Simone Biles' triumphant performance in the women's gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics has captivated viewers, leading to record-breaking audience numbers for NBC. The live broadcast of the event, which aired during daytime hours on Tuesday, drew an average of 12.7 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. This impressive figure makes it one of the network's most-watched weekday daytime Olympic events in history.
The gold medal-winning performance by Team USA generated more live viewers than any single game of the 2024 NBA Finals or the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. The event's popularity extended beyond the live broadcast, with later replays during primetime contributing to a total audience of 34.7 million viewers throughout the day.
This surge in viewership underscores the enduring appeal of Simone Biles, who continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her athleticism and achievements. The event's timing, coinciding with the daytime hours in the US, also contributed to the heightened interest. Compared to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which took place in a time zone significantly different from the US, the Paris Olympics, with its six-hour time difference from the East Coast, has proven to be more convenient for American viewers.
The Paris Olympics have already surpassed Tokyo in viewership, with NBC's five-day total audience average increasing by a staggering 79% compared to the 2021 Games. This trend suggests that the Games are resonating with audiences in a way that hasn't been seen in recent years, with Simone Biles' historic performance playing a significant role in this surge.
The success of the women's gymnastics team final serves as a powerful testament to the captivating nature of the sport and the enduring influence of athletes like Simone Biles. As the Games continue, the anticipation for more compelling performances and record-breaking viewership numbers only grows stronger.
