Sunday Night TV Just Got a Whole Lot More Competitive!
Forget what you thought you knew about Sunday night television. October 12th, 2025, saw a shake-up in the ratings game, with some surprising winners and a few unexpected duds. But here's where it gets controversial: while NFL and MLB dominated as expected, it was the resurgence of classic procedural dramas that stole the show.
Matlock and Elsbeth, both benefiting from strong NFL lead-ins, hit series highs, proving that comfort viewing still reigns supreme for many. This raises the question: Are networks underestimating the enduring appeal of traditional crime dramas in a landscape dominated by flashy streaming originals?
And this is the part most people miss: The Chair Company, a highly anticipated HBO premiere, landed with a thud, pulling in a mere 0.12 million viewers. Is this a sign of viewer fatigue with prestige dramas, or simply a case of mismatched marketing?
Let's dive into the numbers:
Broadcast Networks:
CBS reigned supreme with NFL regional coverage (20.63 million viewers) and 60 Minutes (10.15 million) leading the pack.
NBC's NFL matchup (Lions vs. Chiefs) drew a massive 24.77 million viewers, showcasing the continued dominance of live sports.
Fox's MLB ALCS (Mariners vs. Blue Jays) saw a slight uptick from its 2024 start, indicating a potential resurgence in baseball viewership.
ABC struggled with America's Funniest Home Videos and Haunted Mansion failing to crack the 4 million viewer mark.
Cable Highlights:
TLC's 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After remained a steady performer, while Bravo's Real Housewives of Potomac maintained its loyal following.
ESPN's NBA Preseason game drew a modest audience, reflecting the early stage of the season.
HBO's The Chair Company premiered to disappointing numbers, raising questions about its future.
Food for Thought:
The success of Matlock and Elsbeth highlights the enduring power of familiar formats and beloved characters. Meanwhile, The Chair Company's flop suggests that even prestigious networks like HBO aren't immune to missteps.
What do you think? Are traditional dramas making a comeback, or is this just a temporary blip? Is The Chair Company destined for cancellation, or will it find its audience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
