NBC Named Highest-Rated Network For 2016-2017, Wins Over FOX, ABC

The 2016-2017 TV season is about to close, and NBC is set to come out on top for the third time in four years.

According to TV Line, the network averaged a 2.1 demo rating despite the fact that the network never broadcasted the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Both coverages typically boost the ratings for a specific network, and this is the first time in five years that any network has won without the help of the Super Bowl or Olympics. In 2013 and 2016, CBS came out on top thanks to the Super Bowl.

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Lagging closely behind NBC is FOX with an average demo rating of 1.9. In third place is CBS with 1.8, ABC with 1.6 and The CW with 0.7. The upcoming results will also place NBC in the top spot for the entertainment programs only category, which does not include live news and sports. The network is also ranked first in the scripted programs only category.

One of the shows that helped boost the ranking of NBC for 2016 and 2017 was “This Is Us.” The series, which premiered last year and aired on Tuesday nights but was later on moved to Thursday at the 9 p.m. time slot, according to TV Line. Monday and Tuesday nights were also a huge help for the network thanks to new episodes of “The Voice” Season 12.

Meanwhile, CBS was dubbed as “America’s Most Watched Network” based on the total number of viewers it has received. For the ninth time in a row, CBS received the most number of viewers with 9.65 million, thanks to the network’s No. 1 comedy show, “Big Bang Theory.” The sitcom, starring Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Mayim Bialik, Melissa Rauch and Kunal Nayyar, will return to CBS for Seasons 11 and 12. CBS also received help from their No. 1 scripted series, “Bull,” and another comedy show, “Kevin Can Wait.”

NBC placed second with 8.1 million viewers. ABC garnered a total of 6.2 million viewers, and FOX and The CW raked in 5.8 million and 1.8 million viewers, respectively.