Highest-rated Super Bowls

By Newsday.comJanuary 31, 2017

Whether you tune in for the football, commercials or halftime show, the Super Bowl offers something for everyone. That's why it often breaks its own TV ratings records. These are the highest-rated Super Bowl games ever, ranked by the average number of American homes to watch each game.

Super Bowl XLVII

Credit: AP

Feb. 3, 2013
Result: Ravens 34, 49ers 31
Average number of American homes: 46.3 percent
Network: CBS

Super Bowl XIV

Credit: AP, 1980

Jan. 20, 1980
Result: Steelers 31, Rams 19
Average number of American homes: 46.3 percent
Network: CBS

Super Bowl XIX

Credit: AP, 1985

Jan. 20, 1985
Result: 49ers 38, Dolphins 16
Average number of American homes: 46.4 percent
Network: ABC

Super Bowl XVIII

Credit: AP, 1984

Jan. 24, 1984
Result: Raiders 38, Redskins 9
Average number of American homes: 46.4 percent
Network: CBS

Super Bowl XLVIII

Credit: Getty

Feb. 2, 2014
Result: Seahawks 43, Broncos 9
Average number of American homes: 46.4 percent
Network: Fox

Super Bowl 50

Credit: Getty Images / Ronald Martinez

Feb. 7, 2016
Result: Broncos 24, Panthers 10
Average number of American homes: 46.6 percent
Network: CBS

Super Bowl XLVI

Credit: AP, 2012

Feb. 5, 2012
Result: Giants 21, Patriots 17
Average number of American homes: 47.1 percent
Network: NBC

Super Bowl XIII

Credit: AP, 1979

Jan. 21, 1979
Result: Steelers 35, Cowboys 31
Average number of American homes: 47.1 percent
Network: NBC

Super Bowl XII

Credit: AP, 1978

Jan. 15, 1978
Result: Cowboys 27, Broncos 10
Average number of American homes: 47.2 percent
Network: CBS

Super Bowl XX

Credit: AP, 1986

Jan. 26, 1986
Result: Bears 46, Patriots 10
Average number of American homes: 48.3 percent
Network: NBC

Super Bowl XVII

Credit: AP, 1983

Jan. 30, 1983
Result: Redskins 27, Dolphins 17
Average number of American homes: 48.6 percent
Network: NBC

Super Bowl XVI

Credit: AP, 1982

Jan. 24, 1982
Result: 49ers 26, Bengals 21
Average number of American homes: 49.1 percent
Network: CBS |

Super Bowl XLIX

Credit: Getty Images / Harry How

Feb. 1, 2015
Result: Patriots 28, Seahawks 24
Average number of American homes: 49.7 percent
Network: NBC

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A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost,Kendall Rodriguez, Alejandra Villa Loarca, Howard Schnapp, Newsday file; Anthony Florio. Photo credit: Newsday Photo: John Conrad Williams Jr., Newsday Graphic: Andrew Wong

'A spark for them to escalate the fighting' A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report.

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