CBS gets back the No. 1 spot
After seven-week absence, the network returns to the top as others see sports lift.
Network returns to the top of prime-time TV ratings after an absence of seven weeks.
CBS returned to the top of the prime-time television ratings after a seven-week absence with seven of the week’s eight most-watched scripted programs, including reruns of its two most popular series: “The Big Bang Theory” and “NCIS.”
CBS averaged 10.27 million viewers for its primetime programming between Jan. 9 and Sunday, according to live-plus-same day figures released by Nielsen on Wednesday. NBC averaged 9.05 million viewers to finish second after winning six of the previous seven weeks.
Fox was third, averaging 7.64 million viewers for its 15 hours, 14 minutes of primetime programming. CBS aired 21 hours and five minutes of prime-time programming and NBC and ABC aired 21 hours each.
ABC was fourth for the second consecutive week, averaging 4.66 million viewers.
NBC and CBS both benefited from NFL playoff coverage.
NBC’s coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 18-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday was the week’s most-watched prime-time program, averaging 37.11 million viewers, the most for a prime-time wild card or divisional playoff game. The previous record was 34.4 million for the New Orleans SaintsPhiladelphia Eagles wild card round game on Jan. 4, 2014 on NBC.
The game was also the most-watched Sunday prime-time program since Super Bowl 50.
CBS’ coverage of the New England Patriots’ 34-16 victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday was second for the week, averaging 29.82 million viewers.
NBC also had the week’s most-watched scripted program, the acclaimed firstseason drama “This Is Us,” which was eighth for the week, averaging 10.48 million viewers.
The police drama “Blue Bloods” was CBS’ mostwatched scripted program, finishing ninth overall, averaging 10.47 million viewers.
ESPN’s coverage of college football’s national championship game was the week’s most-watched prime-time cable program, averaging 24.42 million viewers, fourth overall.ESPN was the most-watched cable network for the fifth consecutive week, averaging 3.97 million viewers. Fox News Channel was second, averaging 2.48 million.