Super Bowl LVIII, which aired on CBS Sunday, has made history as the most-watched program in television history, according to the NFL. The game saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling 25-22 overtime victory, making it only the second Super Bowl to go into overtime. The NFL reported that CBS Sports coverage of the game brought in a total audience of 123.4 million average views across all platforms, including the CBS Television Network, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, CBS Sports, and NFL digital properties, including NFL+.

This record-breaking viewership surpassed last year's title game, which drew in 115.1 million viewers. Additionally, Super Bowl LVIII became the most streamed Super Bowl in history, as reported by CBS Sports.

The halftime performance was a star-studded affair, featuring iconic R&B artist Usher, along with special guests Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and more. The audience was also treated to another appearance by pop superstar Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift's presence at the game not only increased viewership but also boosted ticket sales, according to CBS News Philadelphia.

The game itself was nothing short of extraordinary, with both teams delivering an intense battle on the field. The Chiefs managed to send the game into overtime with a field goal from Harrison Butker, and ultimately secured the victory when Patrick Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.

In addition to the game's record-breaking viewership, Nielsen and Adobe Analytics reported that a record 202.4 million people watched at least part of the game across all networks, a 10% increase from last year's figure. The CBS broadcast alone averaged 120 million viewers, surpassing the network's previous record for its most-watched Super Bowl.

The increase in viewership can be attributed, in part, to a change in the way viewers are counted. Nielsen began including out-of-home viewers in its ratings in 2020, and this year expanded the measurement to all 50 states.

One of the highlights of the Super Bowl was Taylor Swift's presence in the audience. The pop superstar, who is in a relationship with Travis Kelce, brought new fans to the NFL and added to the excitement of the game. Swift's appearance was captured on the big screens of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where she was seen celebrating the Chiefs' victory and participating in a beer-chugging contest, much to the delight of the crowd.

The Super Bowl's record-breaking viewership and electrifying performances by Usher and Taylor Swift have solidified the event's status as a cultural phenomenon. As the game continues to captivate audiences year after year, it remains a testament to the enduring popularity and excitement of American football.