Super Bowl 2024 earns record viewership — second only to 1969 moon landing

This year’s Super Bowl was a resounding success, drawing an average of 123.4 million viewers in the US, making it the most-watched telecast since the iconic 1969 moon landing. BBC mentionted.

Despite falling slightly short of Apollo 11’s historic feat, which drew an estimated 125 to 150 million viewers, the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers generated intense excitement.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers added to the excitement of the event. It’s worth noting that the expected presence of Taylor Swift, supporting her boyfriend Travis Kelce, added an extra layer of intrigue to the spectacle.

Swift’s presence following her tour in Japan became the focus of speculation and her influence was evident as 20% of Super Bowl viewers, according to a Numerator flash poll, rooted for the Chiefs because of her connection with Kelce.

The television coverage captured Swift’s presence, showing her entrance, interactions with actress Blake Lively and rapper Ice Spice and a celebratory kiss with Kelce after the game.

Of the 123.4 million average viewers, 112 million tuned in to CBS, while others chose platforms such as Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, CBS Sports and NFL digital channels.

Nielsen media analysts reported a record 202.4 million people watched at least part of the game, attributing the increase to changes in the out-of-home viewership count.

The defending champion Chiefs and an energetic halftime show headlined by Usher, featuring Alicia Keys, HER., Will.i.am, Lil John, Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri, further contributed to the Super Bowl success.

Usher’s post-game celebration included a surprise wedding to longtime partner Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas, adding to the event’s memorable appeal.