Netflix's 'Stranger Things' and CBS' 'Marshals' Dominate 2025-2026 TV Season Ratings
The comprehensive 35-day multi-platform ratings for the 2025-2026 television season have been released, confirming the dominant players in an evolving entertainment landscape. Nielsen's data, which incorporates both linear television and streaming viewership over a 35-day period, highlights the continued strength of major streaming titles alongside resilient broadcast network successes.
Leading the pack in non-sports programming, Netflix's acclaimed series "Stranger Things" captivated audiences with an impressive 32.9 million viewers. Close behind were other Netflix originals, "His & Hers" and "Sean Combs: The Reckoning," securing 25.6 million and 20.6 million viewers respectively. On the broadcast front, CBS's "Marshals" stood out as the most-watched traditional network show, drawing 19.3 million viewers. Additionally, Paramount+ demonstrated its power with "Landman" and "Dutton Ranch" among the top ten, solidifying Taylor Sheridan's strong presence in this year's rankings with multiple successful series.
CBS showcased significant achievements within the broadcast realm, claiming four of the top five series, including "Marshals" and "Tracker," as well as the leading comedy "Ghosts." The network also introduced four new series that quickly climbed the charts: "Marshals," "Sheriff Country," "Boston Blue," and "CIA." Meanwhile, ABC demonstrated its appeal to younger demographics, securing the most-watched series for adults 18-49 with "High Potential" and the top comedy in the demographic with "Abbott Elementary." These results underscore a dynamic television landscape where both established networks and streaming platforms continue to vie for audience attention with compelling content.
The current television season's viewership data illustrates the diverse preferences of audiences, spanning across streaming giants and traditional broadcast channels. This competitive environment encourages innovation and high-quality production, ultimately enriching the entertainment options available to viewers worldwide.
