TV Ratings: CBS Extends Total Viewer Victory To 17 Years

CBS is set to finish the 2024-2025 traditional broadcast season (September to May) as the most-watched network for the 17th straight year, breaking its own record for the longest winning streak in broadcast TV history, previously set from 1955 to 1970. 

According to Forbes citing Nielsen data through April 20, 2025 (including DVR viewership through April 14, excluding sports, specials, and one-off airings), CBS dominates with the seven most-watched primetime programs. 

The action-drama Tracker, starring Justin Hartley, leads at 10.84 million viewers, followed by freshman hit Matlock, starring Kathy Bates, at No. 2. New sitcom Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage ranks No. 5 with 7.98 million viewers, while rookie drama Watson holds strong at No. 15.

CBS claims 8 of the top 10 and 13 of the top 20 most-watched shows. NBC secures the remaining top 10 spots with Dick Wolf’s Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, while Chicago PD ranks No. 13 and The Voice hits No. 18. ABC has three series in the top 20: freshman High Potential at No. 12, Will Trent (season 3) at No. 14, and 9-1-1 (formerly on Fox) at No. 19, signaling potential strength for ABC’s upcoming 9-1-1: Nashville spinoff. Just outside the top 20, CBS’s NCIS: Origins (No. 21) and Survivor (No. 22) remain competitive.

Fun fact: In 1955, when CBS began its historic viewership streak, The $64,000 Question was the top primetime series, drawing over 40 million viewers, with I Love Lucy ranking No. 2.