While many expected the holiday season to see a dip in viewership as families busied themselves with shopping and travel, The Bold and the Beautiful (B&B) had other plans. For the week of November 24–28, 2025, and leading into the critical December episodes, the half-hour powerhouse didn’t just maintain its audience—it shattered its own records. According to recent Nielsen data, B&B has officially claimed the title of the #1 soap opera among Women 18-49 and Women 25-54, marking significant new season highs.
Breaking Down the Numbers: A Demographic Deep Dive
It isn’t just about total viewers anymore; in the world of television, the “demos” are king. B&B managed to outperform its lead-in and its sister soap, The Young and the Restless, in the categories advertisers care about most.
Dominating the Women 18-49 Demographic
For the week ending late November, B&B pulled a 0.26 rating in the Women 18-49 category. To put that in perspective, that is a massive jump from its previous 0.20. It even outranked its hour-long lead-in, The Price is Right, proving that viewers are specifically tuning in for the Forrester drama.
Soaring with Women 25-54
The success didn’t stop there. In the Women 25-54 bracket—the holy grail for daytime advertisers—B&B hit a 0.38 rating. This marks a new season high and places it ahead of nearly every other daytime drama and lifestyle show on the air.
The Secret Sauce: Why are Fans Tuning In?
Numbers like these don’t happen in a vacuum. The creative team at B&B has leaned heavily into high-stakes storytelling and long-awaited character returns that have clearly resonated with the audience.
The “Luna’s Death” Mystery
The heartbreaking and shocking plotline involving Luna Nozawa’s passing (and the subsequent exit of actress Lisa Yamada) gripped the audience. The mystery surrounding who was truly responsible for the “terrible night” kept social media buzzing and viewers glued to their screens.
The Return of Thomas Forrester
You can’t talk about ratings without mentioning the “Thomas Effect.” The return of Thomas Forrester to Los Angeles just in time for the holidays provided the perfect catalyst for conflict. His immediate insertion back into Hope’s professional life created the kind of “locked horns” drama that soap fans live for.
Total Viewership Reach: A Global Phenomenon
Beyond the specific demographics, the total viewer count for B&B hit a staggering 2.667 million this week. This is an increase of 50,000 viewers from the week prior, showing that the show is successfully expanding its reach even as streaming services threaten traditional broadcast television.
Beating the Holiday Slump
Typically, Thanksgiving week sees a ratings “pause” due to preemptions and repeat episodes. However, the B&B fans were so invested in the Bill/Katie/Brooke triangle and the potential of a new fashion house that the ratings remained resilient.
The Half-Hour Advantage
Fans often praise B&B for its fast-paced, 30-minute format. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, B&B delivers a “burst” of high-octane drama that fits perfectly into a lunch break or a busy afternoon, a factor that likely contributes to its high engagement scores.
What This Means for the Future of the Forresters
With these ratings in hand, CBS and the show’s producers have every reason to double down on the current direction.
Increased Creative Investment
When a show hits a season high, it often leads to bigger budgets for location shoots and guest stars. We’re already seeing this with the expanded roles for Deacon Sharpe and the mysterious new storylines planned for Sheila Carter.
A Competitive 2026
As we head into the new year, the battle for the “Top Soap” crown is fiercer than ever. While The Young and the Restless still holds the lead in total households, B&B is breathing down its neck in the key metrics that determine the show’s financial health.
Conclusion: The Bold and the Beautiful is Unstoppable
The data is clear: The Bold and the Beautiful is the reigning champ of the demographics. By focusing on tight storytelling, relatable family conflicts, and the glamorous world of fashion, it has successfully captured the hearts (and TV remotes) of women across America. As the Forrester family prepares for a wild 2026, one thing is certain—the audience will be right there with them.
