Nearly all of the biggest shows on network television returned with new seasons this fall, but some of them are doing much better than others when it comes to the ratings and the size of the audience. Network TV ratings still matter even in an era of streaming services, so the shows that have disappointing numbers right after episodes air can make fans nervous. That said, there is a fair amount of nuance to ratings and viewership from the big four networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC) that prove that some big shows are actually doing a whole lot better than they seem. Case in point: ABC’s The Rookie, among others. 

Now, the numbers for ratings and viewership can be kind of a lot to look at, especially since I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t watch television because we want to do math. So, read on for a breakdown of the shows that are getting big boosts in the numbers after the live episodes, and a look at the trends they indicate. Because as it turns out, in the era of delayed DVR viewership and online viewing, the earliest numbers aren’t the only ones that matter. Let’s start with the first round of ratings and viewership from people who watched late! 

Ratings And Viewership After Three Days