NBC: Most Watched Preakness Stakes Since 2021

NBC's coverage of the 149th Preakness Stakes (G1) May 18 at Pimlico Race Course averaged 5.5 million viewers, peaking at one point at 7 million, according to NBC Sports. In a post on X, NBC also noted it was the event's largest audience since 2021 and was up 7% from 2023 based on viewership across NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Digital. Mike Tirico hosted the NBC broadcast with analysis from Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss. Matt Bernier and Steve Kornacki provided handicapping expertise, and reporters Britney Eurton, Donna Brothers, Kenny Rice, and Nick Luck conducted on-site interviews. Larry Collmus called the race for television. NBC's coverage included a review of the historic 150th Kentucky Derby (G1)—which had the Derby's first three-horse photo finish since 1947, and examinations into jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. and Kenny McPeek's banner weekend at Churchill Downs May 3-4. They pulled off the Kentucky Oaks (G1)-Kentucky Derby double with Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan. The Derby winner finished second in the Preakness Stakes (G1), his bid falling short of catching front-running Seize the Grey. NBC televises the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the first two legs of the Triple Crown. FOX broadcasts the third and final leg: the Belmont Stakes (G1), which will take place this year on June 8 at Saratoga Race Course.