NBC has released updated numbers for its broadcast of Super Bowl XLIII. It now stands as the most watched Super Bowl in history and the most watched television broadcast in history in terms of total viewers (those who watch six or more minutes). An average of 98.7 million viewers watched Super Bowl XLIII compared to 97.5 million for Super Bowl XLII, last year’s game. But the final episode of M*A*S*H averaged 106 million viewers, so its still the most watched broadcast.
The total number of viewers for Super Bowl XLIII is 151.6 compared to 148.3 million for last year’s game and 121.6 million for the final episode of M*A*S*H. Given the fact that the potential television audience grows every year it is most likely only a matter of time before the Super Bowl outdraws even M*A*S*H.
