CBS Sports' coverage of Super Bowl XLIV, featuring the New Orleans Saints' 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Feb 7 (6:31-9:50 PM, ET), was watched by a Nielsen estimated average of 106.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in television history, eclipsing the finale of M*A*S*H in 1983 (106 million).

"With all the memorable story lines going into Super Bowl XLIV combined with the awesome power of the NFL, we are thrilled with this rating, and I am extremely proud of the way the entire CBS Television Network produced, sold and promoted the most-watched television show in history," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports.

The CBS Television Network's coverage of Super Bowl XLIV earned an average fast national household rating/share of 45.0/68, up +7% from last year's 42.0/64 (Pittsburgh-Arizona), making it the highest-rated Super Bowl in 14 years (1/28/96; 46.0/68; Dallas-Pittsburgh).

Nielsen estimates that CBS's coverage of Super Bowl XLIV was seen in-all-or part by an estimated 153.4 million viewers, +1% higher than last year's previous high of 151.6 million (NBC).