10 of the Most Watched Television Events in History

Author: Matt Gilligan / Source: did you know?

For most of us, television is part of our daily lives. We grew up glued to the tube (for better or worse), and it’s shaped our lives in many ways.

No doubt we also remember those iconic events that were broadcast on television and helped shape us as culture.

Here are 10 of the most watched television events of all time.

How many of these did you see on your TV?

10. John F. Kennedy’s Funeral – 1963

Kennedy’s assassination rocked the nation to its core, so it’s not surprising that an estimated 180 million people tuned in to watch his televised funeral. Approximately 93% of American families with a TV were all gathered in front of it at that exact moment.

9. Prince William And Catherine Middleton’s Wedding – 2011

We all know how obsessed the world seems to be with the Royal Family, so when one of them ties the knot, you know millions of people are going to be in attendance (okay, from their couches, but still). Hundreds of millions of people around the globe watched the wedding, including millions who streamed the event on YouTube.

8. Cricket World Cup Semi-Final (India vs. Pakistan) – 2011

Although cricket is almost nonexistent in the U.S., it’s one of the most popular sports around the world, and the numbers don’t lie. This particular match took place in India and an estimated 400 million people watched India defeat Pakistan.