Kentucky Derby becomes most-watched sporting event since the Super Bowl
The 2023 Kentucky Derby was the most-watched sporting event and second-most-watched show since last February’s Super Bowl LVII, drawing an average of 14.8 million viewers on Saturday.
per one NBC sports Press Release The channel’s reach peaked at 16.6 million viewers when Mage crossed the finish line as the winner. It is the 14th consecutive year that the Run for the Roses has had more than 14.5 million viewers, excluding the 2020 event, which took place in September due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
peacock saw a 50% increase in viewership year-over-year, making the 2023 Kentucky Derby the most-streamed horse race of all time.
Notably, the 2023 Kentucky Derby still fell far short of Super Bowl LVII’s viewership — as did every sporting event and TV show. 115.1 million tuned in to see the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. Collectively, more fans watched this year’s Super Bowl than any other broadcast in US television history.
Based on the game coming to the wire, you’d normally assume that’s where viewership peaked. However, Super Bowl LVII had a pop icon in Rihanna who stole the show.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show had 118.7 million viewers in front of their TVs. It’s no surprise that their 12-song, 13-minute medley received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Rihanna’s performance in 2015 was surpassed only by Katy Perry’s viewership.
Mage wins the 2023 Kentucky Derby in a thrilling finish
After an exciting race in the 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby, Mage won the day as a 15-1 pick. Following last year’s thrilling Rich Strike victory, the Derby provided another memorable moment as sports fans around the world watched as the final stage ended as Mage Two passed Phil – while Angel of Empire moved out of the field into third place . Mage won the race, Two Phil was second and race favorite Angel of Empire was third.
Coming into the legendary race, odds favorite Forte was scratched on Saturday morning – opening up the field even more. The Derby field was reduced to just 18 competitors by race time.
Tapit Trace and Angel of Empire entered the race without a forte and were expected favorites. Angel of Empire moved to the favorite spot about an hour before the post. Meanwhile, Tapit Trace slipped slightly to second place. At the back of the race, the favorites sat in the last and penultimate places.