The recent Super Bowl, featuring a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, attracted an average of 124.9 million viewers across various platforms, including NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL+. This figure, reported by Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel rating system, did not surpass the previous year’s record of 127.7 million viewers who tuned in for the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated halftime performance drew an average of 128.2 million viewers from 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern, making it the fourth-most watched halftime show in Super Bowl history. This performance follows notable shows by Kendrick Lamar, who holds the record with 133.5 million viewers in 2025, Michael Jackson with 133.4 million in 1993, and Usher at 129.3 million in 2024.
Despite the impressive numbers, both the Super Bowl and the halftime show fell short of setting new records. The anticipated global viewership for Bad Bunny’s performance is expected to be released early next week, potentially adding to the overall statistics.
According to Nielsen data, the average viewership numbers reflect the ongoing popularity of the Super Bowl as a premier sporting event in the United States. The ratings indicate a consistent interest, even if they did not reach the heights of previous broadcasts.
As the NFL season progresses, the Super Bowl continues to represent a significant cultural moment in the sports calendar, drawing attention not just for the game itself, but also for the entertainment that accompanies it. The performances and the matchups each year contribute to the legacy of the event, keeping audiences engaged and looking forward to future showdowns.
The Super Bowl remains an influential platform for artists and athletes alike, solidifying its status as a key event in the American landscape.
