The NFL season opened on a strong note for NBC.
NBC drew a 12.8/22 final rating and 20.9 million viewers for Thursday night’s Titans/Steelers season opener, up 49% and 55%, respectively, from last year’s Washington/Giants game (8.6/15 and 13.5 million), and up 11% and 18% from Saints/Colts in ’07 (11.5/20 and 17.8 million).
This marks the most-viewed NFL Kickoff Game ever, and the highest rated since ’03 (12.9/22, Jets/Washington). Additionally, Thursday’s game ranks as the most-viewed sporting event since the Super Bowl in February, and the 13th most-viewed sporting event of ’09.
The NFL Kickoff Show, featuring musical performances by Tim McGraw and the Black Eyed Peas, drew a 5.8/11 final rating and 9.2 million viewers.
Ratings and viewership for the NFL Kickoff Game since ’02
Ratings and shares presented for games on broadcast; U.S. rating and cable rating (in parentheses) presented for games on cable
| Year | Date | Game | Net | Rating | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Thu., 9/10/09 | Titans/Steelers | NBC | ||
| 2008 | Thu., 9/4/08 | Washington/Giants | NBC | ||
| 2007 | Thu., 9/6/07 | Saints/Colts | NBC | ||
| 2006 | Thu., 9/7/06 | Dolphins/Steelers | NBC | ||
| 2005 | Thu., 9/8/05 | Raiders/Patriots | ABC | ||
| 2004 | Thu., 9/9/04 | Colts/Patriots | ABC | ||
| 2003 | Thu., 9/4/03 | Jets/Washington | ABC | ||
| 2002 | Thu., 9/5/02 | 49ers/Giants | ESPN |
