TV Ratings: Tony Awards Enjoy Spike

The 2025 Tony Awards saw a significant viewership surge, drawing 4.85 million viewers—a 38% increase from 2024’s 3.53 million, per Nielsen live-plus-same-day data. Broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, this marked the highest audience since 2019’s 5.4 million, reversing a downward trend. 

The 2024 Tonys, airing on Father’s Day, dropped 14.8% from 2023’s 4.12 million, which slightly trailed 2022’s 4.22 million. The pandemic-hit 2021 hybrid show had only 2.6 million viewers, compared to 6.3 million in 2018 and 6 million in 2017.

Viewership grew across key demographics: up 91% for ages 25-54, 107% for 18-49, and 147% for 18-34—the strongest gains since 2018. Paramount+ streaming soared 208% year-over-year, setting a record.

 Social media engagement hit a three-year high with 5.2 billion potential impressions (up 55%) and 161,900 mentions (up 75%), per Quid Monitor.

Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, the 2025 Tonys saw “Maybe Happy Ending,” led by Darren Criss, win six awards, including Best Musical and Best Actor in a Musical. “Buena Vista Social Club” earned four, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Natalie Venetia Belcon.