The 2025-2026 TV season has come to a close, and it's time to take a look at the final multiplatform ratings. Netflix's 'Stranger Things' dominated the non-sports series category with 32.9 million viewers, followed by 'His & Hers' and 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning'. However, the real surprise came from Paramount+'s 'Landman', which leapt to No. 4, and CBS' 'Marshals', which topped the broadcast show rankings with 19.3 million viewers.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the rise of 'Marshals' as the most-watched broadcast show. It's a testament to the power of CBS' programming strategy, which has been consistently strong over the past few years. The show's success is also a reflection of the network's ability to create compelling content that resonates with a wide audience. Personally, I think 'Marshals' is a great example of how a well-crafted narrative can drive viewership, especially when combined with a strong cast and production values.
One thing that immediately stands out is the dominance of CBS in the broadcast rankings. The network held four of the top five series, including the top two ('Marshals' and 'Tracker'), and the top-rated comedy ('Ghosts'). This is a significant achievement, especially considering the competition from other networks. What many people don't realize is that CBS has been investing heavily in original content and has been consistently delivering high-quality shows that appeal to a broad demographic.
If you take a step back and think about it, the success of 'Marshals' and 'Tracker' highlights a deeper trend in the industry. Networks are increasingly focusing on creating shows that cater to a wide range of viewers, rather than targeting specific niches. This shift has led to a more diverse and inclusive TV landscape, which is a positive development for the industry as a whole.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the rise of Paramount+ as a streaming service. The platform has been steadily gaining traction, and its inclusion in the rankings is a testament to its growing popularity. Taylor Sheridan's 'Dutton Ranch' and 'Landman' are also notable for their strong performances, indicating that Paramount+ is on the right track. What this really suggests is that the streaming wars are far from over, and that there's still room for innovation and growth in the market.
In conclusion, the 2025-2026 TV season has been a fascinating one, with 'Stranger Things' leading the way in non-sports series and 'Marshals' dominating the broadcast rankings. The success of these shows highlights the importance of strong programming, compelling narratives, and a focus on creating content that resonates with a wide audience. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends play out and how networks adapt to meet the changing demands of viewers.
