The primetime TV ratings for the week of March 2, 2026 (typically covering Monday, March 2 through Sunday, March 8, based on Nielsen's standard weekly measurement periods) reflect a mix of broadcast network programming and strong cable performances, particularly in news and entertainment. Data comes from sources like The TV Ratings Guide, ustvdb.com, Nielsen Top 10 aggregates, and Adweek TVNewser.
Broadcast networks saw typical midseason competition with procedurals, reality shows, and dramas leading.
Key highlights from daily breakdowns (e.g., 18-49 demo ratings and total viewers where available):
Top Cable Channels in Primetime
Key highlights from daily breakdowns (e.g., 18-49 demo ratings and total viewers where available):
- CBS often performed strongly on Mondays with The Neighborhood hitting a season high (0.42 in 18-49, ~4 million viewers) and shows like Marshals and Tracker ranking among the week's top overall programs in total viewers (e.g., Marshals at ~9.5 million in recent aggregates).
- ABC had solid showings from American Idol (0.42 on Monday, ~5.2 million viewers) and crossovers like 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville boosting Thursday numbers.
- NBC had declines in some slots (e.g., The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins at 0.28 on Monday, down sharply).
- Other networks like Fox saw gains in unscripted/reality (e.g., Next Level Chef, Animal Control), while The CW trailed with lower-rated shows.
Top Cable Channels in Primetime
Cable networks, especially news, dominated viewership during this period amid ongoing events (e.g., geopolitical coverage influencing spikes in prior weeks). Fox News Channel continued its strong run as the top cable network overall and frequently in primetime:
- Fox News Channel — Led cable news (and often all cable) in primetime, building on February's averages of ~2.6 million total viewers (with prior weeks showing surges to 3.9+ million during major news events). Shows like Jesse Watters Primetime, The Five, and Gutfeld! consistently topped cable charts in total viewers and the key 25-54 demo.
- MS NOW — Solid No. 2 in cable news primetime, averaging around 1.1-1.4 million viewers in recent periods.
- CNN — Third in cable news, with primetime around 0.8-1.1 million viewers.
- Other notable cable performers included networks like TBS (e.g., Impractical Jokers at 0.21 in 18-49), HGTV, History (0.5 million primetime viewers in snapshots), and entertainment channels with reality/sports tie-ins.