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. 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.
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, and the Cricket World Cup with annual events such as the CMG New Year's Gala in China, Super Bowl in the U.S., the Indian Premier League in India and the UEFA Champions League finals in Europe picking up large regional audiences. Other broadcasts frequently claimed to have broken records include news events such as the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing, funerals of significant figures such as Michael Jackson, Diana, Princess of Wales, or Elizabeth II, and music events such as the 1985 Live Aid benefit concert, 1993 Super Bowl Halftime Show, or the CMG New Year's Gala that is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most watched television program.
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.
| 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. 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.
| Rank | Show | Number of viewers | Ratings | Year | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final, Australia vs England | 7.13 million | - | 2023 | Seven Network, Optus Sport |
| 2 | Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton | 6.0 million | – | 2011 | ABC, Network 7, Network 9, Network Ten, 7Two |
| 3 | 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final, Australia vs France | 4.17 million | - | 2023 | Seven Network, Optus Sport |
| 4 | Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | 4.09 Million | – | 2018 | Seven Network, Nine Network, ABC, SBS, BBC UKTV, Sky News Live |
| 5 | 2005 Australian Open – Men's singles final | 4.043 Million | 29.3 | 2005 | Seven Network |
| 6 | MasterChef Australia (season 2) – finale challenge | 4.029 Million | 27.1 | 2010 | Network Ten |
| 7 | 2003 Rugby World Cup final | 4.016 Million | 29.7 | 2003 | Seven Network |
| 8 | MasterChef Australia (season 1) – finale challenge | 3.726 Million | 25.6 | 2009 | Network Ten |
| 9 | 2006 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony | 3.561 Million | 25.5 | 2006 | Nine Network |
| 10 | 2005 AFL Grand Final (Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles) | 3.386 Million | 24.5 | 2005 | Network Ten |
Brazil
| Rank | Show | Episode | Rating | Share | Date | Channel | Content | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roque Santeiro | Episode 209 | 96 | 100% | 21 February 1986 | TV Globo | Telenovela | |
| Selva de Pedra | Episode 152 | — | 100% | 4 October 1972 | TV Globo | Telenovela | ||
| 2 | Vale Tudo | Episode 192 | 81 | — | 24 December 1988 | TV Globo | Telenovela | |
| 3 | Tieta | Episode 196 | 78 | — | 27 March 1990 | TV Globo | Telenovela | |
| 4 | State funeral of Ayrton Senna | Death of Ayrton Senna | 75 | 100% | 4 May 1994 5 May 1994 | TV Cultura, SBT, TV Globo, Record, Manchete, TV Gazeta and Rede Bandeirantes | Motorsport | |
| 5 | 1998 FIFA World Cup | Brazil vs. Netherlands (semi-final) | 73 | — | 7 July 1998 | SBT, TV Globo, Manchete and Rede Bandeirantes | Association football | |
| O Salvador da Pátria | Episode 177 | 73 | — | 2 August 1989 | TV Globo | Telenovela | ||
| 6 | 2002 FIFA World Cup | Brazil vs. Turkey (semi-final) | 71 | — | 26 June 2002 | TV Globo | Association football | |
| 7 | América | Episode 203 | 68 | 82% | 4 November 2005 | TV Globo | Telenovela | |
| 8 | 2002 FIFA World Cup | Germany vs. Brazil (final) | 67 | 91% | 30 June 2002 | TV Globo | Association football |
Canada
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. A groundbreaking 26.5 million Canadians watched some part of the game, over 80 percent of the country's 34-million-person population. According to multiple sources, 13.3 million Canadians watched the games' opening ceremony, which was the previous record.
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.
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.
The CCTV's main evening news broadcast Xinwen Lianbo has an estimated daily audience of around 135 million people, 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.
The Legend of Bruce Lee (2008), based on the life of Bruce Lee, has been watched by over 400 million viewers in China, making it the most-watched Chinese television drama series of all time, as of 2017.
A Chinese boxer Zou Shiming's professional boxing debut on 6 April 2013 generated an estimated 300 million viewers. Another professional boxer Qiu Xiaojun attracted around 200 million people for his fight against Ghanaian fighter Raymond Commey on 12 February 2016.
Denmark
The following are the ten most watched programs from 1992 onwards.
| 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% | 13 April 2020 | TF1, France 2, France 3, Canal+, M6, C8, TMC, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo |
| 2 | 35,300,000 | 96.1% | 16 March 2020 | TF1, France 2, France 3, M6, C8, TMC, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo, L'Équipe | |
| 3 | 32,700,000 | 93.6% | 28 October 2020 | 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 | — | 15 July 2018 | TF1, beIN Sports |
| 5 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the COVID-19 pandemic | 24,600,000 | 87% | 12 March 2020 | 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% | 18 December 2022 | TF1, beIN Sports |
| 7 | 1998 FIFA World Cup final: Brazil vs France | 23,647,000 | 88.4% | 12 July 1998 | TF1, Canal+ |
| 8 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the COVID-19 pandemic | 23,610,000 | 85.6% | 14 June 2020 | TF1, France 2, France 3, M6, BFMTV, CNews, LCI, franceinfo |
| 9 | 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony | 23,240,000 | 83.1% | 26 July 2024 | France 2 |
| 10 | Speech of the French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the Yellow vests movement | 23,000,000 | 81.4% | 10 December 2018 | 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% | 13 July 2014 | Das Erste |
| 2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Brazil vs Germany (semi-final) | 32,570,000 | 87.8% | 8 July 2014 | ZDF |
| 3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Germany vs Spain (semi-final) | 31,100,000 1, 4 | 83.2% | 7 July 2010 | Das Erste |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Germany vs France (semi-final) | 29,820,000 | 80.6% | 7 July 2016 | ZDF |
| 5 | 2006 FIFA World Cup | Germany vs Italy (semi-final) | 29,660,000 1, 2, 3 | 84.1% | 4 July 2006 | ZDF |
| 6 | UEFA Euro 2008 | Germany vs Turkey (semi-final) | 29,460,000 | 81.6% | 25 June 2008 | ZDF |
| 7 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Ghana vs. Germany (group game) | 29,190,000 1, 4 | 79.7% | 23 June 2010 | Das Erste |
| 8 | 1990 FIFA World Cup | West Germany vs Argentina (final) | 28,660,000 | 87.9% | 9 July 1990 | Das Erste |
| 9 | UEFA Euro 1996 | Germany vs Czech Republic (final) | 28,440,000 | 76.3% | 30 June 1996 | ZDF |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Germany vs Italy (quarter-final) | 28,320,000 | 79.8% | 2 July 2016 | 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.
Italy
| Show | Viewers | Date | Channel | Ref.(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madonna in Concerto | 30—35 million | 1987 | Rai 1 |
India
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 (1988–1990), the television adaptation of Indian epic Mahabharata, had a share of 97.8% among Indian viewers.
Aamir Khan's talk show Satyamev Jayate (2012–2014) drew an estimated audience of 600 million viewers in India. The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 cricket cup was watched by an estimated 730 million viewers in India, with India vs. Pakistan being the most widely watched live event during the tournament.
| 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 | 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
| Rank | Show | Episode | Viewership (millions) | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011 Cricket World Cup | Sri Lanka vs India (final) | 340 | 2 April 2011 | Star Sports Network |
| 2 | 2015 Cricket World Cup | Australia vs India (semi-final) | 309 | 26 March 2015 | Star Sports |
| 3 | 2023 Cricket World Cup | India vs Australia (final) | 300 | 19 November 2023 | Star Sports |
| 4 | 2019 Cricket World Cup | India vs New Zealand (semi-final) | 283 | 16 June 2019 | Star Sports |
| 5 | 2015 Cricket World Cup | India vs Pakistan (group stage match) | 282 | 15 February 2015 | Star Sports |
| 6 | 2015 Cricket World Cup | India vs West Indies (group stage match) | 262 | 16 June 2019 | Star Sports |
| 7 | 2015 Cricket World Cup | India vs South Africa (group stage match) | 257 | 22 February 2015 | Star Sports |
| 8 | 2015 Cricket World Cup | India vs Bangladesh (quarter-final) | 251 | 19 March 2015 | Star Sports |
| 9 | 2025 ICC Champions Trophy | India vs New Zealand (final) | 230 | 9 Match 2025 | Star Sports |
| 10 | 2025 ICC Champions Trophy | India vs Pakistan (group stage match) | 206 | 23 February 2025 | Star Sports |
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.
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.
| 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.
| No. | Show | Household Rating | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chibi Maruko-chan | 39.9% | 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), as of June 2007[update].
| 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. 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 | 9 July 2014 | NPO 1 |
| 2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Mexico (round of 16) | 8,738,000 | 29 June 2014 | NPO 1 |
| 3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Spain (final) | 8,513,000 | 11 July 2010 | Nederland 1 |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 2004 | Portugal vs Netherlands (semi-final) | 8,512,000 | 30 June 2004 | Nederland 2 |
| 5 | 2010 FIFA World Cup | Uruguay vs Netherlands (semi-final) | 8,501,000 | 6 July 2010 | NPO 1 |
| 6 | 2006 FIFA World Cup | Portugal vs Netherlands (round of 16) | 8,252,000 | 25 June 2006 | Nederland 2 |
| 7 | Press Conference by Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the COVID-19 pandemic | 8,179,000 | 13 October 2020 | NPO 1, RTL 4 | |
| 8 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | Netherlands vs Chile (group stage) | 8,098,000 | 23 June 2014 | NPO 1 |
| 9 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Portugal vs Netherlands (group stage) | 7,993,000 | 17 June 2012 | Nederland 1 |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Netherlands vs Germany (group stage) | 7,984,000 | 13 June 2012 | 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.
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:
| Rank | Program | Date | Channel | Number of viewers | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Funeral of Pope John Paul II | 8 April 2005 | TVP1, TVP2, TVP3, Polsat, TVN, TVN24 and others | Over 21,400,000 | Almost 90% |
| 2 | UEFA Euro 2016: Poland vs Portugal (quarter-final) | 30 June 2016 | TVP1, Polsat, Polsat Sport | 15,974,822 | 86.57% |
| 3 | UEFA Euro 2012: Poland vs Russia (group stage) | 12 June 2012 | TVP1, TVP Sport, TVP HD | 14,683,216 | 81.51% |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 2016: Germany vs Poland (group stage) | 16 June 2016 | TVP1, Polsat, Polsat Sport | 14,352,012 | 80.89% |
| 5 | UEFA Euro 2012: Czech Republic vs Poland (group stage) | 16 June 2012 | TVP1, TVP Sport, TVP HD | 14,070,492 | 81.28% |
| 6 | FIFA World Cup 2018: Poland vs Colombia (group stage) | 24 June 2018 | TVP1, TVP Sport | 13,631,335 | 75.45% |
| 7 | UEFA Euro 2012: Poland vs Greece (group stage) | 8 June 2012 | TVP1, TVP Sport, TVP HD | 13,308,343 | 83.78% |
| 8 | 2002 Winter Olympics: Ski Jumping Men's K120 Individual (Adam Małysz's silver medal) | 13 February 2002 | TVP1 | 13,259,612 | 75.15% |
| 9 | Funeral of President Lech Kaczyński and First Lady Maria Kaczyńska | 18 April 2010 | TVP1, TVP2, TVP Info, Polsat, Polsat News, TVN, TVN 24 and others | 13,033,967 | 86.68% |
| 10 | UEFA Euro 2016: Ukraine vs Poland (group stage) | 21 June 2016 | TVP1, Polsat, Polsat Sport | 12,639,308 | 81.67% |
Portugal
| Rank | Show | Episode | Rating | Share | Date | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA Euro 2020 | Belgium vs Portugal (round of 16) | 40.2 | 69.9% | 27 June 2021 | TVI |
| 2 | UEFA Euro 2004 | Portugal vs Netherlands (semi-final) | 40.1 | 85.4% | 30 June 2004 | RTP1 |
| 3 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Portugal vs Spain (semi-final) | 39.5 | 76.0% | 27 June 2012 | SIC |
| 4 | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Portugal vs Switzerland (round of 16) | 39.1 | 68.4% | 6 December 2022 | RTP1 |
| 5 | UEFA Euro 2004 | Portugal vs England (quarter-final) | 39.0 | 85.1% | 24 June 2004 | RTP1 |
| 6 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Portugal vs Wales (semi-final) | 38.4 | 75.4% | 6 July 2016 | RTP1 |
| 7 | UEFA Euro 2016 | Portugal vs France (final) | 38.2 | 78.1% | 10 July 2016 | RTP1 |
| 8 | UEFA Euro 2012 | Portugal vs Netherlands (group stage match) | 38.1 | 73.4% | 17 June 2012 | TVI |
| 9 | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Portugal vs Uruguay (group stage match) | 38 | 66% | 28 November 2022 | RTP1 |
| 10 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | United States vs Portugal (group stage match) | 37.8 | 75.4% | 22 June 2014 | RTP1 |
Serbia
| Rank | Show | Episode | Viewers | Date | Channel | Ref.(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eurovision Song Contest 2008 | Final | 4.562.000 | 24 May 2008 | RTS 1 | |
| 2 | 2005–06 UEFA Champions League | Crvena Zvezda vs Milan | 3.350.000 | 22 August 2006 | RTS 1 |
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%.
| # | 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% | 11 July 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% | 11 July 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 | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification: Spain vs Denmark | 11,948,000 | 65.6% | 17 November 1993 | La 1 |
| 23 | Gran Hermano 1: La gran final | 11,745,000 | 70.8% | 3 May 2000 | Telecinco |
| 24 | UEFA Euro 2024: France vs Spain | 11,568,000 | 71.7% | 9 July 2024 | La 1 |
| 25 | Cerrado por amistad | 11,527,000 | 28 December 1995 | Antena 3 | |
| 26 | UEFA Euro 2008: Spain vs Italy | 11,501,000 | 68.8% | 22 June 2008 | Cuatro |
| 27 | 2014 UEFA Champions League final | 11,033,000 | 62.1% | 24 May 2014 | La 1, Canal+, TV3 |
| 28 | Debate Tele 5 | 10,526,000 | 75.3% | 31 May 1993 | Tele 5 |
| 29 | Deb4te 2016 | 10,496,000 | 57% | 13 June 2016 | La 1, Antena 3, Telecinco, LaSexta, FORTA |
| 30 | UEFA Euro 2008: Russia vs Spain (analysis) | 9,921,000 | 51.5% | 26 June 2008 | Cuatro |
Sweden
Statistics from Mediamätning Skandinavien
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
| Year | Programme | Date | Number of viewers (millions) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | UEFA Euro 2000 final (FRA–ITA) | 2 July | 2.34 | SVT2 |
| 2001 | 2001 World Men's Handball Championship final (FRA–SWE) | 4 February | 2.635 | TV4 |
| 2002 | 2002 European Men's Handball Championship final (SWE–GER) | 3 February | 3.06 | TV4 |
| 2003 | 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup final (GER–SWE) | 12 October | 3.525 | TV4 |
| 2004 | UEFA Euro 2004 (SWE–DEN) | 22 June | 3.796 | TV4 |
| 2005 | 2005 World Championships in Athletics | 7 August | 4.055 | TV4 |
| 2006 | 2006 Men's Olympic Ice Hockey final (SWE–FIN) | 26 February | 3.52 | SVT2 |
| 2007 | FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2007 – Women's slalom | 16 February | 2.23 | SVT1 |
| 2008 | UEFA Euro 2008 (GRE–SWE) | 10 June | 3.03 | TV4 |
| 2009 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 1 (DEN–SWE) | 10 October | 1.805 | Kanal 5 |
| 2010 | 2010 FIFA World Cup final (NED–ESP) | 11 July | 2.66 | SVT1 |
| 2011 | 2011 IIHF World Championship final (SWE–FIN) | 15 May | 2.035 | TV3 |
| 2012 | UEFA Euro 2012 (UKR–SWE) | 11 June | 2.94 | SVT1 |
| 2013 | 2013 IIHF World Championship final (SWE–SUI) | 19 May | 2.915 | TV4 |
| 2014 | 2014 FIFA World Cup (GER–ARG) | 13 July | 2.810 | TV4 |
| 2015 | FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2015 | 1 May | 2.272 | SVT1 |
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. During this broadcast, the halftime show was watched by 129.1 million viewers. 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. Moreover, Super Bowl telecasts account for 22 of the most-watched television broadcasts based on overall viewership in U.S. television history. 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. 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
Denotes news event
| Rank | Broadcast | Average viewers (millions) | Date | Network(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apollo 11 Moon landing | 125–150 | 20 July 1969 | multiple |
| 2 | Super Bowl LIX | 133.5 | 9 February 2025 | Fox |
| 3 | Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show | 133.4 | 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 | "Michael Jackson Talks ... to Oprah" | February 10, 1993 | ABC |
| 2 | Monica Lewinsky | Barbara Walters | 48.54 | 20/20 | March 3, 1999 | ABC |
| 3 | Richard Nixon | David Frost | 45.00 | Nixon Talks | May 4, 1977 | CBS |
| 4 | Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley | Diane Sawyer | 37.50 | Prime Time Live | June 14, 1995 | ABC |
| 5 | Bill and Hillary Clinton | Steve Kroft | 34.00 | 60 Minutes | January 26, 1992 | CBS |
| 6 | Stormy Daniels | Anderson Cooper | 22.11 | 60 Minutes | March 25, 2018 | CBS |
| 7 | Barack Obama | Matt Lauer | 21.90 | Today | February 1, 2009 | NBC |
| 8 | Whitney Houston | Diane Sawyer | 21.27 | Primetime | December 4, 2002 | ABC |
| 9 | John and Patsy Ramsey | Barbara Walters | 19.60 | 20/20 | March 17, 2000 | ABC |
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