>Television has been a central part of popular culture for decades, captivating audiences with compelling stories, memorable characters, and shared viewing experiences. Throughout history, certain TV show episodes have achieved extraordinary levels of viewership, becoming iconic moments in television history. ### **1. M*A*S*H* - "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen"** Airing on February 28, 1983, [the series finale of *M*A*S*H*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdQDhveIPLM) holds the record for the most-watched TV episode in American history. Drawing an astounding 105.97 million viewers, this poignant conclusion to the long-running Korean War comedy-drama touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. ### **2. Cheers - "One for the Road"** The final episode of *Cheers*, titled[ "One for the Road,"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP21b-AAXJk) aired on May 20, 1993, drawing in approximately 84.4 million viewers. This beloved sitcom about a Boston bar and its quirky patrons ended on a high note, bidding farewell to cherished characters and leaving a lasting legacy in television history. ### **3. [Seinfeld - "The Finale"**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfdaTWOCTnk) Controversial yet undeniably influential, the series finale of *Seinfeld* attracted around 76.3 million viewers when it aired on May 14, 1998. Although met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, this conclusion to the "show about nothing" remains one of the most-watched TV episodes of all time. ### **4. Friends - "The Last One"** The final episode of *Friends*, aptly titled ["The Last One,"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9snbUbbMqbg) aired on May 6, 2004, drawing in a massive audience of approximately 52.5 million viewers. This emotional send-off to the beloved group of friends living in New York City marked the end of an era and solidified *Friends* as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. ### **5. The Sopranos - “Made in America” Made in America follows Tony Soprano as he tries to tie up loose ends in his personal and professional life amid escalating tensions with rival families. [The closing scene, set in a diner where Tony meets his family,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x9YACdBUrU) builds quiet suspense with mundane details and cryptic glances, culminating in an abrupt cut to black just as Tony looks up—leaving his fate ambiguous. This open-ended conclusion sparked widespread debate, with some praising its boldness and others frustrated by the lack of closure, but it undeniably cemented _The Sopranos_ as a landmark in TV storytelling. ### **6. Dallas - "Who Done It?"** The resolution to the infamous ["Who Shot J.R.?"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0NMhyEN13s) cliffhanger on *Dallas* drew in a massive audience of approximately 41.5 million viewers on November 21, 1980. This gripping episode of the popular primetime soap opera captivated audiences with its suspenseful storyline and memorable plot twist. ### **7. [The Fugitive - "The Judgment: Part 2"**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpEzT4yC5lQ) The conclusion to the classic drama series *The Fugitive* aired on August 29, 1967, drawing in an estimated 41.7 million viewers. This highly anticipated episode revealed the fate of Dr. Richard Kimble, the wrongly accused protagonist on the run, captivating audiences with its thrilling conclusion. ### **8. All in the Family - "Sammy's Visit"** Airing on February 19, 1973, ["Sammy's Visit"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXqSHMrEkHE) attracted a staggering 38.2 million viewers, making it one of the most watched TV episodes in history. This memorable installment of *All in the Family* featured a guest appearance by Sammy Davis Jr., tackling issues of race and prejudice with humor and insight. --- #tv #media #series