Fox wins big with Super Bowl ratings

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Fox’s coverage of Super Bowl LVII Feb. 12, 2023, was a big winner for the network.

It totaled 113 million average viewers between Fox’s broadcast network, the Spanish-language simulcast and digital and streaming properties.

That total puts the show in at least the top 3 programs of all time. Some outlets are reporting it’s the third most watched broadcast ever, while others list it as the second most watched. It’s not clear what the discrepancy is.

Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 had almost 115 million viewers, while 2014’s came in at about 112.7 million.

Either way, it was a win over NBC’s coverage in 2022, which got 112 million.

Rihanna’s half-time show drew an average of 118.7 million viewers, placing it as the second most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance ever.

Out of the top 10 most watched broadcasts since records were kept, nine are Super Bowls. The 10th is the finale of “M*A*S*H,” which got nearly 106 million in 1983, though that obviously didn’t include digital platforms. Back then there were much less entertainment options, though there were also a smaller number of TV households.

Fox was also likely buoyed by the nail-clenched of a game with the Kansas City Chief’s win coming down to the last minute. When one team is significant ahead of the other, viewers often tune out.