The top of the network ratings charts for the 2025-26 season so far don’t look much different from how they did last season — which is to say that CBS’ Tracker and ABC’s High Potential are still racking up big audiences.
As it has for each of its first two seasons, Tracker is on pace to be the most-watched network entertainment show (i.e., excluding sports and news programming) of the current season. Through Oct. 26 (the most current available figures), the show has averaged just under 14 million cross-platform viewers over seven days. That’s more than 1.5 million viewers than the second-ranked series … which is High Potential at 12.38 million. The two also ranked first and second for the 2024-25 season (in Nielsen’s longer-tail, 35-day ratings).
High Potential, meanwhile, has a sizable lead among all non-sports and news shows in the key ad sales demographic of adults 18-49. It averages a 2.42 rating over seven days of viewing (equivalent to about 3.29 million people in that age range), with almost three quarters of its total coming via streaming. ABC also notes that High Potential’s Sept. 16 season premiere has grown to 17.23 million viewers and a 3.9 rating among adults 18-49 over five weeks of viewing.
CBS’ Matlock (10.31 million viewers) and NCIS (8.86 million) and NBC’s Chicago Fire (8.62 million) complete the top five shows in total viewers. If sports and news were included, NBC’s Sunday Night Football (21.77 million same-day viewers, not including streaming, from Sept. 22-Oct. 26), ABC’s portion of Monday Night Football (12.11 million) and CBS’ 60 Minutes (8.93 million) would all be in the top five.
The fall television season is heating up — and it’s not just because of the crisp air. Two powerhouse shows, CBS’s Tracker and ABC’s High Potential, are leading the pack, racking up astonishing viewership across platforms. These series are proving they’re not just momentary sensations but consistent crowd-pullers in an era when traditional TV increasingly competes with streaming.
What’s Driving the Ratings Frenzy?
1. The Nielsen Shake-Up: Big Data + Panel Makes a Difference
Nielsen, the gold standard for TV audience measurement, recently upgraded its methodology. Instead of relying purely on panel homes, the company now uses a “Big Data + Panel” system. In simpler terms, they’re combining traditional TV-set sample data with massive data from smart TVs, set-top boxes, and other devices.
This fresh approach gives a clearer, more accurate picture of what people are actually watching — especially when you factor in streaming.
2. Cross-Platform Viewing Is the New King
Tracker and High Potential aren’t just thriving on live TV; they’re winning big when you factor in streaming. Viewers are watching them on demand, via apps, and across various platforms.
In fact, High Potential sees nearly three-quarters of its 18–49 demographic from streaming.
That’s huge — and it shows why modern measurement matters.
The Numbers Behind the Success
3. Tracker Is Still Dominating in Total Viewers
According to recent data (through Oct. 26), Tracker is averaging around 14 million cross-platform viewers over seven days.
That makes it the most-watched network entertainment show this season — excluding sports and news.
4. High Potential Is Killing It in the 18–49 Demo
While Tracker rules in sheer numbers, High Potential shines in the key ad-sales demographic: 18- to 49-year-olds. It averages a 2.42 rating in that group over seven days when you combine streaming and broadcast.
Plus, ABC says the season premiere reached 17.23 million total viewers (multiplatform), with a 3.9 rating in 18–49 after five weeks.
5. Year-Over-Year Gains Are Real
Both shows are growing.
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Tracker returned for its third season with 13 million multiplatform viewers in week one, a 17% increase from the prior season’s premiere.
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High Potential also saw a jump: its latest season premiere hit 11.9 million in seven-day multiplatform, and 15.9 million when you include encore broadcasts — a 28% rise over the previous debut.
Why These Shows Are Resonating
6. Strong Storytelling and Production Values
Both shows have tapped into what modern audiences crave: smart plots, relatable characters, and high-stakes drama. Whether you’re a fan of procedural crime (Tracker) or emotional, character-driven stories (High Potential), there’s something for everyone.
7. Effective Marketing + Streaming Strategy
Networks are no longer relying purely on linear broadcast to build momentum. ABC and CBS are leveraging streaming platforms aggressively — plus strategically releasing episodes, promoting digitally, and riding word-of-mouth buzz. The result? More people tune in, on their own time.
8. Changing Viewership Habits
People don’t always watch live TV anymore — they stream, delay, binge, and return to shows when it’s convenient. That shift is precisely what Tracker and High Potential are capitalizing on. Their success is a classic case of “meet the audience where they are.”
The Competitive Landscape
9. What About Other Fall Shows?
While Tracker and High Potential lead, several shows are nipping at their heels.
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On CBS, Matlock (starring Kathy Bates) is doing well, but it hasn’t eclipsed Tracker.
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ABC also has strong contenders: Abbott Elementary, 9-1-1, and Shifting Gears are among the top 20 in key demos.
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In the 18–49 demo, for example, Tracker ranks lower than High Potential, per ABC’s own ratings breakdown.
10. Why Some Shows May Struggle
Not every series can punch through the clutter. Shows without strong streaming traction, limited marketing reach, or weaker multi-platform performance may struggle — even if they’re solid on paper.
The Broader Impact on the TV Industry
11. Advertising Dollars Follow the Eyeballs
Advertisers are closely watching these ratings trends. A show that performs well across platforms is a goldmine for ad buyers — especially if it attracts the coveted 18–49 demo.
Essentially, shows like High Potential could demand premium ad rates, because they’re delivering viewers who actually matter to brands.
12. Programming Decisions & Renewals
Networks consider more than just linear viewership. With multi-platform performance now part of the equation, shows that might have been borderline in the past could now be renewed easily.
Pitch-perfect: renewals, spin-offs, and sequels could all be on the table for hits like Tracker and High Potential.
13. A New Era of Measurement
Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel method ushers in a new age. It’s more accurate, more comprehensive, and more reflective of how viewers truly consume content.
This shift matters not just for networks and advertisers — but for creators, too. They’ll know better than ever how their show resonates.
Risks & Challenges Ahead
14. Sustainability
Can Tracker and High Potential keep this momentum? Premieres often draw curiosity, but long-term retention is key.
If drop-off begins in subsequent episodes, the hype could fade. However, early trends suggest they’re not just fads.
15. Competition from Streaming-Only Platforms
While broadcast networks are playing the cross-platform game well, they still compete with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and others. Some viewers may choose to binge entire seasons on streaming platforms before tuning back in.
16. Measurement Growing Pains
Even with Nielsen’s new system, measurement isn’t perfect. Combining panel data with big-data sources introduces complexities — and networks, advertisers, and analysts will need to adapt.
Why This Matters to You (the Viewer)
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Greater choice, better shows. Seeing Tracker and High Potential succeed means networks are making smarter bets — and that translates to more quality programming for you.
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More flexibility. Because these shows are thriving on multiple platforms, you can watch when, where, and how you like — without feeling like you’re missing out.
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Changing TV isn’t scary — it’s exciting. The way we watch TV is evolving, and hits like these remind us that traditional broadcast can still be relevant… if it evolves with us.
Conclusion
Tracker and High Potential aren’t just topping the charts — they’re redefining what success looks like in the modern TV landscape. With Nielsen’s upgraded measurement, cross-platform viewing, and strong creative execution, both shows are proving they have staying power. As TV continues to evolve, these hits are a clear sign that the future belongs to series that can capture audiences on every device.
