Television ratings trends are the heartbeat of broadcast success — especially when shows go head-to-head in prime time. In the first week of February, viewers tuned in to a mix of long-running dramas, popular reality competitions, reruns, and classic franchises. While some series gained momentum, others struggled to grab attention. Here’s your ultimate guide to how Next Level Chef, 9-1-1, Trivial Pursuit, Law & Order, and Matlock fared when it mattered most.
Understanding TV Ratings: Why They Matter
Television ratings are more than just numbers — they shape renewal decisions, advertising dollars, and the future of our favorite shows. Ratings measure how many viewers are tuning in live, which demographics are watching, and how shows stack up in competitive time slots.
The Competitive Landscape in Early February
During the first week of February, networks like ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, and The CW aired a mix of new and repeat episodes:
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ABC: 9-1-1 continued its Thursday presence.
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Fox: Next Level Chef returned with new episodes.
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The CW: Trivial Pursuit appeared in reruns.
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NBC: Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU aired.
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CBS: Matlock reruns filled primetime slots.
Let’s unpack how these shows performed.
Prime Time Ratings Breakdown
1. ‘9-1-1’ on ABC
9-1-1 remained a cornerstone of ABC’s Thursday lineup. While newer competitive dramas on the network often jockey for position, 9-1-1 has continued to hold solid viewing figures thanks to its blend of high-stakes action and character drama — although exact Live+Same Day numbers for the first week of February aren’t publicly released, reports indicate it remained above many competitors in its slot.
Why it matters:
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A reliable generational favorite with consistent audience interest.
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Strong multi-platform performance in recent seasons reflected broader viewing beyond traditional broadcast.
2. ‘Next Level Chef’ (Fox Competition)
While not on ABC’s schedule, Next Level Chef headlines the broader ratings conversation for first week February. Ratings data shows the competition series was up from its season finale in late January, with modest demo scores and solid viewership for its genre.
Standout points:
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Reality competition shows like this often anchor young adult viewership.
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Performance can influence renewal talks and nightly lineup strength.
3. ‘Trivial Pursuit’ on The CW
Trivial Pursuit — airing primarily in rerun blocks — posted low traditional ratings during prime time. Reruns typically draw smaller audiences, but these airings keep the franchise visible.
Insight:
Although TV reruns rarely dominate ratings, they help fill schedules and can boost streaming interest over time.
4. ‘Law & Order’ on NBC
Although a staple of NBC’s Thursday programming, Law & Order competes against strong offerings like 9-1-1 and others in the same block. Recent data showed its performances at competitive levels with Law & Order: SVU — but still generally behind ABC’s top draws.
Takeaway:
Longevity and fan loyalty keep this procedural in the ratings mix, but its numbers fluctuate against hot new contenders.
5. ‘Matlock’ on CBS
Reruns of Matlock filled CBS’ Thursday night schedule and posted consistent, if lower, viewership. Classics like Matlock often attract niche audiences even years later.
Why it matters:
Legacy programming can help networks maintain steady base numbers, even if not leading the night.
Ratings Trends: What This Week Reveals
ABC’s Position
ABC remains competitive with dramas like 9-1-1 leading the network’s Thursday. Even in the face of stiff competition from procedural staples and reality programming, ABC has found consistency by doubling down on strong brand shows.
Impact of Reruns vs. First-Run Episodes
New episodes always draw more attention than repeats — and reruns like those of Trivial Pursuit or Matlock often sit lower in the rankings. Still, they fill valuable broadcast space.
Reality TV’s Role
Shows like Next Level Chef keep networks’ ratings alive outside scripted content, drawing audiences that might otherwise skip traditional dramas.
What Networks Are Watching Next
As the season builds toward mid-February and beyond, networks will continue evaluating:
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Ratings momentum week-to-week
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Key demographics (especially Adults 18-49)
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Streaming + multi-platform viewing data
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Social media buzz and fan engagement
All these factors shape the future of programming well beyond a single week’s numbers.
Final Takeaways
The first week of February ratings reveal an evolving broadcast landscape:
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‘9-1-1’ stays strong for ABC, buoyed by engaged viewers.
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Reality shows like Next Level Chef remain competitive, despite network differences.
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Classic reruns continue to provide stable, if not spectacular, viewership.
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Procedurals like ‘Law & Order’ stay relevant in a crowded schedule.
Overall, ratings reflect not just viewership, but long-term strategy and fan loyalty in a transformed media world.
Conclusion
The first week of February’s TV ratings told a fascinating story of competition, viewer preferences, and strategic programming choices. From ABC’s 9-1-1 to reruns of Matlock and Trivial Pursuit, each show carved out a place in the viewing landscape. As networks prepare for the critical mid-season stretch and look to streaming crosses, these early February numbers give us a snapshot of what audiences are craving — familiarity, drama, competition, and nostalgia all wrapped into one dynamic ratings battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which show had the highest ratings for ABC in the first week of February?
While specific week data isn’t always publicly detailed, 9-1-1 consistently performed strongly for ABC in this period.
2. Did Next Level Chef outperform 9-1-1?
Next Level Chef, airing on Fox, posted solid reality competition numbers, but comparisons across networks must account for differing genres and audiences.
3. Why were reruns like Trivial Pursuit included in ratings reports?
Reruns are part of scheduling strategy and contribute to overall viewership counts even if not breaking records.
4. Do these ratings include streaming viewers?
The ratings referenced are primarily linear broadcast figures; however, networks also consider streaming and multi-platform viewing in holistic performance metrics.
5. How do ratings affect a show’s future?
Shows with strong ratings are more likely to be renewed and get better time slots, while weaker performers may shift or be canceled over time.