For the first time in five years, CBS’s long-standing crime drama NCIS has been knocked from its throne as the most-watched television show in the United States. After enjoying a half-decade run as America’s top-rated drama, the show has been overtaken by a new powerhouse: The Masked Singer, a popular reality singing competition on FOX.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings, The Masked Singer captured an impressive 12.3 million viewers on average for its 2023-2024 season, surpassing NCIS, which brought in 11.8 million viewers. This marks the first time since 2018 that NCIS has fallen short of the top spot, shaking up a TV landscape long dominated by procedural dramas.
The Rise of Reality TV
The success of The Masked Singer reflects the growing appeal of reality television and unscripted formats, which continue to draw large audiences, particularly among younger viewers. The show’s combination of elaborate costumes, celebrity judges, and mystery reveals has proven to be a winning formula, offering a break from traditional scripted dramas.
FOX’s The Masked Singer, which debuted in 2019, quickly gained traction with its unique premise, where celebrities perform while disguised in costumes, leaving the judges and audience to guess their identities. Its interactive format and social media buzz have helped it amass a broad following across various demographics, pulling in the largest viewership in its history during the latest season.
Changing Trends in TV Viewing
NCIS, which has been on the air since 2003, has been a mainstay for CBS, consistently pulling in millions of viewers thanks to its loyal fan base and engaging storylines centered around the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The series, now in its 22nd season, has been a ratings juggernaut for years, but its slight decline signals changing trends in TV viewing habits.
Streaming services, shorter attention spans, and the growing demand for more interactive and unscripted content have contributed to the shift. While NCIS remains a top performer, its decline reflects the challenges traditional TV dramas face in an increasingly competitive entertainment market.
CBS executives remain optimistic about NCIS, which continues to perform well across various platforms, including streaming, and still ranks as the number-one drama in its time slot. However, with reality TV continuing to make waves, networks are increasingly looking to diversify their offerings to keep up with shifting audience preferences.
What’s Next for NCIS?
Despite losing the crown, NCIS is far from over. The franchise has already expanded with spin-offs such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i, the latter of which has been especially popular since its 2021 premiere. These shows have broadened the NCIS universe, ensuring that the franchise remains a cornerstone of CBS's programming.
Moreover, with cast changes and new story arcs, fans can expect NCIS to continue evolving in an attempt to recapture its place as the most-watched show on TV.
As The Masked Singer takes the spotlight, the dethroning of NCIS signifies a larger shift in the television landscape, one that could have lasting implications for how networks develop and market their top programs moving forward.
For now, it’s a new era for TV’s top spot, and with reality TV’s increasing dominance, it seems viewers are craving fresh formats and unexpected twists. Whether NCIS can reclaim its crown in the future remains to be seen, but for now, The Masked Singer stands as TV's new king.
Byline: Jane Doe, Entertainment Reporter
