Throughout the last 20 years, various Australian programs have broken broadcasting records, in terms of audience numbers and composition. Each year, several programs receive huge national audiences, including the AFL Grand Final, the NRL Grand Final and State of Origin (in the NRL). Huge sporting fixtures always generate huge audiences, especially finals’ matches in the Australian Open.
#1 2005 Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final
In 2005, Lleyton Hewitt made a charge to the final of the Men’s Singles at the Australian Open. It was the last time an Australian male tennis player made the final of a Grand Slam Tournament. Over 4.04 million Aussie viewers tuned in to watch the game, filled with the hope that Hewitt would become the first Australian man to win the men’s tournament since 1970. Unfortunately, Hewitt lost in four sets.
#2 MasterChef Australia (season 2) finale
In the early 2010s, MasterChef was a colossal rating success. Close to 4.03 million viewers tuned in to Channel Ten to watch the finale of the second season. Adam Liaw was named the winner.
#3 Rugby World Cup Final 2003
This is an absolute heartbreaker for Wallaby fans. Around 4.016 million viewers across the nation watched as Jonny Wilkinson kicked a penalty goal at the death in extra time to put England ahead 20-17 with mere seconds remaining.
#4 MasterChef Australia (season 1) finale
Over 3.7 million people watched as Julie Goodwin was crowned champion on the first season of MasterChef Australia. She returned the second season as a guest judge.
#5 2006 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Coming in at 5th is the 2006 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, which took place in Melbourne, Victoria that year. The entire tournament was a massive success, and the opening ceremony was hugely successful for the Nine Network.
