The most popular star in primetime is...

Pauley Perrette was chosen as the current most popular primetime star by Q Ratings, a survey taken a few times a year.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• "NCIS" actors occupy most of the top slots, save Nathan Fillion, the star of ABC's "Castle"
• Next up is Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva on the CBS drama
• Q ratings come in handy when networks want to gauge if an actor is worthwhile

RELATED TOPICS

• NCIS (TV Show)
• Jim Parsons
• The Big Bang Theory
• Nathan Fillion

(EW.com) -- For anyone who can't get enough of those feisty naval investigators, this information should not come as a surprise: The most popular actor in primetime right now is "NCIS"' Pauley Perrette!
That's according to the latest Q Ratings, a survey taken a few times a year to judge who are the most popular stars, based on audience awareness. In fact, "NCIS" actors occupy most of the top slots, save Nathan Fillion, the star of ABC's "Castle." The geek god is ranked No. 6.
So who's after No. 1? Next up is Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva on the CBS drama. No. 3 is Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory," No. 4 is "NCIS" lead Mark Harmon, No. 5 is David McCallum (Dr. Donald Mallard), and No. 7 is Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, a.k.a. Michael Weatherly.
Q ratings come in handy when networks want to gauge whether an actor is worth the time (and money) to cast and/or keep on the payroll. So expect at least 20 more seasons of "NCIS."
Kidding! (We think).