2023 was a record year for live sports in the top 100 most-watched TV programs in the U.S., with the genre dominating the top 100 most-watched programs ever, with 96 of the top 100 most-watched programs. .
This record came as the league accounted for 93 games in the top 100, making it the most games on the list in NFL history. This number easily beats the NFL’s previous record of 82 games, set in 2022. Back in 2019 (another non-Olympic year), the Shield accounted for just 78.
These record numbers will continue to be touted by leagues and facilities as the value of live sports programming.
The NFL still held 24 of the top 25 spots in 2023 (Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was an outlier at No. 23). His two non-sports TV broadcasts made the list: the State of the Union and the Academy Awards (showing the power of live programming). The only recorded show to make the list was “Next Level Chef,” which earned a coveted spot after the Super Bowl. But even that slot is losing its luster, with the cooking show ranked 93rd, perhaps its lowest ranking ever for a post-Super Bowl show.
The addition of ABC simulcasts to nearly every Monday Night Football game this season also helped triple the number of games on the list.
Showing America’s love for football in general, three other sports’ telecasts are from the college ranks (Ohio State vs. Michigan for the SEC Championship, Alabama vs. Georgia; (Georgia State vs. TCU CFP title game to conclude).
Two streaming programs made the list for the first time (both NFL on Prime Video). This includes the Nov. 30 “Thursday Night Football” game between the Seahawks and Cowboys, which set a record for NFL streaming viewership. Vikings vs. Eagles, which was streamed on Prime Video in September, also ranked in the 100th place.
The most notable TV broadcast missing from the list was the NCAA men’s basketball championship, which had its lowest-ever audience for the UC San Diego State game, ranked 103rd. The Kentucky Derby also barely missed the list (102nd place).