CBS's Thanksgiving NFL Games Break Records with Sustained Viewership Surge
The CBS network witnessed a significant viewership boost on Thanksgiving Day, shattering records for regular-season NFL games. The Dallas Cowboys' 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs drew in an average audience of 57.23 million viewers, surpassing previous records and setting a new benchmark for the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history.
The Cowboys-Chiefs matchup not only broke CBS's own record but also surpassed the league's previous high of 42.06 million viewers set by the New York Giants-Cowboys game on Fox in 2022. The audience peaked at 61.36 million, demonstrating a remarkable surge in interest around this pivotal Thanksgiving Day event.
The success can be attributed to several factors, including changes made by Nielsen in their measurement methodology. The network now counts out-of-home viewers from smart TVs and cable set-top boxes, expanding its reach beyond the traditional top 44 media markets. This shift has provided more accurate data on audience demographics, allowing for a better understanding of viewership trends.
The NFL's overall ratings have also seen an upward trend this season, with a 6% increase in viewership through the first 12 weeks. The league has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract massive audiences, and the sustained viewership surge on Thanksgiving Day underscores this trend.
As commissioner Roger Goodell expressed confidence, "We're thrilled by that," highlighting the positive impact of increased viewership on the NFL's reputation and revenue streams. The network's strategy to secure high-profile matchups like the Cowboys-Chiefs game has proven successful, drawing in record-breaking audiences.
The NFL will continue to navigate its broadcast deals and scheduling strategies, as the CBS network prepares for next year's Thanksgiving matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Fox. With a 47% increase over last year's late-afternoon Thanksgiving game, expectations are high that future events will maintain this momentum.
This surge in viewership also echoes NBC's success with their Sunday Night Football broadcasts, where ratings have reached an all-time high. The network attributes its success to the "phenomenal season" of football, which has attracted massive audiences across various platforms.
As the NFL season progresses, fans can expect continued excitement and engagement from both networks, driven by high-stakes games and compelling storylines.
The CBS network witnessed a significant viewership boost on Thanksgiving Day, shattering records for regular-season NFL games. The Dallas Cowboys' 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs drew in an average audience of 57.23 million viewers, surpassing previous records and setting a new benchmark for the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history.
The Cowboys-Chiefs matchup not only broke CBS's own record but also surpassed the league's previous high of 42.06 million viewers set by the New York Giants-Cowboys game on Fox in 2022. The audience peaked at 61.36 million, demonstrating a remarkable surge in interest around this pivotal Thanksgiving Day event.
The success can be attributed to several factors, including changes made by Nielsen in their measurement methodology. The network now counts out-of-home viewers from smart TVs and cable set-top boxes, expanding its reach beyond the traditional top 44 media markets. This shift has provided more accurate data on audience demographics, allowing for a better understanding of viewership trends.
The NFL's overall ratings have also seen an upward trend this season, with a 6% increase in viewership through the first 12 weeks. The league has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract massive audiences, and the sustained viewership surge on Thanksgiving Day underscores this trend.
As commissioner Roger Goodell expressed confidence, "We're thrilled by that," highlighting the positive impact of increased viewership on the NFL's reputation and revenue streams. The network's strategy to secure high-profile matchups like the Cowboys-Chiefs game has proven successful, drawing in record-breaking audiences.
The NFL will continue to navigate its broadcast deals and scheduling strategies, as the CBS network prepares for next year's Thanksgiving matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Fox. With a 47% increase over last year's late-afternoon Thanksgiving game, expectations are high that future events will maintain this momentum.
This surge in viewership also echoes NBC's success with their Sunday Night Football broadcasts, where ratings have reached an all-time high. The network attributes its success to the "phenomenal season" of football, which has attracted massive audiences across various platforms.
As the NFL season progresses, fans can expect continued excitement and engagement from both networks, driven by high-stakes games and compelling storylines.