Cowboys Rule NFL’s Most Viewed Regular Season Games, Captures TV Audience Six Times”

The NFL has dominated television ratings for decades, with regular season games often becoming cultural events. Some of these games have drawn audiences of over 40 million viewers, surpassing other major sports events such as the NBA Finals.

At the top of the most-watched NFL regular season games list is the 2022 Thanksgiving Day game where the Dallas Cowboys went up against the New York Giants. This game attracted a record-breaking 42.1 million viewers. The same day, all three Thanksgiving games combined brought in 138 million viewers, emphasizing how football has become synonymous with this holiday.

Another highly viewed game was the 1990 face-off between the Giants and the 49ers on Monday Night Football. This game reeled in 41.5 million viewers, showcasing the hold both teams had in the NFC at the time. The Giants emerged victorious with a 7-3 win, setting them on their path to a Super Bowl title.

The Dallas Cowboys in particular have a strong record in attracting television audiences. The team’s games consistently bring in high viewing figures, whether it’s due to their intense rivalries with NFC East teams or the events that have now become associated with the franchise. Seven of the top ten most-watched NFL regular season games have featured the Cowboys, cementing their place as “America’s Team”.

Adding to the top ten list is the 1985 game where the Dolphins handed the Bears their only loss of the season, which attracted 39 million viewers. More recently, the 2024 Thanksgiving games saw the Cowboys again leading with 38.5 million viewers against the Giants. The game between the Lions and the Bears brought in a slightly lower number at 37.4 million.

The NFL’s hold on television remains unparalleled. The league’s dominance proves that football is more than just a game – it’s a national event.