Let’s Chat About Nielsen Ratings prt 1.

Ross fell in love with Rachel, and in 2002 we really fell in love with Friends.

Maybe you’ve heard of Nielsen Ratings, maybe you haven’t. Either way, I’m going to simplify it for you. I’ll also be telling you a few key facts and popular statistics about TV shows that you can whip out at diner parties (you probably have a couple Holiday gatherings lined up by now, eh?) and seem intelligent, but not boring. Sort of like the perfect cross section of the species, or something. I don’t know. Did I have a point? I’m getting to that now.

In the 1940’s Arthur Nielson first started developing the Nielson Rating system, which measures what an audience is watching. Nielson Media Research is now who is in charge of these operations.

Nielsen Rating are used in over 40 countries in the world - especially by companies who are in the TV industry. Why? Companies, people, maybe even goats - they all want to know who is watching what - demographics, all that. Why? (Gosh, you have so many questions!) This helps decide what TV shows stay on the air, when it is schedule to air, and all sorts of other details. Advertisers are who really want this information.

Now that you know what Nielson Ratings are, let me show you some.

These are written out as: Program - Channel - Year

I Love Lucy - 1953 - CBS

The Beverly Hilbillies - 1964 - CBS

Bonanza - 1966 - NBC

Happy Days - 1977 - ABC

Dallas - 1981 - CBS

The Cosby Show - 1989 - NBC

Cheers - 1991- NBC

Home Improvement - 1994 - ABC

ER - 1997 - NBC

Seinfeld - 1998 - NBC

Friends - 2002 - NBC

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - 2003 - CBS

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - 2004 - CBS

American Idol - 2005 - Fox

American Idol - 2006 - Fox

American Idol - 2007 - Fox

What can we tell from looking at a full Nielsen Ratings chart? Well, several shows were on top for several years, The Cosby Show reigned from 1986-1999 (that year it tied with Roseanne). From 1951, until 1971, all of the top shows were from CBS, and NBC. Finally, in 1971, ABC had a hit with Marcus Welby, M.D. (which I’ve actually never heard of).

I am downright baffled by 1994’s winner - Home Improvement. Seriously?

Anyway, you can understand how NBC had that ‘must see TV’ night going on, it had the top shows from 1995-1999. Surprisingly to me, Friends only made that list once, in 2002. And for the last three years, it’s been American Idol as the crowning champion.