
Old chart, but NBC is still in last place these days...
It’s that time of year again when networks begin to decide which shows you will or won’t be watching next year. Many shows’ fates have already been decided and it’s evident if you can’t find them on the schedule. Other shows, you might need to wait another month to be sure. But ultimately what keeps a show on the air, is how well it does in the ratings game. Despite how good or bad a show is doesn’t matter much to the networks unless it’s bringing in a certain amount of viewers.
Since I’ve accepted my role as being an entertainment enthusiast, I keep a close eye on the fate of many shows, whether I’m a fan of them or not. How can one tell if a show will survive another season, or in some cases, survive til the next episode? RATINGS! This is one of many sources I keep an eye on.
“So how do ratings work?” you ask.
I’m glad you asked. In order for me to explain why I feel the current TV rating system is flawed, I need for you to understand how they currently work. Honestly, as many times as it’s been explained to me, I still get confused. But to at least set a baseline understanding of what the Nielsen ratings are and how they’re calculated, check out this nifty little video I found. Read more ›