The Data Stream: TV Ratings and Analysis

Numbers, analysis and enthusiasms about what and how we watch stuff on TV, by Rick Porter.

Featured

Confessions of a Cancel Bear, Vol. 3: Streaming video killed the (minor) internet star

Apr 26, 2026

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8 min read

Confessions of a Cancel Bear, Vol. 3: Streaming video killed the (minor) internet star

Discourse about shows is still often insane, but the environment that allowed TV by the Numbers and the Bear to thrive doesn't exist anymore.

Apr 19, 2026

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5 min read

Confessions of a Cancel Bear, Vol. 2

My three years as the internet persona that mauled underperforming TV shows.

Apr 12, 2026

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9 min read

Confessions of a Cancel Bear, Vol. 1

The history of TV by the Numbers and how I came to run the site and its most famous feature.

Articles

Jul 9, 2026

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4 min read

Weekly ratings: We are the World Cup

With a side of evening news and fireworks. 'Love Island' dominates the streaming charts.

The 2026 Emmy nominations, by the numbers

Jul 8, 2026

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3 min read

The 2026 Emmy nominations, by the numbers

'The Pitt,' 'Hacks' and 'Widow's Bay' grabbed the most.

The week ahead, July 6-12: 'Little House' on the streamer

Jul 6, 2026

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3 min read

The week ahead, July 6-12: 'Little House' on the streamer

Plus — gasp — a break in the World Cup as the tournament enters its quarterfinal round.

Streaming top 10s: We're back in the villa

Jul 3, 2026

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3 min read

Streaming top 10s: We're back in the villa

'Love Island' had its biggest premiere week ever.

Weekly on-air ratings, June 22-28: The World Cup is overflowing

Jul 1, 2026

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3 min read

Weekly on-air ratings, June 22-28: The World Cup is overflowing

You'll get another week or two of punny soccer headlines, sorry.

The week ahead, June 29-July 5: 'Elle' of a Fourth

Jun 29, 2026

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4 min read

The week ahead, June 29-July 5: 'Elle' of a Fourth

Outside of the World Cup, it's a pretty quiet one leading into a holiday weekend with a bunch of specials.