How Michael Jackson's Funeral Ratings Stack Up

Jul 9, 2009 9:26 AM EDT

Over 31 million people watched Tuesday's memorial to the King of Pop on television—and another 30 million are estimated to have viewed the program online. How does that compare to past celebrity funerals? The Daily Beast has some historical context.

Over 31 million people watched Tuesday's memorial to the King of Pop on television—and an additional 30 million are estimated to have viewed the program online. How does that compare to past celebrity funerals? The Daily Beast has some historical context.

Princess Diana — (9/6/97) 33.2 million viewers
Michael Jackson — (7/7/09) 31.1 million
Pope John Paul II — (4/8/05) 8.8 million
President Gerald Ford — (1/2/07) 15 million
President Ronald Reagan — (6/11/04) 20.8 million for morning funeral; 35 million for prime-time burial

Xtra Insight: View our gallery of celebrity funerals

Xtra Insight: Watch the highlights of Michael Jackson's memorial

Xtra Insight: Read our full Jackson coverage

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