In a landscape increasingly dominated by streaming services and digital media, the four major broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC—have all experienced significant drops in viewership over the past five years, according to the latest industry ratings data. From 2020 to 2025, each network saw its average audience shrink by hundreds of thousands, reflecting broader shifts in how Americans consume television content. This trend underscores the challenges traditional broadcasters face in retaining audiences amid the rise of on-demand platforms, fragmented viewing habits, and competition from tech giants.
Viewership Comparison Table (2020 vs. 2025)
| Network | 2020 Viewers | 2025 Viewers | Absolute Drop | Percentage Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBS | 5,603 | 4,443 | 1,160 | 20.7% |
| NBC | 5,025 | 4,243 | 782 | 15.6% |
| ABC | 4,522 | 4,042 | 480 | 10.6% |
| Fox | 4,157 | 3,137 | 1,020 | 24.5% |
Back in 2020, the networks collectively commanded a robust share of the prime-time audience, with CBS leading the pack at 5,603,000 viewers on average. NBC followed closely with 5,025,000, while ABC drew 4,522,000 and FOX attracted 4,157,000. These figures represented a snapshot of a still-dominant era for over-the-air television, even as early signs of erosion were evident. That year, all networks posted double-digit percentage declines from the prior period, with CBS down 21 percent, NBC off by 20 percent, ABC slipping 12 percent, and FOX decreasing by 10 percent. Industry analysts at the time attributed these dips to the ongoing effects of the global pandemic, which accelerated cord-cutting as households turned to streaming for entertainment during lockdowns. This is according to Variety’s 2025 numbers vs their 2020 numbers.
Fast forward to 2025, and the picture has grown even more challenging. CBS retained its top spot but with only 4,443,000 viewers—a substantial loss of over 1 million from five years earlier. NBC held second place at 4,243,000, down more than 780,000. ABC’s audience fell to 4,042,000, a drop of nearly 480,000, while FOX saw the steepest relative decline among the group, tumbling to 3,137,000 viewers, which represents a loss of over 1 million. Interestingly, the year-over-year changes for 2025 showed some variability: CBS declined an additional 12 percent, NBC dropped 15 percent, but ABC managed a modest 5 percent gain, and FOX posted a 10 percent increase. These short-term upticks, however, did little to offset the overall five-year downward trajectory, as the networks struggled to adapt to evolving viewer preferences.
The cumulative impact of these declines has reshaped the television industry. Over the five-year period, the total average viewership across the four networks plummeted from more than 19 million in 2020 to under 16 million in 2025, a collective loss exceeding 3.4 million viewers. This erosion has forced broadcasters to rethink their strategies, investing heavily in hybrid models that blend traditional programming with digital extensions. For instance, live events such as sports and award shows, which once bolstered ratings, have seen diluted audiences as viewers opt for highlight reels on social media or ad-free streams. Reality programming and procedural dramas, long staples of network schedules, have also lost ground to binge-worthy series on platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
Several factors have contributed to this sustained drop. The proliferation of smart TVs and mobile devices has made it easier for consumers to access content outside the traditional broadcast ecosystem. Subscription video-on-demand services have surged in popularity, offering personalized recommendations and vast libraries that dwarf the episodic nature of network TV. Demographic shifts play a role too; younger audiences, particularly those under 35, have largely abandoned linear television in favor of short-form videos on apps like TikTok and YouTube. Meanwhile, older viewers, who form the core of broadcast audiences, are gradually migrating to streaming as services improve accessibility and content variety.
Economic pressures have compounded the issue. Advertising revenue, the lifeblood of broadcast networks, has followed the audience migration. Brands now allocate budgets toward targeted digital ads, leaving networks with shrinking pools of commercial dollars. In response, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC have pursued mergers and partnerships—such as content-sharing deals with streaming affiliates—to stem the tide. Yet, these efforts have yielded mixed results, with overall ratings continuing to slide.
The data highlights not just numerical losses but a cultural shift. Families that once gathered around network prime-time slots now curate their own viewing experiences across multiple screens. Sports leagues, previously reliant on broadcast deals, are exploring direct-to-consumer options, further diluting network exclusivity. News divisions, a cornerstone for CBS, NBC, and ABC, have seen evening broadcasts lose ground to 24/7 cable and online sources, though morning shows remain somewhat resilient.
Ultimately, the five-year ratings drop across ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC illustrates a pivotal transition in media consumption. As viewers prioritize convenience and choice, traditional broadcasters must evolve or risk further irrelevance in a digital-first world. The numbers tell a clear story of adaptation urgency, with the coming years likely to determine which networks thrive amid the change.
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