Classic TV Ratings and Rankings: 1954-55 Season

CBS is now the #1 network as it takes 15 of the top 30 programs. NBC is still tough with 13 of the top 30, and  ABC finally cracks two shows in the top 30, lead by DISNEYLAND at #6.

All was not rosie for CBS. ARTHUR GODFREY'S TALENT SCOUTS took a dive in the ratings. A perennial to 5 show, fell to #18. His other show ARTHUR GODFREY AND HIS FRIENDS, also a top 5 show, fell to #22.

Audience retention was also an issue in 1955. The previous season THE RED BUTTON SHOW followed I LOVE LUCY. It was top 15 series, but lost 40% of its lead in. Thus, in 1954-55 DECEMBER BRIDE takes the best slot in TV. It held a little better, only losing 30% of LUCY'S audience.

The DuMont TV Network is in its last season of scheduling seven nights a week.

Top 30 Network Programs by household ratings

(30.7 million television homes)

1. I Love Lucy (CBS) - 49.3 
2. The Jackie Gleason Show (CBS) - 42.4
3. Dragnet (NBC) - 42.1
4. You Bet Your Life (NBC) - 41.0
5. Toast of the Town (CBS) - 39.6
6. Disneyland (ABC) - 39.1
7. The Jack Benny Program (CBS) - 38.3
8. The George Gobel Show (NBC) - 35.2
9. Ford Theater (NBC) - 34.9
10. December Bride (CBS) - 34.7 

11. The Buick-Berle Show (NBC) - 34.6
12. This Is Your Live (NBC) - 34.5
13. I've Got a Secret (CBS) - 34.0
14. Two for the Money (CBS) - 33.9
15. Your Hit Parade (NBC) - 33.6
16. The Millionaire (CBS) - 33.0
17. General Electric Theater (CBS) - 32.6
18. Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts (CBS) - 32.5
19. Private Secretary (CBS) - 32.2
20. Fireside Theater (NBC) - 31.1 

21. The Life of Riley (NBC) - 30.9
22. Arthur Godfrey and His Friends (CBS) - 29.8
23. The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (ABC) - 29.5
24. Topper (CBS) - 29.4
25. Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts (CBS) - 29.1
26. The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (CBS) - 29.0
27. The Colgate Comedy Hour (NBC) - 28.0
28. The Loretta young Show (NBC) - 27.7
29. My Little Margie (NBC) - 27.1
30. The Roy Rogers Show (NBC) - 26.9