# What is the most watched TV finale episode? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-finale-episode/ - Published: 2024-09-22 - Author: Kara Masterson - Categories: [Technology](https://33rdsquare.com/category/tech/) --- The most watched finale episode in television history remains the 1983 series finale of the CBS comedy-drama M_A_S*H, titled "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen". Over 105.97 million total viewers tuned in to the 2.5 hour finale on February 28, 1983, making it the most watched single episode of scripted television ever. This viewership record remains unbroken nearly 40 years later. ## M*A*S*H – A Cultural Phenomenon M_A_S*H, an adaptation of the 1970 film MASH, premiered on CBS in 1972 and went on to become one of the most beloved and successful shows in television history. Centered on the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, it deftly balanced situational comedy and wartime drama. The series grew to be a pillar of American television over its 11 season run. By its final season, M_A_S*H had become a bonafide cultural institution. It had been ranked the most watched show on TV for several years with broad demographic appeal across gender and age groups. In 1983, over 60% of American households were tuning in weekly, despite only having access to 3 major broadcast networks at the time. Appointment viewing was still the norm, and fans were heavily invested in the characters and story after following them for over a decade. ## The Communal Viewing Experience The massive viewership for the finale can be attributed to several factors: - Fewer entertainment options before the cable and streaming boom gave networks much larger audience shares. - The communal viewing experience of the pre-digital era, where finale parties were organized around mass tuning in live. - Brand loyalty and investment after 11 seasons of following the 4077th unit‘s journey. - Promotion touting the finale as a can‘t-miss cultural television event. - Curiosity as to how CBS would wrap up such an iconic show after over 250 episodes. The shared experience of gathering to watch the record-breaking finale demonstrated the show‘s impact on American society. M_A_S*H had entered the pop culture zeitgeist as more than just a TV program. ## Ratings Records The 105.97 million viewers translated to a mind-boggling 60.2 rating and 77 share. For perspective, the average viewership of 2022‘s top rated show on network TV, NBC Sunday Night Football, was roughly 19 million. Advertisers clamored to buy slots in the finale, paying over $450,000 for a single 30-second spot. Chrysler ran an emotional ad tying into the finale‘s themes of nostalgia and transition. The finale surpassed the previous scripted viewership record holder – the Dallas episode that resolved the "Who Shot J.R." cliffhanger – by over 30 million viewers. In 2010, the record for most watched US television broadcast was finally broken after 27 years. The 2010 Super Bowl on CBS drew 111 million viewers, demonstrating the rise of live event sports viewership in the decades since. However, no scripted finale has come close to reaching the heights of M_A_S*H. ## Lasting Cultural Resonance The groundswell around the communal viewing experience highlighted M_A_S*H‘s legacy of connecting with American society on a deeper level. Many public gatherings and parties were organized specifically for viewing the finale, given the awareness of its impending cultural significance. Workplaces and classrooms reported noticeable declines in productivity during the finale‘s 2.5 hour run time as audiences were glued to their TV sets. Bars and restaurants also held finale events, welcoming patrons donning M_A_S*H attire. While the rise of streaming and time-shifted viewing has made event TV occurrences far more rare, the M_A_S*H finale stands in history as a unique cultural experience – a collective farewell to characters that had touched the lives of generations of viewers. Nearly 40 years since its airing, it still holds the record as the most watched scripted series finale ever on US television. --- Source: [What is the most watched TV finale episode?](https://33rdsquare.com/what-is-the-most-watched-tv-finale-episode/)