Super Bowl 2024 Shatters Viewership Records, Surpassing 123 Million Average Audience
This year’s Super Bowl captured the attention of an astounding average of 123.4 million viewers in the United States, marking it as the most-watched broadcast since the historic 1969 Moon landing. Preliminary US TV ratings place Sunday’s game just behind the Apollo 11 lunar landing, which was witnessed by an estimated 125 to 150 million people.
The clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, with the Chiefs securing a 25-22 overtime victory, contributed to the record-breaking viewership. The anticipated presence of Taylor Swift, who attended to support her boyfriend Travis Kelce, added to the spectacle.
Swift’s return from her tour in Japan generated speculation leading up to the event, and while there is debate over her impact on audience numbers, a flash poll by consumer research firm Numerator revealed that 20% of Super Bowl viewers were cheering for the Chiefs due to Swift’s relationship with Kelce.
Cameras embraced the “Swift factor,” capturing moments of her entering the arena, socializing with actress Blake Lively and rapper Ice Spice, and sharing a celebratory kiss with Kelce after the game.
Of the 123.4 million average viewers, 112 million watched the game on CBS, with the remainder tuning into Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, CBS Sports, and NFL digital channels. According to Nielsen, a record-breaking 202.4 million people watched at least part of the game.
Changes in Nielsen’s counting methods, considering viewers outside their homes, such as in bars or with friends and family, may have contributed to this year’s impressive figures. Last year’s Super Bowl between the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles drew 115.1 million viewers.
Additional factors influencing this year’s exceptional viewership included the defending champions, the Chiefs, and Usher’s halftime show performance. Usher’s star-studded guests, including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Will.i.am, Lil John, Ludacris, and Jermaine Dupri, added to the entertainment.
Usher continued the celebrations by tying the knot with his longtime partner Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas, coinciding with the Super Bowl venue. The couple exchanged vows at Vegas Weddings’ Terrace Gazebo, surrounded by close friends and family.
A representative for Usher stated, “They both look forward to continuing to raise their children together surrounded by love and thank everyone for the well wishes.” Source: BBC
