The 82nd Golden Globes drew an average of 10.1 million viewers across CBS and Paramount+, according to Dick Clark Productions. Released Monday, the figures reflect a stable audience compared to last year’s 9.4 million viewers. CBS, embroiled in a contract dispute with Nielsen, reported ratings from VideoAmp instead of the traditional industry standard.
Ratings Stability Amid Declining Linear Television
In an era where traditional television ratings are in steady decline, maintaining last year’s audience is considered a win. Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, this year’s show saw slight growth from the 2023 Globes, which was the first edition aired by CBS. Despite last year’s reliance on Nielsen, the 2024 broadcast used VideoAmp, a newer measurement platform.
The historical context, however, paints a starker picture. Before the pandemic, the Globes regularly attracted audiences near 20 million. For instance, the 2020 ceremony drew 18.4 million viewers.
One sentence sums it up: stability is a victory, but there’s a long road to reclaiming past glory.
From Boycotts to a Ratings Resurgence
The Golden Globes have experienced turbulent times in recent years. In 2021, the Los Angeles Times exposed the lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), revealing that the organization had no Black members. The backlash was swift, with Hollywood boycotting the awards, and the 2022 ceremony was pulled off the air entirely.
NBC brought the awards back for 2023 but declined to renew its relationship. CBS stepped in with a five-year deal, betting on the Globes’ resilience despite lingering skepticism about their relevance.
The tumultuous path has reshaped the awards show. Following the scandals, the Globes were acquired by Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, under the Penske Media umbrella, and transitioned into a for-profit enterprise. These changes have reignited interest in the event, allowing it to regain footing.
Competing for Eyeballs on a Crowded Sunday Night
The 2024 Globes faced stiff competition from NBC’s broadcast of the Minnesota Vikings-Detroit Lions game, yet it still managed to attract significant viewership. Reviews for the ceremony were far kinder than last year’s event, which was hosted by Jo Koy and widely criticized. Nikki Glaser brought fresh energy, winning over viewers and critics alike.
Sunday’s top awards reflected the eclectic nature of today’s entertainment landscape:
- Film: Netflix’s musical “Emilia Perez” and A24’s postwar epic “The Brutalist” took home top honors.
- Television: FX’s “Shōgun” and Max’s “Hacks” claimed victories in the major TV categories.
The mix of genres and platforms highlights the diverse content capturing audience attention, though it also underscores the challenge for awards shows to remain relevant in a fragmented media environment.
The Future of the Golden Globes
CBS’s five-year commitment signals faith in the Globes’ ability to navigate its evolving identity. While ratings stability offers some reassurance, broader questions remain about the future of awards shows in general. The pandemic’s impact on viewing habits and the proliferation of streaming platforms have permanently altered how audiences engage with live events.
This year’s improvements—both in audience retention and critical reception—indicate that the Globes may have turned a corner. However, replicating the massive audiences of years past might be an uphill battle in today’s entertainment climate.
