Will Thursday Night Football increase ratings for CBS on Thursday nights rather than the Big Bang Theory?
Thursday Night Football (TNF) has historically been a significant ratings draw, but it is no longer associated with CBS on Thursday nights. In recent years, TNF has been broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, with some games simulcast on local broadcast stations in the participating teams' markets13.
In the past, when TNF was broadcast on CBS, it did indeed attract large audiences, often surpassing other popular shows like The Big Bang Theory in terms of viewership24. However, since 2018, Fox has held the rights to broadcast TNF on linear television, and more recently, Amazon Prime Video has become the primary platform for these games34.
Therefore, TNF will not increase ratings for CBS on Thursday nights because CBS no longer broadcasts TNF. Instead, CBS has focused on other programming to fill its Thursday night lineup.
Here is a summary of the current situation:
| Platform | Current Status |
|---|---|
| CBS | No longer broadcasts TNF; focuses on other programming. |
| Fox | Previously held rights but is no longer involved in TNF broadcasts. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Currently the primary platform for TNF, with some local simulcasts. |
In summary, TNF will not impact CBS's Thursday night ratings because it is no longer part of CBS's lineup.