NEW YORK (AP) — CBS ends the television season as the nation’s most-watched network, and Fox’s “American Idol” is still the country’s favorite show.
That should sound familiar. The Nielsen Co. said CBS has been the No. 1 network for eight times in the past nine years, with the strike-shortened 2007-08 season the only exception.
“American Idol” has been the top show for eight straight years, and its ratings went up this season despite the loss of Simon Cowell.
Viewership was down this season at CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC. The drop was most pronounced at NBC, although its numbers last year were inflated by the Winter Olympics.
Nielsen said TV’s fastest-growing show is ABC’s comedy “Modern Family.” Its audience grew by 24 percent this year.
