The Preakness always takes a backseat to the Kentucky Derby ratings-wise. In 2015 when the Kentucky Derby averaged 16 million viewers, the Preakness averaged 8.9 million. Still, nearly 9 million viewers isn’t shabby and the Preakness winner determines the fate of ratings for the Belmont Stakes. If Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist wins the Preakness there will be much more interest in the Belmont.
Update: Exaggerator’s 2016 win averaged 9.4 million viewers.
Viewership for the Preakness Stakes 1993-2015:
| Year | Net | Viewers | Winner |
| 2015 | NBC | 8.9 million | American Pharoah |
| 2014 | NBC | 9.6 million | California Chrome |
| 2013 | NBC | 9.7 million | Oxbow |
| 2012 | NBC | 8.1 million | I’ll Have Another |
| 2011 | NBC | 8.8 million | Shackleford |
| 2010 | NBC | 8.4 million | Lookin at Lucky |
| 2009 | NBC | 10.9 million | Rachel Alexandra |
| 2008 | NBC | 7.9 million | Big Brown |
| 2007 | NBC | 8.4 million | Curlin |
| 2006 | NBC | 10.1 million | Bernardini |
| 2005 | NBC | 9.3 million | Afleet Alex |
| 2004 | NBC | 11.6 million | Smarty Jones |
| 2003 | NBC | 8.6 million | Funny Cide |
| 2002 | NBC | 9.2 million | War Emblem |
| 2001 | NBC | 8.7 million | Point Given |
| 2000 | ABC | 5.5 million | Red Bullet |
| 1999 | ABC | 4.9 million | Charismatic |
| 1998 | ABC | 5.2 million | Real Quiet |
| 1997 | ABC | 6.9 million | Silver Charm |
| 1996 | ABC | 5.1 million | Louis Quatorze |
| 1995 | ABC | 4.7 million | Timber Country |
| 1994 | ABC | 6.5 million | Tabasco Cat |
| 1993 | ABC | 7.0 million | Prairie Bayou |