13-Million Viewers for ‘Thursday Night Football’ in 2015

Based on the 16 games of the 2015 schedule, “Thursday Night Football” on CBS and NFL Network (and over-the air stations) averaged 13.0 million viewers, which was a six percent increase from last year’s 12.3 million.  Results in target adults 18-49 were a 7.9 rating/14 share, which was a rise of five percent from 2014. 

The scoop: All eight Thursday night football games games on CBS/NFL Network during weeks 2-8, and 14 resulted in the No. 1-rated and most-watched program on television in primetime for that night across all networks. In addition, the simulcast on NFL Network was the No. 1-rated and most-watched program on cable television for Weeks 2, 3 and 4.  All six Thursday night  primetime games on NFL Network and over-the-air stations (weeks 9-16) were the highest-rated and most-watched program on cable television for each of the Thursday nights they aired. 

The reality: Unlike NBC, which must start from scratch on Sunday in first quarter after football season, CBS is better positioned on the evening thanks to anchor “The Big Bang Theory.”