• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

NBC’s Kentucky Derby Audience Grows 8%

  • With a TV-only audience of 15.8 million, the Derby was NBC’s most-watched TV show since the Super Bowl.
  • Stunning overhead video of Rich Strike’s come-from-behind win viewed 36 million times.
2022 Kentucky Derby ratings were up.
Syndication: The Courier-Journal

The Kentucky Derby still delivers a big TV audience — especially when the venerable race generates a thrill ride like Saturday’s contest.   

NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2022 Derby generated a total audience delivery (TAD) of 16 million viewers, up 8% from 14.9 million for last year’s race. 

Viewership across NBC and Peacock peaked at 19 million after 80-1 long shot Rich Strike and jockey Sonny Leon wove their way through the field to capture the race at the finish line. 

It marked the largest “peak” audience for the Derby since 2017. Overall, this weekend’s race was the most-watched Run for the Roses since 2019.

Peacock live-streamed the Derby for the first time. This year’s race was the most-streamed ever, with a record average minute audience (AMA) of 247,300 viewers across NBCUniversal’s platforms. With a TV-only audience of 15.8 million, the Derby was NBC’s most-watched TV show since the Super Bowl.

Besides announcer, Larry Collmus’ exciting race call, the most-talked-about element of the coverage was a stunning overhead video of Rich Strike’s charge to victory.

Captured via airplane, the video has been viewed more than 36 million times across NBC’s social media platforms and YouTube channel. It is NBC’s most-watched TikTok ever, with 11.6 million views.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

NBC Sports, Peacock Stay on YouTube TV With Long-Term Deal

The broad-based agreement keeps NBC channels with the key distributor.
Sep 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

USA Network to Air 50+ WNBA Games a Year After NBC Split

The deal will bring more than 50 games to USA Network beginning in 2026.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of ESPN broadcast camera during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

ESPN’s New NBA Segment Resists Hot Takes

LeBron James tweeted in favor of the new segment.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
October 14, 2025

WNBA Finals Draws 1.5M Viewers, Second-Highest Series on ESPN

The four-game series averaged 1.5 million viewers.
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) attempts to make a catch over Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) in the first half at Ohio Stadium.
October 16, 2025

SEC Games Help ABC Dominate College Football Ratings at Midseason

Texas–Ohio State on Fox remains the most-watched game of the season.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
MLS
October 14, 2025

MLS Publishes Unchecked AI-Generated Game Recaps

Humans are not reviewing the articles for accuracy.
Micah Parsons
exclusive
October 14, 2025

NFL Scorigami Creator Blames Glitches on Twitter Platform Changes

The bot has been glitching all NFL season, and fans have noticed.
Sep 5, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia embraces after their match in the semifinal of the men’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
October 13, 2025

Six Kings Slam Returns With Record $6M Prize, Netflix Deal

The Six Kings Slam is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mar 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and NBA app logo and basketballs in front of the base during warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center.
October 13, 2025

NBA Will Take Over League Pass After WBD Divorce

The league now has full operational control of those media assets.