NFL Boosts Broadcast Networks to Highest Viewing Levels Since January
The commencement of the NFL season in September significantly revitalized broadcast networks in the United States, resulting in an impressive increase in viewers. According to data from Nielsen, broadcast outlets captured 22.3 percent of total television viewing during the month, marking a rise from 19.1 percent in August. This figure represents the highest share of viewing since January, when it was recorded at 22.5 percent.
The resurgence was largely driven by the popularity of NFL games. The top 15 broadcasts for September were all NFL matchups aired by CBS, Fox, and NBC. A standout event was the game on September 14 featuring the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs, which garnered an audience of 33.8 million viewers. While other networks like ABC and ESPN also attracted considerable audiences for their Monday Night Football broadcasts, their viewership totals are shared between broadcast and cable platforms.
Impact of NFL Season on Viewing Habits
Sports accounted for a remarkable one-third of all network viewing during the reporting period, which spanned from September 1 to September 28. Nielsen’s revised methodology for data collection likely contributed to this notable increase in viewership. In contrast, cable networks maintained a viewing share of 22.3 percent, slightly down from 22.5 percent in August. Notably, NFL broadcasts on ESPN and the NFL Network occupied the top five slots in cable viewership.
Together, the combined viewing share of linear platforms reached 44.6 percent, the highest level since April, when it was 45.3 percent.
Despite the resurgence in broadcast and cable viewing, streaming platforms remained the dominant force, accounting for 45.2 percent of total television use. However, this number reflects a decline for the second consecutive month, down from a record 47.3 percent in July. The decrease is attributed to seasonal shifts in viewing patterns as the availability of sports content on streaming services diminished compared to the summer months, though Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football performed well.
YouTube continues to lead as the top individual streaming platform, holding a share of 12.6 percent of total TV use. Yet, this figure also indicates a decline for the second month in a row.
As the NFL season progresses, the dynamics of television viewing are likely to shift further, with broadcasters and streaming services vying for audience attention in a competitive landscape. The September figures underscore the enduring popularity of live sports, especially within the context of American football, while highlighting evolving trends in viewer preferences across different platforms.
