Most eyes continue to be on the Eye Network, as TVLine’s latest review of ratings for the 2024-25 TV season shows CBS claiming as many as eight of the Top 10 most-watched programs. Per updated ratings data (through April 6), the Justin Hartley-led Tracker still stands as the most-watched entertainment program of the broadcast TV season — and with a slightly larger audience than it averaged in Season 1. Tracker also remains the highest-rated broadcast drama (in 18-49). CBS also has two freshman hits on its hands: Matlock stands as the season’s most-watched new series, while Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is TV’s most-watched comedy.
Why These Three Shows Are Winning the TV Race
Let’s be honest—TV has been through it. With streaming giants grabbing eyeballs and binge-watching becoming the norm, traditional networks needed a miracle. Well, they got three: Tracker, Matlock, and 60 Minutes. These shows aren’t just surviving; they’re leading the ratings game as we head into the final stretch of the broadcast season. So, what’s the secret behind their massive viewership? Let’s dig in.
A few other fun facts, before we get to the updated ranking of Top 25 most-watched non-sports programs:
▶ Matlock and ABC’s High Potential and Shifting Gears (which didn’t quite make the Top 25 this time around) have all improved their respective time slots — which is what new shows are hoped to do!
▶ With a much stronger lead-in, CBS’ Elsbeth is drawing a few more eyeballs in Season 2.
▶ Tracker’s gain appears to be The Equalizer‘s loss, as Queen Latifah’s yet-to-be-renewed, potentially spinoff-spawning action drama is now drawing markedly fewer viewers in its later (and then much later) Sunday time slot.
▶ Fox’s most-watched entertainment program is the freshman medical drama Doc, which would rank somewhere around No. 37 (with 4.6 million viewers). The cancelled 9-1-1: Lone Star lands at No. 40 with 4.3 million viewers.
▶ The CW’s most-watched programs are WWE NXT (averaging 792,000 viewers) and the cancelled Superman & Lois (767K).
Is Network TV Making a Comeback?
Absolutely. With the rise of content fatigue on streaming platforms, many viewers are going back to basics. They want reliability, familiar faces, and compelling weekly episodes—not 10-hour commitment marathons.
The Power of Appointment Viewing
There’s something nostalgic about waiting for a new episode every week. That anticipation is back in a big way, and Tracker, Matlock, and 60 Minutes are cashing in.
In a world flooded with options, Tracker, Matlock, and 60 Minutes have pulled off the unthinkable—they’ve made network TV cool again. With compelling stories, stellar performances, and savvy marketing, they’ve captivated viewers and proved that when done right, TV still has the power to bring us together. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in, one thing’s for sure—you don’t want to miss how this final stretch plays out.
