The initial figures were impressive, but the final tally surpassed expectations.

First estimated at 126 million viewers for Super Bowl LIX, which featured a showdown between the Chiefs and the Eagles, the total audience swelled to 127.7 million.

This marks a three-percent increase over last year’s previous record of 123.7 million viewers.

The halftime performance, headlined by Kendrick Lamar and featuring special appearances, including Samuel L. Jackson, reached an all-time high of 133.5 million viewers.

The viewing numbers received a significant boost thanks to the new Nielsen methodology for tracking out-of-home viewership, which has expanded to cover 48 contiguous states, increasing the measurement from 65 percent of the U.S. population.

The next Super Bowl that features a competitive game could surpass the 2025 viewing figures. The audience peaked during the second quarter, reaching 137.7 million. Had the game remained close in the second half, the final average could have easily exceeded 130 million.

It’s puzzling to consider what the remaining 200 million residents in the U.S. are doing instead of tuning into the Super Bowl. While the league focuses on broadening its global audience, there is still ample opportunity to engage domestic viewers.