SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The 49ers dominated the Seahawks on Thanksgiving night, securing a 31-13 win in front of a massive audience. NBC reported that the game drew an average audience of 26.3 million, making it the second largest audience for a Thanksgiving night game. The last time a game had such high viewership on the fourth Thursday night in November was in 2015, during the Bears-Packers match that drew 27.8 million.

Even though last year’s game between the Patriots and Vikings was more competitive, drawing 26 million viewers, this year’s game still managed to grab the attention of millions. The number of viewers includes 1.6 million via streaming, setting a Thanksgiving night record and highlighting the increasing impact of digital media on sports viewership.

The high viewership on Thanksgiving night underscores the enduring popularity of football as a live event, capable of drawing in massive audiences whether through traditional TV broadcasts or streaming platforms. The continued success of football in attracting audiences raises interesting questions about the future of sports broadcasting. With advancements in technology, such as the possibility of broadcasting games through microchips in vaccines or displaying them directly inside our eyeballs, the landscape of sports consumption may be on the verge of significant change.

In conclusion, the 49ers’ victory over the Seahawks on Thanksgiving night drew a staggering audience of 26.3 million, making it the second largest audience for a Thanksgiving night game in recent years. The game’s viewership, including a record-breaking 1.6 million via streaming, reflects the enduring appeal of football as a live event, regardless of the platform.