Getting millions or even billions of people worldwide to do the same thing simultaneously cannot be underestimated. However, a special event occurs every once in a while that demands a large percentage of the world’s population to pay attention. Some of the most-watched television events attracted staggering numbers of diverse viewers.
The most-watched TV event list is dominated by the biggest sporting events in the world, such as the World Cup and the Olympics. Here is a glimpse of some of the most-watched events in history.
Which is the most viewed television event?
From concerts, charity events, and weddings to legendary matches, these are the most-watched television events ever:
1. Queen Elizabeth II Funeral (5.1 billion viewers)
As of 2023, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is the most-watched TV event in the world. Held on September 19 2022, it was the first British monarch service to be broadcast on television.
2. Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service (2.5 billion viewers)
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, goes on record as the most-awarded artist in history. With such popularity, it is no wonder his memorial service would be among the most-watched TV events worldwide. The singer died of acute propofol intoxication on June 25, 2009, in California, at 50.
3. 1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony (3.6 billion viewers)
On July 19, 1996, a retired, aged and almost disabled Muhammad Ali appeared on Centennial Olympic Stadium’s main stage to light the Olympic torch that officially started the games.
4. Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2008 (3 billion viewers)
It was no coincidence that this event happened on August 8, 2008, as the number 8 is considered the lucky number in China. On this day, the Chinese changed the weather by making the clouds outside the Beijing National Stadium disappear to ensure it did not rain.
5. Funeral of Lady Diana (2 billion viewers)
Lady Diana died on August 31 1997, after her intoxicated driver smashed her limousine into a tunnel. Her funeral attracted one of the largest recorded viewerships, a testament to her legacy that continues to reveal itself through her son, Prince Harry.
6. Muhammad Ali vs Larry Holmes: The Last Hurrah (2 billion viewers)
Despite his retirement in June 1979, Ali agreed to fight with Larry Holmes, the WBC Heavyweight Champion in Las Vegas; hence, the match was dubbed “The Last Hurrah".
7. Muhammad Ali vs Leon Spinks II (2 billion viewers)
Muhammad Ali holds the record for the most viewed broadcasts based on an individual. His fight against Leon Spinks II was aired on September 15, 1978. The Louisiana Superdome rematch cost ABC a fortune to broadcast, recorded an attendance of over 60,000 people, and delivered a 2 billion global viewership.
8. Live 8 (2 billion viewers)
To raise funds to end global poverty, the G8 countries and South Africa performed simultaneous concerts on July 2, 2005. Ten concerts took place that day, with performances from Madonna, Chris Martin, Paul McCartney, and Will Smith.
9. Live Aid (1.9 billion viewers)
Arguably one of the most watched events in history, Live Aid took place in July 1985 to raise funds for a famine-stricken Ethiopia.
10. Antonio Inoki vs Muhammad Ali (1.4 billion viewers)
This match took place in Tokyo on June 26, 1976, after Muhammad won over Richard Dunn, which resulted in him winning the WBC/WBA heavyweight championship.
11. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding (1.9 billion viewers)
Unlike most royal weddings held on weekdays, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding was held on a weekend. This resulted in a large viewership, with 1.9 billion people tuned in to watch the event.
12. Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks (1.1 billion viewers)
Every year on December 31, hundreds of millions of viewers tune in to watch stunning firework displays in front of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
13. World Cup Final, France vs Croatia (1 billion viewers)
On July 15, 2018, Croatia attempted to beat France in their first World Cup Final appearance. In the end, France beat Croatia 4-2. However, Luka Modric, the Croatian captain, was awarded the Golden Ball award for his exemplary performance.
14. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite (1 billion viewers)
This concert was broadcast from the Honolulu International Centre and starred the renowned singer Elvis Presley. After a seven-year musical hiatus to focus on his acting career, Elvis made a comeback through a live concert.
15. Chilean Miners Rescue (1 billion viewers)
On August 5 2010, 2,300 feet underground in the Chilean Copiapo goldmine collapsed, trapping 33 miners. After nearly two months, on October 13, the miners were rescued from the ground as a billion people watched the 23-hour rescue event on TV.
16. The Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer (1 billion viewers)
This event occurred on July 29, 1981, when Lady Diana was transformed from a nursery teacher to the Princess of Wales and the mother of the future King of England, Prince Harry.
17. World Cup Final, Spain vs Netherlands in 2010 (1 billion viewers)
Spain won their first and only World Cup during this game. On the other hand, the Netherlands garnered nine yellow cards and a red card, making it the tournament’s dirtiest game.
18. ICC Cricket World Cup, India vs Pakistan (1 billion viewers)
On February 15, 2015, the entire cricketing community tuned in to watch the semi-final between Pakistan and India.
19. Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman (1 billion viewers)
Held in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this boxing event is regarded as one of the greatest sporting events in history. This match generated over $100 million in revenue and attracted 60,000 attendees.
20. Apollo 11 Moon Landing (600 million viewers)
This event closes the list of the most-watched TV event in the world. On July 20, 1969, 600 million people tuned in to see Neil Armstrong making his first steps on the moon.
This article has everything you need to know about the most-watched television events in the world. Unsurprisingly, these events made it to this list as they drew billions of spectators worldwide.
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