Broadcast TV Shows Get Boosted by Streaming Audience
New data from Nielsen for the current season reveals a significant impact of streaming on ratings for shows that originate on broadcast networks. The research indicates a substantial increase in viewership, with an average addition of 2.85 million viewers per show just one week after they air.
The top 10 entertainment series on broadcast networks this season have seen a combined boost from streaming, averaging around 26% of their total seven-day total among all viewers. However, it's the younger demographic that is heavily influenced by streaming - with over 61% of the total ratings coming from online viewing for the 18-49 age group.
ABC leads the pack in terms of the top five shows, with Shifting Gears taking the top spot with a 2.43 rating and just ahead of High Potential at 2.42. However, it's worth noting that Shifting Gears had only aired two episodes by the time the data was calculated, giving the series an edge over its competitors.
The combined viewership for the top five shows is substantial, with Tracker and Matlock taking the top spots overall - both above the 10 million mark in linear viewing (including DVR playback). High Potential ranks third with 11.53 million viewers, followed by Shifting Gears (11.4 million) and Will Trent (10.34 million).
Among the top five shows, streaming played a significant role in shaping their ratings. For example, High Potential experienced the largest addition of viewers from streaming - adding 4.41 million viewers and 1.8 points to its 18-49 rating.
Here is the complete list of the top 10 entertainment shows for the current season:
- Tracker (14.75 million viewers)
- Matlock (13.29 million viewers)
- High Potential (11.53 million viewers)
- Shifting Gears (11.4 million viewers)
- Will Trent (10.34 million viewers)
These numbers highlight the significant influence of streaming on broadcast TV ratings, and demonstrate the importance of online viewing in shaping what audiences watch and when.