Most Watched TV Shows of All Time - List of Top 10
by B Kishwar | Updated Mar 28, 2023
Most Watched TV Shows of All Time
Most watched TV shows of all time" typically refers to the television programs that have garnered the highest viewership ratings throughout history. This can be based on various metrics such as total viewership, average viewership per episode, or highest-rated single episode. The popularity of TV shows can be determined by various factors such as critical acclaim, fan following, longevity, and awards received. However, one of the most important factors is the viewership ratings. The number of viewers tuning in to watch a particular show at a specific time slot is an important metric that reflects the show's popularity and appeal.
TV ratings are measured by various organisations such as Nielsen and BARB in the US and UK, respectively. The ratings are determined by taking a sample of households that are representative of the overall population and measuring their viewing habits. This data is used to estimate the number of viewers for a particular show and is often used by advertisers to determine the value of advertising spots during commercial breaks.
The list of most watched TV shows of all time can vary depending on various factors, including the country, the time period, and the genre. However, there are some shows that have consistently ranked among the top-rated programs, including iconic sitcoms such as "Seinfeld," "The Big Bang Theory," and "The Simpsons." Overall, the most watched TV shows of all time have a universal appeal that has attracted large audiences and become cultural phenomena. They have influenced popular culture, inspired spin-offs and merchandise, and have become a part of our collective consciousness.
Top 10 Most Watched TV Shows of All Time
Throughout time, various television shows and sitcoms have been produced to provide us with entertainment. While a few of these have gained a devoted fan following, others have evolved into lucrative endeavors. Typically, the TV shows that earn the most revenue are those that have a wider appeal and are accessible to people of all ages. Even though many of these TV shows have ended, their networks and actors continue to generate substantial profits from reruns and syndication revenue. Meanwhile, other popular shows like The Simpsons and Grey's Anatomy are still running and generating millions in revenue.Have a read at the top 10 most watched Tv shows of all time.
S. No
Most Watched TV Shows
1
The Simpsons
2
Friends
3
Modern Family
4
The Big Bang Theory
5
Cheers
6
Frasier
7
Seinfeld
8
Everybody Loves Raymond
9
Grey’s Anatomy
10
Two and a Half Men
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The Simpsons
"The Simpsons" is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening. The show first premiered in 1989 and is still ongoing, with over 700 episodes to its name. "The Simpsons" has won numerous awards and has become a cultural phenomenon over the years. As of 2021, "The Simpsons" is the highest-grossing TV show of all time, with an estimated revenue of over $13 billion. The show's popularity has spawned a wide range of merchandise and spin-offs, including comic books, video games, and even a feature-length film.
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Friends
"Friends" is an American sitcom that first aired in 1994 and ran for ten seasons. The show follows a group of six friends living in New York City as they navigate through their personal and professional lives. "Friends" has become one of the most popular sitcoms of all time and has won numerous awards over the years. As of 2021, "Friends" is the second-highest-grossing TV show of all time, with an estimated revenue of over $4 billion. The show's popularity has led to the creation of various merchandise, including DVDs, clothing, and a line of coffee products.
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Modern Family
"Modern Family" is an American sitcom that first aired in 2009 and ran for eleven seasons. The show follows the lives of three families, all of whom are related to each other in some way. "Modern Family" has won numerous awards, including 22 Primetime Emmy Awards, and has become one of the most popular sitcoms of the 2010s. As of 2021, "Modern Family" is the fifth-highest-grossing TV show of all time, with an estimated revenue of over $2.3 billion. The show's popularity has led to the creation of various merchandise, including DVDs and a board game.
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The Big Bang Theory
"The Big Bang Theory" is a sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, which premiered on CBS in 2007 and ran for 12 seasons. The show follows a group of scientists and their friends as they navigate life and relationships in Los Angeles. The show starred Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, and Mayim Bialik. "The Big Bang Theory" was a ratings juggernaut for CBS and consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated shows on television. It ended its run in 2019 as the longest-running multi-camera sitcom in TV history. "The Big Bang Theory" also had a spin-off series, "Young Sheldon," which premiered in 2017 and focuses on the childhood of the character Sheldon Cooper.
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Cheers
"Cheers" is a sitcom created by James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles, which aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993. The show is set in a Boston bar and follows the lives and relationships of the bar's employees and patrons. The show starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer. "Cheers" was a critical and commercial success, and it became one of the most beloved and iconic sitcoms of all time. The show won numerous awards, including 28 Primetime Emmy Awards, and it is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows in history. "Cheers" also had a spin-off series, "Frasier," which premiered in 1993 and focused on the character Frasier Crane, who was a regular on "Cheers."
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Frasier
"Frasier" is a sitcom created by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, which aired on NBC from 1993 to 2004. The show is a spin-off of "Cheers" and follows the character Frasier Crane as he moves to Seattle and becomes a radio psychiatrist. The show starred Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, Peri Gilpin, and John Mahoney. "Frasier" was a critical and commercial success and won numerous awards, including 37 Primetime Emmy Awards. The show is often cited as one of the greatest sitcoms in history and is known for its witty writing, sharp humour, and strong performances. "Frasier" ended its run in 2004 after 11 seasons and is still widely beloved by audiences today.
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Seinfeld
Seinfeld is a beloved sitcom that aired from 1989 to 1998 and is often regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. It follows the life of a fictionalised version of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his group of friends in New York City. Seinfeld was a ratings hit during its run and has continued to be popular in syndication, streaming, and home video releases. As of 2021, it is estimated to have grossed over $3.1 billion in total revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing TV shows of all time. The show's popularity can be attributed to its sharp writing, relatable characters, and its ability to capture the zeitgeist of its time.
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Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond is a sitcom that aired from 1996 to 2005 and followed the life of Raymond Barone, a sports writer living with his family on Long Island. The show was a ratings success during its run and has continued to be popular in syndication. It is estimated to have grossed over $3.9 billion in total revenue as of 2021, making it one of the highest-grossing TV shows of all time. The show's success can be attributed to its relatable family dynamics, strong ensemble cast, and its ability to balance humor with emotional moments.
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Grey’s Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy is a long-running medical drama that has aired since 2005 and follows the personal and professional lives of doctors at Seattle's fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show has been a consistent ratings success and has continued to attract a dedicated fanbase over its 18 seasons. As of 2021, it is estimated to have grossed over $4.5 billion in total revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing TV shows of all time. The show's success can be attributed to its strong writing, talented ensemble cast, and its ability to tackle relevant social issues.
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Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Men is a sitcom that aired from 2003 to 2015 and followed the life of a jingle writer named Charlie Harper and his relationship with his brother and nephew after they move in with him. The show was a ratings hit during its run and has continued to be popular in syndication. As of 2021, it is estimated to have grossed over $4.8 billion in total revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing TV shows of all time. The show's success can be attributed to its raunchy humour, strong cast chemistry, and its ability to appeal to a wide audience.
Which is the No 1 Most Watched TV Shows of All Time?
The Simpsons is the No 1 most watched Tv shows of all time. "The Simpsons" is an animated sitcom that first premiered in 1989 and is created by Matt Groening. The show follows the Simpson family, consisting of parents Homer and Marge, and their three children, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, as they navigate their lives in the fictional town of Springfield. "The Simpsons" has become a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. It has won numerous awards, including 34 Primetime Emmy Awards, and has been praised for its humour, satire, and commentary on American culture and society.
In terms of viewership, "The Simpsons" is the No.1 most watched TV show of all time. It has been on the air for over 30 seasons, with over 700 episodes produced, making it the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated program. According to Nielsen ratings, "The Simpsons" was consistently one of the top-rated TV shows during its early seasons, and has continued to be popular over the years. In fact, the show's 30th season was the highest-rated prime-time show among adults aged 18-49 during the 2018-2019 TV season.
The show's popularity can be attributed to its sharp writing, memorable characters, and ability to appeal to a wide audience. "The Simpsons" has been successful in both entertaining and engaging viewers of all ages, from children to adults. Overall, "The Simpsons" has had a significant impact on popular culture and has become a cultural touchstone for generations. Its influence can be seen in everything from merchandise to video games to theme park attractions. With no signs of slowing down, "The Simpsons" will undoubtedly continue to be a beloved and iconic TV show for years to come.
What are the Other Most Watched TV Shows of All Time?
Here are some additional TV shows that are considered to be among the most watched of all time:
MASH:
MASH is a medical comedy-drama that aired from 1972 to 1983 and was set during the Korean War. The show was a critical and commercial success, and its series finale in 1983 remains one of the most-watched television episodes of all time, with an estimated 105 million viewers.
Cheers:
Cheers is a sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1993 and followed the lives of the staff and patrons of a Boston bar. The show was a ratings hit during its run and is often regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Its series finale in 1993 was watched by an estimated 84 million viewers.
Game of Thrones:
Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama that aired from 2011 to 2019 and was based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R.R. Martin. The show was a cultural phenomenon and broke several viewership records during its run. Its series finale in 2019 was watched by an estimated 19.3 million viewers.
Breaking Bad:
Breaking Bad is a crime drama that aired from 2008 to 2013 and followed the life of a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine. The show was a critical and commercial success and has continued to be popular in streaming and home video releases. Its series finale in 2013 was watched by an estimated 10.3 million viewers.
These TV shows have become cultural touchstones and have left a lasting impact on audiences around the world. Their success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including strong writing, compelling characters, and the ability to capture the zeitgeist of their time.
Most Watched TV Shows of All Time - FAQs
A TV show's success in terms of viewership can be based on various metrics such as total viewership, average viewership per episode, or highest-rated single episode. Successful TV shows typically have a universal appeal that has attracted large audiences and become cultural phenomena.
"The Simpsons" has become the most watched TV show of all time due to its sharp writing, memorable characters, and ability to appeal to a wide audience. The show has been successful in both entertaining and engaging viewers of all ages, from children to adults.
The highest-rated single episode of all time belongs to the final episode of the TV show "MAS*H," which aired in 1983 and was watched by an estimated 105 million viewers
The TV show "Cheers" had the highest-rated finale of all time, which aired in 1993 and was watched by an estimated 84 million viewers.
These most watched TV shows have had a significant impact on popular culture and have become cultural touchstones for generations. Their influence can be seen in everything from merchandise to video games to theme park attractions. They have left a lasting impact on audiences around the world and continue to be beloved and iconic TV shows to this day