NFL telecast tops 25 million viewers for seventh time in 2009

The FOX doubleheader game (mostly Green Bay-Pittsburgh and San Francisco-Philadelphia) was the most-watched show on TV last week (Dec. 14-20) with 25.8 million viewers and marked the seventh NFL telecast to top 25 million viewers this season –- up from three such broadcasts in the entire 2008 season and the most since nine in 1996.

The seven NFL telecasts are the only shows -– sports and entertainment –- this TV season to top 25 million viewers.

NBC's Sunday night game (Eagles-Giants) ranked third among the week's programs with 18.2 million viewers. NFL Network’s Saturday night game (Cowboys-Saints) was the most-viewed telecast ever on the network as 10.5 million cable viewers tuned in.

NFL games topped the local ratings in 28 NFL markets last week.