Like the last four seasons, NBC ruled the pack. However, their average ticked down 1% as the other three networks gained ground. 2nd place ABC gained 5% within a 2-point grab, weakened CBS gained 2%, and fast-growing FOX gained 16% as it founded its second hit, The Simpsons, which brushed past ever-growing Married... With Children.

Like the last four seasons, NBC ruled the pack. However, their average ticked down 1% as the other three networks gained ground. 2nd place ABC gained 5% within a 2-point grab, weakened CBS gained 2%, and fast-growing FOX gained 16% as it founded its second hit, The Simpsons, which brushed past ever-growing Married... With Children.

Behold the 63rd puzzle piece in TVRG's Rating History's 68 puzzle piece set. Ironic, as the 1989-90 season instigated this site's historic ratings project. So why did it take so long? Back when this series began, it was a continuation of the Sitcom Scorecard series, designed only to profile how the laugh boxes rated. Feedback was positive, and viewers demanded complete Ratings History. Composing a complete article took more time to compose, so thank you for patiently waiting for this entry.

Trending Hot -- ABC continued to make a creative rebound, thanks to its strong sitcom lineup. NBC sitcoms also reigned in a strong season. Reality TV fares showed strong numbers as ABC and FOX entries all snagged renewals and strong ratings for their respective networks.

Trending Hot -- ABC continued to make a creative rebound, thanks to its strong sitcom lineup. NBC sitcoms also reigned in a strong season. Reality TV fares showed strong numbers as ABC and FOX entries all snagged renewals and strong ratings for their respective networks.

Trending Tepid -- Although it was positioned in 1st Place, NBC's high yield of cancellations left the glory in the 80's as it entered the 90's on a downward trend. FOX experienced significant growth due to The Simpsons and MWC, but the rest of the lineup (save for reality TV entries) met the network's cancellation blade as the shows failed to hold a candle to the newfound successes. Dramas on most of the networks also found lower success rates this season vs. sitcoms. Newsmagazine entries also showed mixed success with only 60 Minutes and 20/20 cracked the top 40.