Television’s midweek lineup on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, delivered a mix of highs and lows across the major networks. While some long-running staples struggled to maintain momentum, a few shows managed to pull off impressive gains — proving once again that the TV landscape is anything but predictable.
Among the night’s biggest winners were The Floor and The Amazing Race, both posting noticeable increases in viewership. The surge for The Floor reaffirmed the growing appetite for game-based reality television. Viewers continue to flock to competitive shows that combine intensity, strategy, and personality-driven drama — the perfect recipe for social media buzz and watercooler talk. Meanwhile, The Amazing Race’s consistent rise underscores the staying power of adventure television. Decades after its debut, the Emmy-winning series still captivates audiences with its blend of cultural exploration, teamwork, and high-stakes challenges.
However, the night wasn’t so kind to scripted favorites. The One Chicago franchise — Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. — experienced a noticeable dip. These shows have long been the backbone of NBC’s Wednesday lineup, often dominating their time slots with emotionally charged storytelling and interconnected narratives. But even powerhouse franchises face cycles of decline. Analysts suggest the drop could stem from increased competition, shifting viewer habits, or simply the natural fatigue that comes after more than a decade of weekly crime and medical drama.
Other series also faced headwinds. Shifting Gears, which debuted earlier this year to solid numbers, saw a mild decline, signaling a tougher road ahead for new dramas trying to find their footing in an oversaturated market. Meanwhile, ABC’s fan-favorite sitcom Abbott Elementary slipped slightly in the ratings. The Emmy-winning mockumentary remains a critical darling and audience favorite, but even its loyal fanbase couldn’t keep numbers from softening in a crowded primetime field.
What this ratings snapshot reveals is the current volatility of network television. Reality and competition shows continue to hold an edge — they deliver immediacy, unpredictability, and shared moments that streaming platforms often lack. Scripted dramas, on the other hand, must work harder than ever to retain viewers as audiences juggle dozens of viewing options across multiple platforms.
Still, there’s no need to sound the alarm. Historically, fall ratings fluctuate as viewers settle into new schedules, and the One Chicago block remains among NBC’s most valuable assets. The small dip could just be a temporary slump as storylines ramp up deeper into the season.
