CBS' broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV attracted 106.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings service. That makes it the most-watched program in television history, eclipsing the finale of "M*A*S*H" in 1983 (106 million).

CBS earned an average fast national household rating/share of 45.0/68, up 7 percent from last year’s 42.0/64 (Pittsburgh-Arizona), making it the highest-rated Super Bowl in 14 years (1/28/96; 46.0/68; Dallas-Pittsburgh).

"With all the memorable story lines going into Super Bowl XLIV combined with the awesome power of the NFL, we are thrilled with this rating, and I am extremely proud of the way the entire CBS Television Network produced, sold and promoted the most-watched television show in history," CBS News and Sports president Sean McManus said in a statement.