They don't have effect on the content [typically] but television ratings are what networks use to charge advertisers.
The number one show for the 2016-2017 season was The Big Bang Theory [when you exclude sports programming] so CBS can charge advertisers more money for ad space since they know an average of 19 million people watched this past season as opposed to a shows on The CW for example whose highest viewed show was Supergirl seen by an average of 3 million people.
So bottom line, ratings affect whether TV shows remain on the air or not. If a show can't make advertising money for its network, it gets cancelled.
In America at least, you need to have a Nielsen box which records what shows you watch. The average person's viewing habits really have no effect on the ratings on TV shows. I have read that somehow ratings are tallied from DVR playbacks but I haven't the foggiest how that happens as I don't own a DVR.
Most can be considered "fake". Much of the supposed antagonism and many of the feuds are scripted. The final presentations are heavily edited and show only the material that the producers choose to include. Ratings factor heavily in the outcomes.
According to Nielsen and other companies that did television ratings, NBC had the two top programs-- Seinfeld (a comedy) and ER (a hospital drama).
These are a couple i remember from the 70's and 80's:Starsky and HutchMagnum PI
what is the generalizations of drama TV shows in 1950s what is the generalizations of drama TV shows in 1950s what is the generalizations of drama TV shows in 1950s what is the generalizations of drama TV shows in 1950s
the viewers give tv shows their ratings. anyone can infact,
Nielsen Ratings
Networks know how many people watch tv shows, such as Friends, by the Nielsen Ratings. The Nielsen Ratings let television companies know what shows are being watched and how popular they are.
The Best TV Shows That Never Were - 2004 TV is rated/received certificates of: USA:TV-PG
The Best of Aussie Cop Shows - 2002 TV is rated/received certificates of: Australia:PG
Songs uit de shows - 1966 TV is rated/received certificates of: Belgium:KT
Nielsen rating
Television does typically have an affect on it's viewers. Many people search for shows that reflect parts of their personality.
In America at least, you need to have a Nielsen box which records what shows you watch. The average person's viewing habits really have no effect on the ratings on TV shows. I have read that somehow ratings are tallied from DVR playbacks but I haven't the foggiest how that happens as I don't own a DVR.
As of 2013: NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, The Voice
There are numerous sources one can access if wanting to locate rating reviews on children's shows. Depending on specifics ( whether it is a TV Show, or ratings for a children's Theatre Production) there are several sources available. For TV Shows, Commonsense Media offers reviews and ratings in this area, or alternatively one can locate ratings within high profile news media publications, such as The Guardian, or Time Out.
An excellent website for TV listings is www.zap2it.com. Not only does it give the time shows will be aired on television, but also ratings on specific shows to help ambivalent viewers select entertaining shows.