CBS has another major hit on its hands. According to Nielsen’s final 35-day multi-platform ratings for the 2025–2026 television season, Marshals finished as the most-watched broadcast series of the year, earning the No. 1 spot among all network television shows.
The impressive milestone highlights the show’s ability to attract a large audience throughout its debut season. In an increasingly competitive television landscape, where viewers split their time between traditional broadcasts and streaming platforms, Marshals stood out as one of the biggest success stories on network TV.
Viewer opinions about the series have varied, with online audience ratings reflecting a mix of reactions. Even so, the Nielsen numbers show that Marshals consistently drew millions of viewers, demonstrating that strong television audiences don’t always mirror online reviews or social media discussions.
When streaming platforms are included in the rankings, Marshals still delivered an impressive performance, finishing fifth overall across all platforms. Netflix’s Stranger Things claimed the top position in the combined rankings, but CBS’s newest drama remained one of the most-watched scripted series of the season.
The latest ratings reinforce CBS’s continued strength in broadcast television while marking an impressive first season for Marshals. With its strong viewership and growing audience, the series has quickly established itself as one of the network’s standout programs heading into the next television season.