List of most watched television broadcasts in the United States
Updated: 5/20/2026, 8:07:56 PM Wikipedia source
The following is the list of most watched television broadcasts in the United States by average viewership, according to Nielsen. Of the 30 most-watched telecasts, 27 are Super Bowls. The Apollo 11 moon landing is considered the most watched broadcast of all time, with an estimated viewership of 125–150 million. However, the Apollo 11 moon landing is considered a news event and not a telecast, as the major networks each produced their own coverage of the event; as a result, FOX's live telecast of Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 holds the record for the largest average viewership of any live network American television broadcast, with 127 million viewers. Although not counted separately, the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show and Super Bowl LIX halftime show are indeed also estimated to have broken viewership records, with each watched by an estimated 133 million viewers.
Tables
Top 20 list of most-watched telecasts by average viewership according to Nielsen · Most-watched broadcasts of all time › Average viewership
1
1
Rank
1
Broadcast
Super Bowl LIX
Average viewers
127,700,000
Date
February 9, 2025
Network(s)
Fox / Fox Deportes / Telemundo / Tubi
2
2
Rank
2
Broadcast
Super Bowl LX
Average viewers
125,603,000
Date
February 8, 2026
Network(s)
NBC / Universo
3
3
Rank
3
Broadcast
Super Bowl LVIII
Average viewers
123,714,000
Date
February 11, 2024
Network(s)
CBS / Univision / Nickelodeon
4
4
Rank
4
Broadcast
Super Bowl LVII
Average viewers
115,096,000
Date
February 12, 2023
Network(s)
Fox / Fox Deportes
5
5
Rank
5
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLIX
Average viewers
114,810,000
Date
February 1, 2015
Network(s)
NBC / Universo
6
6
Rank
6
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLVIII
Average viewers
112,752,000
Date
February 2, 2014
Network(s)
Fox / Fox Deportes
7
7
Rank
7
Broadcast
Super Bowl 50
Average viewers
112,336,000
Date
February 7, 2016
Network(s)
CBS / ESPN Deportes
8
8
Rank
8
Broadcast
Super Bowl LI
Average viewers
111,973,000
Date
February 5, 2017
Network(s)
Fox / Fox Deportes
9
9
Rank
9
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLVI
Average viewers
111,346,000
Date
February 5, 2012
Network(s)
NBC
10
10
Rank
10
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLV
Average viewers
111,041,000
Date
February 6, 2011
Network(s)
Fox
11
11
Rank
11
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLVII
Average viewers
108,693,000
Date
February 3, 2013
Network(s)
CBS
12
12
Rank
12
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLIV
Average viewers
106,476,000
Date
February 7, 2010
Network(s)
CBS
13
13
Rank
13
Broadcast
M*A*S*H ("Goodbye, Farewell and Amen")
Average viewers
105,970,000
Date
February 28, 1983
Network(s)
CBS
14
14
Rank
14
Broadcast
Super Bowl LII
Average viewers
104,016,000
Date
February 4, 2018
Network(s)
NBC / Universo
15
15
Rank
15
Broadcast
Super Bowl LIV
Average viewers
102,086,000
Date
February 2, 2020
Network(s)
Fox / Fox Deportes
16
16
Rank
16
Broadcast
Super Bowl LVI
Average viewers
101,470,000
Date
February 13, 2022
Network(s)
NBC / Telemundo
17
17
Rank
17
Broadcast
Super Bowl LIII
Average viewers
98,950,000
Date
February 3, 2019
Network(s)
CBS / ESPN Deportes
18
18
Rank
18
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLIII
Average viewers
98,732,000
Date
February 1, 2009
Network(s)
NBC
19
19
Rank
19
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLII
Average viewers
97,448,000
Date
February 3, 2008
Network(s)
Fox
20
20
Rank
20
Broadcast
Super Bowl LV
Average viewers
95,877,000
Date
February 7, 2021
Network(s)
CBS / ESPN Deportes
| Rank | Broadcast | Average viewers | Date | Network(s) |
| 1 | Super Bowl LIX | 127,700,000 | February 9, 2025 | Fox / Fox Deportes / Telemundo / Tubi |
| 2 | Super Bowl LX | 125,603,000 | February 8, 2026 | NBC / Universo |
| 3 | Super Bowl LVIII | 123,714,000 | February 11, 2024 | CBS / Univision / Nickelodeon |
| 4 | Super Bowl LVII | 115,096,000 | February 12, 2023 | Fox / Fox Deportes |
| 5 | Super Bowl XLIX | 114,810,000 | February 1, 2015 | NBC / Universo |
| 6 | Super Bowl XLVIII | 112,752,000 | February 2, 2014 | Fox / Fox Deportes |
| 7 | Super Bowl 50 | 112,336,000 | February 7, 2016 | CBS / ESPN Deportes |
| 8 | Super Bowl LI | 111,973,000 | February 5, 2017 | Fox / Fox Deportes |
| 9 | Super Bowl XLVI | 111,346,000 | February 5, 2012 | NBC |
| 10 | Super Bowl XLV | 111,041,000 | February 6, 2011 | Fox |
| 11 | Super Bowl XLVII | 108,693,000 | February 3, 2013 | CBS |
| 12 | Super Bowl XLIV | 106,476,000 | February 7, 2010 | CBS |
| 13 | M*A*S*H ("Goodbye, Farewell and Amen") | 105,970,000 | February 28, 1983 | CBS |
| 14 | Super Bowl LII | 104,016,000 | February 4, 2018 | NBC / Universo |
| 15 | Super Bowl LIV | 102,086,000 | February 2, 2020 | Fox / Fox Deportes |
| 16 | Super Bowl LVI | 101,470,000 | February 13, 2022 | NBC / Telemundo |
| 17 | Super Bowl LIII | 98,950,000 | February 3, 2019 | CBS / ESPN Deportes |
| 18 | Super Bowl XLIII | 98,732,000 | February 1, 2009 | NBC |
| 19 | Super Bowl XLII | 97,448,000 | February 3, 2008 | Fox |
| 20 | Super Bowl LV | 95,877,000 | February 7, 2021 | CBS / ESPN Deportes |
List of most-watched television broadcasts by average viewership excluding Super Bowls · Most-watched broadcasts of all time › Average viewership › Excluding Super Bowls
1
1
Rank
1
Broadcast
M*A*S*H ("Goodbye, Farewell and Amen")
Average viewers
(millions)
106
Date
February 28, 1983
Network
CBS
2
2
Rank
2
Broadcast
Gulf War coverage
Average viewers
(millions)
85
Date
January 16, 1991
Network
Multiple
3
3
Rank
3
Broadcast
First Clinton–Trump presidential debate
Average viewers
(millions)
84
Date
September 26, 2016
Network
Multiple
4
4
Rank
4
Broadcast
Dallas ("Who Done It")
Average viewers
(millions)
83
Date
November 21, 1980
Network
CBS
5
5
Rank
5
Broadcast
Carter–Reagan presidential debate
Average viewers
(millions)
80
Date
October 28, 1980
Network
Multiple
6
6
Rank
6
Broadcast
Cheers ("One for the Road")
Average viewers
(millions)
80
Date
May 20, 1993
Network
NBC
7
7
Rank
7
Broadcast
1994 Winter Olympics – Ladies' singles figure skating
Average viewers
(millions)
78
Date
February 23, 1994
Network
CBS
8
8
Rank
8
Broadcast
The Day After
Average viewers
(millions)
77
Date
November 20, 1983
Network
ABC
9
9
Rank
9
Broadcast
Roots ("Part VIII")
Average viewers
(millions)
76
Date
January 30, 1977
Network
ABC
10
10
Rank
10
Broadcast
Seinfeld ("The Finale")
Average viewers
(millions)
76
Date
May 14, 1998
Network
NBC
| Rank | Broadcast | Average viewers (millions) | Date | Network |
| 1 | M*A*S*H ("Goodbye, Farewell and Amen") | 106 | February 28, 1983 | CBS |
| 2 | Gulf War coverage | 85 | January 16, 1991 | Multiple |
| 3 | First Clinton–Trump presidential debate | 84 | September 26, 2016 | Multiple |
| 4 | Dallas ("Who Done It") | 83 | November 21, 1980 | CBS |
| 5 | Carter–Reagan presidential debate | 80 | October 28, 1980 | Multiple |
| 6 | Cheers ("One for the Road") | 80 | May 20, 1993 | NBC |
| 7 | 1994 Winter Olympics – Ladies' singles figure skating | 78 | February 23, 1994 | CBS |
| 8 | The Day After | 77 | November 20, 1983 | ABC |
| 9 | Roots ("Part VIII") | 76 | January 30, 1977 | ABC |
| 10 | Seinfeld ("The Finale") | 76 | May 14, 1998 | NBC |
· Most-watched broadcasts of all time › Series by year
Series
Series
Season
Series
Live
Network
Live
Households
(millions)
Live
Viewers
(millions)
Live
Series
Live + 3 DVR
Network
Live + 3 DVR
Viewers
(millions)
Live + 3 DVR
Series
Live + 7 DVR
Network
Live + 7 DVR
Viewers
(millions)
1950s
1950s
Season
1950s
1950–1951
1950–1951
Season
1950–1951
Live
Texaco Star Theatre
Live
NBC
Live
6
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1951–1952
1951–1952
Season
1951–1952
Live
Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts
Live
CBS
Live
8
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1952–1953
1952–1953
Season
1952–1953
Live
I Love Lucy
Live
13
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1953–1954
1953–1954
Season
1953–1954
Live
15
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1954–1955
1954–1955
Season
1954–1955
Live
15
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1955–1956
1955–1956
Season
1955–1956
Live
The $64,000 Question
Live
16
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1956–1957
1956–1957
Season
1956–1957
Live
I Love Lucy
Live
17
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1957–1958
1957–1958
Season
1957–1958
Live
Gunsmoke
Live
18
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1958–1959
1958–1959
Season
1958–1959
Live
17
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1959–1960
1959–1960
Season
1959–1960
Live
18
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1960s
1960s
Season
1960s
1960–1961
1960–1961
Season
1960–1961
Live
Gunsmoke
Live
CBS
Live
17
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1961–1962
1961–1962
Season
1961–1962
Live
Wagon Train
Live
NBC
Live
15
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1962–1963
1962–1963
Season
1962–1963
Live
The Beverly Hillbillies
Live
CBS
Live
18
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1963–1964
1963–1964
Season
1963–1964
Live
20
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1964–1965
1964–1965
Season
1964–1965
Live
Bonanza
Live
NBC
Live
19
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1965–1966
1965–1966
Season
1965–1966
Live
17
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1966–1967
1966–1967
Season
1966–1967
Live
16
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1967–1968
1967–1968
Season
1967–1968
Live
The Andy Griffith Show
Live
CBS
Live
15
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1968–1969
1968–1969
Season
1968–1969
Live
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
Live
NBC
Live
18
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1969–1970
1969–1970
Season
1969–1970
Live
15
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1970s
1970s
Season
1970s
1970–1971
1970–1971
Season
1970–1971
Live
Marcus Welby, M .
Live
ABC
Live
17
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1971–1972
1971–1972
Season
1971–1972
Live
All in the Family
Live
CBS
Live
21
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1972–1973
1972–1973
Season
1972–1973
Live
21
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1973–1974
1973–1974
Season
1973–1974
Live
20
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1974–1975
1974–1975
Season
1974–1975
Live
20
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1975–1976
1975–1976
Season
1975–1976
Live
20
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1976–1977
1976–1977
Season
1976–1977
Live
Happy Days
Live
ABC
Live
22
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1977–1978
1977–1978
Season
1977–1978
Live
Laverne & Shirley
Live
23
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1978–1979
1978–1979
Season
1978–1979
Live
22
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1979–1980
1979–1980
Season
1979–1980
Live
60 Minutes
Live
CBS
Live
21
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1980s
1980s
Season
1980s
1980–1981
1980–1981
Season
1980–1981
Live
Dallas
Live
CBS
Live
27
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1981–1982
1981–1982
Season
1981–1982
Live
23
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1982–1983
1982–1983
Season
1982–1983
Live
60 Minutes
Live
21
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1983–1984
1983–1984
Season
1983–1984
Live
Dallas
Live
21
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1985–1986
1985–1986
Season
1985–1986
Live
The Cosby Show
Live
NBC
Live
28
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1986–1987
1986–1987
Season
1986–1987
Live
30
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1987–1988
1987–1988
Season
1987–1988
Live
Unknown
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1988–1989
1988–1989
Season
1988–1989
Live
23
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1989–1990
1989–1990
Season
1989–1990
Live
21
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Roseanne
Roseanne
Season
Roseanne
Live
ABC
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1990s
1990s
Season
1990s
1990–1991
1990–1991
Season
1990–1991
Live
Cheers
Live
NBC
Live
19
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1991–1992
1991–1992
Season
1991–1992
Live
60 Minutes
Live
CBS
Live
20
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1992–1993
1992–1993
Season
1992–1993
Live
20
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1993–1994
1993–1994
Season
1993–1994
Live
19
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1994–1995
1994–1995
Season
1994–1995
Live
Home Improvement
Live
ABC
Live
—N/a
Live
32
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Seinfeld
Seinfeld
Season
Seinfeld
Live
NBC
Live
19
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1995–1996
1995–1996
Season
1995–1996
Live
ER
Live
21
Live
32
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1996–1997
1996–1997
Season
1996–1997
Live
20
Live
30
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1997–1998
1997–1998
Season
1997–1998
Live
Seinfeld
Live
21
Live
34
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1998–1999
1998–1999
Season
1998–1999
Live
ER
Live
17
Live
25
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
1999–2000
1999–2000
Season
1999–2000
Live
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (Tues)
Live
ABC
Live
Unknown
Live
28
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2000s
2000s
Season
2000s
2000–2001
2000–2001
Season
2000–2001
Live
Survivor
Live
CBS
Live
28
Live
29
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2001–2002
2001–2002
Season
2001–2002
Live
Friends
Live
NBC
Live
22
Live
24
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2002–2003
2002–2003
Season
2002–2003
Live
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Live
CBS
Live
Unknown
Live
26
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2003–2004
2003–2004
Season
2003–2004
Live
American Idol (Tues)
Live
Fox
Live
Unknown
Live
25
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2004–2005
2004–2005
Season
2004–2005
Live
Unknown
Live
27
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2005–2006
2005–2006
Season
2005–2006
Live
Unknown
Live
31
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2006–2007
2006–2007
Season
2006–2007
Live
American Idol (Wed)
Live
Unknown
Live
30
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2007–2008
2007–2008
Season
2007–2008
Live
American Idol (Tues)
Live
Unknown
Live
28
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
—N/a
2008–2009
2008–2009
Season
2008–2009
Live
American Idol (Wed)
Live
Unknown
Live
25
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
American Idol (Wed)
Live + 7 DVR
Fox
Live + 7 DVR
26
2009–2010
2009–2010
Season
2009–2010
Live
American Idol (Tues)
Live
Unknown
Live
22
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
American Idol (Tues)
Live + 7 DVR
24
2010s
2010s
Season
2010s
2010–2011
2010–2011
Season
2010–2011
Live
American Idol (Wed)
Live
Fox
Live
Unknown
Live
23
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
American Idol (Wed)
Live + 7 DVR
Fox
Live + 7 DVR
26
2011–2012
2011–2012
Season
2011–2012
Live
NBC Sunday Night Football
Live
NBC
Live
Unknown
Live
Unknown
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 7 DVR
NBC Sunday Night Football
Live + 7 DVR
NBC
Live + 7 DVR
20
2012–2013
2012–2013
Season
2012–2013
Live
Unknown
Live
Unknown
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
NCIS
Live + 3 DVR
CBS
Live + 7 DVR
21
2013–2014
2013–2014
Season
2013–2014
Live
Unknown
Live
21
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
The Big Bang Theory
Live + 3 DVR
23
2014–2015
2014–2015
Season
2014–2015
Live
Unknown
Live
20
Live
—N/a
Live
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
—N/a
Live + 3 DVR
NBC Sunday Night Football
Live + 3 DVR
NBC
Live + 7 DVR
20
2015–2016
2015–2016
Season
2015–2016
Live
Unknown
Live
21
Live
NBC Sunday Night Football
Live
NBC
Live + 3 DVR
21
Live + 3 DVR
21
2016–2017
2016–2017
Season
2016–2017
Live
Unknown
Live
19
Live
19
Live
19
2017–2018
2017–2018
Season
2017–2018
Live
Unknown
Live
17
Live
Roseanne
Live
ABC
Live + 3 DVR
18
Live + 3 DVR
Roseanne
Live + 3 DVR
ABC
Live + 7 DVR
19
2018–2019
2018–2019
Season
2018–2019
Live
Unknown
Live
18
Live
NBC Sunday Night Football
Live
NBC
Live + 3 DVR
18
Live + 3 DVR
NBC Sunday Night Football
Live + 3 DVR
NBC
Live + 7 DVR
18
| Season | Live | Live + 3 DVR | Live + 7 DVR | |||||||
| Series | Network | Households (millions) | Viewers (millions) | Series | Network | Viewers (millions) | Series | Network | Viewers (millions) | |
| 1950s | ||||||||||
| 1950–1951 | Texaco Star Theatre | NBC | 6 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1951–1952 | Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts | CBS | 8 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1952–1953 | I Love Lucy | 13 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1953–1954 | 15 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1954–1955 | 15 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1955–1956 | The $64,000 Question | 16 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1956–1957 | I Love Lucy | 17 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1957–1958 | Gunsmoke | 18 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1958–1959 | 17 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1959–1960 | 18 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1960s | ||||||||||
| 1960–1961 | Gunsmoke | CBS | 17 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1961–1962 | Wagon Train | NBC | 15 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1962–1963 | The Beverly Hillbillies | CBS | 18 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1963–1964 | 20 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1964–1965 | Bonanza | NBC | 19 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1965–1966 | 17 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1966–1967 | 16 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1967–1968 | The Andy Griffith Show | CBS | 15 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1968–1969 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In | NBC | 18 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1969–1970 | 15 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1970s | ||||||||||
| 1970–1971 | Marcus Welby, M . | ABC | 17 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1971–1972 | All in the Family | CBS | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1972–1973 | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1973–1974 | 20 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1974–1975 | 20 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1975–1976 | 20 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1976–1977 | Happy Days | ABC | 22 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1977–1978 | Laverne & Shirley | 23 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1978–1979 | 22 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1979–1980 | 60 Minutes | CBS | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1980s | ||||||||||
| 1980–1981 | Dallas | CBS | 27 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1981–1982 | 23 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1982–1983 | 60 Minutes | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1983–1984 | Dallas | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | |
| 1984–1985 | Dynasty | ABC | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1985–1986 | The Cosby Show | NBC | 28 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1986–1987 | 30 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1987–1988 | Unknown | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1988–1989 | 23 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1989–1990 | 21 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| Roseanne | ABC | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | ||
| 1990s | ||||||||||
| 1990–1991 | Cheers | NBC | 19 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
| 1991–1992 | 60 Minutes | CBS | 20 | Unknown | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a | —N/a |
· The highest-rated broadcasts of all time
1
1
Rank
1
Broadcast
M*A*S*H ("Goodbye, Farewell and Amen")
Rating
60
Share
77
Date
February 28, 1983
Network
CBS
2
2
Rank
2
Broadcast
Dallas ("Who Done It")
Rating
53
Share
76
Date
November 21, 1980
Network
CBS
3
3
Rank
3
Broadcast
Roots ("Part VIII")
Rating
51
Share
71
Date
January 30, 1977
Network
ABC
4
4
Rank
4
Broadcast
Super Bowl XVI
Rating
49
Share
73
Date
January 24, 1982
Network
CBS
5
5
Rank
5
Broadcast
Super Bowl XVII
Rating
48
Share
69
Date
January 30, 1983
Network
NBC
6
6
Rank
6
Broadcast
1994 Winter Olympics (Ladies' singles)
Rating
48
Share
64
Date
February 23, 1994
Network
CBS
7
7
Rank
7
Broadcast
Super Bowl XX
Rating
48
Share
70
Date
January 26, 1986
Network
NBC
8
8
Rank
8
Broadcast
The Big Event (Gone with the Wind, Part 1)
Rating
47
Share
65
Date
November 7, 1976
Network
NBC
9
9
Rank
9
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLIX
Rating
47
Share
71
Date
February 1, 2015
Network
NBC
10
10
Rank
10
Broadcast
Monday Night at the Movies (Gone with the Wind, Part 2)
Rating
47
Share
64
Date
November 8, 1976
Network
NBC
11
11
Rank
11
Broadcast
Super Bowl XII
Rating
47
Share
67
Date
January 15, 1978
Network
CBS
12
12
Rank
12
Broadcast
Super Bowl XIII
Rating
47
Share
74
Date
January 21, 1979
Network
NBC
12
12
Rank
12
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLVI
Rating
47
Share
71
Date
February 5, 2012
Network
NBC
13
13
Rank
13
Broadcast
Super Bowl XLVIII
Rating
46
Share
69
Date
February 2, 2014
Network
Fox
14
14
Rank
14
Broadcast
The Bob Hope Vietnam Christmas Show
Rating
46
Share
64
Date
January 15, 1970
Network
NBC
Super Bowl 50
Super Bowl 50
Rank
Super Bowl 50
Broadcast
46
Rating
72
Share
February 7, 2016
Date
CBS
16
16
Rank
16
Broadcast
Super Bowl XVIII
Rating
46
Share
71
Date
January 22, 1984
Network
CBS
Super Bowl XIX
Super Bowl XIX
Rank
Super Bowl XIX
Broadcast
46
Rating
63
Share
January 20, 1985
Date
ABC
Super Bowl XLVII
Super Bowl XLVII
Rank
Super Bowl XLVII
Broadcast
46
Rating
69
Share
February 3, 2013
Date
CBS
19
19
Rank
19
Broadcast
Super Bowl XIV
Rating
46
Share
67
Date
January 20, 1980
Network
CBS
20
20
Rank
20
Broadcast
The ABC Sunday Night Movie (The Day After)
Rating
46
Share
62
Date
November 20, 1983
Network
ABC
Super Bowl XXX
Super Bowl XXX
Rank
Super Bowl XXX
Broadcast
46
Rating
68
Share
January 28, 1996
Date
NBC
Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV
Rank
Super Bowl XLV
Broadcast
46
Rating
69
Share
February 6, 2011
Date
Fox
23
23
Rank
23
Broadcast
The Fugitive ("The Judgment: Part 2")
Rating
45
Share
72
Date
August 29, 1967
Network
ABC
Roots ("Part VI")
Roots ("Part VI")
Rank
Roots ("Part VI")
Broadcast
45
Rating
66
Share
January 28, 1977
Date
ABC
25
25
Rank
25
Broadcast
Super Bowl XXI
Rating
45
Share
66
Date
January 25, 1987
Network
CBS
26
26
Rank
26
Broadcast
Roots ("Part V")
Rating
45
Share
71
Date
January 27, 1977
Network
ABC
27
27
Rank
27
Broadcast
Cheers ("One for the Road")
Rating
45
Share
64
Date
May 20, 1993
Network
NBC
Super Bowl XXVIII
Super Bowl XXVIII
Rank
Super Bowl XXVIII
Broadcast
45
Rating
66
Share
January 30, 1994
Date
NBC
29
29
Rank
29
Broadcast
The Ed Sullivan Show (The Beatles' first appearance)
Rating
45
Share
60
Date
February 9, 1964
Network
CBS
Super Bowl LI
Super Bowl LI
Rank
Super Bowl LI
Broadcast
45
Rating
70
Share
February 5, 2017
Date
Fox
30
30
Rank
30
Broadcast
Super Bowl XXVII
Rating
45
Share
66
Date
January 31, 1993
Network
NBC
| Rank | Broadcast | Rating | Share | Date | Network |
| 1 | M*A*S*H ("Goodbye, Farewell and Amen") | 60 | 77 | February 28, 1983 | CBS |
| 2 | Dallas ("Who Done It") | 53 | 76 | November 21, 1980 | CBS |
| 3 | Roots ("Part VIII") | 51 | 71 | January 30, 1977 | ABC |
| 4 | Super Bowl XVI | 49 | 73 | January 24, 1982 | CBS |
| 5 | Super Bowl XVII | 48 | 69 | January 30, 1983 | NBC |
| 6 | 1994 Winter Olympics (Ladies' singles) | 48 | 64 | February 23, 1994 | CBS |
| 7 | Super Bowl XX | 48 | 70 | January 26, 1986 | NBC |
| 8 | The Big Event (Gone with the Wind, Part 1) | 47 | 65 | November 7, 1976 | NBC |
| 9 | Super Bowl XLIX | 47 | 71 | February 1, 2015 | NBC |
| 10 | Monday Night at the Movies (Gone with the Wind, Part 2) | 47 | 64 | November 8, 1976 | NBC |
| 11 | Super Bowl XII | 47 | 67 | January 15, 1978 | CBS |
| 12 | Super Bowl XIII | 47 | 74 | January 21, 1979 | NBC |
| 12 | Super Bowl XLVI | 47 | 71 | February 5, 2012 | NBC |
| 13 | Super Bowl XLVIII | 46 | 69 | February 2, 2014 | Fox |
| 14 | The Bob Hope Vietnam Christmas Show | 46 | 64 | January 15, 1970 | NBC |
| Super Bowl 50 | 46 | 72 | February 7, 2016 | CBS | |
| 16 | Super Bowl XVIII | 46 | 71 | January 22, 1984 | CBS |
| Super Bowl XIX | 46 | 63 | January 20, 1985 | ABC | |
| Super Bowl XLVII | 46 | 69 | February 3, 2013 | CBS | |
| 19 | Super Bowl XIV | 46 | 67 | January 20, 1980 | CBS |
| 20 | The ABC Sunday Night Movie (The Day After) | 46 | 62 | November 20, 1983 | ABC |
| Super Bowl XXX | 46 | 68 | January 28, 1996 | NBC | |
| Super Bowl XLV | 46 | 69 | February 6, 2011 | Fox | |
| 23 | The Fugitive ("The Judgment: Part 2") | 45 | 72 | August 29, 1967 | ABC |
| Roots ("Part VI") | 45 | 66 | January 28, 1977 | ABC | |
| 25 | Super Bowl XXI | 45 | 66 | January 25, 1987 | CBS |
| 26 | Roots ("Part V") | 45 | 71 | January 27, 1977 | ABC |
| 27 | Cheers ("One for the Road") | 45 | 64 | May 20, 1993 | NBC |
| Super Bowl XXVIII | 45 | 66 | January 30, 1994 | NBC | |
| 29 | The Ed Sullivan Show (The Beatles' first appearance) | 45 | 60 | February 9, 1964 | CBS |
| Super Bowl LI | 45 | 70 | February 5, 2017 | Fox | |
| 30 | Super Bowl XXVII | 45 | 66 | January 31, 1993 | NBC |
· The highest-rated broadcasts of all time › Series by year
1950s
1950s
Season
1950s
1950–1951
1950–1951
Season
1950–1951
Series
Texaco Star Theatre
Network
NBC
Rating
61
1951–1952
1951–1952
Season
1951–1952
Series
Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts
Network
CBS
Rating
53
1952–1953
1952–1953
Season
1952–1953
Series
I Love Lucy
Network
67
1953–1954
1953–1954
Season
1953–1954
Series
58
1954–1955
1954–1955
Season
1954–1955
Series
49
1955–1956
1955–1956
Season
1955–1956
Series
The $64,000 Question
Network
47
1956–1957
1956–1957
Season
1956–1957
Series
I Love Lucy
Network
43
1957–1958
1957–1958
Season
1957–1958
Series
Gunsmoke
Network
43
1958–1959
1958–1959
Season
1958–1959
Series
39
1959–1960
1959–1960
Season
1959–1960
Series
40
1960s
1960s
Season
1960s
1960–1961
1960–1961
Season
1960–1961
Series
Gunsmoke
Network
CBS
Rating
37
1961–1962
1961–1962
Season
1961–1962
Series
Wagon Train
Network
NBC
Rating
32
1962–1963
1962–1963
Season
1962–1963
Series
The Beverly Hillbillies
Network
CBS
Rating
36
1963–1964
1963–1964
Season
1963–1964
Series
39
1964–1965
1964–1965
Season
1964–1965
Series
Bonanza
Network
NBC
Rating
36
1965–1966
1965–1966
Season
1965–1966
Series
31
1966–1967
1966–1967
Season
1966–1967
Series
29
1967–1968
1967–1968
Season
1967–1968
Series
The Andy Griffith Show
Network
CBS
Rating
27
1968–1969
1968–1969
Season
1968–1969
Series
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
Network
NBC
Rating
31
1969–1970
1969–1970
Season
1969–1970
Series
26
1970s
1970s
Season
1970s
1970–1971
1970–1971
Season
1970–1971
Series
Marcus Welby, M .
Network
ABC
Rating
29
1971–1972
1971–1972
Season
1971–1972
Series
All in the Family
Network
CBS
Rating
34
1972–1973
1972–1973
Season
1972–1973
Series
33
1973–1974
1973–1974
Season
1973–1974
Series
31
1974–1975
1974–1975
Season
1974–1975
Series
30
1975–1976
1975–1976
Season
1975–1976
Series
30
1976–1977
1976–1977
Season
1976–1977
Series
Happy Days
Network
ABC
Rating
31
1977–1978
1977–1978
Season
1977–1978
Series
Laverne & Shirley
Network
31
1978–1979
1978–1979
Season
1978–1979
Series
30
1979–1980
1979–1980
Season
1979–1980
Series
60 Minutes
Network
CBS
Rating
28
1980s
1980s
Season
1980s
1980–1981
1980–1981
Season
1980–1981
Series
Dallas
Network
CBS
Rating
34
1981–1982
1981–1982
Season
1981–1982
Series
28
1982–1983
1982–1983
Season
1982–1983
Series
60 Minutes
Network
25
1983–1984
1983–1984
Season
1983–1984
Series
Dallas
Network
25
1985–1986
1985–1986
Season
1985–1986
Series
The Cosby Show
Network
NBC
Rating
33
1986–1987
1986–1987
Season
1986–1987
Series
34
1987–1988
1987–1988
Season
1987–1988
Series
27
1988–1989
1988–1989
Season
1988–1989
Series
25
1989–1990
1989–1990
Season
1989–1990
Series
23
Roseanne
Roseanne
Season
Roseanne
Series
ABC
Network
23
1990s
1990s
Season
1990s
1990–1991
1990–1991
Season
1990–1991
Series
Cheers
Network
NBC
Rating
21
1991–1992
1991–1992
Season
1991–1992
Series
60 Minutes
Network
CBS
Rating
21
1992–1993
1992–1993
Season
1992–1993
Series
21
1993–1994
1993–1994
Season
1993–1994
Series
20
1994–1995
1994–1995
Season
1994–1995
Series
Seinfeld
Network
NBC
Rating
20
1995–1996
1995–1996
Season
1995–1996
Series
ER
Network
22
1996–1997
1996–1997
Season
1996–1997
Series
21
1997–1998
1997–1998
Season
1997–1998
Series
Seinfeld
Network
21
1998–1999
1998–1999
Season
1998–1999
Series
ER
Network
17
1999–2000
1999–2000
Season
1999–2000
Series
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (Tues)
Network
ABC
Rating
18
2000s
2000s
Season
2000s
2000–2001
2000–2001
Season
2000–2001
Series
Survivor
Network
CBS
Rating
17
2001–2002
2001–2002
Season
2001–2002
Series
Friends
Network
NBC
Rating
15
2002–2003
2002–2003
Season
2002–2003
Series
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Network
CBS
Rating
16
2003–2004
2003–2004
Season
2003–2004
Series
15
2004–2005
2004–2005
Season
2004–2005
Series
16
2005–2006
2005–2006
Season
2005–2006
Series
American Idol (Tues)
Network
Fox
Rating
17
2006–2007
2006–2007
Season
2006–2007
Series
American Idol (Wed)
Network
17
2007–2008
2007–2008
Season
2007–2008
Series
American Idol (Tues)
Network
16
2008–2009
2008–2009
Season
2008–2009
Series
American Idol (Wed)
Network
15
2009–2010
2009–2010
Season
2009–2010
Series
American Idol (Tues)
Network
13
2010s
2010s
Season
2010s
2010–2011
2010–2011
Season
2010–2011
Series
American Idol (Wed)
Network
Fox
Rating
14
2011–2012
2011–2012
Season
2011–2012
Series
NBC Sunday Night Football
Network
NBC
Rating
12
2012–2013
2012–2013
Season
2012–2013
Series
NCIS
Network
CBS
Rating
13
2013–2014
2013–2014
Season
2013–2014
Series
12
NBC Sunday Night Football
NBC Sunday Night Football
Season
NBC Sunday Night Football
Series
NBC
Network
12
2014–2015
2014–2015
Season
2014–2015
Series
12
2015–2016
2015–2016
Season
2015–2016
Series
NCIS
Network
CBS
Rating
12
2016–2017
2016–2017
Season
2016–2017
Series
The Big Bang Theory
Network
11
2017–2018
2017–2018
Season
2017–2018
Series
11
2018–2019
2018–2019
Season
2018–2019
Series
NBC Sunday Night Football
Network
NBC
Rating
10
2019–2020
2019–2020
Season
2019–2020
Series
20
| Season | Series | Network | Rating |
| 1950s | |||
| 1950–1951 | Texaco Star Theatre | NBC | 61 |
| 1951–1952 | Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts | CBS | 53 |
| 1952–1953 | I Love Lucy | 67 | |
| 1953–1954 | 58 | ||
| 1954–1955 | 49 | ||
| 1955–1956 | The $64,000 Question | 47 | |
| 1956–1957 | I Love Lucy | 43 | |
| 1957–1958 | Gunsmoke | 43 | |
| 1958–1959 | 39 | ||
| 1959–1960 | 40 | ||
| 1960s | |||
| 1960–1961 | Gunsmoke | CBS | 37 |
| 1961–1962 | Wagon Train | NBC | 32 |
| 1962–1963 | The Beverly Hillbillies | CBS | 36 |
| 1963–1964 | 39 | ||
| 1964–1965 | Bonanza | NBC | 36 |
| 1965–1966 | 31 | ||
| 1966–1967 | 29 | ||
| 1967–1968 | The Andy Griffith Show | CBS | 27 |
| 1968–1969 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In | NBC | 31 |
| 1969–1970 | 26 | ||
| 1970s | |||
| 1970–1971 | Marcus Welby, M . | ABC | 29 |
| 1971–1972 | All in the Family | CBS | 34 |
| 1972–1973 | 33 | ||
| 1973–1974 | 31 | ||
| 1974–1975 | 30 | ||
| 1975–1976 | 30 | ||
| 1976–1977 | Happy Days | ABC | 31 |
| 1977–1978 | Laverne & Shirley | 31 | |
| 1978–1979 | 30 | ||
| 1979–1980 | 60 Minutes | CBS | 28 |
| 1980s | |||
| 1980–1981 | Dallas | CBS | 34 |
| 1981–1982 | 28 | ||
| 1982–1983 | 60 Minutes | 25 | |
| 1983–1984 | Dallas | 25 | |
| 1984–1985 | Dynasty | ABC | 25 |
| 1985–1986 | The Cosby Show | NBC | 33 |
| 1986–1987 | 34 | ||
| 1987–1988 | 27 | ||
| 1988–1989 | 25 | ||
| 1989–1990 | 23 | ||
| Roseanne | ABC | 23 | |
| 1990s | |||
| 1990–1991 | Cheers | NBC | 21 |
| 1991–1992 | 60 Minutes | CBS | 21 |
| 1992–1993 | 21 | ||
References
- During the 1994–1995 television season, ABC's Home Improvement was watched by the most viewers (32 million), while NBC's
- NBC Sunday Night Football aired three broadcasts before the official start of 2012–2013 television season which are not
- wwwhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/walter-cronkite-and-the-awe-of-space-exploration/
- wwwhttps://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/02/11/super-bowl-59-viewership.html
- USA TODAYhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2013/05/10/elvis-presley-aloha-from-hawaii/2151617/
- The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/super-bowl-lix-tv-ratings-record-feb-9-2025-1236132107/
- CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/2024/02/12/media/super-bowl-lviii-ratings/index.html
- "Super Bowl XLV Most Viewed Telecast in U . Broadcast History"https://web.archive.org/web/20181106170953/https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2011/super-bowl-xlv-most-viewed-telecast-in-broadcast-history.html
- "Selected News Events (Multi-Network Combined Audiences)"https://web.archive.org/web/20040902161757/http://www.nielsenmedia.com/pressroom/political/Tracks/major_events-track.htm
- A Statue Facts: Michael's All Wax - Guinness World Recordshttps://books.google.com/books?id=YmxKAAAAIBAJ&dq=guinness+world+records+1993+133.4+million+jackson&pg=PA15&article_id=4235,2406159
- Nielsenhttps://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2026/super-bowl-lx-delivers-124-9-million-viewers/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2026/tv/news/super-bowl-2026-ratings-viewers-1236658484/
- https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2026/super-bowl-lx-2026/#:~:text=NBC's%20presentation%20of%20Super%20Bowl,Super%20Bohttps://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2026/super-bowl-lx-2026/#:~:text=NBC's%20presentation%20of%20Super%20Bowl,Super%20Bowl%20LIX%20in%202025
- Nielsenhttps://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2026/super-bowl-lx-delivers-124-9-million-viewers/
- Nielsenhttps://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2024/super-bowl-lviii-draws-123-7-million-average-viewers-largest-tv-audience-on-record/
- "Super Bowl XLV Most Viewed Telecast in U . Broadcast History"https://web.archive.org/web/20181106170953/https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2011/super-bowl-xlv-most-viewed-telecast-in-broadcast-history.html
- Seinfeld'shttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-16-ca-50143-story.html
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/28/business/media/at-nearly-84-million-viewers-debate-may-be-the-most-watched-ever.html
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/1994/tv/news/skate-rate-ices-night-for-cbs-118610/
- ClassicTVHitshttp://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1950.htm