Nielsen ratings, or just commonly called Nielsen, released its top shows for 2016. Heading the category of regularly scheduled programming "The Big Bang Theory" got the top spot with "NCIS" close behind.
What is Nielsen
Developed by Robert F. Elder and Louis F. Woodruff Nielsen is one of TV fans' guides to see whether more or less they would still be seeing their favorite show the following year . It measures viewership in the form of composition and audience size in the U.S. The company had been doing this since the '50s. At a time when TV shows cost millions to make Nielsen is the bible of loyal and potential viewers who would not settle for anything less.
Formula for a Great TV Show
So what makes a TV show a hit? In a world where everything is down to the algorithm of an app what is the million dollar formula? In the case of "The Big Bang Theory" and "NCIS" it surely isn't the plot. "The Big Bang Theory" and "NCIS" are totally different from each other. Just like night is different from day and left is different from right the two shows are the brains and the brawns. "The Big Bang Theory", currently in its 10th season, is about friendship among intellectuals. This show makes you roll over and laugh. "NCIS", currently in its mind-blowing 14th season, is about the investigation of crimes in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps by a bunch of agents. This is what you watch when you want to think who killed whom. Surely, all TV networks would get the best actors, the best producer and the best staff to take care of their projects. Isn't that the trifecta? Or is it? But just what is it that makes viewers watch?
