Dramas Rule Primetime Lineup
The number of primetime programs in the U.S. is on the rise – 199 programs during the 08/09 television season, up from 191 programs the previous season. While the number of Drama and Reality (“Variety”) programs increased, dramas also raised their overall percent of the audience, making up 40% of all programs (vs. 36% last season). Reality programs once again made up 28% of the prime lineup and comedy programs fell from 16% during the 07/08 season to 14% in 2009.
In addition, dramas made up 9 of the top 20 primetime programs during the 08/09 season.
| Top 20 Programs 2008/2009 Season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RANK | Program | Network | Household Rating |
| 1 | AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY | FOX | 15.1 |
| 2 | AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY | FOX | 14.6 |
| 3 | DANCING WITH THE STARS | ABC | 12.9 |
| 4 | DANCING W/STARS RESULTS | ABC | 10.7 |
| 5 | NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL | NBC | 10.3 |
| 6 | NCIS | CBS | 9.6 |
| 7 | CSI | CBS | 9.2 |
| 8 | MENTALIST, THE | CBS | 9.1 |
| 9 | DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES | ABC | 8.8 |
| 10 | TWO AND A HALF MEN | CBS | 8.2 |
| 11 | SURVIVOR: GABON | CBS | 8.1 |
| 12 | 60 MINUTES | CBS | 7.9 |
| 13 | CSI: MIAMI | CBS | 7.9 |
| 14 | CRIMINAL MINDS | CBS | 7.8 |
| 15 | ELEVENTH HOUR | CBS | 7.8 |
| 16 | AMERICA’S GOT TALENT-TUE | NBC | 7.8 |
| 17 | WITHOUT A TRACE | CBS | 7.6 |
| 18 | GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM | ABC | 7.6 |
| 19 | SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS | CBS | 7.5 |
| 20 | BACHELOR, THE | ABC | 7.5 |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
https://www.qa.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2010/dramas-rule-primetime-lineup/
