Since the beginning of 2023, viewers have watched billions of minutes of original programming from the top online streaming services and TV networks.
According to a report by Statistia, the average U.S. adult spends around two hours and 33 minutes per day watching TV, which doesn’t even include total screen time. Americans spend an average of 7 hours and 4 minutes on a screen each day with 35 percent of that number dedicated to watching TV.
As a result, popular streaming services like Netflix have started to create original programming to attract more viewers.
Using data sourced from Neilsen, we’ve crunched the numbers to find which TV networks and streaming services are attracting the biggest audience with their original programming.
Netflix original programming was watched for over 337 billion minutes in Q1 2023, nearly 20 percent more than any other streaming platform or TV network. CBS came in a close second at 281 billion minutes of original programming followed by NBC at 190 billion minutes.
From January to March 2023, viewers consumed more than 1.12 trillion minutes of original programming on Netflix, CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX.
Check out the list below for the most-watched original programming services in 2023.
- Netflix — 337 Billion Minutes Viewed
- CBS — 281 Billion Minutes Viewed
- NBC — 190 Billion Minutes Viewed
- ABC — 181 Billion Minutes Viewed
- FOX — 129 Billion Minutes Viewed
Top 5 Most Viewed Original Programming for Q1 in 2023
In the US, there are many ways to consume video entertainment content. Viewers are no longer tied to their TVs or restricted to strictly watching their favorite shows during primetime TV slots. Instead, most media companies offer a subscription-based on-demand service that allows subscribers to watch their favorite shows whenever they want.
The popularity of streaming services is on the rise. By 2026, the use of traditional TV services will drop by a projected 42 percent, per Statista. Now, streaming services attract new members by releasing their own original programming, that’s only available on their service.
While big media companies like ABC, Fox, NBC, and CBS have been around for decades, Netflix has crashed the party by producing some of the most-watched original programming in the last few years. The streaming company produced immensely popular shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, Outer Banks, and more that have captivated most of the US audience.
With a long list of popular shows on the top-five platforms, Americans watched more than 1.12 trillion minutes of original programming in Q1 2023.
Below we’ll break down the companies with the most watched original programming in Q1.
1. Netflix — 337 Billion Minutes Viewed
The newest company on this list, Netflix was founded in August 1997. Over the last few years, it’s quickly become the most popular streaming platform in the world, featuring some of the most memorable and captivating original programming.
Netflix has debuted some popular original TV shows, including Stranger Things, The Crown, Outer Banks, Squid Games, and more. In Q1 of this year, Netflix viewers watched 337 billion minutes of original programming, nearly 20 percent more than CBS, the next-highest network.
In the past two years, Netflix Original movies have also become increasingly popular. Productions like Red Notice, Don’t Look Up, Bird Box, and more have received rave reviews by critics and viewers alike. With many Netflix Original shows and movies still scheduled to be released, the number of minutes viewed on its original programming will only be trending up in the future.
2. CBS — 281 Billion Minutes Viewed
One of the oldest media companies in the US, CBS checks in at No.2 with 281 billion minutes of original programming viewed in Q1.
CBS was founded in 1927 and is one of the most popular US broadcasting companies. The media company is involved in more than just original programming. The radio and television network also covers news and sports. However, those numbers aren’t reflected in the original programming minutes.
Instead, the original programming stems from popular shows like Young Sheldon, CSI, Criminal Minds, Late Night shows, NCIS, Survivor, and The Young and the Restless.
3. NBC — 190 Billion Minutes Viewed
Known as the National Broadcasting Company, NBC is the oldest company on the list. Founded in 1926, NBC is a radio and television network. The company has 12 stations and 200 affiliates throughout the US. Like the best media companies, NBC also covered the news and sports.
In Q1, NBC original programming was consumed for 190 billion minutes, making it America’s second-most popular TV network, behind only CBS.
Some of NBC’s most popular original programming includes Dateline, Weakest Link, America’s Got Talent, The Voice, Law & Order, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
4. ABC — 181 Billion Minutes Viewed
Founded in 1943, ABC is known as the American Broadcasting Company. It’s a flagship property of Disney Entertainment. During a regularly scheduled week, the network provides 89 hours of original programming, including daytime programs, news, and sports.
However, ABC Original programming stems from shows like The Rookie, the Bachelor, Shark Tank, American Idol, Family Feud, Nightline, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Celebrity Jeopardy, and more.
During the Q1 period in 2023, ABC had 181 billion minutes viewed on original programming.
5. FOX — 129 Billion Minutes Viewed
One of the newer broadcasting companies, Fox was founded in 1986.
Like the Big Three in NBC, ABC, and CBS, Fox covers both sports and news. The broadcasting company is home to popular TV shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, Master Chef, The Masked Singer, Bob’s Burger, and more.
In the Q1 period in 2023, Fox totaled 129 billion minutes viewed on original programming.
