Most Watched Primetime Telecasts and Events

Live television events continue to draw massive audiences due to their real-time appeal and cultural significance. Sporting spectacles and major award shows remain the biggest drivers of primetime ratings, attracting viewers from a variety of demographics and interests.

The Super Bowl and Sports Spectacles

The Super Bowl is the most-watched primetime telecast in the United States and consistently ranks among the most-watched television broadcasts worldwide. In recent years, Super Bowl broadcasts have attracted over 100 million viewers in the U.S. alone, dominating TV ratings every year.

Major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the UEFA Champions League Final also command enormous global audiences. These events unite fans across continents, with each broadcast often setting new ratings records in their respective regions.

Sports networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, and ESPN play key roles in delivering these events to millions of households. Nielsen’s lists of top telecasts underscore the persistent popularity of live sports, highlighting the Super Bowl’s wide lead over other programming.

More detail on the most-watched broadcasts can be found on the List of most-watched television broadcasts.

NFL Thursday Night Football

NFL Thursday Night Football has become one of the staple primetime sports telecasts, regularly ranking among the highest-rated weekly NFL broadcasts. The Thursday games are carried on major networks such as Fox, NBC, and more recently streaming platforms, expanding their reach beyond traditional TV.

The NFL’s appeal is broad, attracting both casual and dedicated viewers each week. Ratings for Thursday Night Football trail only behind the Super Bowl and Sunday Night Football but remain among the most consistent in primetime television.

This consistency boosts the status of networks that secure the rights to air NFL games, making them highly lucrative partners. For the latest rankings and TV network performance, networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox dominate due in part to their NFL coverage, as seen in industry analyses such as Variety’s look at top-rated networks of 2024.

Specials and Award Shows That Draw Millions

Special television events, including major award shows and televised ceremonies, attract millions of viewers and frequently break into annual lists of most-watched primetime telecasts. Events such as the Academy Awards (Oscars), Grammy Awards, and Emmy Awards continue to draw substantial live audiences, despite overall trends of declining viewership for scripted programming.

These specials generate buzz with red carpet moments, live performances, and headline-grabbing speeches. They often trend on social media and remain cultural touchstones for weeks after airing.

Annual ceremonies like the Oscars are broadcast globally, further broadening their reach and reinforcing networks like ABC as major players in live event coverage. Yearly rankings of most-watched shows regularly feature these high-profile specials alongside live sporting events.

Accessing Top Shows on Major Networks

Access to the most-watched TV networks and their biggest shows is easier than ever thanks to a mix of live TV streaming services, official apps, and solutions for international audiences. Viewers can watch events and top series on demand, even if they are outside the US.

Live Streaming Options for Viewers

Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV offer extensive live streaming access to leading networks such as NBC, CBS, Fox, and ABC. Many of these providers include add-on channels like ESPN and the Paramount Network, ensuring viewers do not miss out on popular programming or live sports.

For fans of NBCUniversal content, Peacock provides live streams of select events and next-day access to hit series, along with exclusive originals. Amazon’s Prime Video has become another major hub, offering live NFL games and a rotating library of top series, although it focuses less on traditional network TV.

Most live streaming subscriptions include the ability to watch on multiple devices, with cloud DVR and personalized recommendations. Some services offer free trial periods so viewers can sample the lineup before committing.

Popular Live Streaming Platforms:

Network Apps and On-Demand Access

Major networks operate their own apps, allowing users to watch shows on demand with easy navigation and personalized suggestions. CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC each have dedicated platforms or portals that stream current episodes, news, and exclusive digital content.

Peacock aggregates NBCUniversal’s catalog, including next-day streaming for new NBC and Bravo episodes and live channel feeds. Paramount+ streams CBS prime-time shows live and on-demand, along with original series and content from Nickelodeon and Comedy Central.

Many apps, such as the ABC and Fox apps, require a subscription or TV provider login to unlock the newest episodes. Others, like Peacock and Paramount+, offer both free (limited content) and paid tiers, blending on-demand with live TV functionality.

International Access to US Networks

Outside the United States, access to US network programming depends on licensing deals, regional platforms, and streaming service availability. Some shows are released on international versions of platforms like Amazon Prime Video or through local channels with exclusive distribution rights.

Paramount Network content often appears on Paramount+ in select international markets. NBC and CBS series may stream on globally available services or be licensed to regional broadcasters.

Hulu content remains US-only for now, but select originals may appear on other platforms like Disney+ internationally. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are sometimes used by international viewers to access geo-blocked content from US-based apps, but this may violate terms of service.

Legal access varies by country, so checking local streaming options and official international partners provides the most reliable viewing experience.