CBS Crime Procedural Sheriff Country Officially Reaches a Massive Viewership Milestone
A strong start last season
Sheriff Country averaged 7 million viewers per week during its first season, with streaming accounting for most of its audience. The law enforcement drama also earned a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics and viewers praised its grounded storytelling and the chemistry between its main characters. CBS said the series lifted the Friday 8 p.m. slot, previously occupied by S.W.A.T., with viewership up 33%.
Season two draws more viewers
The Morena Baccarin-led Fire Country spin-off was renewed for a second season, which premiered in October. Recent Nielsen ratings show its audience continued to grow. The premiere drew 10.52 million viewers in its first week, up 27% from the Season 1 premiere. It was also the show’s most-watched episode to date.
A milestone for CBS
Sheriff Country is the only show this season to rise from single-digit to double-digit viewership, entering what the article calls CBS’s 10 Million Club. The milestone arrives as the network’s overall viewership is up 14%.
The series’ audience growth contrasts with the more familiar pattern of shows losing viewers as seasons progress. In this case, word of mouth has helped bring more people to the drama.
Key points
- Sheriff Country averaged 7 million weekly viewers in its first season.
- Its Season 2 premiere attracted 10.52 million viewers in its first week.
- The premiere audience was 27% larger than the Season 1 premiere.
- CBS reported overall viewership up 14%, while Sheriff Country improved its Friday slot by 33%.