If this season’s programming successes have taught us anything, it’s this: viewer options are increasing and preferences are changing, but audiences are still flocking to smash hits – both old and new.
This season has already surpassed the last in programming choices and hits. This may be due, in part, to the fact that broadcast networks are sticking with the genres and programs they’ve become known for: NBC-dramas, CBS-reliability, FOX-sports and one-hit programming like Empire.
Top Broadcast Show of the Fall Season
This is Us, NBC’s newest family show, came with high expectations and big promises. And, it delivered. It makes you smile, laugh and cry, with well-developed characters and equally well thought-out storylines reminiscent of NBC’s fan-favorite, Parenthood.
Since its premiere, This is Us has boasted strong numbers, blowing even projected and anticipated viewership out of the water (with help from heavy promotion on traditional TV and digital, a sizeable ad budget and a strong lead-in from The Voice). Renewed only a week into the opening season, This is Us is firmly positioned as the season’s “must see” show and a clear example of what viewers are looking for.
Canceled Shows
As always, there are shows on the chopping block. However, networks seem to be turning to ordering fewer new episodes rather than cancelling them outright. Part of the reason — although traditional TV viewership is down 38% from 2011, streaming video services are growing at a rate of 9% year-over-year. 2016 marked the first year that streaming video services were in 50% of US television households. So, it makes sense for networks to see which shows perform better with online and on-demand viewers. This strategy buys them time to evaluate DVR and online numbers, resulting in a more informed cancellation or renewal decisions.
| Network |
Full Season Pickups |
Too Soon to Tell Or Decreased Episodes |
| ABC |
American Housewife
Designated Survivor
Speechless |
Conviction
Notorious |
| CBS |
Bull
Kevin Can Wait
MacGyver
The Great Indoors
Man With a Plan |
Pure Genius |
| NBC |
This is Us |
Timeless
The Good Place |
| FOX |
Lethal Weapon |
Pitch
Son of Zorn
The Exorcist |
| CW |
|
Frequency
No Tomorrow |
Surprise of the Season
NFL ratings are still outpacing all other shows, but have seen an unexpected decline this season. I believe (along with many others) there are a multitude of reasons:
- The NFL has been slowly getting rid of what made the games fun to watch — touchdown dances and team celebrations
- More and more bad calls by referees
- Over commercialization of the game
- Lots of negative player stories
What Can We Learn?
All in all, the fall season numbers (as well as its fewer cancellations) have once again confirmed the power of quality television. In spite of increasing changes in how audiences are watching, they are continuing to tune into their favorites shows and will be for the foreseeable future. For more information on TV viewing trends and stats, click here.
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