NEW YORK (AP) -- The Olympics opening ceremony was seen in the U.S. by 40.7 million people, making it the most-watched opening ceremony for a summer or winter Olympics.
The Nielsen company said Saturday that the average viewership topped the previous record of 39.8 million people who watched the opening of the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta. The London festivities bucked a tradition that American viewers are generally more interested in these ceremonies when they are on U.S. soil.
The 2008 ceremony in Beijing reached slightly fewer than 36 million people.
The strong ratings came despite — or perhaps because of — complaints about NBC not streaming the ceremony live online.
Wonderwall Video
- Maria Menounos -- Wonderview
- Lisa Vanderpump -- Wonderview
- Adriana Lima -- Wonderview
- 'Jersey Shore' star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro -- Wonderview
- Gavin DeGraw -- Wonderview
- Sean Lowe -- Wonderview
- Jonathan Lipnicki -- Wonderview
- Rob Kardashian -- Wonderview
- Wonderview: Miranda Kerr
- Wonderview -- Brandi Glanville
- Brad Goreski -- Wonderview
- Holly Madison -- Wonderview
- Wonderview: Anne Heche
- Farrah Abraham Wonderview
- Kat Graham Wonderview
- Wonderview: Shannen Doherty
- Dita Von Teese Wonderview
- Rachel Dratch Wonderview
- Wonderview: Keenan Cahill
- Adrian Grenier Wonderview
- Sammi Sweetheart -- Wonderview
- Lisa Vanderpump -- Wonderview
- Tracey Gold -- Wonderview
- Taye Diggs -- Wonderview
- Adrienne Maloof and Dr. Paul Nassif -- Wonderview
- Jodie Sweetin and Dave Coulier -- Wonderview
- Jill Zarin -- Wonderview
- Bridget Marquardt -- Wonderview
- Avril Lavigne -- Wonderview
- Harry Shum Jr. -- Wonderview
- Olivia Munn -- Wonderview
- Mayim Bialik -- Wonderview
- Moby -- Wonderview
- Ahna O'Reilly -- Wonderview
- Michelle Williams -- Wonderview
- Pauly Shore -- Wonderview
Most Watched on Wonderwall
United Front
Two months after major marital problems, Ozzy and Sharon do a Hollywood date night on Celebs gone Social.
Watch Video »
Brooke's Beauty
See how this former Calvin Klein model's looks have changed over the years.
Watch Video »
Cute Couple
Take a look back at Prince William and Duchess Kate's cutest couple moments.
Watch Video »
Baby News
Demi Lovato drops some major newborn scoop about Selena Gomez's family on today's Celebs Gone Social.
Watch Video »
Carrie's Changes
See how this country cutie has changed her looks over the years.
Watch Video »
Fashion Offenders
Kourtney Kardashian, Kaley Cuoco, and Rihanna all get an F on this week's Fashion Offenders
Watch Video »
-
From Videos of Wonderwall
-
From Crowd Ignite
-
From
