Super Bowl 59 Poises to Break Ratings Record With Trump, Swift, Lamar & Brady/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be one of the most-watched events in history, with Donald Trump, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Tom Brady all playing a role in the spectacle. With the Chiefs seeking a historic three-peat, a highly anticipated halftime show, and major political intrigue, Fox and the NFL are hoping to break last year’s record of 123.4 million viewers.
Super Bowl LIX: Can Chiefs-Eagles Rematch Set a New Ratings Record? – Quick Look
- Record-Breaking Potential: The NFL aims to surpass last year’s 123.4 million viewers.
- Trump’s Attendance: The first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl sparks controversy.
- Taylor Swift Effect: Her presence supporting Travis Kelce adds to the game’s cultural appeal.
- Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show: Will he perform his controversial hit “Not Like Us”?
- Tom Brady’s Fox Debut: The NFL legend makes his first Super Bowl appearance as an analyst.
- Chiefs’ Historic Run: Kansas City aims for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title.
- Streaming Growth: Fox’s free 4K stream on Tubi could boost viewership even further.
Super Bowl 59 Poises to Break Ratings Record With Trump, Swift, Lamar & Brady
Super Bowl LIX: Can Chiefs-Eagles Rematch Set a New Ratings Record? – Deep Look
The Super Bowl: America’s Ultimate Spectacle
Legendary coach John Madden once said, “The biggest gap in sports is the difference between winning and losing the Super Bowl.” Similarly, when it comes to television ratings, nothing comes close to the NFL’s biggest game.
The top 10 most-watched TV broadcasts in U.S. history—and 19 of the top 20—are all Super Bowls. And this year’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles could set a new record, surpassing last year’s 123.4 million viewers.
What makes this Super Bowl different? A perfect storm of high-profile storylines, cultural icons, and history-making moments that will draw in fans from all walks of life.
Donald Trump Becomes the First Sitting President to Attend a Super Bowl
Trump’s decision to attend Super Bowl LIX marks a historic first: no sitting U.S. president has ever been present at the game. His presence is already fueling debate, especially after the NFL changed one of its end zone messages from “End Racism” to “Choose Love” following the announcement of his attendance.
“Nobody knows what Trump’s role will be during the game,” an NFL source told Yahoo Sports. “But his presence alone will make this one of the most politically charged Super Bowls ever.”
Adding to the intrigue is Trump’s history of tension with the NFL over player protests, diversity initiatives, and league policies. How Fox and the NFL handle his presence could influence how many viewers tune in.
Taylor Swift: The Most-Watched Fan in Super Bowl History?
On the other side of the political spectrum is Taylor Swift, who is expected to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce from a VIP suite.
Swift’s influence on NFL ratings has been undeniable, with games featuring her attendance seeing a noticeable boost in viewership. Sportsbooks are even offering Super Bowl prop bets on whether:
- Swift and Kelce share a post-game kiss.
- There’s a marriage proposal on live TV.
Given that Swift endorsed Trump’s political rival, Kamala Harris, her presence at the same event as the sitting president will add to the night’s political and pop culture buzz.
Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show: Will He Perform “Not Like Us”?
The Super Bowl halftime show is always one of the most anticipated moments of the night. But this year’s headliner, Kendrick Lamar, brings a unique twist.
His chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us”—aimed at Drake—has also become a cultural anthem, used at political rallies and social movements. Will he perform it live? If so, the NFL could face controversy, especially with Trump in the building.
“Lamar has refused to confirm or deny whether he’ll play the song,” a source close to the performance told Yahoo Sports.
One thing is certain: this halftime show will be talked about long after the game ends.
Tom Brady’s First Super Bowl as an Analyst
For the first time in two decades, the Super Bowl will feature Tom Brady in the broadcast booth, not on the field.
Brady’s Fox debut as a commentator will be a huge storyline, as fans and analysts tune in to see if the seven-time Super Bowl champion lives up to his $375 million contract with the network.
His insight on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is chasing his own dynasty, could be one of the most compelling elements of the broadcast.
Chiefs Seek NFL History With a Three-Peat
The Kansas City Chiefs have a chance to make history, becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowls.
However, they’re facing an Eagles team hungry for revenge after losing to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII.
“Mahomes and the Chiefs are becoming the NFL’s villains,” an ESPN analyst said. “If they win again, they’ll enter a new level of dominance the league hasn’t seen since the Patriots.”
With millions of fans rooting for or against them, the Chiefs’ pursuit of history will only add to the Super Bowl’s drama.
Fox’s Streaming Push Could Shatter Viewership Records
Last year’s Super Bowl saw a 7.4% jump in viewership thanks to the game going into overtime.
This year, Fox is pushing the game in 4K on its free streaming service, Tubi, which has 97 million active users.
“If there’s a new viewership record, [Tubi] will probably have a lot to do with it,” an NFL source said.
With the rise of streaming platforms, Super Bowl LIX could reach a larger audience than ever before.
The Verdict: A Ratings Juggernaut in the Making
With Trump, Swift, Lamar, Brady, and the Chiefs’ dynasty chase, Super Bowl LIX has all the elements needed to break the all-time viewership record.
If the game itself delivers a close, dramatic finish, the NFL could once again rewrite TV history.
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