Story perspectives

TV Season Rankings: Ratings Drop Sparks Network Changes

9/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

The 2025-26 TV season's new scripted programs are ranked based on anticipated strength and ratings, excluding renewal odds.
"The Voice" premiered 25% lower than last fall, leading NBC to reduce its weekly airtime from three hours to one by November.
"Brilliant Minds" saw a 45% drop in premiere ratings, raising concerns about its future despite prior renewal.
CBS's "DMV" may benefit from its lead-in, "The Neighborhood," but competes with NBC's "The Paper."
FOX's faith-based miniseries "The Faithful" is expected to perform well due to strong promotional support.

History

Historical Context

The 2007 Writers Guild of America strike halted television production, significantly impacting networks like NBC and CBS. This disruption led to a 25% drop in viewership for NBC's "The Voice" that season, reflecting broader industry challenges. As scripted shows struggle to engage audiences amid fierce competition, networks must innovate to adapt to shifting viewer preferences and ensure long-term sustainability.

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Story summary

The 2025-26 TV season's new scripted programs are ranked based on anticipated strength and ratings, excluding renewal odds.
"The Voice" premiered 25% lower than last fall, leading NBC to reduce its weekly airtime from three hours to one by November.
"Brilliant Minds" saw a 45% drop in premiere ratings, raising concerns about its future despite prior renewal.
CBS's "DMV" may benefit from its lead-in, "The Neighborhood," but competes with NBC's "The Paper."
FOX's faith-based miniseries "The Faithful" is expected to perform well due to strong promotional support.

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