For many television viewers, May sweeps means a whole month of exciting moments before the summer reruns begin. The major networks pull out all of the best programming during May sweeps as they try to win the ratings war.The month long special ratings period which features sitcoms, specials, movies and miniseries, is designed to set advertising rates in more than 200 cities.
Each year, the months of November, February, May, and July are known as the "sweeps" rating periods.
During sweeps, Nielsen ratings determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States. Set meters and People meters are the two types of meters used in the ratings process. Set meters capture what channel is being tuned, while People Meters go a step further and gather information about who is watching in addition to the channel tuned.
Diaries are also used to collect viewing information from sample homes in many television markets, and smaller markets are measured by paper diaries only.
This year, the ratings period for May begins Thursday, April 28 and ends Wednesday, May 25.
Here are a few highlights from the big four networks as they end the TV season with a bang.
(All times are Eastern)
CBS
CRIMINAL MINDS
Wednesday, May 4 at 9 p.m.
MADAM SECRETARY
When to Watch: Sunday, May 8 at 8 p.m.
THE GOOD WIFE
Sunday, May 8 at 9 p.m.
ELEMENTARY
Sunday, May 8 at 10 p.m.
THE BIG BANG THEORY
Thursday, May 12 at 8 p.m.
MIKE & MOLLY
Monday, May 16 at 8 p.m.
NCIS
Tuesday, May 17 at 8 p.m
FOX
NEW GIRL
Tuesday, May 10 at 8 p.m
EMPIRE Wednesday, May 18 at 9 p.m.
NBC
CHICAGO MED
Tuesday, May 17 at 9 p.m
CHICAGO FIRE
Tuesday, May 17 at 10 p.m.
LAW & ORDER: SVU
Wednesday, May 25 at 9 p.m.
CHICAGO P.D.
Wednesday, May 25 at 10 p.m.
ABC
ONCE UPON A TIME
Sunday, May 15 at 7 p.m.
QUANTICO
Sunday, May 15 at 10 p.m
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Tuesday, May 17 at 9 p.m.
MODERN FAMILY
Wednesday, May 18 at 9 p.m.
BLACK-ISH
Wednesday, May 18 at 9:30 p.m.
FRESH OFF THE BOAT
Tuesday, May 24 at 8 p.m
THE REAL O'NEALS
Tuesday, May 24 at 8:30 p.m.
NASHVILLE
Wednesday, May 25 at 10 p.m.