The NFL on CBS concluded its season over a week ago, but the network is no doubt still beaming over the strong numbers generated by its regular season and postseason coverage.
CBS averaged a 22.3 rating and 40.291 million viewers for coverage of the 2011 NFL postseason (four telecasts), up 11% in ratings and 14% in viewership from last year (20.1, 35.207M).
This marks the highest average rating for coverage of the AFC Playoffs since the 1995-96 season (22.6, NBC), and the highest average viewership on record (dates back to 1987-88).
Keep in mind this includes only the AFC games that air on the AFC rightsholder. Each year, one AFC Wild Card game airs on the NFL’s primetime broadcast partner (NBC since 2006-07, ABC previously).
Overall, CBS averaged a 12.6 and 21.564 million for the regular season and postseason combined, up 9% and 10%, respectively, from last year (11.6, 19.535M).
The 12.6 average rating is the highest since the 1994-95 season (13.9, NBC).
Generally, networks do not release their averages for regular season and postseason coverage combined, so comparable numbers for NBC and FOX are not available.
