Each season, the television networks introduce dozens of new TV shows and hope that each will be a big hit in the ratings. Unfortunately, most are cancelled after one season. How are the 2016-17 series doing? Which have the best ratings and which have the worst? How many will survive to see a second season? Stay tuned.
Here are the season average ratings of the new 2016-17 network TV shows — through the end of week five (Sunday, October 23, 2016).
New ABC TV shows (so far): American Housewife, Conviction, Designated Survivor, Notorious, and Speechless.
New CBS TV shows this season (so far): Bull, The Case Of, Kevin Can Wait, and MacGyver.
New CW TV shows this season (so far): Frequency and No Tomorrow.
New FOX TV shows this season (so far): The Exorcist, Lethal Weapon, Pitch, and Son of Zorn.
New NBC TV shows this season (so far): The Good Place, This Is Us, and Timeless.
Note: If you’re not seeing the updated charts, please try reloading the page. You can also view them here and here.
The averages are based on the final national numbers (live plus same day viewing). The demos are typically reported with one decimal place but I’ve included two for more accurate ranking.
Keep in mind that the demo numbers are typically what’s most important to advertisers. Therefore, that’s how the networks measure success. Advertisers pay more for ad time on a show that has a higher demo rating. Because older viewers don’t count? No, it’s because younger viewers watch less traditional TV and are harder to reach.
What do you think? Are you surprised by any of the ratings? Which shows should be doing better?
