What is the most-watched TV episode?
In the United States, the most-watched regular TV episode is the final episode of M*A*S*H, which drew about 106 million viewers in 1983. Super Bowl broadcasts now regularly draw even bigger audiences.
M*A*S*H, a comedy-drama about a mobile army hospital during the Korean War, ended its 11-season run on February 28, 1983, with a two-and-a-half-hour finale called Goodbye, Farewell and Amen. About 60 percent of American households with TVs watched it, a share that has never been matched by a scripted show.
Other famous finales include Cheers in 1993, with about 80 million viewers, Seinfeld in 1998, with about 76 million, and Friends in 2004, with about 52 million. The 1980 episode of Dallas revealing who shot J.R. drew about 83 million viewers.
Bigger audiences
Live sports and special events now draw the largest audiences. Recent Super Bowls have attracted well over 120 million US viewers across TV and streaming. Globally, events like the FIFA World Cup final and Olympic opening ceremonies draw audiences in the hundreds of millions or more.
Did You Know?
Streaming has changed how audiences are measured, so modern shows may be watched by many people over weeks rather than on one night.