Black Panther, Boseman tribute top Sunday television ratings

ABC’s Black Panther showing and special tribute to Chadwick Boseman topped the television ratings this Sunday.

The world is collectively mourning the loss of Chadwick Boseman, and Marvel Studios and ABC came together to bring fans a special commercial-free showing of Black Panther followed by a 20/20 tribute to the late actor on Sunday evening. As one might expect, the event topped the television charts, highlighting just how many people tuned in to remember the actor and his legacy.

According to Deadline, the airing of Black Panther brought in 6.09 million viewers, receiving a 1.4 rating among adults ages 18 to 49. ABC’s Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King brought in 4.72 million viewers, delivering a 1.1 rating. The special brought on Boseman’s former co-stars to speak about his career and his impact both onscreen and off.

Emotions were high as some of the biggest names in the Marvel Cinematic Universe recalled Boseman’s passion for what he did, and the positive impact he had on the franchise as a whole.

Of course, it wasn’t just Boseman’s Marvel family who made appearances to honor him. Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who anchored the special as well, recounted how Boseman would visit kids battling cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He gave them support and courage when they needed it, and it’s now clear that he was giving back to others struggling the same way he was.

Joe Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, also spoke during the special, a testament to just how far Boseman’s reach went. The actor’s final tweet before he died was celebrating Harris’ name being on a major party ticket, and encouraging people to vote accordingly.

“That his last tweet encouraged citizens to exercise of their right to vote, it is so reflective of Chadwick,” Harris said.

And that seemed to be the major theme of the night: that Boseman attempted to make the world a better place through everything he did. As Robert Downey Jr. put it, he was “in a strata of his own, humble hardworking, always smile on his face.” And that’s how he’ll be remembered.

Did you watch ABC’s special tribute to Chadwick Boseman? Let us know in the comments below.