Sorry, Puppy Bowl. The ASSOCIATED PRESS reports that New York’s Giant upset over New England was the most watched Super Bowl ever.

According to the Nielsen numbers, over 97 million viewers tuned in to see Eli Manning out-duel Tom Brady on Sunday, with 81% of the sets in Boston and 67% of the TVs in New York tuned into the game.

Fox’s pre-game festivities, including a red-carpet walk hosted by Ryan Seacrest, helped bring in the “American Idol” crowd - and also bring up some amusing quips from the boys in the booth.

As Michael Hiestand of USA TODAY notes, Terry Bradshaw commented, “Seacrest, the only time I thought I’d see you at the Super Bowl would be as a cheerleader.”

Meanwhile, Frank Caliendo observed, “Boy, nothing says ‘NFL-tough’ like Ryan Seacrest. I guess Richard Simmons was booked.”

The numbers surpassed the 94 million who saw Dallas beat Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XXX in 1996. And for even bigger bragging rights, more people watched Eli’s adventure than the 93 million that watched brother Peyton’s escapades last year.

Super Bowl XLII also became the 2nd-most watched television event in American history - only the “M*A*S*H” finale in 1983 had more viewers. Sunday’s numbers are more remarkable considering there are hundreds more channel choices than there were 25 years ago.

Of course, we all know the real reason for the big turnout:

Will Ferrell talking ’bout beer.