Golden Globes 2026 TV Ratings Decline Slightly

The 2026 Golden Globes experienced a slight decline in television ratings compared to previous years. This year, the awards ceremony averaged 8.66 million viewers on CBS, according to Nielsen’s final same-day figures. The viewership reflects a decrease of approximately 7% from the 9.27 million viewers recorded for the 2025 ceremony.

Comparison of Golden Globes Viewership

This year marks the second consecutive year of minor viewership declines for the Golden Globes. The inaugural broadcast on CBS in 2024 attracted 9.47 million viewers, followed by the drop to 9.27 million last year. Notably, CBS previously faced a contract dispute with Nielsen, which impacted viewer reporting.

Reach and Opposing Broadcasts

• Total Reach: The 2026 Golden Globes had a reach of 18 million viewers who watched at least six minutes of the broadcast.
• Competitive Programming: The awards aired simultaneously with an NFL playoff game on NBC, which garnered nearly 29 million viewers.
• Comparison to Last Year: Last year’s ceremony coincided with an NFL regular season finale, attracting about 28.5 million viewers.

Social Media Engagement

Despite the decline in traditional television viewership, social media interaction for the Golden Globes increased significantly. The event generated 42 million social interactions, marking a 5% rise from the previous year and achieving its highest engagement levels to date.

Content Highlights

Host Nikki Glaser’s opening monologue gained substantial attention, amassing around 14 million views across various social media platforms within 36 hours post-event. Additionally, the pre-show red carpet segment presented by Entertainment Tonight attracted 3.4 million viewers.

Ownership and Production

The Golden Globes are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge. This joint venture encompasses Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge, also known for their ownership of The Hollywood Reporter.

In conclusion, the 2026 Golden Globes showcased a blend of declining traditional viewership alongside bolstered social media interaction, reflecting changing audience engagement trends in the entertainment industry.