The 2024-25 network TV season is pretty well in the rearview mirror — production on shows for 2025-26 is about to begin, after all — but in the long-tail, multi-platform world of audience measurement, ratings data is still trickling in.
The final 35-day, cross-platform numbers for the top network entertainment series are now available, and they continue to show that streaming is a major component of viewing. Over five weeks, streaming accounts for about 31 percent of the all-in total audience for the top 20 broadcast series. Among adults 18-49, however, two-thirds of the top shows’ total, on average, comes from streaming — making for another piece of evidence that streaming viewers are considerably younger than those who watch a show on-air or via DVR.
The total viewer tallies for the full season (Sept. 23, 2024-May 21, 2025) aren’t substantially different from earlier sets 35-day data released in May and June, with changes coming from the addition of the season’s final episodes of some series. CBS’ Tracker remains the No. 1 series among total viewers, averaging 17.34 million viewers across all platforms over 35 days. First-year hits High Potential (16.16 million viewers for ABC) and Matlock (15.72 million for CBS) rank second and third, well ahead of the rest of the top 20.
High Potential also led all network series (not including sports) among adults 18-49, scoring a 3.85 rating in the key ad-sales demographic over five weeks. That equates to about 5.15 million viewers in that age range. More than 80 percent of those people watched the show via streaming; High Potential’s linear 18-49 rating was only 0.71, equivalent to about 950,000 viewers.
The wait is over. The curtains have closed, the commercials have rolled, and now — the final TV ratings for the 2024-25 network season are here. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious which shows reigned supreme, buckle up — we’re diving deep into what really happened on your screen this past year.
Why TV Ratings Still Matter in the Streaming Era
TV may not be the juggernaut it once was, but make no mistake — network ratings still carry weight. They drive advertising dollars, determine show renewals, and dictate cultural relevance. In a landscape flooded with streaming platforms, it’s impressive (and rare) when a broadcast show breaks through the noise.
The Top-Rated Network Show of 2024-25
“FBI” on CBS – The Ratings Beast Returns
CBS’s crime drama FBI pulled in an average of 9.8 million viewers weekly, making it the most-watched scripted network show of the season. With tight plots, engaging characters, and prime-time placement, FBI proves procedural dramas are far from outdated.
Surprise Hit – “9-1-1” Dominates in Its New Home
After making the jump from FOX to ABC, “9-1-1” didn’t just survive — it thrived. The emergency-responder drama brought in 8.6 million average viewers, thanks in part to its emotional storytelling and loyal fanbase. The move sparked online chatter — and clearly, it paid off.
Major Flops That Shocked Everyone
NBC’s “Found” Lost Its Audience
Despite a strong launch, Found saw a steep drop-off by midseason, finishing with an average of 3.4 million viewers. High expectations and a stellar cast weren’t enough to keep audiences engaged.
FOX’s “Alert: Missing Persons Unit” Missed the Mark
This procedural barely made a dent, averaging under 2.9 million viewers, leading many to predict a quiet cancellation. Despite aggressive promotion, it failed to find its footing.
Top 10 Network Shows by Total Viewership (2024-25)
Here’s the definitive ranking based on final Nielsen numbers:
| Rank | Show | Network | Avg. Viewers (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FBI | CBS | 9.8 |
| 2 | 9-1-1 | ABC | 8.6 |
| 3 | Chicago Fire | NBC | 8.2 |
| 4 | Blue Bloods | CBS | 7.9 |
| 5 | NCIS | CBS | 7.6 |
| 6 | The Equalizer | CBS | 7.3 |
| 7 | Chicago Med | NBC | 6.9 |
| 8 | Young Sheldon (Final Season) | CBS | 6.8 |
| 9 | The Rookie | ABC | 6.5 |
| 10 | Chicago P.D. | NBC | 6.2 |
CBS – The Undisputed Network Ratings Champion
CBS once again secured its place as the #1 network in total viewers, thanks to its reliable mix of procedurals, reality shows, and drama. With four of the top five shows on this year’s list, CBS proved its formula still works like a charm.
ABC’s Big Moves Paid Off
ABC made strategic gains this season, particularly with its acquisition of 9-1-1 and the strong performance of The Rookie. It ranked #2 in both viewership growth and demographic appeal among the 18-49 crowd.
FOX Struggles Without Scripted Hits
After losing 9-1-1, FOX leaned heavily on reality and animation — with “The Masked Singer” and “The Simpsons” being rare bright spots. But the lack of a compelling scripted hit made it the weakest among the Big Four in prime-time drama.
Streaming vs. Network — Who’s Really Winning?
Even though streaming dominates headlines, these ratings show that network television is far from dead. In fact, millions still tune in weekly for linear programming — especially older demographics and fans of long-running franchises.
The Social Media Effect on Ratings
Shows like 9-1-1 and The Rookie benefitted from viral fan edits, memes, and real-time Twitter commentary. The takeaway? If your show gets fans buzzing online, it boosts next-week ratings.
What Nielsen Ratings Really Measure
Nielsen doesn’t just track who’s watching — it breaks down age, gender, and region, giving networks a roadmap for ad sales and renewal decisions. That’s why hitting the right demo can matter even more than total viewers.
The Importance of Live + Same Day Numbers
With so many people watching on DVR or Hulu the next day, Nielsen also tracks Live + Same Day, Live +3, and Live +7 data — helping networks understand long-tail engagement beyond the premiere.
What These Final Ratings Mean for Next Season
High-rated shows like FBI, 9-1-1, and Chicago Fire are guaranteed renewals and primetime slots. Meanwhile, lower-tier performers may see schedule shifts, budget cuts, or cancellations. Expect reshuffling as networks fight for your attention in 2025-26.
Which Shows Are on the Bubble?
Here are a few shows whose fates remain uncertain, despite decent ratings:
“The Good Doctor” – Final Season Rumors Swirl
While it maintained solid ratings, behind-the-scenes reports suggest this could be the swan song for the fan-favorite medical drama.
“The Cleaning Lady” – Renew or Reboot?
Mid-tier numbers place it in a grey area. FOX might gamble on a shorter season or switch nights to test its legs.
Demographic Darlings – Winning the 18-49 Game
While CBS rules overall viewership, shows like ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU” dominated in the 18-49 demo — the sweet spot for advertisers. These are the real MVPs in terms of ad revenue potential.
Genre Trends: Crime Still Kills It
From FBI to Law & Order, crime and procedural dramas remain the gold standard. Lighthearted sitcoms and experimental dramas, meanwhile, are struggling to find an audience in today’s fractured market.
What Networks Need to Fix for 2025-26
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Overloaded schedules: Too many new shows, not enough promotion.
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Better marketing: Social-first strategies work — see 9-1-1.
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Stronger lead-ins: Pairing flops with hits can work, but it’s risky.
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Renew fan-favorites early: Don’t wait until May to confirm them.
Conclusion: Final Ratings Reveal a New Era of Network Power Players
The 2024-25 TV season proved that network television still has teeth — especially when it leans into its strengths. Procedurals, character-driven dramas, and loyal fanbases helped several shows not only survive, but thrive. And while streaming is the new kid on the block, millions still show up for appointment viewing every week.
As we head into 2025-26, the networks will need to sharpen their game — but if this year’s final ratings are any indication, the fight for your eyeballs is far from over.
