CBS Wins 2008-09 Season

NEW YORK: For the sixth time in the last seven years, CBS has won the television season in total viewers, according to Nielsen data, with an average audience of 11.76 million, followed by FOX with 9.8 million, ABC with 8.95 million and NBC with 7.84 million.

CBS was the only network this season to post audience gains, with average viewership up 11 percent; FOX was down 13 percent and NBC and ABC were each down 3 percent. Top-rated shows on the network included CSI, NCIS, The Mentalist and Two and a Half Men, all in the top ten series of the season.

The 18-49 segment was won by FOX with a 3.6/10 rating (down 16 percent on last season), while CBS took second place (3.1/8, up 3 percent), ABC third (2.9/8, down 3 percent) and NBC was fourth (2.8/7, flat on last year).

CBS also won the May Sweeps with 10.86 million average viewers, followed by FOX with 9.28 million, ABC with 8.78 million and NBC with 6.1 million. FOX took the top spot in 18-49 for the Sweeps with a 3.3/10 rating.

The networks all announced their plans for the 2009-2010 season this week. For a comprehensive look at each network’s upcoming slate, see the WorldScreen.com Fall Season Guide.