2023’s Top TV Networks: Winners & Losers

The television landscape shifted dramatically in 2023. Viewership habits evolved, digital platforms surged, and some networks thrived while others faltered. Live sports propped up broadcast and some cable channels, while diginets held steady with nostalgic programming for older audiences. Niche networks with loyal viewers also showed resilience.

NBC narrowly beat CBS for total viewers, averaging 4.54 million. Fox, thanks to the Super Bowl, won the coveted 18-49 demographic with a 10% year-over-year increase.

Reelz saw a massive 34% viewership jump due to “On Patrol: Live,” a revival of A&E’s canceled “Live PD.” This proves a single show can greatly impact a network. However, legal battles with A+E Networks over copyright and trademark infringement threaten Reelz’s future.

Grit, a network showcasing classic westerns, became the fastest-growing network in 2023. This highlights nostalgia’s enduring appeal to older linear TV viewers. Grit’s surge pushed it past The CW to become the ninth most-watched broadcast network.

While major news networks saw viewership decline, MSNBC had a slight 2% increase. This contrasts sharply with the 20% drops at CNN and Fox News. Meanwhile, opinion-focused Newsmax and Newsnation grew by 22% and 73%, respectively. The upcoming election year should further boost news network viewership.

Premium cable channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz suffered substantial losses, declining 25% to 34%. This reflects the broader shift to streaming and on-demand content.

Children’s networks continued their steep decline, showing the generational shift away from linear TV among younger audiences. Once a top 10 network, Disney Channel now ranks 80th with dramatically reduced viewership. Nickelodeon, Disney Junior, Nick Jr., and Cartoon Network all saw significant double-digit declines.

Paramount Network’s 30% viewership drop highlights the impact of losing a flagship show. Its prior success stemmed from “Yellowstone,” which aired only one episode in 2023. This shows the vulnerability of networks relying on one hit. Without “Yellowstone,” Paramount fell behind FX and AMC, both of which also had double-digit declines.

The provided tables offer a comprehensive overview of broadcast, cable, and premium cable network performance in 2023, ranked by total viewers and adults 18-49. These rankings reveal significant shifts in the television landscape and highlight the challenges and opportunities facing the Biggest Television News Networks.