• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 30, 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

Brady, Mannings Among Investors in NFL Flag Football League

The league selects TGL operator TMRW Sports as a key partner.

Browns’ NFL Draft Pick Trade Proposal Falls Flat, Withdrawn

Support is lacking for the liberalized roster-management rule.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants coach John Harbaugh speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

Amid Team Ownership in Flux, Harbaugh Aims for Normalcy

The newly hired head coach eyes a Bears-type turnaround.
Nicolas Echavarria tees off on no. 16 during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Amazon Reveals Talent Lineup for Its Masters Debut

Prime Video will air first and second-round coverage for the first time.

Featured Today

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
March 18, 2026

AI College Recruiting Reels Aren’t Fooling Scouts

College coaches and recruiters are way ahead of cheating athletes.
Dec 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; NBC Sports Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth during the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

PFF Lays Off Several Employees Amid Company Sale

Teamworks’ purchase of PFF’s enterprise business side is reportedly worth nine figures.
Mar 28, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; A general view during a ABS challenge during the first inning of a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
opinion
March 30, 2026

MLB’s ABS System Makes for Great TV

Some of the weekend’s best drama came from the “robo umps.”
March 30, 2026

Kevin Pelton Leaving ESPN for WNBA Front Office

Pelton previously worked as an analyst for the Pacers.
Sponsored

Cameron Boozer & Cayden Boozer Talk Pressure, Benefit of Playing Together

The Boozer twins have built their games, and their identities, side by side.
March 30, 2026

ESPN’s Jeff Passan Explains Why He Decided Not To Replace Woj

The ESPN insider says he’s now ‘pot-committed’ to baseball.
March 29, 2026

NFL Faces Antitrust Threat from FCC Chair Over Streaming Push

The Trump loyalist threatens the league’s antitrust exemption.
Michele Steele
exclusive
March 26, 2026

Ex-ESPN Reporter Michele Steele Joining Big Ten Network

Steele spent 14 years at ESPN before her departure last summer.
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) holds a game ball as he is interviewed by NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark after a NFC Divisional Round game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
March 26, 2026

Most TV-Ready Quarterbacks Will Still Have NFL Careers in 2026

Many NFL QBs with TV futures aren’t ready for retirement.