CBS Triumphs Over FOX in NFL Ratings Battle Led by Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen
The conclusion of the 2024 NFL regular season brought with it the unveiling of viewership numbers, revealing a slight 2.2% dip from the previous year. Despite this decline, the NFL remains a highly sought-after commodity, with fans eagerly anticipating the performances of star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The league continues to captivate audiences, boasting an average of 17.5 million viewers, firmly establishing itself as one of the nation’s most-watched sports. The backdrop of the 2024 election year, a highly engaging political event, may have contributed to the marginal decrease in viewership.
CBS Surpasses FOX in Viewership for Second Consecutive Year
In a surprising turn of events, CBS outpaced FOX for the second consecutive year in NFL viewership. CBS’s NFL coverage garnered 19.2 million viewers in 2024, surpassing FOX’s 18.4 million viewers. Notably, in the late afternoon national window, CBS maintained its lead with an average of 24.3 million viewers compared to FOX’s 23.9 million. The success of CBS can be attributed to the stellar performances of the Chiefs and Bills’ quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, respectively. CBS’s ownership of the AFC conference contrasted with FOX’s investment of $150 million more in acquiring the NFC conference.
FOX’s Strategies Fail to Counter CBS’s Success Despite Tom Brady’s Inclusion
FOX, a key player in the NFL broadcasting landscape, implemented various strategies to dominate the market, including securing a lucrative $375 million, 10-year deal with NFL legend Tom Brady. Despite this significant move and exclusive rights to host the Week 1 national window game unopposed, FOX experienced a decline in ratings. The network faced challenges as a result of lackluster on-field performances, particularly as prominent teams like the Cowboys and 49ers failed to secure playoff berths. In contrast, the AFC teams, spearheaded by standout quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, delivered compelling performances, drawing significant viewer interest. The upcoming playoffs are anticipated to attract even more viewers, particularly with the exciting matchups on the horizon.
NBC Leads NFL Broadcasting Landscape, while ESPN/ABC Lags Behind
Among NFL broadcasters, NBC emerged as the frontrunner with an impressive average of 19.4 million viewers per game. In contrast, ESPN/ABC lagged behind with an average viewership of 17.3 million. Despite FOX trailing in average viewership, its pregame show remained a popular choice among audiences, contributing to its overall appeal.
Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan’s Influence on FOX’s Pregame Show
FOX Sports PR recently announced a significant milestone for FOX’s pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY, revealing that it had maintained its status as the most-watched pregame show for 31 consecutive NFL seasons, attracting an average of 4.4 million viewers. The show, featuring renowned analysts such as Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan, has garnered a dedicated following among fans. However, the presence of Bradshaw has raised concerns among viewers due to instances where he veered off-topic during broadcasts. Fans expressed worry about his well-being as he made comparisons between teams during game highlights. Strahan, in contrast, has been instrumental in course-correcting such moments, including providing insights during crucial pregame segments.
In conclusion, the 2024 NFL season showcased a compelling battle among broadcasters, with CBS emerging triumphant over FOX in viewership ratings. The enduring appeal of the NFL, coupled with the star power of key quarterbacks, underscored the league’s significance in captivating audiences nationwide. Despite challenges faced by FOX, the landscape of NFL broadcasting remains vibrant and engaging, with captivating matchups and dynamic personalities shaping the viewing experience for fans across the country.
