Will The Big Bang Theory be the last mainstream sitcom with a massive audience?

Los Angeles Times

"While the Twitterverse has been in full theatrics over HBO’s fantasy blockbuster Game of Thrones as it too nears its end, it’s easy to overlook the significance of its more modest associate on broadcast television," says Yvonne Villarreal. "The comedy, which became TV’s longest-running multi-camera sitcom this season, has anchored Thursday nights since 2010 — consistently helping CBS maintain its standing as the most-watched network. While its ratings have receded in recent years, the show still commands an enviable audience. This season, it averaged 12.75 million total viewers (a number that rises to nearly 18 million when delayed viewing over a week is factored in), according to Nielsen — and it’s expected to wrap its run near the top of the ratings. That’s a notable run against the backdrop of declining ratings, shifting viewing habits and a saturation of content as the streaming era settles into place." CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl calls tonight's series finale "bittersweet," adding: “We’re heading to a conclusion of a landscape-altering show; a show that means a lot. I think it’s more than a CBS thing. It’s a network television thing. It was a monster hit for network television — for television in general … you take it for granted that the audience will be there for you week after week.”

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