Something unusual is missing among Nielsen’s top programs

NEWYORK » There’s something missing in the Nielsen company’s listing of last week’s 20 most popular prime-time programs, something that once would have seemed inconceivable. Not a single scripted program is included — no drama or no comedy. The most-watched scripted show of the week, NBC’s drama “Transplant,” ranked No. 42 with 3.63 million viewers.

The television production cupboard is bare because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, the top 20 included four NFL games, much to the networks’ relief, and two NBA playoff games.