Nielsen report shows adult animation creators lead viewership

A Nielsen report released for International Animation Day highlights the dominance of adult animation creators in the 2025–2026 television season. Streaming platforms accounted for 58% of all minutes watched among the top 15 animated titles.

Seth MacFarlane emerged as the most-watched animation creator, totaling 92.7 billion minutes through 'Family Guy', 'American Dad!', and 'The Cleveland Show'. Other major contributors include Trey Parker and Matt Stone with 44.5 billion minutes for 'South Park', Loren Bouchard with 43 billion minutes driven by 'Bob’s Burgers', and Matt Groening with 28 billion minutes for 'The Simpsons'.

In terms of individual series, 'SpongeBob SquarePants' led with 70.6 billion minutes viewed, followed by 'Bluey' at 68 billion minutes and 'Family Guy' at 65.4 billion minutes. The combined output of the top three creators—Stephen Hillenburg, Seth MacFarlane, and Joe Brumm—accounted for 44% of all minutes watched among the 15 most-watched animated series.