• Loading stock data...
Thursday, March 26, 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

Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) shoots against the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

CBS to Air 20 WNBA Games on Broadcast TV in 2026

The league will have a strong presence on network TV in 2026.
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.

NFL Season Start Moves Up to a Wednesday

The league’s new-look schedule for 2026 takes further shape.

NFL Plans to Avoid ‘Fail Mary’ Repeat With Replay Safety Net

As the labor situation stalls, the league makes more alternate plans.
Mar 23, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) fields the ball against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Sloan Park.

MLB Media Strategy Goes National—and Fans Might Get Confused

The league looks to nationalize its media profile more.

Featured Today

Maxime Vachier Lagrave

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.
March 7, 2026

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
March 25, 2026

NFL-Backed Flag Football Event Draws Sub-650K TV Audience

The Tom Brady-led event draws a relatively low audience.
Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cam Manyawu (3) shoots past Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
March 25, 2026

March Madness Draws Record Viewership Through Two Rounds

Games across CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV have averaged 10.1 million viewers.
Sponsored

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

The Boozer twins have built their games, and their identities, side by side.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
exclusive
March 24, 2026

Mike Tomlin Signs With Sports Media Agency The Montag Group

Tomlin is widely regarded as one of the top media free agents.
March 24, 2026

Yankees RSN Bucks Trend Amid Ongoing Industry Pullback

Despite industry pressures, the regional sports network adds to its programming.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC watches his team against Boston Common Golf during TGL match at SoFi Center on March 17, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
March 24, 2026

ESPN Ramps Up Coverage For Tiger Woods TGL Return

Tiger Woods won’t be hard to find on ESPN airwaves on Tuesday.
Jun 29, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Apple TV commentator Taylor Twellman reports from the pitch before the match between the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
March 24, 2026

Taylor Twellman Joins Yahoo Sports for World Cup

Twellman will regularly appear on multiple shows, including “Yahoo Sports Daily.”