Tracker and High Potential Dominate Early Season TV Ratings

CBS’s hit series “Tracker” is once again the most-watched entertainment show on television. The series has averaged nearly 14 million viewers through the first five weeks of the season. It leads all non-sports programming in total audience size.

ABC’s “High Potential” follows closely in second place. This marks a repeat of last season’s one-two finish for the two shows. According to Nielsen data, the viewing landscape remains stable for these top performers.

Streaming Drives Key Demographic Success

“High Potential” holds a commanding lead in the key advertising demographic of adults 18-49. It has achieved a 2.42 rating in the seven-day viewing window. A significant 74 percent of its audience in this demographic comes from streaming platforms.

This highlights a major shift in how audiences consume television. The show’s season premiere has grown to over 17 million viewers after five weeks. This data was confirmed by ABC’s internal analysis of Nielsen figures.

Consistent Viewing Patterns Define the New Season

The broader top 20 list shows familiar titles. CBS’s “Matlock” and “NCIS” and NBC’s “Chicago Fire” round out the top five by total viewers. These established franchises continue to draw massive, reliable audiences.

Streaming now accounts for over half of the adult 18-49 ratings for top shows. On average, streaming makes up 22 percent of the total seven-day audience for the top 20 series. This trend confirms the growing importance of delayed viewing for network survival.

The early ratings for the 2025-26 season confirm a two-horse race at the top. “Tracker” and “High Potential” have solidified their top spots with impressive numbers. Their continued success underscores the powerful combination of broad appeal and strong streaming performance in modern television.

Info at your fingertips

What is the most-watched show on TV right now?

“Tracker” on CBS is currently the most-watched entertainment series. It averages just under 14 million viewers when counting seven days of viewing. The show has held this top spot for two consecutive seasons.

Which show is number one with young adults?

ABC’s “High Potential” leads all shows in the adults 18-49 demographic. It earns a 2.42 rating in that key category. The vast majority of its young adult audience watches via streaming.

How much do streaming views affect the ratings?

Streaming contributes significantly to a show’s success. For the top 20 shows, streaming makes up 22% of total viewers. That share jumps to 54% for the critical adults 18-49 demographic.

What other shows are in the top five for viewers?

Following “Tracker” and “High Potential,” CBS’s “Matlock” and “NCIS” are third and fourth. NBC’s “Chicago Fire” completes the top five most-watched entertainment series. These shows consistently deliver large audiences.

Why are sports and news shows not included in this ranking?

Sports and news programs often have much larger live audiences. Excluding them provides a clearer comparison of scripted and unscripted entertainment series. This standard practice highlights the performance of prime-time network television.