Changes are happening to TV ratings thanks to the almighty DVR.

The New York Times reports DVRs and Internet streaming have changed which shows are most popular. For instance, "American Idol" has dominated the last decade, but now scripted shows like "NCIS" and "Modern Family" have become the most popular when accounting for viewers who watch on DVR and the Internet.

The ratings NYT cites are based on seven days worth of added viewing days from the date the show originally airs. While still not held in as high regard at TV networks as the traditional "overnight" ratings, it has changed the way the network views the legs of a show. Low ratings for a show at the time of its original airing might not be the death knell it once was if the network sees it's picking up an audience over the next several days, as people tune in to what they recorded several days earlier.

Internet streaming has also led to a resurgence in scripted shows, researchers say, as it's the type of show suited perfectly for multiple viewings.