Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.
FOX’s “American Idol” was the top TV program of 2008, according to Nielsen. Tuesday night broadcasts of “American Idol,” through December 7, drew 15.5% of U.S. TV households, on average, while Wednesday night “American Idol” broadcasts drew an average of 15.3% of all TV households.
Viewers with DVR access gave NBC’s “Heroes” the biggest bump any primetime program received in 2008. The average TV audience for “Heroes” increased by 35% when timeshifted viewing within seven days of a program’s original air date was factored into Nielsen’s ratings. FOX’s “Fringe” and ABC’s “Lost” also drew large audience boosts — +26% and +25%, respectively — from DVR viewers.
The 2008 Superbowl, which drew 43.1% of all U.S. TV households, was the most popular single telecast of 2008.
Top 10 TV Programs – Regularly Scheduled
| Rank | Program | Network | % of Homes In U.S. (Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY | FOX | 15.5% |
| 2 | AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY | FOX | 15.3% |
| 3 | DANCING WITH THE STARS | ABC | 12.3% |
| 4 | DANCING W/STARS RESULTS | ABC | 11.4% |
| 5 | MENTALIST, THE | CBS | 10.0% |
| 6 | NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL | NBC | 10.0% |
| 7 | CSI | CBS | 8.1% |
| 8 | NCIS | CBS | 8.0% |
| 9 | 60 MINUTES | CBS | 7.6% |
| 10 | SURVIVOR: GABON | CBS | 7.6% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – December 7, 2008). | |||
| Note: Household Ratings include Live and Same Day timeshifted viewing. Data excludes telecasts under five minutes. |
Top 10 TV Programs – Single Telecast
| Rank | Telecast | Network | Date Aired | % Of Homes In U.S. (Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FOX SUPER BOWL XLII | FOX | 2/3/2008 | 43.1% |
| 2 | FOX SUPER BOWL POST GAME | FOX | 2/3/2008 | 30.1% |
| 3 | FOX NFC CHAMPIONSHIP | FOX | 1/20/2008 | 29.0% |
| 4 | SUMMER OLYMPICS TUE PRIME 1 | NBC | 8/12/2008 | 20.0% |
| 5 | FOX NFC PLAYOFF-PST-SUN | FOX | 1/13/2008 | 18.8% |
| 6 | SUMMER OLYMPICS OPEN CEREM | NBC | 8/8/2008 | 18.8% |
| 7 | ACADEMY AWARDS | ABC | 2/24/2008 | 18.7% |
| 8 | SUMMER OLYMPICS SUN PRIME 1 | NBC | 8/10/2008 | 18.1% |
| 9 | AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF | CBS | 1/12/2008 | 17.9% |
| 10 | SUMMER OLYMPICS THU PRIME 1 | NBC | 8/14/2008 | 17.9% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – December 7, 2008). | ||||
| Note: Household Ratings include Live and Same Day timeshifted viewing. Data excludes telecasts under five minutes. |
Top 10 “Timeshifted” Primetime TV Programs
| Rank | Program | Network | % Increase In Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HEROES | NBC | 35% |
| 2 | FRINGE | FOX | 26% |
| 3 | LOST | ABC | 25% |
| 4 | BONES | FOX | 21% |
| 5 | GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM | ABC | 20% |
| 6 | HOUSE | FOX | 18% |
| 7 | SURVIVOR: GABON | CBS | 18% |
| 8 | AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY | FOX | 13% |
| 9 | MENTALIST, THE | CBS | 13% |
| 10 | AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY | FOX | 12% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – November 23, 2008). | |||
| Note: Percent Increase in viewership is based on absolute difference between Live Household Ratings and Live+7. |
View the press release.
Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.
Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.
