These days, it is rare for a TV show to grow its audience year over year, but miracles — and sophomore smash hits like “This Is Us” — do happen.
Thus far this season, six broadcast series are averaging more total viewers than they did at this same period in autumn last year. We’ve ranked them in order from smallest to largest gainers.
Show: “Chicago Fire”
Net: NBC
This season’s viewer average: 10.399 million
Last season’s viewer average: 10.059 million
Change: +3%
Dick Wolf drama only joined the list of growers this week. Insert your own “on Fire” joke.
Show: “Dateline – Friday”
Net: NBC
This season’s viewer average: 5.916 million
Last season’s viewer average: 5.664 million
Change: +4%
As Chris Hansen would say, “Have a seat,” and that’s exactly what Dateline viewers are doing in front of the TV when this news magazine show is on.
Show: “Bob’s Burgers”
Net: Fox
This season’s viewer average: 3.366 million
Last season’s viewer average: 3.157 million
Change: +7%
Despite NFL’s declining ratings, this animated show has benefitted more this season from some football afternoon games leading into its airing.
Show: “Chicago PD”
Net: NBC
This season’s viewer average: 8.912 million
Last season’s viewer average: 8.041 million
Change: +11%
There’s something about this Windy City drama that has fans hooked.
Show: “This Is Us”
Net: NBC
This season’s viewer average: 15.344 million
Last season’s viewer average: 13.538 million
Change: +13%
This one’s easy to explain — cross-reference “Empire” Season 2 for another recent sophomore-bump example.
Show: “Mom”
Net: CBS
This season’s viewer average: 9.285 million
Last season’s viewer average: 8.134 million
Change: +14%
Thanks, (new lead-in) “Young Sheldon”!
Meanwhile, ABC’s “America’s Funniest Home Videos” was actually up 11 percent in the key 18-49 demographic, but down 3 percent among overall viewers.
Every show in this gallery not named “Chicago Fire” and “Dateline” also grew in the aforementioned demo.
