Let’s be real—when most of us think of must-watch television, streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or HBO Max often steal the spotlight. But guess what? CBS is not just keeping up—it’s crushing it. The network currently owns 6 out of the top 20 TV shows in the U.S., and that’s no small feat. With heavy hitters like Tracker and the revamped Matlock, CBS is not only staying relevant, it’s redefining prime-time success.
Why Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About CBS Again
You’ve probably heard whispers like, “Did you catch the latest episode of Tracker?” or “Wait, Matlock is back?” That’s not just nostalgia talking. CBS is playing a smart game—mixing classic reboots with fresh thrillers, giving audiences something both familiar and exciting.
After claiming an early victory om the 2024-2025 broadcast season last week, CBS is now touting its dominance across the entire television landscape. Per 35-day multi-platform Nielsen data released Wednesday, the network boasts six of the top 20 most-watched shows across all streaming and linear series, with Tracker and Matlock landing in the Top 5. There are actually only eight broadcast series among the Top 20 overall; the other two, Will Trent and High Potential, belong to ABC.
Thanks to CBS’ report last week, we already knew that Tracker stood as the top broadcast series of the 2024-25 TV season to-date with 10.84 million viewers per episode after seven days of viewing. But, in the 35-day window, the Justin Hartley-led procedural rakes in an average of 17.5M viewers per episode, nearly rivaling Amazon’s Reacher and Netflix’s Adolescence. The Nielsen data shows that the top three shows across nearly all of television this season were Squid Game with an untouchable 27.1M viewers per episode, followed by Adolescence with 19M and Reacher with 18.1M. Matlock, already shaping up to be the second most-watched broadcast series of the season, comes in fifth place in the 35-day multi-platform rankings with about 16.1M viewers per episode, tying with High Potential.
After a long list of Netflix series and one from Paramount+ (Landman), Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage and Ghosts tied for 15th place, while Elsbeth and Watson came in at 18. Among the broadcasters, CBS easily ranks at No. 1, averaging 9.1M viewers for primetime originals after 35 days of multi-platform viewing. That’s significantly ahead of No. 2 NBC, which managed 7.2M. ABC comes in third with 6.9M, and Fox is fourth with 4.3M. This marks the first full season releasing competitive multi-platform data, which allows for some meaningful comparison between streaming and linear series. Previously, these comparisons were much harder to make.
If you thought CBS was your grandma’s network, it’s time for a reality check. With 6 of the top 20 shows, CBS is not just surviving—it’s thriving. From thrilling new dramas like Tracker to smart revivals like Matlock, the network is blending nostalgia with innovation in a way that’s hitting all the right notes. It’s a reminder that in a world of binging and endless scrolls, sometimes all you need is a good story, well told, at the same time every week.
