Tony Awards Draw Largest CBS, Streaming Audience Since 2019

The 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo and broadcast from Radio City Music Hall, attracted 4.85 million viewers on CBS, marking a 38% increase from last year and the largest audience since 2019. Streaming viewership on Paramount+ surged by 208%, reaching its highest ever for the Tonys, though exact streaming numbers were not disclosed. The ceremony featured major wins for "Maybe Happy Ending," which took home six awards including Best Musical and Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Darren Criss, while Nicole Scherzinger won Best Leading Actress in a Musical for "Sunset Boulevard." Sarah Snook won Best Leading Actress in a Play for "The Picture of Dorian Gray," with Cole Escola winning Best Leading Actor in a Play and making history as the first nonbinary performer to win in that category. Social media engagement also rose significantly, with potential impressions increasing by 55% and mentions by 75% year-over-year. The strong ratings and streaming growth reflect a broader resurgence in Broadway's popularity, following its highest-grossing season ever for 2024-2025.