Ever feel like your favorite show disappears into the void right after airing? Not anymore. With streaming, DVRs, and on-demand, viewers call the shots — and networks are racing to adapt. That’s where Nielsen’s 35-day multiplatform ratings come in, showing which shows really win the long game. So who came out on top this season? Spoiler alert: CBS crushed it. But ABC and Fox weren’t exactly snoozing. Let’s break it all down and see how the TV giants fared in this new era of watch when you want, where you want.
What Are Nielsen’s 35-Day Multiplatform Ratings, Anyway?
The Shift From Same-Day Ratings to Long-Term Performance
Gone are the days when next-morning ratings told the whole story. These new 35-day metrics capture viewing across:
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Live TV
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DVR playback
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Network apps
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Streaming platforms (like Paramount+ or Hulu)
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
With viewers scattered across screens and schedules, networks need this long-tail view to:
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Accurately measure a show’s real reach
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Secure advertiser dollars
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Decide on renewals or cancellations
CBS: Still Wearing the Ratings Crown
The Numbers Don’t Lie — CBS Leads the Pack
According to Nielsen’s latest multiplatform data, CBS is the most-watched network over the 35-day period. It ranked first in both total viewers and several key demographics.
Hit Shows That Powered CBS’ Victory
CBS wasn’t just lucky — it’s packing some serious firepower:
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NCIS (still a beast in delayed viewing)
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FBI and its spin-offs
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Young Sheldon (a sitcom with strong rewatch appeal)
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Ghosts (a breakout hit in both live and digital)
Strategic Streaming Boost from Paramount+
CBS leverages Paramount+ to stretch its reach beyond traditional TV. With entire seasons available on-demand, viewers binge at their own pace — and that counts big in 35-day rankings.
ABC: Quality Content, But Facing Challenges
Where ABC Shines
ABC still owns certain niches, especially with:
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Shonda Rhimes’ legacy (Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19)
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Reality TV (The Bachelor, American Idol)
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Family dramas like The Good Doctor
The Multiplatform Catch-Up Game
While ABC delivers high-quality content, it hasn’t quite caught up on the streaming front. Hulu helps, but it’s split focus with Disney+ leaves some shows with lower visibility post-airing.
Where ABC Lost Ground
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Lacked a mega-hit drama to rival NCIS or FBI
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Some newer shows failed to gain traction even with 35-day viewership
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The balance between legacy franchises and fresh content still needs fine-tuning
Bold Risks, Mixed Results
Fox’s Strengths Lie in Specific Genres
Fox takes a different approach — leaning hard into:
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Animation domination (The Simpsons, Family Guy)
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Reality competitions (The Masked Singer, Hell’s Kitchen)
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Event TV and sports broadcasting (NFL, WWE)
Multiplatform Plays That Worked
Fox pushes digital aggressively, and shows like:
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9-1-1
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The Cleaning Lady
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Lego Masters
saw strong catch-up viewership.
Where Fox Struggled
Despite loyal fanbases, Fox’s niche appeal sometimes limits broad 35-day numbers. Not all animated content carries well into delayed streaming, and not every reality show holds replay value.
Total Audience Rankings: Who Really Won?
CBS Wins in Total Viewers
No surprise here — CBS ranks #1 in total multiplatform viewers across almost all major nights.
ABC Leads in Key Female Demos
ABC shines with female 18-49 viewers, thanks to emotional dramas and relationship-focused content.
Fox Crushes It in Younger Male Audiences
Fox wins with men 18-34, fueled by high-energy programming and sports content.
The Death of Same-Day Ratings
Why Overnight Ratings Are Outdated
In the streaming age, same-day ratings feel like judging a race after the first 100 meters. With viewers catching up weeks later, overnight numbers no longer tell the full story.
Advertisers Want the 35-Day Picture
Brands don’t just care who watched live. They want the full 35-day scope to:
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Target binge viewers
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Understand content stickiness
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Maximize long-tail ad impressions
What Networks Can Learn from CBS’ Strategy
Lean Into Consistency
CBS proves the value of:
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Franchises (viewers love familiar worlds)
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Cross-platform availability
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Reliable scheduling (same nights, same times)
Don’t Just Stream — Promote It
CBS doesn’t just stream episodes; they actively market them across platforms to keep viewers engaged.
Viewer Behavior Is Changing (And Fast)
Viewers Want Control
People now choose:
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What to watch
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When to watch
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How to watch
And that control affects which networks win or lose in delayed viewing.
Multiplatform = Multi-generational Reach
35-day data proves older viewers still love traditional TV, but younger ones prefer streaming — success means capturing both.
Will These Rankings Impact Next Season?
Absolutely. Here’s how:
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Advertisers will pour more money into CBS shows with big 35-day reach
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ABC & Fox will reassess their streaming distribution
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New shows may get greenlit based on potential for delayed viewership, not just live performance
Conclusion: The Future of TV Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
In a world where nobody watches TV the same way anymore, CBS proves that consistency, smart streaming, and powerful franchises still win. ABC and Fox are evolving, too — each with unique strengths and areas to grow.
