Sinclair's Multicast Networks: A Ratings Revolution in November
Breaking Records and Captivating Audiences
Sinclair's CHARGE, Comet, and ROAR networks have shattered expectations, achieving unprecedented ratings success in November. With a unique blend of hit shows, expanded franchises, and strategic distribution, these networks are redefining the multicast landscape.
CHARGE: The Crime Franchise Phenomenon
CHARGE's November performance was nothing short of exceptional, thanks to its dedicated crime franchise and the introduction of premium procedural content. The addition of Criminal Minds to its weekday lineup has been a game-changer, with ratings soaring by an impressive 67% among the P25-54 demographic. On November 29th, Criminal Minds propelled CHARGE to new heights, averaging an incredible 73,000 viewers in the P25-54 category and 123,000 in P35-64.
But here's where it gets controversial... CHARGE's new lineup, featuring Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Homicide: Life on the Street, has not only attracted a younger audience, reducing the median viewer age by 2 years, but it has also become the go-to destination for premium police procedurals on free broadcast TV. Is this a sign of a changing TV landscape, or is it too early to declare a new era?
Comet: A Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Extravaganza
Comet, the haven for fans of the supernatural, delivered one of its most successful months ever in November. The network's fan-favorite programming and franchise movie blocks were a hit, with XENA: Warrior Princess joining the lineup in October and continuing to gain momentum, especially among P35-64 and P50+ viewers.
Comet's Mega Movie nights were a standout, with films like Star Trek Into Darkness and The Addams Family attracting some of the network's largest primetime audiences of the year. On November 28th, Comet ranked #1 among all multicast networks for the night, particularly among the P18-49 and P25-54 demographics. This success comes on the heels of Comet's 10th anniversary celebration, highlighting its enduring appeal and growth over the years.
ROAR: Comedy's Rising Star
ROAR, the only multicast network dedicated to contemporary comedy, experienced significant growth in November. The addition of America's Funniest Home Videos in early November was a smart move, resulting in strong growth among P35-64 and P50+ viewers. Combined with Weakest Link, ROAR achieved its highest-rated month ever in Daytime P50+, with a remarkable 41% growth month-over-month and year-over-year.
And this is the part most people miss... On November 27th, ROAR set a new network record with its AFV Thanksgiving Day Marathon, delivering the highest single-day viewership ever, averaging an impressive 69,000 viewers aged 2+ from 9 am to 5 pm. This achievement showcases the network's ability to attract a broad, multi-generational audience.
Sinclair's Vision and Impact
Adam Ware, Senior Vice President of Growth Networks, attributes this success to the power of focused, fan-driven programming. The growth across various demographics underscores the effectiveness of Sinclair's genre-driven strategy, providing immense value to both audiences and advertisers.
Sinclair (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media powerhouse, leading the way in local news and sports. With its extensive reach across 179 television stations in 81 markets, Tennis Channel, and multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest, Sinclair continues to innovate and captivate audiences.
Sources:
- Nielsen L+SD Imp, Charge Access (M-F/3-8pm) Nov'25 vs Oct'25
- Nielsen Live+SD Imp, Charge 11/29/25 8-11pm
- Nielsen L+SD Imp (000), Charge Homicide M-F/12-2am Nov'25 vs Oct'25 & Q3'25 time period
- Nielsen Live+SD Imp and Median Age, Charge M-F/6pm-1am, Nov'25 vs Oct'25
- Nielsen Live+SD Imp, Comet Xena (M-F/3-6pm), Nov'25 vs Oct'25 & Q3'25 time period
- Nielsen L+SD Imp, Comet & all multicast networks, 11/28/25 5pm-12:30am
- Nielsen household broadcast program coverage, Comet Q3'25 (most recent full quarter) vs Q4'18 (first rated full quarter)
- Nielsen Live+SD Imp, ROAR AFV (M-F/9am-1pm), Nov'25 vs Oct'25, Q3'25, & Nov'24 time period
- Nielsen Live+SD P50+ Imp, ROAR Daytime (M-F/9am-4pm), Nov'25 vs Oct'25 & Nov'24
- Nielsen L+SD P2+ Imp, ROAR 11/27/25 9am-5pm vs M-F daily avg
