https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-thursday-sept-30-2021-1235024351/

Season 18 opened to 4.77 million viewers, which is about the same viewership as last season's finale. The Season 17 premiere last year drew 5.93 million.

I wonder why? Isn't it a very popular show?

I didn't love the last season with Covid but I'm still going to watch it.