CBS Sports’ coverage of Super Bowl XLIV, featuring the New Orleans Saints’ 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Feb 7 (6:31-9:50 PM, ET), was watched by a Nielsen estimated average of 106.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in television history, eclipsing the finale of MAS*H in 1983 (106 million).
“With all the memorable story lines going into Super Bowl XLIV combined with the awesome power of the NFL, we are thrilled with this rating, and I am extremely proud of the way the entire CBS Television Network produced, sold and promoted the most-watched television show in history,” said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
The CBS Television Network’s coverage of Super Bowl XLIV earned an average fast national household rating/share of 45.0/68, up +7% from last year’s 42.0/64 (Pittsburgh-Arizona), making it the highest-rated Super Bowl in 14 years (1/28/96; 46.0/68; Dallas-Pittsburgh).
Nielsen estimates that CBS’s coverage of Super Bowl XLIV was seen in-all-or part by an estimated 153.4 million viewers, +1% higher than last year’s previous high of 151.6 million (NBC).
