The television industry has come a long way since its inception in the early 20th century. From black and white sets to high-definition screens, TV shows have evolved to become a major form of entertainment for people all around the world. With the rise of streaming services and the ability to binge-watch entire seasons, the popularity of TV shows has only continued to grow. In this blog post, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the 23 most-watched TV shows of all time. From classic sitcoms to gripping dramas, these shows have captured the hearts of millions and have become cultural phenomena.

1. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
Based on the 1970 film of the same name, M*A*S*H follows the story of a team of doctors and support staff stationed at a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. The show’s mix of comedy and drama, along with its talented cast, made it a hit with audiences, and it still holds the record for the most-watched series finale of all time with over 105 million viewers.

2. Cheers (1982-1993)
Set in a Boston bar, Cheers became a beloved sitcom thanks to its witty writing and lovable characters. The show’s final episode was watched by over 80 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic TV shows of all time.

3. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Often referred to as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld was a groundbreaking sitcom that followed the lives of four friends living in New York City. With its relatable humor and memorable characters, it remains a fan favorite and the series finale was watched by over 76 million viewers.

4. Friends (1994-2004)
Another iconic sitcom set in New York City, Friends captured the hearts of a generation with its lovable group of six friends and their hilarious adventures. The series finale was watched by over 52 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV episodes of the 2000s.

5. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Based on the popular book series by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon with its gripping storytelling and epic battle scenes. The series finale was watched by over 19 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode in HBO’s history.

6. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
This critically acclaimed drama followed the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a notorious methamphetamine producer. Breaking Bad’s series finale was watched by over 10 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

7. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
This groundbreaking crime drama follows the life of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano and his struggle to balance his family life with his criminal activities. The series finale was watched by over 11 million viewers, cementing its place as one of the most influential TV shows of all time.

8. The Wire (2002-2008)
Considered by many to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time, The Wire delves into the gritty world of crime and corruption in Baltimore. Despite low ratings during its original run, the show gained a cult following and its series finale was watched by over 4 million viewers.

9. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
This popular sitcom follows the lives of a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with their neighbor, a beautiful waitress. The series finale was watched by over 18 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV episodes of the 2010s.

10. Lost (2004-2010)
This mystery drama captured audiences with its complex plot and intriguing characters. The series finale was watched by over 13 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV episodes of the 2000s.

11. Grey’s Anatomy (2005-present)
This long-running medical drama follows the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors at a Seattle hospital. With over 16 seasons and counting, it remains a popular show and its series premiere was watched by over 16 million viewers.

The 23 Most-Watched TV Shows of All Time: Did Your Favorite Make the List?

12. The West Wing (1999-2006)
This political drama gave viewers an inside look at the White House and the lives of the people who work there. The series finale was watched by over 10 million viewers, cementing its place as one of the most-watched TV shows of the 2000s.

13. American Idol (2002-2016)
This singing competition show became a cultural phenomenon and launched the careers of many successful artists. The series finale was watched by over 13 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV episodes of the 2010s.

14. Survivor (2000-present)
The first and longest-running reality competition show, Survivor continues to captivate audiences with its mix of strategy and drama. The series premiere was watched by over 15 million viewers and the show remains a ratings success after over 40 seasons.

15. The Simpsons (1989-present)
This animated sitcom has been on the air for over 30 years and has become a staple in popular culture. The series premiere was watched by over 27 million viewers and the show continues to be a ratings success.

16. The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
This groundbreaking sitcom featured a successful African-American family and remains one of the most-watched TV shows of the 1980s. The series finale was watched by over 44 million viewers, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.

17. Family Ties (1982-1989)
This family sitcom explored the generation gap between hippie parents and their conservative children. The series finale was watched by over 36 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV episodes of the 1980s.

18. The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
This beloved sitcom about four older women living together in Miami was a ratings success and remains a fan favorite to this day. The series finale was watched by over 27 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most-watched TV shows of the 1980s.

19. All in the Family (1971-1979)
This groundbreaking sitcom tackled controversial issues and pushed the boundaries of television at the time. The series finale was watched by over 40 million viewers, cementing its place as one of the most-watched TV shows of the 1970s.

20. The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
This classic sitcom about a small-town sheriff and his bumbling deputy remains a fan favorite and the series finale was watched by over 33 million viewers.

21. I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
This iconic sitcom starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is still beloved by audiences today. The series finale was watched by over 44 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV episodes of the 1950s.

22. The Ed Sullivan Show (1948-1971)
This variety show featured popular musicians, comedians, and other performers and was a major cultural influence for over two decades. The show’s final episode was watched by over 50 million viewers, cementing its place as one of the most-watched TV shows of all time.

23. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962-1992)
This late-night talk show hosted by Johnny Carson was a ratings success and became a cultural phenomenon. The show’s finale was watched by over 50 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most-watched TV shows of all time.

In summary, the 23 most-watched TV shows of all time include a mix of classic sitcoms, gripping dramas, and groundbreaking reality shows. These shows have captured the hearts of millions and have become cultural phenomena, solidifying their place in television history.