CBS's telecast of the 77th Emmy Awards on Sunday night captivated an impressive 7.4 million viewers. This notable figure represents an 8% increase from last year’s ceremony, which attracted 6.9 million viewers on ABC in September 2024. The viewership for this year's Emmy Awards marks the highest ratings since 2021, showcasing CBS's successful return to hosting the prestigious event.
CBS has two significant reasons to celebrate this year. Firstly, the 77th Emmy Awards achieved the same viewership peak of 7.4 million as recorded in 2021, which was the last time the Emmys aired on CBS. In the intervening years, networks such as NBC, Fox, and ABC failed to surpass this number, further solidifying CBS’s status as the preferred broadcaster for this iconic awards show.
This year’s impressive viewer total was derived from Nielsen’s comprehensive measurement of both linear viewers on CBS and live streaming on Paramount+. Since the last time CBS hosted the Emmys, Paramount+ has experienced substantial growth, with live streaming views witnessing a remarkable 76% increase compared to 2021. This surge in digital viewership reflects the changing landscape of television consumption and highlights CBS’s strategic move to enhance its online presence.
While the Emmy Awards were a major draw on Sunday night, the biggest competitor for viewership was NBC’s airing of the NFL game featuring the Atlanta Falcons against the Minnesota Vikings. However, it’s important to note that a September football game does not pose as fierce a competition as the January playoff games. The 75th Emmys, which aired in January 2024 after being postponed from their original September 2023 date due to Hollywood strikes, recorded a dismal low in viewership. The drastic 54% increase in ratings for this year's Emmy ceremony, occurring just eight months later, underscores the event's resurgence in popularity.
The success of the 77th Emmy Awards on CBS not only reflects the network’s ability to attract a significant audience but also signals a renewed interest in televised awards shows. With an increase in both traditional and streaming viewership, CBS is poised to continue its legacy as a leading broadcaster for major entertainment events.
