London Olympics are 'most-watched' TV event in U.S. history according to NBC

Credit: NBC

NEW YORK (AP) — NBCUniversal is calling the London Olympics "the most-watched television event in U.S. history."

Citing Nielsen Co. ratings figures, the company said Monday that more than 219 million viewers watched the Summer Games on NBC and numerous sister networks. This figure surpasses the 215 million who watched the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The company said NBC averaged a prime-time audience of 31 million, topping Summer Games viewerships in Beijing and in Athens in 2004.

Sunday's closing ceremony was seen by 31 million viewers.

Covering its 13th Olympics, NBCUniversal presented 5,535 hours of coverage across its TV and online channels.

Copyright (2012) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

London Olympics Closing Ceremonies - Best and Worst

Launch Gallery   ►