NFL Super Bowl 49 sets US television viewership record

New York, Feb 3 (IANS)

New England Patriots' dramatic victory over Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 49 set a new US television viewership record by attracting 114.4 million viewers, telecaster NBC said. The Patriots' 28-24 triumph over the Seahawks in the National Football League's championship spectacle Sunday lured 2.2 million more viewers than the previous record holder, the telecast of last year's Super Bowl when Seattle routed Denver Broncos, reports Xinhua.

"Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl ranks among the most exciting sporting events in US history," NBC Sports group chairman Mark Lazarus said Monday.

The Patriots rallied from a 14-24 deficit with two fourth-quarter touchdowns and denied Seattle from the one-yard line in the dying seconds to capture the crown.

Seven of the eight most watched shows in US history are Super Bowl telecasts, with the past six NFL title games filling the top six spots ahead of the only scripted programme, the 1983 final episode of the TV series M.A.S.H., which attracted a US audience of 106 million people.

Viewership peaked at 120.8 million during the fourth quarter, when Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Tom Brady completed 13-for-15 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns to rally New England to victory.

Singer Katy Perry's half-time show was watched by 118.5 million viewers.