TheMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradejust gobbled up its biggest audience ever, proving once again that giant inflatable turkeys, enormous Pokémon and Broadway lip-syncing are still a recipe for holiday success. After all, given the history of the holiday, isn’t that what we all saw it becoming? History right in front of our eyes.According to NBC, a staggering31.3 million viewerstuned in across NBCand Peacock, setting a new cross-platform record and beating last year’s previous high of 28.5 million. Apparently, more people would rather watch Snoopy fly through Manhattan than suffer through their cousin’s questionable casserole, this writer included.
The parade’s live morning broadcast from 8:30 a.m. to noonraked in23.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched entertainment event (non-sports, non-news) since the 2020 Oscars. In case you’re wondering, yes, that means more people cared about seeing Pikachu wave at the crowd than whatever happened at this year’s Emmys. Vibes, to be quite honest with you fine folks. Even Peacock saw a 26% boost in streaming hours, but as usual, NBC didn’t drop any specifics. “Trust us, bro” energy for that one. The parade also crushed it in the coveted 18-49 demographic with a5.4 rating(roughly 7.24 million people), the highest entertainment broadcast score sinceNew Year’s Rockin’ Evein 2021.
NBC is Counting Their Thanksgiving Winnings
“TheMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradeis a tradition like no other,” saidJen Neal, NBCU’s executive VP of live events and specials, while probably patting herself on the back and counting her bonus. “Year after year, it’s the best way to kick off the holiday season, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.” Executive producerWill Crosschimed in, calling it “a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season.” Translation: “We own Thanksgiving morning. See you next year.”
The holiday ratings feast didn’t stop with balloons. Following the parade, NBC’sNational Dog Showsniffed out12.2 million viewers, which also marked a four-year-high. Meanwhile, football remained the MVP of the day, with Fox’s Dallas Cowboys vs. The New York Giants game drew38.5 million viewers, despite both teams under-performing this season, and neither team havingTaylor Swiftdate one of their players. Over on NBC, the primetime Packers vs. Dolphins matchup pulled in26.6 million viewers.
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