CBS is currently in an era of unprecedented network television dominance. By the time the 2024-25 broadcast season ends, the Eye Network will be crowned as the top broadcaster among all viewers in primetime for the 17th season in a row via Nielsen ratings, dating back to the 2008-09 season. The streak marks a new record for sustained success on television, besting the previous high watermark of 16 consecutive seasons at #1 set by CBS back in 1955-70. Considering the measures of viewership have changed significantly since then, it’s an impressive feat for the network to keep ahead of the competition for so long. Notably, there are still a few weeks left in the broadcast season, too, meaning that its lead over the other networks for the September to May season, thanks to top shows like Tracker and Matlock, is large enough that the rankings aren’t likely to shift, barring a miracle.
Television isn’t dead — it’s just been rebranded, rebooted, and reignited. And guess who’s leading the charge? Yep, it’s CBS, the so-called “old school” network that just flipped the script and shattered a massive ratings milestone. Thanks to shows like ‘Tracker,’ ‘Matlock,’ and a powerhouse lineup that hits every demographic sweet spot, CBS is officially back on top — and bigger than ever. But how did this happen in an era dominated by streaming giants and TikTok attention spans? Let’s dive deep.
As of April 20, CBS was averaging 5.72 million viewers in primetime with its programming by Nielsen’s “most current” ratings, a slight bump from last year’s average of 5.59 million and considerably ahead of second-place NBC at 5.1 million viewers. The lead is extra impressive when considering that this season has been good for broadcast television all around. Every network, save for ABC, which stayed around the same viewership, gained in its ratings from the previous year. Moreover, ignoring sports gives the eye an even bigger advantage over the competition, with 4.99 million average primetime viewers stacking up against NBC’s 4 million, ABC’s 3.58 million, and Fox’s 2.16 million. However you slice it, the win is impressive for CBS.
A look at the top ten most viewed programs shows just how much the network has thrived when it comes to scripted programming and news. The ranking has CBS nabbing the top seven spots and eight of the top ten with its shows, starting with Justin Hartley’s Tracker in its second season, the Kathy Bates-led Matlock, and then the stalwart news program 60 Minutes. Also making the top ten for the network are FBI in fourth, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage in fifth, Blue Bloods in sixth, NCIS in seventh, and Elsbeth in ninth. Only NBC’s Chicago Fire and Chicago Med managed to sneak in amid the crowded CBS field. Perhaps most promising for the network’s future is that it’s not just being carried by old favorites either. Matlock and Georgie & Mandy were in their inaugural seasons and earned swift renewals due to their success, while Tracker and Elsbeth only continue to grow in their sophomore outings.
In a world obsessed with digital everything, CBS went analog — and won. ‘Tracker,’ ‘Matlock,’ and the rest of their bulletproof lineup reminded us that great content still rules the airwaves. Whether you’re watching with grandma or group-chatting with friends, CBS made TV exciting again. So, the next time someone says “no one watches TV anymore,” just point to CBS’s record-breaking year and smile.
