Spoilers ahead!
From M*A*S*H to Cheers: 12 Most watched TV episodes in American history A S H to Cheers: 12 Most watched TV episodes in American history
Image: Bruna Araujo
Certain television shows capture the audience’s imagination like few others, and individual episodes can draw truly staggering ratings. Tens of millions of viewers flock to their screens to watch the final moments of their favorite series. As you’ll see in this list, though, it isn’t only finales that reach such heights. Take a look at the 12 examples that follow—but fair warning: if you plan on watching any of these series, you may want to skip the entries bearing their names to avoid spoilers.
1
All In The Family - "Edith's Problem"
Image: Diego González
This 1970s sitcom used its format to address topics that were otherwise difficult to explore on television. In the episode "Edith’s Problem," the show demonstrated just how groundbreaking it could be.
"Edith’s Problem" centers on the leading character of the same name, who is going through menopause. Archie, a man who is annoyed by pretty much everything, is forced to reckon with the fact that Edith’s life is undergoing a real, biological change—one that will inevitably affect their marriage.
2
Home Improvement - "The Eve of Construction"
Image: Annie Gray
The Home Improvement episode "The Eve of Construction" brought in the highest viewership numbers of the entire series . In it, Jill and Al join forces as volunteers for a Habitat for Humanity build, teaming up because Tim believes married couples shouldn’t work together. In response, Tim assembles his own team to outdo them, and a fierce competition between the groups ensues.
3
ER - "A Hole in the Heart"
Image: Piron Guillaume
Centered on the professional and personal lives of the emergency room staff at Chicago’s Cook County General Hospital, ER featured an ever-evolving ensemble cast—including George Clooney—over its 15-season run.
In the Season 4 finale, "A Hole in the Heart," more than 47 million viewers tuned in as Clooney’s character, Dr. Doug Ross, faced the consequences of his controversial efforts to treat a drug-addicted infant.
4
Friends - "The One After the Superbowl"
Image: Paolo Aldrighetti
This turn-of-the-century sitcom juggernaut had many high points during its run, but the 1996 double-length episode "The One After the Superbowl" stands out as the most-watched. In it, Ross embarks on a comedic quest to reunite with his beloved former pet monkey , Marcel, now a successful animal actor filming in New York.
5
Seinfeld - "The Finale"
Image: Jonathan Roger
Possibly the biggest television series of the 1990s, Seinfeld ended with one of the highest-rated finales in TV history . In it, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer find themselves in legal trouble after inadvertently violating a local law in Massachusetts. The four friends are subsequently put on trial and must await their respective fates in the final episode.
6
Magnum P.I. - "Resolutions"
Image: Wesley Tingey
The show that turned Tom Selleck—and his iconic mustache—into a household name delivered a satisfying finale that tied together several key elements of Magnum’s story and the show’s overarching narrative. Magnum P.I. helped define an era of detective and police dramas, and its final episode drew massive ratings from fans across the country.
7
Cheers - "One for the Road"
Image: QUI NGUYEN
The most-watched single TV episode of the 1990s was the series finale of Cheers . The conclusion featured the return of Shelley Long’s character, Diane Chambers, who reunites with Sam Malone in Boston. The episode also reveals what becomes of the bar’s beloved patrons as they each reflect on the meaning of life.
8
Gunsmoke - "Love Thy Neighbor"
Image: Taylor Brandon
This legendary show ran for 20 seasons , airing approximately 38 episodes per season —a milestone that seems almost impossible to surpass today. The episode "Love Thy Neighbor," which aired during the sixth season, centers on the theft of a sack of potatoes that sparks a feud between two families. The conflict escalates into a gun duel, resulting in tragic losses on both sides.
9
Bonanza - "The Pure Truth"
Image: Bailey Alexander
The series that launched Michael Landon’s career ran for 14 seasons and, in certain episodes, achieved even higher ratings than the other iconic cowboy series, Gunsmoke . One such episode, "The Pure Truth," centers on a plot in which one of the show’s central characters is falsely accused of a bank robbery and is forced to seek help from a mysterious prospector.
10
Roots - "Pt. VIII"
Image: Bryson Hammer
Roots was a massive hit during its run, telling a powerful story about the horrors of slavery and its lasting impact . The series finale marked the end of an era for its devoted followers and became one of the most-watched episodes of its time.
11
Dallas - "Who Done It?"
Image: Daniel Halseth
As we've seen, not all of the highest-ranked episodes are finales or even season finales. The fourth episode of Dallas 's fourth season is a prime example of this. It drew millions of viewers for one simple reason: Everyone had to know who shot J.R .
This cliffhanger became one of the series' defining moments, leaving audiences in suspense about the identity of the shooter for an incredible length of time. When the mystery was finally revealed, millions tuned in to find out who the culprit was.
12
M
A
S
H - "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen"
Image: Museums Victoria
Even years after it aired, M A S H’s final episode still holds the top spot for the highest-rated single episode of all time . This episode masterfully blended heartbreak and sentiment, creating a finale that remained true to the wartime experiences that were often the show’s backdrop.
