Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI was the most watched television program in the United States of all-time. 166.8 million total viewers saw the New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots 21-17 for the second time in the last four years. It should not come as such breaking news that the Super Bowl was watched by so many people, as the top 21 television shows of all-time have all been Super Bowls.
Last year's Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers had been the most-watched TV program with 162.9 million viewers until it was topped this year. Interestingly, the next three most-watch shows of all-time were the three prior Super Bowls in order.
Most-Watched TV Programs, Total Viewers
|
Game |
Total Viewers |
|
Super Bowl XLVI (Giants-Patriots), 2/5/12 |
166.8 million |
|
Super Bowl XLV (Packers-Steelers), 2/6/11 |
162.9 million |
|
153.4 million |
|
|
Super Bowl XLIII (Cardinals-Steelers), 2/1/09 |
151.6 million |
|
Super Bowl XLII (Giants-Patriots), 2/3/08 |
148.3 million |
Source: NFL, The Nielsen Company