List of most-watched television broadcasts
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates
This article lists the television broadcasts that had the most viewers within individual countries, as measured by ratings and research agencies in those countries. The research methodology and choice of statistics varies between sources, and is explained in individual sections.
Because many events are watched simultaneously around the world and recorded programs are exported to multiple countries, it is difficult to collate reliable figures for global audiences. Those countries where reliable figures are available may use incompatible methodologies, such as the minimum age of counted viewers, and what proportion of the program must be watched when measuring the "reach" of a program, rather than its average or peak audience.<ref>Template:Cite conference</ref> Figures published by organisers and journalists are routinely exaggerated or misrepresented, claiming billions of viewers worldwide, where independent analysis suggests few if any broadcasts have reached 1 billion viewers.<ref name="independent-fifa">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="sportingintelligence">Template:Cite web</ref>
Although numbers are unreliable, it is generally accepted that the most widely watched events worldwide are international sporting events such as the Summer Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup,<ref name="sportingintelligence" /> and the Cricket World Cup<ref name="ESPNcricinfo">Template:Cite web</ref> with annual events such as the CMG New Year's Gala in China,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Super Bowl in the U.S., the Indian Premier League in India<ref name="live Mint-2018">Template:Cite web</ref> and the UEFA Champions League finals in Europe picking up large regional audiences.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Other broadcasts frequently claimed to have broken records include news events such as the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Parkes">Template:Cite web</ref> funerals of significant figures such as Michael Jackson,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Diana, Princess of Wales,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> or Elizabeth II, and music events such as the 1985 Live Aid benefit concert,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 1993 Super Bowl Halftime Show,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> or the CMG New Year's Gala that is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most watched television program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Australia
Most-watched broadcasts of all time (total viewers)
The following is David Dale's approximate ranking of the most-watched television shows of all time in Australia using data from Nielsen Corporation and OzTAM.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
| Rank | Show | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final, Australia vs England | 2023 | Seven Network, Optus Sport |
| 2 | Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II | 2022 | ABC, Seven Network, Nine Network, Ten Network |
| 3 | 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final, Australia vs France | 2023 | Seven Network, Optus Sport |
| 4 | Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer | 1981 | ABC, Seven Network, Nine Network, Ten Network |
| 5 | 2000 Summer Olympics closing ceremony | 2000 | Seven Network |
| 6 | 2000 Summer Olympics opening ceremony | 2000 | Seven Network |
| 7 | Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton | 2011 | ABC, Seven Network, Nine Network, Ten Network |
| 8 | 1984 Summer Olympics opening ceremony | 1984 | Ten Network |
| 9 | The World of The Seekers | 1968 | Ten Network |
| 10 | Boxing: Lionel Rose v Alan Rudkin | 1964 | Seven Network |
Note: the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the Wedding of Prince Charles and the Wedding of Prince William were all carried by all 4 major networks and are counted together.
Most viewed broadcasts from 2001 to 2023 (OzTAM 5 City Metro Average)
The following table is a list of the most viewed programs based on the OzTAM 5 City Metro Average rating system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It does not include regional numbers (40% of the population) and uses the average viewership, not the peak viewership. Also note these ratings are not comparable with ratings before 2001 due to different methodologies used after this time. Ratings changed in 2024 and only records national viewership instead of the 5 metros.
Brazil
Canada
Template:Further The two most-watched television broadcasts in Canadian history occurred during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. For the gold medal game of the men's hockey tournament at the 2010 Winter Olympics, played between the United States and Canada, confirmed 16.6 million Canadians watched the whole game, roughly one-half of the country's entire population.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A groundbreaking 26.5 million Canadians watched some part of the game, over 80 percent of the country's 34-million-person population.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> According to multiple sources, 13.3 million Canadians watched the games' opening ceremony, which was the previous record.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Many believed the final game of the 1972 Summit Series had up to 18 million viewers, but only 4.3 million TVs tuned in. This statistic does not represent the reality that most school children (representing the tail end of the baby-boom i.e. a large population) nationwide watched the game in gymnasiums on only one or two TVs. 10.3 million people watched the ice hockey gold medal final of the 2002 Winter Olympics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
China
China Central Television claims the Spring Festival Gala has attracted more than 1 billion viewers annually, and it has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's most watched television program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The CCTV's main evening news broadcast Xinwen Lianbo has an estimated daily audience of around 135 million people,<ref name=mag>Template:Cite web</ref> and it is also one of the most expensive shows in the world per advertising spots, with its 2013 advertising slots selling for a record of 5.4 billion yuan.<ref name=mag/>
The Legend of Bruce Lee (2008), based on the life of Bruce Lee, has been watched by over Template:Nowrap viewers in China, making it the most-watched Chinese television drama series of all time, as of 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
A Chinese boxer Zou Shiming's professional boxing debut on 6 April 2013 generated an estimated 300 million viewers.<ref name="zou shiming star">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="zou shiming pro debut">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="zou shiming debut">Template:Cite news</ref> Another professional boxer Qiu Xiaojun attracted around 200 million people for his fight against Ghanaian fighter Raymond Commey on 12 February 2016.<ref name="Qiu Xiao Jun's Big Win Draws 200 Million TV Viewers">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="polska">Template:Cite news</ref>
Denmark
The following are the ten most watched programs from 1992 onwards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Rank | Show | Viewers | Date | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Krøniken - Episode 10 | 2,714,000 | 2004 | DR1 |
| 2 | Eurovision Song Contest 2001 | 2,667,000 | 2001 | DR1 |
| 3 | The Last Exploits of the Olsen Gang | 2,658,000 | 1995 | TV2 |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 1992 semi-final: Denmark vs Netherlands | 2,657,000 | 1992 | TV2 |
| 5 | UEFA Euro 1992 final: Denmark vs Germany | 2,632,000 | 1992 | TV2 |
| 6 | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification: Denmark vs Spain | 2,547,000 | 1993 | DR1 |
| 7 | Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 1992 | 2,506,000 | 1992 | DR1 |
| 8 | The Girl and the Press Photographer | 2,422,000 | 1992 | TV2 |
| 9 | 1998 FIFA World Cup quarter-final: Denmark vs Brazil | 2,390,000 | 1998 | DR1 |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2012 Group Stage: Denmark vs Germany | 2,378,000 | 2012 | DR1 |
France
| Rank | Event | Viewers | Share | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the COVID-19 pandemic | 36,730,000 | 94.5%<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Dts | TF1, France 2, France 3, Canal+, M6, C8, TMC, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo |
| 2 | 35,300,000 | 96.1%<ref name="ouest-france.fr">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Dts | TF1, France 2, France 3, M6, C8, TMC, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo, L'Équipe | |
| 3 | 32,700,000 | 93.6%<ref name="ouest-france.fr"/> | Template:Dts | TF1, France 2, France 3, M6, C8, TMC, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo, L'Équipe | |
| 4 | 2018 FIFA World Cup final: France vs Croatia | 26,200,000 | Template:N/A | Template:Dts | TF1, beIN Sports |
| 5 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the COVID-19 pandemic | 24,600,000 | 87% | Template:Dts | TF1, France 2, France 3, M6, C8, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo, L'Equipe |
| 6 | 2022 FIFA World Cup final: Argentina vs France | 24,080,000 | 81%<ref name="Paris 2024">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Dts | TF1, beIN Sports |
| 7 | 1998 FIFA World Cup final: Brazil vs France | 23,647,000 | 88.4% | Template:Dts | TF1, Canal+ |
| 8 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the COVID-19 pandemic | 23,610,000 | 85.6% | Template:Dts | TF1, France 2, France 3, M6, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo |
| 9 | 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony | 23,240,000 | 83.1%<ref name="Paris 2024"/> | Template:Dts | France 2 |
| 10 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the Yellow vests movement | 23,000,000 | 81.4% | Template:Dts | TF1, France 2, M6, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo |
Germany
| Rank | Show | Episode | Number of viewers | Share | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Germany vs Argentina (final) | 34,650,000 | 86.3% | Template:Dts | Das Erste |
| 2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Brazil vs Germany (semi-final) | 32,570,000 | 87.8% | Template:Dts | ZDF |
| 3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Germany vs Spain (semi-final) | 31,100,000 1, 4 | 83.2% | Template:Dts | Das Erste |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Germany vs France (semi-final) | 29,820,000 | 80.6% | Template:Dts | ZDF |
| 5 | 2006 FIFA World Cup | Germany vs Italy (semi-final) | 29,660,000 1, 2, 3 | 84.1% | Template:Dts | ZDF |
| 6 | UEFA Euro 2008 | Germany vs Turkey (semi-final) | 29,460,000 | 81.6% | Template:Dts | ZDF |
| 7 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Ghana vs. Germany (group game) | 29,190,000 1, 4 | 79.7% | Template:Dts | Das Erste |
| 8 | 1990 FIFA World Cup | West Germany vs Argentina (final) | 28,660,000 | 87.9% | Template:Dts | Das Erste |
| 9 | UEFA Euro 1996 | Germany vs Czech Republic (final) | 28,440,000 | 76.3% | Template:Dts | ZDF |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Germany vs Italy (quarter-final) | 28,320,000 | 79.8% | Template:Dts | Das Erste |
Notes:
| ||||||
Note: The UEFA Euro 2008 final is missing from the list, because the lengthy trophy presentation was included into the official ratings. The game itself was watched by 28.05 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Italy
| Show | Viewers | Date | Channel | Ref.(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madonna in Concerto | 30—35 million | 1987 | Rai 1 | <ref name="ItalyMadonna">Template:Cite magazine</ref> |
India
Template:Original research India measures the viewership of shows through TRP (Television Rating Point). Shows used to have higher ratings in 2000s as compared to present decade. The present shows that regularly score above or around the 3.5 mark are Kumkum Bhagya, and its spin off Kundali Bhagya along with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Sometimes these shows touch 4 which is still quite low as compared to highest rated shows of the last decade. Other than that Naagin is the only show now that scores above 4.7. All of these shows are produced by the same banner (Balaji Telefilms) except Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Currently, Bigg Boss 13 has been the most watched show of 2020, recording an 11.3 TRP for the final and an average of 8.3 TRP on regular episodes, being the most watched reality show in India. Ironically, 2.5–3.5 TRP was considered an average in the 2000s era of classic serials. In the 2000s, the most watched show in India was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000–2008) which garnered double digit ratings for 6 years on StarPlus. The most-watched channel for years has been StarPlus, then Zee TV with major competition from Colors. Mahabharat (1988Template:Ndash1990), the television adaptation of Indian epic Mahabharata, had a share of 97.8% among Indian viewers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Aamir Khan's talk show Satyamev Jayate (2012Template:Ndash2014) drew an estimated audience of 600Template:Nbspmillion viewers in India.<ref name="nytimes">Template:Cite news</ref> The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 cricket cup was watched by an estimated 730Template:Nbspmillion viewers in India, with India vs. Pakistan being the most widely watched live event during the tournament.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
| Rank | Show | TVR (million impressions) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramayan (Lakshman vs Meghnad yuddha) | 77 | Doordarshan |
| 2 | Luv Kush (finale) | 67.10 | Doordarshan |
| 3 | 2018 Indian Premier League final | 55.6<ref name="live Mint-2018"/> | Star Network |
| 4 | Metti Oli | 50.0 | Sun TV |
| 5 | Panchayat | 28.2 | Amazon Prime Video |
| 6 | Mahabharat | 22.9 | Doordarshan |
| 7 | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | 22.4 | StarPlus |
| 8 | Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin | 9.2 | Sony TV India |
| 9 | Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai | 8.4 | StarPlus |
| 10 | Diya Aur Baati Hum | 7.7 | StarPlus |
| 11 | Pavitra Rishta | 7.3 | Zee TV |
| 12 | Jai Hanuman | 7.2 | Sahara One |
Most viewed broadcasts
Ireland
A list of most-watched shows in the Republic of Ireland in the 21st century was released in January 2015. The Late Late Toy Show held the top six spots, with the 2014 edition drawing 1,593,000 viewers: over one-third of the country's population. Other high-performing shows were Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, crime drama Love/Hate, Mrs. Brown's Boys, The Sunday Game, UEFA Euro 2012 and the Eurovision Song Contest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan
The following is a list of the top 50 highest rated broadcasts of all time in Japan since Video Research started their ratings survey on December 3, 1962.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| No. | Show | Household Rating | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen | 81.4% | 31 December 1963 | NHK |
| 2 | 1964 Summer Olympics - Women's Volleyball, Japan vs. Soviet Union | 66.8% | 23 October 1964 | NHK |
| 3 | 2002 FIFA World Cup - Japan vs Russia (group game) | 66.1% | 9 June 2002 | Fuji TV |
| 4 | Professional wrestling - The Destroyer vs. Rikidōzan | 64.0% | 24 May 1963 | NTV |
| 5 | World Bantamweight Championship - Fighting Harada x Éder Jofre | 63.7% | 31 May 1966 | Fuji TV |
| 6 | Oshin | 62.9% | 12 November 1983 | NHK |
| 7 | 1998 FIFA World Cup - Japan vs Croatia (group game) | 60.9% | 20 June 1998 | NHK |
| 8 | World Bantamweight Championship - Fighting Harada x Alan Rudkin | 60.4% | 30 November 1965 | Fuji TV |
| 9 | Yoshinobu-chan Never Came Home | 59.0% | 5 July 1965 | NHK |
| 10 | 1972 Summer Olympics | 58.7% | 8 September 1972 | NHK |
| 11 | Yukutoshi Kurutoshi | 57.4% | 31 December 1963 | NHK |
| 12 | 2010 FIFA World Cup - Japan vs Paraguay (knockout game) | 57.3% | 29 June 2010 | TBS |
| 13 | World Bantamweight Championship - Fighting Harada x Bernardo Caraballo | 57.0% | 4 July 1967 | Fuji TV |
| 14 | Tabiji | 56.9% | 9 March 1968 | NHK |
| 15 | The Beatles Japan Tour | 56.5% | 1 July 1966 | NTV |
| 16 | Ohanahan | 56.4% | 19 September 1966 | NHK |
| 16 | 2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremony | 56.4% | 23 July 2021 | NHK |
| 18 | Arigato | 56.3% | 21 December 1972 | TBS |
| 19 | Ashita Koso | 55.5% | 31 January 1969 | NHK |
| 20 | Moscow State Circus broadcast | 55.3% | 16 July 1963 | NHK |
| 20 | Miotsukushi | 55.3% | 5 October 1985 | NHK |
| 22 | Mayuko Hitori | 55.2% | 10 February 1972 | NHK |
| 23 | World Bantamweight Championship - Fighting Harada x Éder Jofre | 54.9% | 18 May 1965 | Fuji TV |
| 24 | World Bantamweight Championship - Fighting Harada x José Medel | 53.9% | 18 May 1965 | Fuji TV |
| 25 | News (Yoshinobu-chan incident) | 53.6% | 5 July 1965 | NHK |
| 26 | World Bantamweight Championship - Fighting Harada x Lionel Rose | 53.4% | 27 February 1968 | Fuji TV |
| 27 | Ai Yori Aoku | 53.3% | 8 September 1972 | NHK |
| 27 | Hatoko no Umi | 53.3% | 22 March 1975 | NHK |
| 29 | 1972 Winter Olympics | 53.1% | 11 February 1972 | NHK |
| 30 | Akō Roshi | 53.0% | 29 November 1964 | NHK |
| 31 | 2006 FIFA World Cup - Japan vs Croatia (group game) | 52.7% | 18 June 2006 | TV Asahi |
| 32 | Final day of the 1981 Hatsu basho (Chiyonofuji Mitsugu's first victory) | 52.2% | 25 January 1981 | NHK |
| 33 | 1968 Summer Olympics | 51.8% | 25 October 1968 | NHK |
| 33 | Kita no Kazoku | 51.8% | 1 March 1974 | NHK |
| 35 | Professional wrestling - Toyonobori vs. The Destroyer | 51.2% | 26 February 1965 | NTV |
| 36 | News (Asama-Sansō incident) | 50.8% | 28 February 1972 | NHK |
| 36 | 19th Japan Record Awards | 50.8% | 31 December 1977 | TBS |
| 36 | 60th Japanese High School Baseball Championship - Closing Ceremony | 50.8% | 20 August 1978 | NHK |
| 39 | World Flyweight Championship - Horacio Accavallo vs. Katsuyoshi Takayama | 50.7% | 1 March 1966 | Fuji TV |
| 40 | Ben Casey | 50.6% | 11 January 1963 | TBS |
| 40 | Prime Minister Tanaka visits China | 50.6% | 25 September 1972 | NHK |
| 40 | Final day of the 1975 Haru basho (Takanohana Kenshi's first victory) | 50.6% | 23 March 1975 | NHK |
| 40 | Non-chan no Yume | 50.6% | 24 September 1988 | NHK |
| 44 | Hachiji da yo! Zen'in shūgō | 50.5% | 7 April 1973 | TBS |
| 45 | Otei-chan | 50.0% | 11 September 1978 | NHK |
| 45 | News and weather forecast (Typhoon Judy) | 50.0% | 12 September 1982 | NHK |
| 45 | Oshin | 50.0% | 17 August 1983 | NHK |
| 48 | Ma-neechan | 49.9% | 25 September 1979 | NHK |
| 49 | Yubikiri | 49.8% | 25 January 1973 | TBS |
| 50 | Hanekomma | 49.7% | 30 August 1986 | NHK |
The following list is for Japanese anime only. The list covers broadcasts after 26 September 1977. Video Research had previously recorded an episode of the 1960s Astro Boy anime that earned a 40.3% rating.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| No. | Show | Household Rating | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chibi Maruko-chan | 39.9%<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | 28 October 1990 | Fuji TV |
| 2 | Sazae-san | 39.4% | 16 September 1979 | Fuji TV |
| 3 | Dr. Slump | 36.9% | 16 December 1981 | Fuji TV |
| 4 | Dokonjō Gaeru | 34.5% | 23 February 1979 | NTV |
| 5 | Japanese Folklore Tales 2 | 33.6% | 10 January 1981 | TBS |
| 6 | Lupin the Third | 32.5% | 8 December 1978 | NTV |
| 7 | Touch | 31.9% | 22 December 1985 | Fuji TV |
| 8 | Ashita no Joe | 31.6% | 13 March 1980 | NTV |
| 9 | Doraemon | 31.2% | 11 February 1983 | TV Asahi |
| 10 | GeGeGe no Kitarō | 29.6% | 22 March 1986 | Fuji TV |
The following is a list of the most-watched films of all time on Nippon TV (NTV), Template:As of.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
| Rank | Film | Rating | Airing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spirited Away | 46.9% | 2003-01-24 |
| 2 | Princess Mononoke | 35.1% | 1999-01-22 |
| 3 | Howl's Moving Castle | 32.9% | 2006-07-21 |
| 4 | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | 30.8% | 2004-06-25 |
| 5 | Tsuribaka Nisshi 4 | 28.4% | 1994-02-04 |
| 6 | Tsuribaka Nisshi 6 | 28.3% | 1994-12-23 |
| 7 | Tsuribaka Nisshi 2 | 27.7% | 1995-01-13 |
| 8 | Tora-san's Forbidden Love | 27.6% | 1996-08-09 |
| 9 | Shall We Dance? | 27.4% | 1997-03-28 |
| 10 | Tsuribaka Nisshi 5 | 27.1% | 1994-09-16 |
Mexico
A list of most-watched shows in the Mexico, Televisa and TV Azteca broadcasters (Liga MX Apertura and Clausura), Boxing, 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, (FIFA World Cup hosts 1970 & 1986), some concerts like Maná's Unidos por La Paz at Estadio Azteca in March 2001; in 2007, the last episode of La Fea Más Bella", Funeral events like Chespirito in December 2014 the creator of TV Series El Chavo and El Chapulín Colorado, and Celebration of Mexican political anniversaries in 2010 celebrate independence from Spain also called Bicentenario 2010, had an average audience of over 40 million views in Mexican Television.
Netherlands
Since 2002, Stichting KijkOnderzoek is keeping track of viewership of Dutch television channels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> All programs with a viewership over 7 million since the start of tracking are shown in the table below.
| Rank | Show | Episode | Number of viewers | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Argentina (semi-final) | 9,058,000 | Template:Dts | NPO 1 |
| 2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Mexico (round of 16) | 8,738,000 | Template:Dts | NPO 1 |
| 3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Spain (final) | 8,513,000 | Template:Dts | Nederland 1 |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 2004 | Portugal vs Netherlands (semi-final) | 8,512,000 | Template:Dts | Nederland 2 |
| 5 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Uruguay vs Netherlands (semi-final) | 8,501,000 | Template:Dts | NPO 1 |
| 6 | 2006 FIFA World Cup | Portugal vs Netherlands (round of 16) | 8,252,000 | Template:Dts | Nederland 2 |
| 7 | Press Conference by Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the COVID-19 pandemic | 8,179,000 | Template:Dts | NPO 1, RTL 4 | |
| 8 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Chile (group stage) | 8,098,000 | Template:Dts | NPO 1 |
| 9 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Portugal vs Netherlands (group stage) | 7,993,000 | Template:Dts | Nederland 1 |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Netherlands vs Germany (group stage) | 7,984,000 | Template:Dts | Nederland 1 |
New Zealand
In 2011, the television website Throng published a list of the 12 most-watched television broadcasts in New Zealand from 1995 to 2011. This is based on average viewership of the program, but it does not include broadcasts from before 1995 or after 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Rugby World Cup has frequently had large audiences – the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, and a semi-final, both had an average audience of over 2 million.
| Rank | Show | Viewship | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011 Rugby World Cup final (NZ v France) | 2,036,900 | 23 October 2011 | TV 1, TV 3, Prime, Sky Sports, Maori Television |
| 2 | 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final (NZ v Australia) | 2,024,000 | 16 October 2011 | TV 1, TV 3, Prime, Sky Sports, Maori TV |
| 3 | 2011 Rugby World Cup opening game (NZ v Tonga) | 1,930,000 | 9 September 2011 | TV 1, Prime, Sky Sports, Maori TV |
| 4 | Boxing: Lennox Lewis vs. David Tua World Title Defence | 1,841,230 | 12 November 2000 | TV 3 |
| 5 | One News special – Death of Diana, Princess of Wales | 1,703,310 | 31 August 1997 | TV 1 |
| 6 | 2000 Summer Olympics opening ceremony | 1,654,310 | 15 September 2000 | TV 1 |
| 7 | One News special – Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales | 1,649,710 | 6 September 1997 | TV 1 |
| 8 | 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final (NZ v Argentina) | 1,624,400 | 9 October 2011 | TV 1, TV 3, Prime, Sky Sports, Maori TV |
| 9 | 2003 Rugby World Cup final (England v Australia) | 1,604,800 | 22 November 2003 | TV 1 |
| 10 | Martin Bashir's interview with Diana, Princess of Wales | 1,516,780 | 21 November 1995 | TV 2 |
Philippines
AGB Nielsen
The following table shows the all-time highest rating television shows in Mega Manila as tallied by AGB Nielsen since 1992. However, ratings are from a single highest recorded episode of the show (in the case of the TV series) and it is not the average over-all ratings for the whole season or series.
| Rank | Network | Program | Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ABS-CBN | The Battle: Manny Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales | 2006 | 83.5% |
| 2 | ABS-CBN | Rosalinda | 1999 | 69.8% |
| 3 | ABS-CBN | Esperanza | 1997 | 67.0% |
| 4 | ABS-CBN | Pangako Sa 'Yo | 2002 | 64.9% |
| 5 | ABS-CBN | Meteor Garden | 2003 | 63.8% |
| 6 | ABS-CBN | Miss Universe 1994 | 1994 | 62.5% |
| 7 | RPN | Marimar | 1996 | 61.7% |
| 8 | ABS-CBN | María Mercedes | 1996 | 59.7% |
| 9 | RPN | Miss Universe 1999 | 1999 | 58.4% |
| 10 | GMA | Bubble Gang | 1997 | 57.6% |
Poland
List of the 10 most-watched television broadcasts since the beginning of telemetry research in Poland (since 1997) by Nielsen Media Research:<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Portugal
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| Rank | Show | Episode | Rating | Share | Date | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA Euro 2020 | Belgium vs Portugal (round of 16) | 40.2 | 69.9% | Template:Dts | TVI |
| 2 | UEFA Euro 2004 | Portugal vs Netherlands (semi-final) | 40.1 | 85.4% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
| 3 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Portugal vs Spain (semi-final) | 39.5 | 76.0% | Template:Dts | SIC |
| 4 | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Portugal vs Switzerland (round of 16) | 39.1 | 68.4% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
| 5 | UEFA Euro 2004 | Portugal vs England (quarter-final) | 39.0 | 85.1% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
| 6 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Portugal vs Wales (semi-final) | 38.4 | 75.4% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
| 7 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Portugal vs France (final) | 38.2 | 78.1% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
| 8 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Portugal vs Netherlands (group stage match) | 38.1 | 73.4% | Template:Dts | TVI |
| 9 | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Portugal vs Uruguay (group stage match) | 38 | 66% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
| 10 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | United States vs Portugal (group stage match) | 37.8 | 75.4% | Template:Dts | RTP1 |
Serbia
| Rank | Show | Episode | Viewers | Date | Channel | Ref.(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eurovision Song Contest 2008 | Final | 4.562.000 | 24 May 2008 | RTS 1 | <ref name="SerbiaTop2">Рекордна гледаност "Песме Евровизије 2008" у Србији May 25, 2008</ref> |
| 2 | 2005–06 UEFA Champions League | Crvena Zvezda vs Milan | 3.350.000 | 22 August 2006 | RTS 1 | <ref name="SerbiaTop2" /> |
South Korea
Viewership ratings are provided by two companies in South Korea, AGB Nielsen Media Research and TNmS. Originally Media Service Korea was the only company providing such information, and it was later acquired by Nielsen Media Research. In 1999, TNS Media Korea also began such service, and later changed its name to TNmS. AGB collects viewership data based on 2050 households, while TNmS has 2000 households with measuring devices. Drama ratings usually vary between the two companies by 2–3%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| # | Drama | Channel | Viewership | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Love | KBS2 | 65.8% | 20 April 1997 |
| 2 | Was It Love? | MBC | 64.9% | 24 May 1992 |
| 3 | Sandglass | SBS | 64.5% | 6 February 1995 |
| 4 | Hur Jun | MBC | 63.7% | 27 June 2000 |
| 5 | A Sunny Place of the Young | KBS2 | 62.7% | 12 November 1995 |
| 6 | You and I | MBC | 62.4% | 12 April 1998 |
| 7 | Son and Daughter | MBC | 61.1% | 21 March 1993 |
| 8 | Taejo Wang Geon | KBS1 | 60.2% | 20 May 2001 |
| 9 | Eyes of Dawn | MBC | 58.4% | 6 February 1992 |
| 10 | Dae Jang Geum | MBC | 57.8% | 23 March 2004 |
Spain
| Rank | Show | Viewers | Share | Date | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez | >20,000,000 | 100% | 1987 | La 1 |
| 2 | UEFA Euro 2012: Spain vs Portugal (penalties) | 18,141,000 | 83.3% | 27 June 2012 | Telecinco |
| 3 | UEFA Euro 2012: Spain vs Portugal (extra time) | 16,485,000 | 77.1% | 27 June 2012 | Telecinco |
| 4 | 2010 FIFA World Cup final (extra time) | 15,600,000 | 85.9% | 12 June 2010 | Telecinco, Canal+ |
| 5 | UEFA Euro 2012 final | 15,481,000 | 74.3% | 1 July 2012 | Telecinco |
| 6 | UEFA Euro 2008: Spain vs Italy (penalties) | 15,372,000 | 77.5% | 22 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 7 | UEFA Euro 2008 final | 14,482,000 | 80.9% | 29 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 8 | Eurovision Song Contest 2002 (voting) | 14,380,000 | 85.2% | 25 May 2002 | La 1 |
| 9 | UEFA Euro 2012: Croatia vs Spain | 14,265,000 | 70.4% | 18 June 2012 | Telecinco |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2008: Spain vs Italy (extra time) | 14,131,000 | 72.1% | 22 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 11 | UEFA Champions League: Barcelona vs Real Madrid | 14,114,000 | 66.9% | 16 April 2011 | LaSexta, TV3, Telemadrid, TPA7, IB3 |
| 12 | UEFA Euro 2024 final | 13,587,000 | 78.7% | 14 July 2024 | La 1 |
| 13 | UEFA Euro 2008 final (analysis) | 13,468,000 | 73.2% | 29 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 14 | UEFA Euro 2012: Spain vs Ireland | 13,284,000 | 70.2% | 14 June 2012 | Telecinco |
| 15 | Election debate 2008 | 13,043,000 | 59.1% | 25 February 2008 | La 1, Antena 3, Telecinco, LaSexta, FORTA |
| 16 | 2010 FIFA World Cup final | 12,969,000 | 77.2% | 12 June 2010 | Telecinco, Canal+ |
| 17 | Operación Triunfo 1: Final | 12,873,000 | 68% | 11 February 2002 | La 1 |
| 18 | UEFA Euro 2008: Russia vs Spain | 12,870,000 | 72.7% | 26 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 19 | UEFA Champions League: Barcelona vs Real Madrid | 12,124,000 | 61.5% | 9 December 2011 | LaSexta, TV3, Telemadrid, TPA7, IB3 |
| 20 | Election debate 2011 | 12,005,000 | 54.2% | 7 November 2011 | La 1, Antena 3, Telecinco, LaSexta, FORTA |
| 21 | Election debate 2008 | 11,952,000 | 56.3% | 3 March 2008 | La 1, Antena 3, Telecinco, LaSexta, FORTA |
| 22 | Gran Hermano 1: La gran final | 11,745,000 | 70.8% | 3 May 2000 | Telecinco |
| 23 | UEFA Euro 2024: France vs Spain | 11,568,000 | 71.7% | 9 July 2024 | La 1 |
| 24 | Cerrado por amistad | 11,527,000 | 28 December 1995 | Antena 3 | |
| 25 | UEFA Euro 2008: Spain vs Italy | 11,501,000 | 68.8% | 22 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 26 | 2014 UEFA Champions League final | 11,033,000 | 62.1% | 24 May 2014 | La 1, Canal+, TV3 |
| 27 | Debate Tele 5 | 10,526,000 | 75.3% | 31 May 1993 | Tele 5 |
| 28 | Deb4te 2016 | 10,496,000 | 57% | 13 June 2016 | La 1, Antena 3, Telecinco, LaSexta, FORTA |
| 29 | UEFA Euro 2008: Russia vs Spain (analysis) | 9,921,000 | 51.5% | 26 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 30 | El Gran Debate | 9,662,000 | 24 May 1993 | Antena 3 |
Sweden
Statistics from Mediamätning Skandinavien<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Most-watched programmes per year
| Year | Programme | Date | Number of viewers (millions) |
Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Eurovision Song Contest 1983 | 23 April | 6.1 | SVT1 |
| 2000 | Melodifestivalen 2000 | 10 March | 4.175 | SVT2 |
| 2001 | Melodifestivalen 2001 | 23 February | 3.84 | SVT1 |
| 2002 | Melodifestivalen 2002 | 1 March | 3.72 | SVT1 |
| 2003 | Melodifestivalen 2003 | 15 March | 3.815 | SVT1 |
| 2004 | Melodifestivalen 2004 | 20 March | 4.105 | SVT1 |
| 2005 | Melodifestivalen 2005 | 12 March | 4.055 | SVT1 |
| 2006 | Melodifestivalen 2006 | 18 March | 4.240 | SVT1 |
| 2007 | Melodifestivalen 2007 | 10 March | 3.975 | SVT1 |
| 2008 | Melodifestivalen 2008 | 15 March | 4.045 | SVT1 |
| 2009 | Melodifestivalen 2009 | 14 March | 3.59 | SVT1 |
| 2010 | Melodifestivalen 2010 | 13 March | 3.87 | SVT1 |
| 2011 | Melodifestivalen 2011 | 12 March | 3.67 | SVT1 |
| 2012 | Melodifestivalen 2012 | 10 March | 4.11 | SVT1 |
| 2013 | Melodifestivalen 2013 | 9 March | 4.15 | SVT1 |
| 2014 | Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar god jul | 24 December | 3.705 | SVT1 |
| 2018 | Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar god jul | 24 December | 3.786 | SVT1 |
| 2019 | Melodifestivalen 2019 | 14 March | 3.652 | SVT1 |
Most-watched sport events per year
United Kingdom
United States
Although the Apollo 11 Moon landing is considered as the most watched television event in American history, it is considered a news event, meaning that CBS's live telecast of Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 holds the record for the largest average viewership of any live network U.S. television broadcast, with 123.7 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="ESPN LVII">Template:Cite web</ref> During this broadcast, the halftime show was watched by 129.1 million viewers.<ref name="Deadline LVII">Template:Cite web</ref> Super Bowl XLV's live broadcast in February 2011 helped Fox become the first television network in the United States to be watched by at least 100 million American viewers by average for a single primetime night of programming.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Moreover, Super Bowl telecasts account for 22 of the most-watched television broadcasts based on overall viewership in U.S. television history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fox's live telecast of Super Bowl LI in 2017 currently holds the largest total viewership (those who watched any part of the broadcast) in U.S. television history, with 172 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2025, the Super Bowl attracted 127.7 million viewers on Fox's television broadcast, surpassing the previous year's viewership of 123.7 million.
Most-watched broadcasts
| Rank | Broadcast | Average viewers (millions) | Date | Network(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apollo 11 Moon landing | 125–150<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Nixon and Apollo2">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | 20 July 1969 | multiple |
| 2 | Super Bowl LIX | 133.5 | 9 February 2025 | Fox |
| 3 | Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show | 133.4<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 31 January 1993 | NBC |
| 4 | Super Bowl LVIII | 123.7 | 11 February 2024 | CBS |
| 5 | Super Bowl LVII | 115.1 | 12 February 2023 | Fox |
| 6 | Super Bowl XLIX | 114.4 | 1 February 2015 | NBC |
| 7 | Super Bowl LVI | 112.3 | 13 February 2022 | NBC |
| 8 | Super Bowl XLVIII | 112.2 | 2 February 2014 | Fox |
| 9 | Super Bowl 50 | 111.9 | 7 February 2016 | CBS |
| 10 | Super Bowl XLVI | 111.3 | 5 February 2012 | NBC |
| Super Bowl LI | 5 February 2017 | Fox |
Most-watched television interviews
| Rank | Interviewee | Interviewer | Average viewers (millions) | Series | Air date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Jackson | Oprah Winfrey | 62.30<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | "Michael Jackson Talks ... to Oprah" | Template:Dts | ABC |
| 2 | Monica Lewinsky | Barbara Walters | 48.54<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | 20/20 | Template:Dts | ABC |
| 3 | Richard Nixon | David Frost | 45.00<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Nixon Talks | Template:Dts | CBS |
| 4 | Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley | Diane Sawyer | 37.50<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Prime Time Live | Template:Dts | ABC |
| 5 | Bill and Hillary Clinton | Steve Kroft | 34.00<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | 60 Minutes | Template:Dts | CBS |
| 6 | Stormy Daniels | Anderson Cooper | 22.11<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | 60 Minutes | Template:Dts | CBS |
| 7 | Barack Obama | Matt Lauer | 21.90<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Today | Template:Dts | NBC |
| 8 | Whitney Houston | Diane Sawyer | 21.27<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Primetime | Template:Dts | ABC |
| 9 | John and Patsy Ramsey | Barbara Walters | 19.60<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 20/20 | Template:Dts | ABC |
Notes
References
Sources
- Template:Cite book
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