Golden Globes bounce back: Sunday’s telecast draws 10.1 million viewers
The 81st Golden Globe Awards telecast on Sunday night saw a significant rebound in viewership, drawing an average of 10.1 million viewers, according to early Nielsen data. This marks a substantial increase compared to last year’s much smaller audience of 6.3 million, broadcast on NBC and Peacock. This year’s ceremony aired on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, marking a return to a more traditional broadcast model and seemingly contributing to the viewership boost.
The 10.1 million figure represents the largest Golden Globes audience since 2020, pre-pandemic, when the show drew nearly 19 million viewers. While still below those heights, the upward trend suggests a renewed interest in the awards show after several years of declining ratings and controversies.
The jump in viewership can be attributed to several factors. The move to CBS, a major broadcast network with wider reach than last year’s combination of NBC and Peacock, undoubtedly played a key role. The availability of the ceremony on Paramount+ also provided an alternative viewing option for cord-cutters and streaming-savvy audiences.
The ceremony itself also contributed to the increased interest. Comedian Jo Koy hosted the event, bringing a lighter tone and attempting to inject some much-needed humor after previous years’ controversies surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization behind the awards. While Koy’s performance received mixed reviews, the overall focus on celebrating film and television seemed to resonate with viewers.
The nominees and winners also played a part in drawing viewers. High-profile nominees and winners across both film and television categories, including popular shows like “Succession” and “The Bear,” and blockbuster films like “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” likely attracted a wider audience. The presence of major stars at the event also added to the appeal.
The Golden Globes have faced significant challenges in recent years, including criticism regarding the HFPA’s lack of diversity and ethical concerns. These controversies led to a boycott by many in Hollywood and a significant drop in viewership. However, with the HFPA dissolving and the Golden Globes now operating under new ownership with Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries, efforts have been made to address these issues and restore the awards’ reputation.
This year’s improved viewership figures suggest that these efforts are beginning to pay off. While the Golden Globes still have work to do to fully regain the trust of the industry and the public, the increased audience demonstrates a renewed interest in the awards show and its role in the entertainment landscape.
The success of this year’s telecast provides a positive sign for other awards shows as well, which have also seen declining viewership in recent years. The Golden Globes’ rebound suggests that there is still an appetite for these events, particularly when they feature high-profile nominees and winners and are presented in a compelling way.