For the second year running, NBC has set a new viewership record for the Kentucky Derby, proving once again that the "Run for the Roses" is as captivating as ever.
According to preliminary data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics released Sunday, a staggering 19.6 million viewers tuned in for the race portion of the 152nd Kentucky Derby. That marks a 12% increase over last year's race, which averaged 17.7 million viewers for Sovereignty's win and was already the most-watched Derby since 1989. This year's numbers officially make it the most-watched Derby on record.
The race itself delivered edge-of-your-seat drama. Golden Tempo's unbelievable kick to win by a nose over the morning-line favorite Renegade peaked at 24.4 million viewers in the 7 p.m. ET quarter-hour when the race took place. That peak audience also jumped 12% compared to last year, when 21.8 million viewers tuned in for the same critical quarter-hour.
It's worth noting that this is the first Kentucky Derby measured using Nielsen's new Big Data + Panel methodology, and only the second to incorporate Nielsen's expanded out-of-home viewing sample. Both changes have generally boosted viewership figures for live sports compared to previous years. In fact, the 1989 Kentucky Derby—which averaged 18.5 million viewers—would likely have surpassed this year's audience if measured with modern standards.
Other recent editions might have also come close to Saturday's numbers under similar conditions, though it's hard to say if any would have topped this year's total. For example, Maximum Security's infamous rescinded win in 2019 averaged 16.5 million viewers before out-of-home viewing was included. Several other Derby audiences since 2010 have also exceeded 16 million viewers.
Given what we know about out-of-home viewing, it's no surprise the Kentucky Derby—a prime early-evening weekend event perfect for large gatherings or passive viewing at bars and restaurants—is uniquely positioned to benefit from these expanded measurements. Whether you're watching from the comfort of your living room or surrounded by friends at a watch party, the Derby continues to be a must-watch sporting spectacle.