Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Shatters Viewership Records

A record number of Americans tuned in for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 99th annual event drew its largest audience ever. Viewership numbers soared across both television and streaming platforms.

NBCUniversal confirmed the historic ratings on Friday. Preliminary Nielsen data showed a massive combined audience. The event’s popularity continues to grow significantly year over year.

Streaming Surge Fuels Unprecedented Numbers

The parade attracted 34.3 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. This marks an 8 percent increase from the previous year. It outperformed last year’s broadcast by 2.5 million people.

According to Reuters, the original NBC broadcast alone averaged 25.4 million viewers. This made it the most-watched entertainment telecast in nearly seven years. The data highlights a strong resurgence in live event viewing.

Broader Programming Sees Holiday Boost

The parade’s success boosted other Thanksgiving programming. The National Dog Show also saw increased viewership. It averaged 12.8 million viewers, a 4 percent rise.

Late-night shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers recorded their biggest audiences since September. The overall holiday lineup demonstrated strong audience engagement. The cultural tradition remains a powerful draw for families.

The record-breaking Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ratings confirm the event’s enduring place in American holiday culture. This historic viewership sets a high bar for next year’s landmark 100th parade. The tradition continues to unite millions nationwide.

Thought you’d like to know

How many people watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The parade reached 34.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. This set a new all-time viewership record. It was an 8 percent increase from the previous year.

What contributed to the record viewership?

The growth of the Peacock streaming service played a key role. It has gained about 5 million more subscribers over the past year. The combination of broadcast and streaming expanded the total audience.

Who hosted the NBC broadcast?

Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker returned as hosts. Their coverage featured floats, giant balloons, and marching bands. The broadcast also included performances from top musical artists.

How did other Thanksgiving shows perform?

*The National Dog Show* attracted 12.8 million viewers. This was a 4 percent increase from last year. Late-night talk shows also saw significant audience bumps.

Why are these ratings significant?

They represent the most-watched entertainment telecast in nearly seven years. The numbers show the enduring power of major live events. It signals strong viewer interest in shared cultural experiences.