CBS Outpaces Competitors with Eight of the Top 25 Series Across All Streaming and Broadcast Originals in Nielsen's All-Series Ranker

Key Takeaways

• CBS holds eight of top 25 series across broadcast and streaming
• Six CBS shows exceed 10 million viewers in 35‑day multiplatform data
• “Marshals” leads overall, also tops new‑series rankings
• CBS outperforms nearest broadcast rival by double the top‑25 entries

Pulse Analysis

Nielsen’s 35‑day multiplatform rating, which aggregates live broadcast, DVR, streaming and mobile app views, has become the industry’s benchmark for total audience reach. In the latest release covering September 14, 2025 through April 12, 2026, CBS captured 32 percent of the top‑25 most‑watched titles, a margin that dwarfs any rival in both traditional broadcast and over‑the‑top platforms. The network’s dominance reflects a deliberate blend of legacy franchises such as NCIS and 60 Minutes with fresh scripted offerings like Marshals and Sheriff Country, allowing it to command a broad, cross‑generational viewership. The rating also captures mobile app viewership, which now accounts for roughly 15 percent of total impressions.

The data shows two CBS dramas in the top‑10, with Marshals at #3 and Tracker at #7, while the comedy Ghosts claims the #1 spot in its category. Six series—among them NCIS, Survivor 50, and the new Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage—each surpassed the 10‑million‑viewer threshold, a benchmark that few competitors have reached. This scale translates into premium advertising inventory, giving CBS leverage to negotiate higher CPMs and attract national brands seeking multi‑screen exposure across both linear and digital channels. These numbers also boost CBS’s leverage in negotiating carriage fees with cable operators.

Looking ahead, CBS’s ability to sustain eight titles in the top‑25 will be tested by intensifying streaming competition from platforms like Netflix and Disney+. However, its hybrid distribution model—simultaneous broadcast and streaming releases—provides flexibility that pure‑play streamers lack. Advertisers are likely to favor CBS’s proven audience depth, especially as brands shift budgets toward measurable, cross‑platform campaigns. Maintaining strong affiliate relationships will be crucial as local stations increasingly adopt ATSC 3.0 for enhanced data collection. If the network continues to nurture new hits while leveraging its evergreen properties, it could further widen the gap with its closest broadcast rival.