US EditionOscars TV audience shrinks 9% in US from last year
The 98th Oscars drew 17.9 million viewers, a 9% drop from 2025, but social media engagement rose 42%, maintaining its top primetime entertainment telecast status.
- On Monday, March 16, ABC said the 98th Academy Awards drew 17.9 million U.S. viewers across ABC and Hulu, down 9% from last year’s 19.69 million viewers.
- Facing live‑sports competition, a World Baseball Classic semifinal drew 7,370,000 viewers overlapping the Oscars, while shifts to streaming erode TV audiences in recent years.
- Digital metrics showed stronger engagement as primetime social impressions rose over 42% this year with over 129 million video views on Academy platforms, though the Adults 18‑49 rating fell to 3.92 .
- ABC sold out commercial inventory and is already negotiating 2027 ad spots, while the Academy will move the Oscars broadcast to YouTube in 2029, changing success metrics.
- At the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 15, Conan O’Brien hosted for a second consecutive year, ending recent gains after the 2025 high and contrasting with the 1998 peak audience of 57.2 million.
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Only twice before in recorded history have the Oscars attracted fewer viewers. In 2021, only 10.4 million tuned in. Then in 2022, only 16.6 million tuned in. On Sunday, only 17.9 million tuned in. | Entertainment On Sunday, only 17.9 million tuned in. Only twice before in recorded history have the Oscars attracted fewer viewers.
The Oscars don't attract as many people in front of the screens as in the previous year. The award ceremony shows a significant decline in the number of spectators and ends a year-long growth phase. However, the Academy Awards beat records on the net.
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