# What is the most watched (TV) olympic sport in america? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 15, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062 "2008-08-15T03:07:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/1 "2008-08-15T03:07:17Z")
My GF thinks its gymnastics and there is no way I could believe that. In the US what is the most watched event on tv? What about other countries? ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/2 "2008-08-15T03:09:22Z")
There’s a huge gap between what I want to watch, and what’s on when I have time to watch. Gymnastics seems to be on almost always, when I have time, so I’d believe it’s the most watched. Apparently, table tennis is the least-watched, along with water polo and horse sports. Never on when I can watch. (Yes, I know there’s streaming video somewhere.) ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/3 "2008-08-15T03:32:19Z")
This time around, anything that Michael Phelps is in. ---
**Author:** ![ntcrawler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/34f0e0/32.png) [@ntcrawler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ntcrawler)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/4 "2008-08-15T03:39:52Z")
women’s gymnastics, especially if there are any cute, young puppy-hugging competitors, women’s ice skating, basketball (the more NBA all-stars playing the more likely to receive on-air time), and swimming. Personally, there is a huge gap between what is being shown and what I actually want to see. i’m actually a huge fan of handball, weightlifting, cycling, curling, sailing, and tennis. But good luck seeing those on NBC. ---
**Author:** ![Gregor\_Samsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a6a055/32.png) [@Gregor\_Samsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gregor_Samsa)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/5 "2008-08-15T03:39:56Z")
Not sure about the US, but for Canada I’d have to say hockey (winter Olympics, obviously). Other countries, maybe soccer/football? ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/6 "2008-08-15T03:41:56Z")
I was shocked, shocked to find out there was some sort of Olympics until a couple of days ago. I felt like a dofus until I asked my coworkers and they were surprised as well. According to our small poll, the most popular Olympic sport is — South Park. ---
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/7 "2008-08-15T04:23:54Z")
I had to double check and make sure this was posted in GQ. After I read everyone’s answers I thought I made a mistake. I laughed at every post so far because absolutely none of them relate to the real answer. This is gonna be a fun one ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/8 "2008-08-15T04:31:44Z")
Women are the dominant viewers of the Olympics, so the events that women like most are going to be the most-watched. That puts figure skating first and gymnastics second. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/9 "2008-08-15T04:32:03Z")
I think there’s a HUGE audience for figure skating, that’s not interested in any other sport. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/10 "2008-08-15T06:25:19Z")
[QUOTE=SweetHomeColorado] I had to double check and make sure this was posted in GQ. After I read everyone’s answers I thought I made a mistake. I laughed at every post so far because absolutely none of them relate to the real answer. This is gonna be a fun one [/QUOTE] So it’s beach volleyball then? ---
**Author:** ![Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a587f6/32.png) [@Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freddy_the_Pig)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/11 "2008-08-15T13:57:20Z")
[QUOTE=SweetHomeColorado] My GF thinks its gymnastics and there is no way I could believe that. In the US what is the most watched event on tv? [/QUOTE] How are we to measure “most watched”? The most viewers at one time, ever? The most viewer-hours total, at this Olympics or at all the Olympics? NBC has exclusive broadcasting rights within the United States. During prime time (which draws by far the largest audience of any time of day), they show only one event at a time. Whatever they choose to show, quite obviously, will be heavily watched. In fact it will be the only event watched at that time. Of course, they do gain and lose viewers over the course of an evening depending on what they are showing. This depends not just on the inherent appeal of the event, but on how much publicity and drama a particular contest has generated (Tonya versus Nancy = good), whether any well-known Americans are competing (Phelps), and what else is on television at any given time. So far during this Olympics, [Phelps has drawn the best ratings](http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b23439_olympic_ratings_far_from_all_wet.html). But year in and year out, gymnastics is considered the biggest draw. That’s why NBC shows so much of it. ---
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/12 "2008-08-15T14:18:47Z")
[QUOTE=Freddy the Pig] How are we to measure “most watched”? The most viewers at one time, ever? The most viewer-hours total, at this Olympics or at all the Olympics? NBC has exclusive broadcasting rights within the United States. During prime time (which draws by far the largest audience of any time of day), they show only one event at a time. Whatever they choose to show, quite obviously, will be heavily watched. In fact it will be the only event watched at that time. Of course, they do gain and lose viewers over the course of an evening depending on what they are showing. This depends not just on the inherent appeal of the event, but on how much publicity and drama a particular contest has generated (Tonya versus Nancy = good), whether any well-known Americans are competing (Phelps), and what else is on television at any given time. So far during this Olympics, [Phelps has drawn the best ratings](http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b23439_olympic_ratings_far_from_all_wet.html). But year in and year out, gymnastics is considered the biggest draw. That’s why NBC shows so much of it. [/QUOTE] wait, did that say gymnastics? That cannot be right. We have team USA basketball, exciting competition volleyball (which i found quite entertaining) my point being that I would consider myself a pretty typical american, mid-20s. Sure Michael Phelps is big and did a corny rosetta stone commercial but with name recognition, I can’t give into people watching swimming the most without a fact that can somehow be cited. I apologize if this came off abrasive and I certainly do not intend on stirring up any mud… just for conversations sake, I suppose. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/13 "2008-08-15T14:24:08Z")
[QUOTE=SweetHomeColorado] I had to double check and make sure this was posted in GQ. After I read everyone’s answers I thought I made a mistake. I laughed at every post so far because absolutely none of them relate to the real answer. This is gonna be a fun one [/QUOTE] Wait, what do you mean by the “real answer?” Do you already know the answer to your own question? If so, then why is this in GQ? ---
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/14 "2008-08-15T14:29:14Z")
[QUOTE=Dewey Finn] Wait, what do you mean by the “real answer?” Do you already know the answer to your own question? If so, then why is this in GQ? [/QUOTE] I have no clue what the real answer is but if you read everything built up to my response which you posted you’ll see that everyone was expressing opinions. I have a bet with my girlfriend because she claimed its gymnastics and she may very well be right but that’s what I’m trying to find out. I just can’t believe it would actually be that. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/15 "2008-08-15T14:37:03Z")
In that case, and given that, while the title mentions sport, the actual post mentions event, the factual answer is the opening ceremonies. According to an article from Agence France-Presse, “NBC’s coverage of the Olympics Opening Ceremony – shown delayed live – was the week’s most-watched program, the Nielsen figures showed, averaging 34.89 million viewers.” The article also says, “The phenomenal exploits of swimming sensation Michael Phelps have helped propel US television ratings for the Olympics to an all-time high, figures indicated Wednesday.” So what we’re most watching is men’s swimming, but that’s driven by interest in Phelps’ medal run. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/16 "2008-08-15T14:38:45Z")
This year it’s a combination of women’s gymnastics and swimming. [http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article\_id=130323](http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article_id=130323) > [@](#): > > Both events took place in the Beijing morning, which made them live in Eastern and Central prime time, helping NBC attain its highest 2008 Olympics ratings yet, as last night’s events ended up with a 12.4/34 rating and share in the ad-centric adult 18-49 demographic. If it weren’t for the special attention on Michael Phelps, women’s gymnastics would be on top. It always is. Why would you think otherwise? ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/17 "2008-08-15T14:46:34Z")
Not sure about the actual figures, but the 100 meter run is usually up there, close to (if not in) the top. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/18 "2008-08-15T14:55:50Z")
It may be swimming this year but it isn’t usually. I remember years ago hearing an American swimmer, I think it was Mary T. Meagher, say how much she enjoyed coming to Australia because no-one in her home town knew who she was but she got recognised and idolised here. A few years back Pieter van den Hoogenband the Dutch 50m specialist was being interviewed and he expressed his surprise at what had happened to him in Australia. He had rung a restaurant to book a table and had been told the place was booked out. The proprietor asked for his name and number in case a cancellation came up. When he gave his name he was asked, " Pieter van den Hoogenband, the swimmer?" When he affirmed this he was told that the owner would make room for him because the staff would love to meet him. He said nothing like that would happen at home. So I guess Aussies are pretty heavily into swimming - even the commentators told Michael Phelps, earlier today, that all Australian swim fans are cheering for him. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/19 "2008-08-15T15:35:16Z")
[QUOTE=ntcrawler] women’s gymnastics, especially if there are any cute, young puppy-hugging competitors, women’s ice skating, basketball (the more NBA all-stars playing the more likely to receive on-air time), and swimming. Personally, there is a huge gap between what is being shown and what I actually want to see. i’m actually a huge fan of handball, weightlifting, cycling, curling, sailing, and tennis. But good luck seeing those on NBC. [/QUOTE] In addition to NBC, various Olympics events at various times are being shown on CNBC, MSNBC, USA, OXYGEN and TELEMUNDO, At the moment, I’m watching the tennis semis- Rafa-Novak. (I can spell Nadal, but not Novak’s last name. 🙂 ) At the same time, track was being presented on NBC. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062/20 "2008-08-15T15:45:40Z")
For me, the big three are gymnastics, swimming, and diving. I’m absolutely IN LOVE with synchronized diving. It’s beautiful and difficult and just an awesome change to the run-of-the-mill perfectly sculpted body flying through the air. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-olympic-sport-in-america/460062.md?page=2)