Thursday, August 6, 2026

Amazon’s ‘TNF’ Debut Tops Thursday TV Shows

  • Nielsen says Amazon Prime Video averaged 13M viewers, including local TV markets.
  • Monster numbers more than double some estimates for Amazon first exclusive stream.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL already dominates TV — and it looks like streaming is next.

Based on its own first-party measurements and Nielsen, Amazon Prime Video announced that its first stream of “Thursday Night Football” averaged 15.3 million viewers.

Nielsen reported that the online giant’s stream of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers averaged 13 million viewers, but either way, the NFL and Amazon started their exclusive 11-year deal — worth $1 billion a year — with a splash.

Amazon’s live stream generated more viewers than any other show on broadcast or cable TV Thursday night.

  • Amazon says “TNF” drew a 4.25 rating among adults in the 18-34 age group, tops for the week in that coveted demographic — and 18% higher than any NFL game this season.
  • The average viewer age was lowered to 47 from 54 compared to last year’s tri-cast on Fox, NFL Network, and Amazon.
  • It was the most-watched program of the night on broadcast or cable, beating the No. 2 show, “Young Sheldon” on CBS, by 271%.
  • Local telecasts in Los Angeles and Kansas City averaged 602,00 and 550,000 viewers, respectively.

Sign-Up Here, Please

Jay Marine, Amazon’s vice president in charge of Prime Video, wrote in an internal memo that its first “TNF” stream drew in a record number of Prime subscriptions.

The game brought in more signups in a three-hour period than any other day in company history, including Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Prime Day, said Marine.

Last year, the NFL accounted for 48 of the 50 most-watched shows on linear TV.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Fanduel logo appears in this illustration taken April 22, 2026.

Gambling Industry Gears Up for ‘Arms Race’ This NFL Season

“Competition is fierce,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said.

Fox Pushes Back NFL Media-Rights Negotiations Until 2028

The company also touted strong results from the FIFA men’s World Cup.
Troy Aikman and Joe Buck arrive at the Disney Upfront 2022 event in New York City, New York, U.S., May 17, 2022. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado

Aikman, Buck Head Into High-Stakes ESPN Negotiations

ESPN hopes to retain the duo past the network’s first Super Bowl.

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/6/26 – LIV’s Funding Promise, Disney Sells Out Super Bowl, Inside Tom Brady’s CardVault

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.

Netflix Wants to Not ‘Do Too Much’ With Field of Dreams Game

The upgraded Iowa complex now has a permanent stadium. 
National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman announces Columbus as the league's 18th club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on April 21, 2026. The club, set to begin play in 2028, will be owned by Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
August 5, 2026

NWSL Makes Super Bowl Week Part of Its 2027 Kickoff

The NWSL wants to be “woven into” ESPN’s first Super Bowl.
The Warner Bros. Water Tower is pictured at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank on the day it was announced that California and 11 states are suing to block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in California, U.S. July 13, 2026.
August 6, 2026

WBD Ad Sales Sink Without NBA Live Rights

WBD’s fiscal second-quarter revenue fell 11%.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
New MLS commissioner Larry Berg speaks with Front Office Sports.
August 5, 2026

Incoming MLS Commissioner Sees ‘Uncapped Upside’ in Media Rights

NYCFC’s CEO called broadcast revenue the league’s biggest weakness.
FILE PHOTO: Disney+ logo is seen in this illustration taken August 5, 2025.
August 5, 2026

Disney Sells Out of Super Bowl LXI Ad Inventory

ESPN parent company Disney exhausted its inventory on an earlier schedule.
May 16, 2026; Laurel, MD, USA; Napoleon Solo (10) ridden by Paco Lopez leads Iron Honor (9) ridden by Flavien Prat, Chip Honcho (6) ridden by Jose Ortiz Jr., and Taj Mahal (1) ridden by Sheldon Russell down the stretch during the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Exclusive
August 4, 2026

NBC to Retain Media Rights to Preakness Stakes

NBC has held the race’s rights since 2001.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, speaks during the Paramount Pictures presentation at CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., April 16, 2026.
August 4, 2026

Paramount Antitrust Trial Delayed As Ellison Makes Case for Merger

Company CEO David Ellison is much more outspoken about the transaction.