It’s a pretty well-established fact that streaming has a sizable effect on ratings for shows that originate on broadcast networks. A new batch of data from Nielsen for this season shows just how big that impact can be.
The top 10 entertainment series (i.e., not sports or news programming) on the broadcast networks so far this season add an average of 2.85 million viewers from streaming alone a week after they air. Only two shows — CBS’ Tracker and Matlock — average 10 million viewers or more from linear viewing (including DVR playback) over seven days. With streaming included, five shows cross that mark, and two others are within 100,000 viewers of 10 million.
On average, the streaming audience among the top 10 shows makes up about 26 percent…