'Oscars' tops last year in key adult demographic, ranking as No. 1 primetime telecast of season

‘American Idol’ sneak peek delivers biggest audience for season launch in 3 years

ABC Media Relations Press Release

‘The Oscars’ (7-10:50 p.m. EST)

“The Oscars” took place Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The show aired live on ABC, streamed live on Hulu, and aired live in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Featuring first-time host Conan O’Brien leading a spectacular telecast, the 97th Oscars delivered a 3.92 rating in adults 18-49, up 3% year over year (vs. 3.82 rating) – earning the show’s highest performance in the key adult demographic in two years.

In addition, the annual celebration delivered the show’s highest rating among adults 18-34 (3.17 rating) in five years.

The 97th “Oscars” earned 104.2 million total social interactions, ranking as the No. 1 most social TV program season-to-date, outperforming both The Grammy Awards (102.2 million interactions) and the Super Bowl (62.4 million) this season for the first time on record.

“The Oscars” stands as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast in both total viewers (18.07 million) and adults 18-49 (3.92 rating) for the 2024-25 season.

“The Oscars” trended globally and was the No. 1 trending topic in the U.S. on X throughout the telecast.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences saw an increase of 82% year over year in social engagement across all platforms, reaching over 64 million “Likes,” comments and shares.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ASL livestream on The Oscars’ YouTube page has earned 1.4 million viewers.

Finally, ESPN and ABC’s fourth annual “Oscars Pick’em Contest) set game records, including 110,012 unique visitors (up 8% year over year) and 122,161 entries (up 11% year over year).

‘American Idol’

Immediately following “The Oscars,” a special 30-minute preview of “American Idol” earned 5.93 million total viewers and 0.84 rating among adults 18-49.

The special preview scored the show’s highest rating in both demographics for a season launch in three years.

“American Idol” season eight premieres Sunday, March 9 (8 p.m. EDT/PDT), on ABC, and streams next day on Hulu.

Source: Nielsen Fast National Live+Same Day Ratings for 3/2/25, or as dated. Talkwalker Social Content Ratings, based on linear episode-level interactions, U.S.-based activity Twitter Trending Archive. 2024-2025 Season (9/23/24-3/2/25).