
CBS continues to dominate primetime, delivering hit shows from gripping dramas to uproarious comedies and intense reality competitions. Based on viewership stats, critical acclaim, and fan buzz, here’s a refined list of the top 10 CBS series you should be watching right now.
1. Tracker 🌟
The Top-Rated CBS Series of 2024–25
With an average audience of 10.84 million viewers, Tracker stands atop the charts, leading the pack in multiplatform viewership
Why It Dominates
This survivalist drama follows Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) on high-stakes missions, blending action, mystery, and emotional arcs. Renewed for Season 3 in 2026-27 thanks to blockbuster ratings
2. Matlock
Nostalgia Meets Fresh Success
A reboot of the classic legal drama, Matlock averaged 9.53 million viewers, proving appeal across generations
What Makes It Great
With compelling courtroom flair, sharp dialog, and strong standalone stories, it balances freshness with nostalgic resonance.
3. NCIS
CBS’s Longstanding Flagship
A stalwart of CBS’s lineup, NCIS pulled in roughly 10.6 million viewers, securing its rank among network favorites .
Why Viewers Keep Coming Back
The mix of procedural crime-solving, character depth, and continuity makes it binge-friendly season after season.
4. FBI
Riveting Crime Thriller
This procedural powerhouse matched NCIS with 8–10 million viewers, carving out its own niche .
Energy You Feel
High-octane cases, team chemistry, and serialized arcs drive compulsive viewing from start to finish.
5. Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
Sitcom That Shines
A refreshingly warm sitcom that averaged nearly 8 million viewers, earning a spot in CBS’s top ten .
Why It’s a Standout
Laugh-out-loud writing, endearing chemistry, and heartfelt moments make it a family favorite—with a Season 2 renewal confirmed .
6. Ghosts
Lighthearted Supernatural Comedy
A quirky ensemble, Ghosts attracts around 7.29 million viewers, earning solid acclaim .
What’s So Fun About It
Eccentric ghosts, playful banter, and charm set it apart from traditional sitcoms—something viewers appreciate.
7. Watson
Fresh Medical-Mystery Hybrid
This new spin on Sherlock’s Dr. Watson drew ~11 million viewers early on and earned a Season 2 renewal .
Why It Hooks You
It blends medical intrigue and crime-solving, anchored by Morris Chestnut’s compelling portrayal.
8. Elsbeth
Legal Procedural with Heart
A Good Wife spin-off, it brings charm and wit, averaging ~7.78 million viewers
Why It Works
Carrie Preston’s offbeat lawyer is an engaging underdog, mixing quirky investigations with intelligence.
9. 60 Minutes
Trusted News Anchor of Primetime
A journalistic staple delivering investigative reporting and interviews to 8.45 million viewers
Why It Endures
Consistent quality, relevance, and credibility keep audiences tuning in weekly.
10. Fire Country
Dramatic Newcomer with Strength
A firefighter drama attracting 6.15 million viewers, proving its place in the lineup .
What Drives It
Intense storylines, approachable characters, and moral dilemmas around wildfire rescue keep viewers hooked.
Honorable Mentions
-
NCIS: Origins & NCIS: Sydney – strong spin-offs continuing fan-loved crime-solving legacy
-
The Amazing Race – long-running reality staple returning in Fall 2025 .
-
Big Brother 27 – live reality social experiment kicks off July 10, 2025 .
-
Hollywood Squares – Drew Barrymore reboot bringing celebrity fun back to CBS
Why CBS Remains on Top
Consistency in Quality, Variety in Genres
From crime and procedural hits to heartfelt comedies and reality gems, CBS’s diversity pleases a broad audience.
Ratings That Speak Volumes
Eight of CBS’s top 10 shows this season are scripted dramas—proof the network knows how to produce winners
What to Watch Next
Don’t Miss Tracker’s Climax
With Season 2 just concluded and Season 3 in the pipeline, it’s the pulse-pounding thriller of the moment
Check Out Watson for Mystery-Medical Fusion
A fresh take on a classic character, it’s gaining momentum—and serious viewer numbers .
Binge-Watching Strategy
-
Start with Tracker and NCIS for gripping drama.
-
Lighten up with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage and Ghosts.
-
Mix in nonfiction with 60 Minutes for depth and variety.
Conclusion
CBS’s lineup in 2025 strikes a perfect chord—action-packed dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and high-stakes reality shows. Tracker emerged as a standout, but NCIS, FBI, Matlock, and others continue to resonate deeply with viewers. Whether you’re in the mood for investigation, emotion, or entertainment, this curated list offers something for everyone—and proves why CBS remains television’s undisputed leader.
FAQs
Q1: Which CBS show had the highest ratings in 2024–25?
A1: Tracker led the network with an average of 10.84 million viewers
Q2: Are any CBS shows ranked but not airing new episodes?
A2: Yes—NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney, and The Amazing Race 38 will debut in fall 2025 .
Q3: Which new CBS show should I start watching?
A3: Watson is a standout new medical-mystery that has already earned a Season 2 renewal .
Q4: Why is Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage doing so well?
A4: Its relatable humor and authentic chemistry propelled it into the top 10 with nearly 8 million viewers and a Season 2 renewal .
Q5: Where can I stream these shows?
A5: CBS content is available via over-the-air broadcast, Paramount+, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, and YouTube TV .