In 2025, broadcast TV saw a resurgence in popularity with shows like “High Potential” and “Tracker” dominating viewership across multiple platforms. Both shows were neck and neck in terms of viewership, with ABC and CBS reporting impressive numbers for these series.
According to ratings data from ABC and CBS, “High Potential” and “Tracker” were the most-watched entertainment series on broadcast TV in the 2025 calendar year. When combining linear, timeshifted, and streaming viewership, both shows averaged around 16.5 million viewers, making them stand out among their competitors from the streaming-only world.
ABC’s analysis of Nielsen data revealed that “High Potential” garnered 8.6 million viewers in linear and an additional 7.9 million in streaming, totaling 16.5 million viewers. On the other hand, “Tracker” averaged 11 million viewers in linear and 5.4 million in streaming, totaling 16.4 million viewers.
CBS also saw success with “Tracker,” which topped out at 16.5 million viewers, surpassing “High Potential” by a slight margin. The network had multiple top-ranking shows in total viewers, including “Matlock,” “Ghosts,” and “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.”
In terms of demographics, “High Potential” led in the 18-49 age group with a 3.77 rating, thanks to a significant boost from streaming viewership. ABC had seven of the top 10 shows in this demographic, with series like “Abbott Elementary,” “The Rookie,” and “Shifting Gears” attracting a large audience.
Surprisingly, ABC’s “The Rookie” was a hit with teens, becoming the top show among the Gen Z crowd. Other popular shows with teens included “High Potential,” “Abbott Elementary,” and “Ghosts,” showcasing the appeal of broadcast TV to a younger audience.
ABC celebrated other successes in 2025, such as the continued growth of “Dancing With the Stars” and “Will Trent.” “Grey’s Anatomy” also stood out as the most-streamed drama on TV, accumulating over 38 billion minutes of viewing throughout the year.
Overall, broadcast TV made a strong comeback in 2025, with shows like “High Potential” and “Tracker” leading the way in viewership across multiple platforms. The success of these series underscores the enduring appeal of traditional television in an increasingly digital age.
