After claiming an early victory over the broadcast season last week, CBS is now touting its dominance across the entire television landscape. Per 35-day multi-platform Nielsen data, 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 in the first place, and 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 10.84M 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, which was 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 ABC’s 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 pretty significantly ahead of No. 2 NBC, which managed 7.2M. ABC comes in third with 6.9M, and Fox is in 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.
Television is more competitive than ever, with streaming platforms flooding the market and networks fighting to hold their ground. Yet, CBS has managed to make a bold statement: six of its shows have landed among the top 20 series on TV. Even more impressive, fresh hits like Tracker and the revival of Matlock are giving big-name streaming series such as Amazon’s Reacher and Netflix’s Adolescence some serious competition. So, how did CBS pull this off in an era where everyone seems glued to streaming? Let’s break it down.
The Power of Network Television in a Streaming World
While streaming platforms dominate headlines, network TV quietly keeps drawing millions of viewers. CBS has proven that strong storytelling, consistent schedules, and loyal fanbases can still rival binge-worthy streaming hits.
CBS Secures Six Spots in the Top 20
It’s not just luck. CBS strategically positioned itself with a mix of new shows, reboots, and long-running series that resonate across age groups. These six titles represent the backbone of the network’s current dominance.
1. ‘Tracker’ – The Breakout Hit
CBS’s Tracker has emerged as a surprise success story. Blending crime, mystery, and an emotional core, the show has managed to carve its own niche, proving that new concepts can thrive on traditional television.
2. ‘Matlock’ – A Legendary Return
Reviving a classic could have been risky, but Matlock’s reboot has charmed both longtime fans and new viewers. Its blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling makes it a serious competitor to streaming juggernauts.
3. ‘NCIS’ – The Unstoppable Franchise
Decades in, NCIS still dominates. Its global fanbase and consistent storytelling keep it among the top-ranked shows, solidifying CBS’s legacy as a crime-drama powerhouse.
4. ‘FBI’ – Procedural Drama Done Right
The FBI franchise continues to thrive, offering viewers high-stakes investigations and relatable characters. It’s no surprise this series makes the cut in CBS’s elite lineup.
5. ‘Young Sheldon’ – Sitcom Success
Prequels don’t always land, but Young Sheldon has become a family favorite. Its humor and heart have allowed CBS to secure younger audiences while retaining fans of The Big Bang Theory.
6. ‘Blue Bloods’ – Family and Duty
A police drama with a family twist, Blue Bloods has stood the test of time. Its generational storytelling connects with audiences in ways few dramas manage.
CBS vs. Streaming: Who’s Really Winning?
Amazon’s Reacher and Netflix’s Adolescence may dominate digital chatter, but CBS shows still pull in massive weekly audiences. Unlike binge-drops that fade quickly, CBS programs benefit from word-of-mouth over time, giving them staying power.
The Role of Consistency
One of CBS’s biggest advantages is its reliable schedule. Viewers know exactly when their favorite shows air, building routine viewing habits that streaming services can’t always replicate.
How CBS Balances Old and New
CBS has struck a golden balance: reviving classics (Matlock), maintaining powerhouse franchises (NCIS), and introducing fresh hits (Tracker). This multi-pronged strategy appeals to both nostalgic viewers and younger demographics.
The Nostalgia Factor
Reboots like Matlock aren’t just cash grabs. They serve as bridges between generations, sparking interest among those who grew up with the originals while inviting new fans to join in.
Why Procedural Dramas Still Work
Procedural shows like FBI and NCIS succeed because they’re easy to follow. Each episode delivers a satisfying story arc, making them accessible for casual viewers without demanding marathon sessions.
Streaming Isn’t Invincible
Yes, streaming platforms have money, but CBS shows often outperform them in live viewership numbers. People still crave comfort TV, and CBS delivers that reliably.
What This Means for the Future of CBS
With six shows in the top 20, CBS is proving it isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. If the network continues blending fresh hits with trusted franchises, its presence in the top rankings will only grow.
The Viewer’s Perspective
At the end of the day, audiences want stories they can connect with. Whether it’s the courtroom brilliance of Matlock or the high-stakes action of Tracker, CBS is giving fans what they crave: entertainment that sticks.
CBS’s Winning Recipe
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Strong franchises with proven track records
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Revivals that respect the past while updating for the present
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Consistent weekly programming
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A mix of comedy, drama, and action
This formula is why CBS continues to compete, even against billion-dollar streaming giants.
Final Thoughts
CBS’s dominance with six shows in the top 20 is a testament to the staying power of network television. Tracker and Matlock may have started as underdogs, but they’re holding their own against massive streaming hits like Reacher and Adolescence. In a media world obsessed with streaming, CBS proves that sometimes the classics—and clever new hits—are what audiences really want.
