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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

1

Captain Tony's Saloon

Image: Nicolas Hoizey

Key West, Florida, is home to one of America's best-known bars: Captain Tony's Saloon. This mythical bar is not only famous for its drinks; it has a quirk that sets it apart from others. It's said to be haunted.

The building housing the bar today was built in the 19th century as a morgue. In 1865, a hurricane hit the area, taking everything in its path, including what was inside the morgue, if you know what we mean. Legend has it that the spirits, fueled by anger, remained to haunt the place for eternity. Decades later, a chilling discovery was made. During renovations, workers unearthed something macabre beneath the structure: bones.

For centuries and continuing to this day, different types of paranormal activity have been reported on the site, including cold spots, whispers, and even sightings of apparitions.

2

The Mothman

Image: David Clode

No one can deny that the 1960s was a tumultuous decade. But, in addition to the social and political issues that dominated the country and the world, West Virginia also witnessed a paranormal story.

In the mid-60s, a group of people claimed to have spotted a humanoid creature with large wings and red eyes silently watching them from a distance in remote areas of Point Pleasant. This story gave rise to the Mothman myth.

After the initial reports, more sightings followed, each more disturbing than the last. But what really makes your skin crawl is the detail most of these accounts share: the Mothman's creepy stare.

3

The Bell Witch

Image: Freestocks

If we discuss celebrity ghosts, we can't forget the Bell Witch, one of America's most famous specters.

The myth, which dates back to the early 19th century, tells the story of the Bell family, who lived on a farm in Tennessee. Legend has it that they began hearing strange noises in their home, and the spooky phenomena quickly increased. Objects moved on their own, and voices seemed to speak directly to the family. The spirit, later known as the Bell Witch, is said to have haunted the Bells for years, and even after the family members' passing, similar episodes continued to be reported at the site.

4

Dudleytown

Image: Adisa F

There is a valley in northwestern Connecticut that hides several spooky stories. Known as the Dark Entrance Forest, this area of "The Constitution State" is much more than just a scary name.

Located there lies an abandoned settlement: the mythical Dudleytown. The area was already inhabited by some people back in the early 1700s. Sadly, as the land wasn't fertile, the population declined. But it seems that was not the only reason.

It's said that the settlement was cursed: crop failures, diseases, and different types of paranormal events took place here. According to legend, the first inhabitants were descendants of an English nobleman accused of treason who fled to America and brought the curse with them.

5

Huggin' Molly

Image: Steinar Engeland

According to the people of Abbeville, Alabama, a famous specter haunts the streets, terrifying both children and adults —though she seems to have a particular preference.

We're talking about Huggin' Molly, a ghostly figure of a woman around 7 feet tall, dressed in a long black gown. She is known for letting out bloodcurdling screams in the night while she haunts children. The myth goes that if the ghost catches a child, she hugs them so tightly that it feels like suffocation.

The legend has persisted for centuries, and many claim to have seen or heard the figure of Huggin' Molly up close.

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The Headless Horseman

Image: Dawid Tkocz

Washington Irving's 1820 short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," gave popularity to this ghostly figure. The Headless Horseman is depicted as a specter who rides through the night in search of his lost head. According to Irving's story, he was a soldier who died tragically, and his spirit wanders at night unable to find peace.

Over the years, many people have claimed to have seen the Headless Horseman or heard the sound of his horse's hooves in the Sleepy Hollow area.

7

Qalupalik

Image: Nsey Benajah

Huggin' Molly is not the only scary figure that terrifies children. In Arctic shorelines, more precisely off the coasts of Alaska and northern Canada, a creature that doesn't seem to be from this world is said to be roaming shallow waters.

We're talking about the Qalupalik, marine cryptids that resemble mermaids, those half-fish, half-human creatures from ancient mythologies.

According to lore, Qalupalik have long hair, fishtails, fins on their head, back, and arms, and webbed hands and feet. Legend has it that they emit a humming sound to warn those who stray too close to the water, as they search for human prey with a favorite target: children.

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Sasquatch

Image: Francois Brill

The Pacific Northwest is the main stage for the legendary Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot. This iconic ape-like figure, said to inhabit forests and mountainous areas, is characterized by its enormous size, giving rise to its name.

The myth has its roots in Native American folklore. Different native cultures tell similar stories about a large, monstrous, hairy, big-footed creature that appears in the wild at night and emits terrifying sounds. As if all this weren't enough, a detail makes it even scarier: it stands and walks on two legs.

In the 20th century, the myth gained strength after reports of huge, unexplained footprints in the Pacific Northwest.

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The Jersey Devil

Image: Igam Ogam

If you've been to New Jersey (and even if you haven't), you've probably heard of the creepy Jersey Devil.

This infamous tale originated during the 18th century in the mysterious Pine Barrens. According to myth, a woman cursed her 13th child, who then transformed into a devilish creature with bat wings, hooves, and a goat's head.

Over the centuries, there have been multiple reports of strange winged creatures and chilling shrieks through the Pine Barrens. But it all escalated dramatically in the early 20th century when a wave of consecutive sightings triggered what was dubbed "The Jersey Devil Panic."

10

The Flatwoods Monster

Image: James Kovin

According to the story, in the 1950s, a strange rumbling sound was followed by a bright light in the sky, which reportedly came from an object that eventually landed near Flatwoods, West Virginia. When a group of people approached the scene, they were shocked by what they found. It was a tall, monstrous figure with an elongated head, glowing eyes, and a body that seemed to be encased in metal.

Investigators suggest that the light in the sky could have been a meteor, and the glowing eyes described by witnesses were likely those of a common owl. However, many people claimed to have seen this strange creature of totally unknown origin.

1

Long Island iced tea

Image: yeoul Shin

There are two theories about the origin of this cocktail, both rooted in Long Island , though not the sameLong Island!

One story claims it was born during the Prohibition era in a community named Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee . Another, more recent, credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt with inventing the recipe in a 1972 contest held on Long Island, New York .

A daring choice for some, the iconic Long Island Iced Tea has a recipe with a long list of ingredients . To prepare it, you'll need tequila, light rum, vodka, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. Only the bravest dare to try it!

2

Martini

Image: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

If you are one of those who loves a drink that's both strong and stylish , then the classic Martini is probably among your favorites. It is the choice of the sophisticated James Bond, who famously prefers his Martini "shaken, not stirred."

Traditionally made with gin and vermouth , and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, the Martini has several variants, including the vodka Martini, which -as its name suggests- swaps gin for vodka.

While the origin of this classic is not entirely clear, most sources argue it comes from a drink called the Martinez , which had the same basic ingredients and was already being served in the mid-19th century at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California.

3

Old Fashioned

Image: Nuff

Let's step back in time with the classic Old Fashioned ! This drink traces its roots back to the early 19th century right here in the United States.

Initially called "the whiskey cocktail," it was prepared much like it is today: mixing sugar with bitters and water, then adding whiskey or brandy. However, as the 19th century progressed, new ingredients like fruit juices, soda, or other liquors became part of many drinks. To stick to the original recipe and avoid these modern twists, people began ordering it as an "Old Fashioned."

The invention of this liquid delicacy is sometimes linked to The Pendennis, a gentlemen's club that opened in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky . However, mentions of this delicious drink across the country long predate the club.

4

Mint julep

Image: Abby Boggier

Originally from the south of the United States and very popular, especially in Kentucky , there are mentions of this fresh cocktail as early as the 1770s!

It truly stood the test of time, and we understand why. With a base of bourbon , a hint of sugar, water, the classic crushed ice, and the essential fresh mint , it is a mix that's hard to resist.

Served traditionally in silver or pewter cups , this classic American drink is perfect for summer. However, the touch of bourbon can also be good for a cool winter day.

5

Manhattan

Image: OurWhisky Foundation

Remember the original Old Fashioned recipe? Well, let's spice it up. Take the whiskey cocktail and add a splash of sweet vermouth . That's it! Now you have a chic drink: the popular Manhattan .

The Manhattan cocktail has a fascinating origin myth , situated -of course- in NYC . Legend has it that this recipe was created in the 1870s , at the Manhattan Club for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill's mother! However, historical records show that Lady Randolph Churchill was actually in Paris and pregnant with Winston at the time.

According to more reliable sources, the Manhattan cocktail was actually invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black , who ran a bar near Houston Street in Manhattan.

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Sazerac

Image: Bon Vivant

The classic Sazerac cocktail embodies the spirit of The Big Easy , where it was born in the mid-19th century.

The Sazerac we savor today is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of Cognac brandy, from which this cocktail was first created. To make a Sazerac, absinthe, bitters, and sugar were combined with the brandy. Over time, rye whiskey replaced brandy in the modern recipe.

What sets the Sazerac apart, besides its Frenchy name, is its distinctive serving style . The ritual begins by rimming an old-fashioned glass with absinthe. Next, the drink is mixed with ice and strained into the prepared glass. Finally, a classic touch: a twist of lemon.

7

Mai Tai

Image: wu yi

While it might sound like the name of an ancient martial art, the Mai Tai is actually a delightful cocktail born in the United States of America.

More modern and with a tropical touch, the Mai Tai is a vibrant blend of rum , Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. The year was 1944 when this balanced recipe was created by Victor J. Bergeron at his Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California .

Apparently, the Mai Tai's name comes from the Thai expression "maitaʻi," which translates as "good," "excellent," or even "the best." So, if you haven't tried it yet, consider this your signal!

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Tequila Sunrise

Image: Jamin Eyes

Named for its unmixed colors that mirror the beautiful moment when the sun rises, the Tequila Sunrise carries an intense blend: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup .

The original recipe was a bit different. Between the 1930s and '40s , bartender Gene Sulit stirred up tequila with crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. Some three decades later in Sausalito, California , Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice made a change to the original recipe. They traded out the original last three ingredients for orange juice and grenadine, creating the present version.

In case you're wondering, yes, The Eagles' song was inspired by this drink!

9

The Ramos Gin Fizz

Image: The Humble Co.

And New Orleans is here again! With its festive spirit, this city also gave birth to another American cocktail: The Ramos Gin Fizz . This delightful recipe was born in 1888 , courtesy of Henry Charles "Carl" Ramos, owner of the Imperial Cabinet Saloon .

Originally called the " New Orleans Fizz ," it was an instant hit. But if you want to try making it at home, be prepared for a trip to the grocery store, as the recipe is a bit long . The mix for a perfect Ramos Gin Fizz includes gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, sugar, heavy cream, orange flower water, and soda water.

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Cosmopolitan

Image: Laure Noverraz

Who hasn't heard of the iconic " Cosmo "? This delightful, sweet drink is a blend of vodka , Cointreau (a type of triple sec), cranberry juice, and a splash of sweetened lime juice. It is served in a chic martini glass and often garnished with a lemon twist.

The origin of this drink is a subject of debate, with various reports suggesting its creation in different places across the country . Some stories trace it back to the 1970s in Provincetown, Massachusetts ; San Francisco, California ; or Minneapolis, Minnesota . Others claim it was born a bit later, in the mid-1980s , in the sunny state of Florida . The current recipe, however, has traces in the bustling city of New York.

Regardless of its birth city, this drink originated in our country and is part of American culture. Let's enjoy it!