The 7 most popular TV shows of the year, according to Nielsen ratings

Average viewers: 14.6 million

Michael Weatherly stars as Jason Bull, the founder of a trial consulting firm that analyzes juries and witnesses for its clients. "Bull" is currently airing its third season.

Average viewers: 15.7 million

Freddie Highmore plays an autistic and talented young surgeon in this CBS drama now in its second season.

Average viewers: 16.3 million

This "Big Bang Theory" prequel follows Sheldon Cooper as a brilliant child.

Average viewers: 17.1 million

A long-running procedural, "NCIS" follows the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and is currently airing its 16th season.

Average viewers: 18.1 million

The Emmy-winning NBC drama about a family's life told between the past and present has held a firm audience in its second season.

Average viewers: 18.8 million

"The Big Bang Theory" is ending after 12 seasons of geek-related humor.

Average viewers: 20 million

ABC rebooted "Roseanne" this year to impressive results as far as ratings go, but the success was short lived. It still remains the biggest show of the year, though.