Thursday, April 30, 2026

The 25 Most-Watched Super Bowls of All Time

  • Super Bowl LIX set a new record with 127.7 million average viewers.
  • Super Bowl XLIV (Colts vs Saints) was the first game to cross 100 million average viewers in 2010.
James Lang-Imagn Images

The NFL is the most highly viewed sport in the U.S.—and the Super Bowl, often the most popular event on television, is its crown jewel.

The rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs broke last year’s record with 127.7 million average viewers. Despite concerns that Chiefs’ fatigue potentially reduced interest in the big game, more people tuned in, continuing the streak to three years of record viewership for the Super Bowl.

The 2024 edition between the Chiefs and the 49ers is second. The Chiefs’ third Super Bowl win in five seasons had more than 123.7 million total average viewers and beat the record set the previous year in Super Bowl LVII between the Chiefs and the Eagles, which had more than 115 million total average viewers.

Holding the fourth spot is 2015 Super Bowl XLIX between the Patriots and Seahawks, with 114.8 million total average viewers.

Taking the fifth spot is the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seahawks and Broncos, which attracted more than 112.7 million total average viewers.

Super Bowl XLIV between the Colts and the Saints became the first game to cross the 100 million viewer bar in 2010. The Saints’ 31–17 upset the Colts to earn the franchise’s first Super Bowl title for the historically downtrodden organization.

Here is the list of average viewers’ top 25 most-watched Super Bowls. The list was compiled in February 2025 using data from Nielsen.

RankSuper BowlTeamsNetwork(s)Total Average Viewers P2+ (Persons age 2 or more)Date
1LIXKansas City vs PhiladelphiaFox, Fox Deportes, Telemundo, Tubi127,713,000Feb. 9, 2025
2LVIIIKansas City vs. San FranciscoCBS, Univision, Nickelodeon, Nick-at-Nite123,714,000Feb. 11, 2024
3LVIIKansas City vs. PhiladelphiaFox, Fox Deportes115,096,000Feb. 12, 2023
5XLIXNew England vs. SeattleNBC, Universal114,810,000Feb. 1, 2015
6XLVIIISeattle vs. DenverFox, Fox Deportes112,752,000Feb. 2, 2014
7SB 50Denver vs. CarolinaCBS, ESPN Deportes112,336,000Feb. 7, 2016
8LINew England vs. AtlantaFox, Fox Deportes111,973,000Feb. 5, 2017
9XLVINew York Giants vs. New EnglandNBC111,346,000Feb. 5, 2012
10XLVGreen Bay vs. PittsburghFox111,041,000Feb. 6, 2011
11XLVIIBaltimore vs. San FranciscoCBS108,693,000Feb. 3, 2013
12XLIVNew Orleans vs. IndianapolisCBS106,476,000Feb. 7, 2010
13LIIPhiladelphia vs. New EnglandNBC, Universal104,016,000Feb. 4, 2018
14LIVKansas City vs. San FranciscoFox, Fox Deportes102,086,000Feb. 2, 2020
15LVILos Angeles Rams vs. CincinnatiNBC, Telemundo101,470,000Feb. 13, 2022
16LIIINew England vs. Los Angeles RamsCBS, ESPN Deportes98,950,000Feb. 3, 2019
17XLIIIPittsburgh vs. ArizonaNBC98,732,000Feb. 1, 2009
18XLIINew York Giants vs. New EnglandFox97,448,000Feb. 3, 2008
19LVTampa Bay vs. Kansas CityCBS, ESPN Deportes95,877,000Feb. 7, 2021
20XXXDallas vs. PittsburghNBC94,080,000Jan. 28, 1996
21XLIIndianapolis vs. ChicagoCBS93,184,000Feb. 4, 2007
22XXChicago vs. New EnglandNBC92,570,000Jan. 26, 1986
23XXVIIDallas vs. BuffaloNBC90,990,000Jan. 31, 1993
24XLPittsburgh vs. SeattleABC90,745,000Feb. 5, 2006
T-25XXXIIDenver vs. Green BayNBC90,000,000Jan. 25, 1998
T-25XXVIIIDallas vs. BuffaloNBC90,000,000Jan. 30, 1994

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

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6. million viewers.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.

Titans’ Post-Vrabel Shake-Up Continues With Chad Brinker’s Exit

Chad Brinker stepped down as president of football operations.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
WWE NXT
exclusive
April 28, 2026

WWE Moving 20 NXT Premium Live Events to The CW

The deal includes 20 events over the next several years.
April 28, 2026

Braves Say New TV Network Is on Pace to Beat Old RSN Revenue

Early returns from the new regional sports network provide confidence.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 27, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Slips 3% Despite Faster First Round

The offseason showcase has a surprising dip in its initial audience.
Oct 9, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Deontay Wilder (red/black trunks) is knocked out by Tyson Fury (black/gold trunks) during their WBC/Lineal heavyweight championship boxing match at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
April 27, 2026

Netflix Continues Boxing Push With Fury–Joshua Superfight

Fury and Joshua have both previously fought on Netflix events.
Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
April 27, 2026

With Tomlin Signed, Philip Rivers Becomes NFL Media’s Top TV Target

The 44-year-old started three games for the Colts last season.
Nick Wright
April 24, 2026

Nick Wright Sounds Off on Off-Air Beefs, On-Air Chemistry

“First Things First” was recently nominated for its first Emmy.