CBS Sports’ coverage of New Orleans Saints’ historic victory in Super Bowl XLIV was watched by a estimated average of 106.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in television history, according to figures released by Nielsen. The network’s coverage of the Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday earned an average fast national household rating/share of 45.0/68, up 7% from last year's 42.0/64 (Pittsburgh Steelers-Arizona Cardinals), making it the highest-rated Super Bowl in 14 years.

The 2010 Super Bowl household rating/share peaked at a 48.5/70 from 21:00-21:30, ET with an average of 114.1 million viewers. Nielsen estimates that CBS's coverage of Super Bowl XLIV was seen in-all-or part by an estimated 153.4 million viewers, 1% higher than last year's previous high of 151.6 million, which was recorded by NBC. The broadcast also makes it the most-watched program in television history, eclipsing the finale of M*A*S*H in 1983, which garnered 106 million viewers.

"With all the memorable story lines going into Super Bowl XLIV combined with the awesome power of the NFL (National Football League), 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," said Sean McManus, president of CBS News and sports.

The game saw the Saints make the most of their first Super Bowl appearance in the 42-year history of the franchise at Miami's SunLife (sponsor) Stadium. The National Football Conference (NFC)-champion came from 10-0 down at the end of the first quarter - equalling the largest deficit overturned to win a Super Bowl - and still trailed by a point at 16-17 heading into the fourth before dominating the final period to deny Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning and his side a second Super Bowl victory in four years. "It's significant for all of the members of the broadcasting community," Leslie Moonves, CBS Corp. CEO, told NFL.com. "For anyone who wants to write that broadcasting is dead, 106 million people watched this program. You can't find that anywhere else."

Nielsen's Monday estimate was preliminary and could change with more thorough data set to be available today.