A successful run in the ratings for the NFL on FOX concluded with a double-digit increase in Week 17.
Sunday’s NFL national window on FOX (mostly Eagles/Cowboys) drew a 15.2/26 final rating and 26.5 million viewers, up 23% and 27%, respectively, from a 12.2/24 and 20.8 million for last year’s Week 17 national window (mostly Cowboys/Eagles, FOX).
The Week 17 national window stands as the 6th-highest rated and 6th-most viewed NFL telecast of the season.
The telecast was the 6th of the season on FOX to top 25 million viewers. By comparison, only 1 game on FOX drew at least 25 million last season. Overall, at least 9 NFL telecasts drew over 25 million viewers during the ’09 season (numbers for CBS’ Week 17 telecasts were not available), up from just 3 telecasts last year.
Earlier Sunday, FOX drew a 9.6/19 and 15.6 million viewers for regional action featuring Giants/Vikings — a 13% increase in ratings over last year’s 8.5/16.
For the season, FOX averaged an 11.4/23 rating and 19.1 million viewers for NFL coverage, up 9% in ratings and 12% in viewership from last year (10.5, 17.0 mil), and up 7% and 12%, respectively, from 2007 (10.7, 17.1 mil).
This marks the most-viewed NFL season ever on FOX, topping the previous record of 18.2 million set in ’95. Additionally, this stands as the highest-rated NFL season on FOX since ’95.
The 9 national windows on FOX averaged a 15.5/28 rating and 26.2 million viewers, up 13% and 18%, respectively, from last year (13.7, 22.3 mil), and a new record.
