Analysis
In addition to the main broadcast on Fox and the live stream on Tubi, Telemundo also carried the Spanish-language telecast of the game. More detailed breakdowns of the audience on each outlet are expected to be available on Tuesday, providing further insights into the diverse viewership of the Super Bowl LIX event.
Overall, the record-breaking viewership numbers for Super Bowl LIX highlight the enduring popularity of the event and the evolving trends in how audiences engage with live sports content. Despite the game’s outcome, the high viewership numbers across traditional TV and streaming platforms demonstrate the continued importance of the Super Bowl as a cultural phenomenon in the United States.