It’s a pretty well-established fact that streaming has a sizable effect on ratings for shows that originate on broadcast networks. A new batch of data from Nielsen for this season shows just how big that impact can be.
The top 10 entertainment series (i.e., not sports or news programming) on the broadcast networks add an average of 2.85 million viewers from streaming alone a week after they air. Only two shows — CBS’ Tracker and Matlock — average 10 million viewers or more from linear viewing (including DVR playback) over seven days. With streaming included, five shows cross that mark, and two others are within 100,000 viewers of 10 million.
On average, the streaming audience among the top 10 shows makes up about 26 percent of their cross-platform, seven-day total among all viewers. But those viewers are decidedly younger than the ones who watch on-air or vida DVR: The top 10 series in the key ad-sales demographic of adults 18-49 get more than half of their total seven-day ratings from streaming — just under 61 percent. Of the 10 shows, only one, CBS’ Survivor, draws less than half of its cross-platform tally from streaming.
The data runs through Jan. 19, and it shows ABC’s Shifting Gears as the top show in the key demo so far this season with a 2.43 rating (equivalent to about 3.26 million people ages 18-49) — with the caveat that the Tim Allen-led comedy had only aired two episodes by then. It comes in just ahead of High Potential at 2.42. ABC commands all of the top five spots, with Abbott Elementary (2.26 rating), The Rookie (1.89) and 911 (1.81) following the first two.
Tracker (14.75 million viewers on all platforms) and Matlock (13.29 million) take the top two spots in total viewers, building on their 10 million-plus linear audiences. High Potential ranks third with 11.53 million viewers, and Shifting Gears (11.4 million) and Will Trent (10.34 million) complete the top five.
High Potential gets the largest streaming boost among any series in the top 10, adding 4.41 million viewers and 1.8 points to its 18-49 rating.
The top 10 entertainment shows though Jan. 19 are below.
