ESPN says its simulcast of “The Pat McAfee Show” helped the topical sports program earn more than 1 billion social media views in September.
The network cited data from Nielsen and YouTube Analytics in an announcement on Wednesday, which said the show had reached the milestone for the first time ever.
According to ESPN, the weekday program averaged 447,000 live and concurrent viewers across the two platforms, up 18 percent from the same month last year. The show also saw continued growth in viewership on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, the ESPN App, and YouTube. On linear television, McAfee’s audience increased among viewers aged 18 to 49.
“We are very thankful that we get to do this for a living,” McAfee said. “Learning of how many people are seeing our show on a daily basis is a wild thing for all of us. We started in a basement. Our main goal is to celebrate sports and its athletes. It’s cool to know that sports fans seemingly like what we’re doing.”
“Pat’s impact is undeniable, and we are thrilled with the phenomenal results his show continues to achieve. Garnering over a billion views in a single month is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Burke Magnus, the President of Content at ESPN.
McAfee’s reach extends beyond his daily program to “College GameDay Built by The Home Depot,” where his presence has helped lift ratings to historic levels. The show has averaged 2.82 million viewers through seven episodes this season, up 29 percent year-over-year and pacing for its most-watched season on record. Among viewers 18 to 34, ratings are up 36 percent. ESPN began simulcasting McAfee’s YouTube program in 2023.
McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” contest has also contributed to his growing popularity, with the host awarding more than $3 million in prizes and charitable donations over three seasons.
