CBS is holding on to its bragging rights: The network is declaring victory in the 2015-2016 TV season in both total viewers and the key demographics.
According to Nielsen data through May 22, CBS remains “America’s Most Watched” network for the eighth consecutive season and thirteenth in the past 14 years with an average of 10.9 million viewers. The season officially concludes on May 25.
In key demographics, the network placed first in the adults 25-54 for the fourth time in five seasons with a 3.1 rating and first in adults 18-49 for the second time in four seasons with a 2.3 rating. Even when excluding all NFL telecasts, CBS still wins the season in all key measures, including adults 18-49.
In viewers, CBS has four of the top 10 broadcasts, nine of the top 20 and 14 of the top 30, more than any other network. CBS is also first in viewers on every night of the week and delivers over 10 million viewers on five of seven nights.
In addition, the network also has the only two shows in the exclusive 20 million viewer club in “The Big Bang Theory and “NCIS,” and 15 shows that deliver over 10 million viewers, again more than any other network.
One should point out, however, that these numbers reflect the traditional September-May television season. NBC is well placed to win September-September as they will be airing the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.