Super Bowl XLV - The Most Watched Show in History

Believe it or not, this year's Super Bowl was the most watched show in television history. It beat out the long standing record held by "M*A*S*H" since 1983, and other amazing TV milestones.

The Houston Chronicle reported that "Sunday’s game between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington was viewed by an average audience of 111 million viewers, according to the Nielsen Co. That broke the record of 106.5 million set by last year’s New Orleans-Indianapolis game, which unseated the longtime record-holder, the final episode of M*A*S*H."

While the half-time show with the Black Eyed Peas was widely panned, it also was a ratings success compared to year's past, beating out performances by Bruce Springsteen, The Who and Tom Petty.

So why was this game so important versus other games, where bigger cities were involved? The Packers are from Green Bay and are supposed to have a small following compared to teams from cities like New York or Chicago, whioe the Steelers are in a decidedly mid-market city.

No one really has any answers, though the Chronicle is willing to hazard a guess.

"For the second year in a row, a combination of bad weather, unmatched marketing prowess, and the unquestioned status of the NFL as the nation’s most popular spectator sport boosted Sunday’s Super Bowl to a record television audience."

Ahhh, bad weather. That’s the answer! Who wants to go outside in rain or snow when you can park your buns on the couch, have pizza delivered and watch TV? Not 111 million people in the US anyway!