Friday, April 10, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
opinion

Why Prime Video Was Wise to Lay Up During Masters Debut

Amazon’s modern broadcast still felt traditional.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns putts on the 15th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Amazon Passes Masters Test During Debut

Prime Video streamed two hours of coverage Thursday afternoon.
NFL: Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders

Top Sports Attorneys Command $10M Salaries Amid Poaching Frenzy

“The transfer portal is open for sports lawyers.”

Featured Today

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
April 1, 2026

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 

NFL Faces DOJ Investigation With Media-Rights Battle Heating Up

Washington’s growing scrutiny of the league is deeply layered.
April 8, 2026

Men’s March Madness Title Game Draws 18.3M Viewers, Up 23%

Michigan’s title win completes an emphatic run of audience increases.
Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during practice for the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Holly Rowe Talks WNBA Draft, Auriemma-Staley Dustup

The ESPN reporter addressed a variety of women’s basketball topics.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Jul 12, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former WNBA player Sue Bird arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 8, 2026

Sue Bird Expected to Join NBC/Peacock WNBA Coverage

Bird previously hosted Final Four alt-casts for ESPN with Diana Taurasi.
April 8, 2026

Women’s Title Game Draws 9.9M Viewers, Third-Highest Since 1989

Last year’s title game drew 8.5 million viewers.
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 7, 2026

Mike Vrabel: Photos With Dianna Russini Are ‘Completely Innocent’

A social media post with the photos attracted two million views.
Inductees in the 2021 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame attend a press conference Thursday afternoon Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum. Tim Brando
exclusive
April 7, 2026

Tim Brando Agrees to Multi-Year Extension With Fox Sports

The Hall of Fame broadcaster has been with Fox since 2014.