Takeaways:
- CBS dominates in total viewers, driven by Super Bowl LVIII.
- NBC claims the 18-49 age group with the Paris Olympics.
- Telemundo’s unprecedented growth shakes up Spanish-language TV.
- Digital subchannels see explosive growth, highlighting niche opportunities.
- Declines hit spin-off channels, kids’ networks, and underperforming startups.
The State of Television in 2024 As 2024 draws to a close, traditional television is still finding ways to thrive despite the streaming boom. CBS led in total viewers, with NBC claiming victory among the key 18-49 demographic. Live sports played a crucial role in sustaining viewership, with the Super Bowl and Paris Olympics driving significant gains.
Meanwhile, Spanish-language networks experienced notable shifts. Telemundo saw a 12% increase, tying CBS for the year’s biggest jump among broadcast networks. On the other hand, cable networks faced more challenges, with several seeing double-digit declines.
Winners of 2024
Broadcast Networks Shine
- CBS: Secured its position as the most-watched network, thanks to Super Bowl LVIII and breakout shows like Matlock.
- NBC: Achieved a strong year with the Paris Olympics and hit series like Happy’s Place.
- ABC: Despite a minor 1% decline, the network held steady, supported by expanded Monday Night Football coverage.
Telemundo’s Breakthrough
Telemundo surged by 12%, becoming the first Spanish-language network to claim primetime dominance (excluding special events). The growth puts pressure on long-time leader Univision.
Digital Subchannels Boom
Obscure networks saw tremendous growth, proving the potential of niche content:
- Justice Central: Up 508%, thanks to court shows and classics like Matlock.
- American Crimes: A 460% increase fueled by NBCU’s true-crime library.
- TBD TV: An 80% rise, transitioning to comedy reruns like SNL and Key & Peele.
- Dabl: Gained 38% after switching to a comedy-focused lineup featuring UPN-era classics.
News Networks Benefit from Election Year
- Fox News: Achieved a 30% increase, ranking as the fifth most-watched network overall.
- MSNBC: Grew by 4% and held its position in the top 10.
- CNN: Experienced a 20% rise, moving up to the 15th spot.
Big Ten Network
With the addition of powerhouse teams like USC and UCLA, the Big Ten Network saw a 25% boost in viewership.
Losers of 2024
Cable Spin-Off Channels Struggle
Secondary networks faced significant declines as audiences gravitated toward streaming:
- VH1: Down 38%, marking one of its worst years.
- FXX: Dropped 29% due to reduced original content.
- Cooking Channel: Declined by 31%, as niche cooking content migrated online.
Kids and Teen Networks Decline
Linear TV continues to lose younger audiences to platforms like YouTube and TikTok:
- Nickelodeon: Viewership dropped 31%.
- Disney Jr.: Suffered a 37% decline.
Underperforming Startups
New ventures struggled to gain traction:
- Merit Street: Dr. Phil’s new channel failed to resonate with viewers.
- Scripps News: Despite winning a News Emmy, the channel ceased operations in November.
Key Trends and Insights
Live Sports Dominate
Sports remain the backbone of traditional TV’s success. Networks with access to marquee events like the Super Bowl and Olympics outperformed their peers.
Niche Content Gains Momentum
Digital subchannels and niche networks highlight the growing appetite for targeted programming. From comedy reruns to true crime, these channels are finding loyal audiences despite operating on smaller scales.
Streaming Challenges Traditional TV
Streaming’s continued rise reshapes viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences. Networks must innovate to retain relevance in this shifting landscape.
The Top 5 Most-Watched Networks in 2024 (Total Viewers)
- CBS: 5.05M (+12%)
- NBC: 4.99M (+10%)
- ABC: 3.86M (-1%)
- Fox: 2.84M (-15%)
- Fox News: 2.47M (+30%)
The Top 5 Networks for Adults 18-49
- NBC: 987K (+6%)
- CBS: 832K (+23%)
- ABC: 792K (-1%)
- Fox: 777K (-22%)
- ESPN: 623K (-6%)
