NBC is 2024’s Winner for TV Network Watch-Time

With 2024 coming to a close, instead of our regular weekly snapshot, today we’re sharing the top 25 TV networks for the year as a whole (Jan. 1 through Dec. 15, 2024). Per usual, the data comes from Inscape and is linear, live TV only and includes all episode types (new and reruns). Rankings are by percent share duration (i.e., time spent watching). Head over to TVREV to see the 2024 program ranking and get insights about the top shows by watch-time.

NBC can take a bow — it was the No. 1 TV network by viewership share in 2024, thanks largely to the 2024 Paris Olympics. In total, it captured 8.41% of all minutes watched during the year, a notable increase from its 2023 share of 7.16% (it was No. 2 last year). Other top programming fueling watch-time included Today, the NFL and NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt. Outside of sports and news, The Voice was NBC’s most-watched program. 

• CBS, which was the No. 1 network in 2023, sinks to second place this year — but it saw its viewership share rise from 7.55% to 7.84%. But up against the Olympics, it just wasn’t enough to remain king. 
• ABC remains in third place year-over-year, but also saw its watch-time rise, from 6.97% in 2023 to 7.60% this year. Top programming included Good Morning America, college football and ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. 
• Fox News secures fourth place with a 6.52% viewership share, notably higher than its 5.21% share last year. MSNBC also rises in the ranking and garnered more watch-time this year vs. 2023. Meanwhile, CNN moves up a position to No. 10, but with a lower viewership share year-over-year (1.68% vs. 1.74%). 
• Year-over-year ranking newcomers include The CW (No. 16) and ESPN2 (No. 24). 

Check out the most-watched TV programs of 2024 on TVREV.