TV ratings are in, and let’s just say… the results were not what anyone expected. Some shows soared, some tanked, and one show — canceled and gone — still managed to break into the top 10. How does that even happen? Grab your remote, because we’re diving deep into the season’s most-watched TV shows, the surprise cancellations, and what it all means for what you’re bingeing next.
A Season of Shocks and Surprises
This TV season wasn’t just about cliffhangers on screen — the real drama was happening behind the scenes. Ratings ruled everything, networks made cuts no one saw coming, and yet one canceled show managed to rank higher than some long-running favorites.
Let’s explore how the numbers played out.
Why TV Ratings Still Matter in the Streaming Era
You’d think with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ dominating our screens, ratings would be a thing of the past. Not true. Advertisers still live and die by live viewership. The higher the rating, the bigger the bucks.
How Nielsen Ratings Are Measured
Before we dive into the list, here’s a quick refresher:
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Nielsen ratings measure how many households tune in.
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Live + Same Day counts who watched in real-time or by midnight.
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Live + 7 includes those who watched via DVR within a week.
So yes, your late-night binges still count — eventually.
The Top 10 Most-Watched TV Shows of the Season
Let’s break it down — by numbers, not emotions (yet).
#1 — “NCIS” (CBS)
Still the king of procedural dramas. With over 9.4 million viewers weekly, this show isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
#2 — “FBI” (CBS)
Dick Wolf’s empire keeps expanding. This show pulled in 9.1 million, solidifying its spot at the top.
#3 — “Chicago Fire” (NBC)
Drama, flames, and relationships? America said yes — to the tune of 8.9 million.
#4 — “Blue Bloods” (CBS)
Even in its later seasons, Tom Selleck and crew scored 8.6 million loyal viewers.
#5 — “Young Sheldon” (CBS)
Quirky, heartwarming, and smart — it pulled 8.2 million, proving sitcoms aren’t dead yet.
6 — “Chicago Med” (NBC)
Another Windy City win. Medical drama lovers gave this show 8.0 million reasons to keep going.
#7 — “Ghosts” (CBS)
This comedy about the afterlife is very much alive, drawing in 7.7 million.
#8 — “Chicago P.D.” (NBC)
Three Chicago shows in the top 10? Yup. 7.5 million tuned in for this gritty cop drama.
#9 — “60 Minutes” (CBS)
The OG of newsmagazines still draws 7.3 million. Respect the legend.
#10 — “So Help Me Todd” (CBS) — CANCELLED
Wait… what?! This critically-loved legal dramedy pulled in 7.2 million viewers — and still got the axe.
Why Was a Top 10 Show Cancelled?
Now here’s where it gets spicy.
“So Help Me Todd” had fans, numbers, and buzz. But CBS still canceled it. Why?
Budget vs. Ratings
Even with high viewership, production costs may have outweighed profit. Big stars? Big budgets. If it’s not cheaply profitable, it’s expendable.
Demographics Matter
Networks don’t just want millions of viewers — they want young ones. If your audience skews older, advertisers pay less.
Streaming Conflicts
Sometimes, a show with decent ratings gets cut to make room for content that boosts a streamer’s library. Sad, but true.
Fan Reactions: Twitter Had a Meltdown
Fans of “So Help Me Todd” were not having it. The hashtag #SaveTodd trended for days. Memes, petitions, and even celebrity shout-outs flooded timelines. And let’s be honest, this backlash might make networks think twice next season.
What These Numbers Mean for the Future of TV
TV is changing fast. But here’s the takeaway:
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Procedurals still dominate.
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Comedies with heart (like “Ghosts”) are climbing.
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Network loyalty is real — CBS owns half the list.
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Even popular shows can be canceled. Numbers aren’t everything.
Think of traditional TV like a veteran rock band. Still touring. Still crushing it. But now with TikTokers opening the show.
What Makes a TV Show ‘Uncancelable’?
Let’s be real — nothing’s safe. But here’s what helps:
High Ratings + Low Budget = Green Light
Cheap shows with good ratings are network gold.
Social Media Buzz
If fans trend you every week? You’re hard to cancel.
Syndication Potential
Hit 100 episodes? Now you’re money in reruns.
Which Shows Are On The Bubble for Next Season?
Here’s the tea:
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“The Rookie” (ABC) — Holding steady.
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“The Good Doctor” (ABC) — Might be losing steam.
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“Law & Order: Organized Crime” (NBC) — TBD.
No official cuts yet, but no renewals either.
Viewer Habits Are Changing — Are Networks Keeping Up?
We’re in a world where people watch episodes on lunch breaks, in waiting rooms, and on planes. Yet, many networks still rely on 8 p.m. slots and Nielsen boxes. It’s like racing with a horse in a Tesla world.
Final Thoughts — The Ratings Game Isn’t What It Used to Be
Let’s be honest. TV isn’t just about what’s “good” anymore. It’s about what’s profitable, what trends, and what sticks. This season showed us that being loved doesn’t always save a show, and being traditional doesn’t always mean boring.
If your favorite show made the list — celebrate! If it got canceled… light a candle and start a petition. That’s showbiz, baby.
