Super Bowl XLIX was most watched television program in U.S. history
Super Bowl XLIX garnered 114.4 million viewers, making it the most watched television program in U.S. history, NBC announced Monday.
The new mark surpassed the record set by last year's Super Bowl, which was seen by 112.2 million viewers. The past six Super Bowls comprise the top six most watched programs in U.S. history.
In Sunday's game, the New England Patriots became the first team in Super Bowl history to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit of 10-plus points, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24. The Patriots took the lead on a three-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Danny Amendola with 2:02 left in the game and sealed the win with Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson with around 20 seconds remaining.
Super Bowl XLIX also recorded a 47.5 rating and a 71 share, making it the highest-rated Super Bowl since 1986 and the fourth-highest rated Super Bowl in history.
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It was also the ninth-highest rated program in television history.
Viewership peaked at 120.8 million viewers during Brady's game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
According to ESPN's Darren Rovell, viewership increased by 2.1 million from the second quarter to the halftime show, which was headlined by Katy Perry.
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The Patriots' victory gave them their fourth Super Bowl title. The Seahawks were attempting to become the first team to repeat as NFL champions since the Patriots in 2003-04.
- Ben Estes
