Technology

Most popular TV shows of the year, according to Nielsen ratings

Published

6 years ago

October 18, 2018

“Roseanne.”ABCSeveral of the most popular TV series this year have been established favorites like “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Voice,” and “NCIS.”

But the surprise hit of the year is ABC’s reboot of “Roseanne,” a program that drew many millions of viewers each week along with controversy from its firebrand, Trump-supporting lead, Roseanne Barr. That controversy ultimately led to the show’s cancellation.

The “Roseanne” spin-off, “The Conners,” premiered this week to 10.5 million viewers. That’s a far cry from the “Roseanne” premiere in March, which attracted 18 million viewers, but it’s still a hit for ABC.

To find out which shows were the most popular this year so far, Nielsen estimated the average number of US viewers tuning in to regularly scheduled programming.

ABC’s massive success with “Roseanne,” along with CBS’ high ratings across numerous shows on this list, demonstrates how broadcast networks remain the heavyweights in overall viewership — even in the age of streaming.

Here are the 10 most popular TV shows of 2018 so far, according to Nielsen’s ratings:

10. “The Voice” (NBC) — 12.5 million

NBC

Series run: 14 seasons (2011-present)

Summary: “Singers square off for a coveted recording contract in this reality talent contest from the producers of ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Survivor.’ Four vocal coaches mentor the contestants.”

9. “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS) — 12.7 million average viewers

CBS

Series run: 4 seasons (2014-present)

Summary: “A drama about the local field office that investigates criminal cases involving military personnel in The Big Easy, a city known for its music, entertainment and decadence.”

8. “Blue Bloods” (CBS) — 13.2 million average viewers

CBS

Series run: 8 seasons (2010-present)

Summary: “A drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement.”

7. “Bull” (CBS) — 14.7 million average viewers

CBS

Series run: 2 seasons (2016-present)

Summary: “Stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull in a drama inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, the founder of one of the most prolific trial consulting firms of all time.”

6. “The Good Doctor” (ABC) — 15.8 million average viewers

ABC

Series run: 1 season (2017-present)

Summary: “Freddie Highmore plays Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit.”

5. “Young Sheldon” (CBS) — 16.5 million average viewers

Robert Voets/CBS

Series run: 1 season (2017-present)

Summary: “Follows the 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper as he navigates living with his family in East Texas and going to high school.”

4. “NCIS” (CBS) — 17.09 million average viewers

CBS

Series run: 15 seasons (2003-present)

Summary: “‘NCIS’ (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it’s a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations.”

3. “This Is Us” (NBC) — 18.3 million average viewers

NBC

Series run: 2 seasons (2016-present)

Summary: “Everyone has a family. And every family has a story. ‘This Is Us’ chronicles the Pearson family across the decades.”

2. “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) — 18.7 million average viewers

CBS

Series run: 11 seasons (2007-present)

Summary: “Leonard and Sheldon are brilliant physicists — geniuses in the laboratory but socially challenged everywhere else. Enter beautiful, street-smart neighbor Penny, who aims to teach them a thing or two about life.”

1. “Roseanne” (ABC) — 23.2 million average viewers

ABC

Series run: 10 seasons (1988-1997; 2018)

Summary: “Explore life, death and everything in between through the relatable, hilarious and brutally honest lens of the Conner household.”

The Televisor

Most popular TV shows of the year, according to Nielsen ratings

10. “The Voice” (NBC) — 12.5 million

9. “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS) — 12.7 million average viewers

8. “Blue Bloods” (CBS) — 13.2 million average viewers

7. “Bull” (CBS) — 14.7 million average viewers

6. “The Good Doctor” (ABC) — 15.8 million average viewers

5. “Young Sheldon” (CBS) — 16.5 million average viewers

4. “NCIS” (CBS) — 17.09 million average viewers

3. “This Is Us” (NBC) — 18.3 million average viewers

2. “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) — 18.7 million average viewers

1. “Roseanne” (ABC) — 23.2 million average viewers

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