This year’s Super Bowl achieved remarkable success, captivating an average of 123.4 million viewers in the US, marking it as the most-watched broadcast since the iconic 1969 moon landing.
Despite falling slightly behind Apollo 11’s historic achievement, which drew an estimated 125 to 150 million viewers, the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers delivered intense excitement.
The victory of the Kansas City Chiefs over the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 25-22 in overtime contributed to the event’s heightened enthusiasm. Notably, the anticipated presence of Taylor Swift, supporting her boyfriend Travis Kelce, added an extra layer of intrigue to the spectacle.
Swift’s attendance, following her tour in Japan, became a focal point of speculation, and her influence was evident as 20% of Super Bowl viewers, according to a flash poll by Numerator, rooted for the Chiefs due to her connection with Kelce.
Television coverage captured Swift’s presence, showcasing 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 on CBS, while others chose platforms such as Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, CBS Sports, and NFL digital channels.
Nielsen’s media analysts reported a record-breaking 202.4 million individuals watching at least part of the game, attributing the surge to changes in counting out-of-home viewership.
The defending champion Chiefs and a dynamic half-time show headlined by Usher, featuring Alicia Keys, HER., Will.i.am, Lil John, Ludacris, and Jermaine Dupri, further contributed to the Super Bowl’s success.
Usher’s post-game celebration included a surprise wedding to his longtime partner Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas, enhancing the event’s memorable impact.
