The clock ticks as 7 p.m. nears and the anxiety kicks in realizing that the Tivo isn’t set for that one day of the week.

According to TV by the Numbers, some of the top ranked shows are “NCIS,” “60 Minutes,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Mentalist” and “The Big Bang Theory.” Many teenagers tune into these shows on a weekly basis.

“I watch ‘The Mentalist,’ ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ ‘CSI’ and ‘NCIS,’” sophomore Talyia Ruby said.

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For some students, catching the newest episode of their TV shows is a vital part of their week.

“I have to see them,” Ruby said. “My mom knows not to disturb me during the shows.”

Some students prepare for when they are going to miss their shows.
“When I miss it I get angry,” freshman Paige Coffman said. “When I do, I catch reruns on TV.”

Otherwise, almost immediately, you can go online to view the latest episode. Some students hardly ever watch their TV shows when they premiere.

“I watch ‘House’ and ‘Psych,’” senior Becca Kohl said. “When I know I’m going to miss it, we record them. I hardly ever watch them when they are on.”

According to the California State University, Northridge, the average American youth spends about 900 hours in school. The average American youth spends about 1,500 hours watching television with 99 percent of households possessing at least one TV.

“Before we went to constant laptops, I would have said that the amount of TV watching was a huge deal,” health teacher Jill Blurton said. “But now I think laptops and texting dominate more of teenager’s time.”