CBS Dethrones ABC to Lead TV Networks By Watch-Time
CBS captured an 8.82% viewership share across May 13-19, per Inscape.
Each week, we highlight the most-watched shows and networks using insights from Inscape, the currency-grade smart TV ACR data provider and data technology division of Vizio. Data is linear, live TV only and includes all episode types (new and reruns). Rankings are by percent share duration (i.e., time spent watching). Here's a look at the top 25 networks by viewership share for May 13-19 — head over to TVREV to see the program ranking and get insights about the top shows by watch-time.
After weeks in second place, CBS — aided largely by the PGA Championships — ascends to first place on the ranking with an 8.82% viewership share, over a full percentage point more than what it had last week. Morning and daytime stalwarts (The Price Is Right, CBS Mornings, The Young and the Restless) generated much of the network’s watch-time, but Young Sheldon was also up there, thanks to a couple reruns and the series finale.
Some more highlights around the top TV networks by viewership share:
- Although ABC slips from first to second place, it actually saw a minor increase in viewership share week-over-week, from 7.79% to 7.82%. Top programming included NBA playoff games, Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight With David Muir.
- Among the six networks that retained ranking positions from the previous week, NBC, ESPN, truTV and TV Land all increased their viewership shares. truTV saw the biggest increase (from 2.44% to 2.98%), with watch-time primarily driven by NBA and Stanley Cup playoff games.
- Week-over-week ranking newcomers include CNN (No. 16) and ESPN2 (No. 22). The former’s increase was due primarily to coverage of Donald Trump’s hush money trial, while the NCAA softball tournament fueled much of ESPN2’s growth.
Sports dominated the TV program ranking — get the details on TVREV.
