The world of TV ratings just got a major shake-up! Two popular ABC comedies, 'Shifting Gears' and 'Abbott Elementary', have taken the industry by storm with their impressive streaming numbers. But here's where it gets controversial... these shows are proving that the traditional live TV ratings aren't the whole story anymore.
In the highly competitive world of TV, these two comedies opened their 2025-26 seasons with a bang, attracting decent live audiences. However, the real story lies in the massive boost they received from streaming and delayed viewing.
'Shifting Gears', led by the legendary Tim Allen, saw its audience grow by a whopping 73% after a week of streaming and DVR playback. That's right, folks! The show went from 4.37 million viewers to a massive 7.57 million, with its rating among adults 18-49 more than tripling from 0.35 to 1.17.
And 'Abbott Elementary'? Well, it's a similar story, but even more impressive. The show's audience grew by a staggering 135% after a week of cross-platform viewing, jumping from 2.83 million to 6.64 million. Its rating among adults 18-49 increased sixfold, from 0.29 to 1.9, equivalent to approximately 2.59 million viewers in that demographic.
But here's the part most people miss: these shows' success extends beyond just the initial live airing. When we consider the viewing patterns over a longer period, the impact of streaming becomes even more evident. For both shows, a significant portion of their audience, around 42% to over 50%, comes from streaming platforms. And get this - the majority of their coveted 18-49 ratings are also from digital platforms!
So, what does this mean for the future of TV ratings? Are we witnessing a shift towards a more inclusive measurement system that accounts for the diverse ways viewers engage with content?
What are your thoughts on this evolving landscape? Do you think traditional live TV ratings still hold the most weight, or is it time to embrace the power of streaming and delayed viewing? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!
