Buzz
As the Super Bowl garners the highest TV ratings annually, the broadcasting network leverages this massive audience by premiering either fresh or beloved TV series right after the event. This year, New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine are set to air directly following Super Bowl XLVIII. Below are 7 TV shows that debuted after the Big Game.
1. The Wonder Years // Premiere date: January 31, 1988
Debuting after Super Bowl XXIII on ABC in 1988, the single-camera comedy-drama The Wonder Years captivated over a third of the Super Bowl’s audience—around 29 million viewers out of the estimated 80 million. The show continued for six more seasons, producing 114 episodes before concluding its original run in 1993.
2. The Good Life // Premiere Date: January 20, 1994
In 1994, following the Dallas Cowboys' triumph over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII, NBC launched the new comedy series The Good Life. Set in Chicago, the show featured comedian John Caponera as a mid-level manager at a lock company, with Drew Carey portraying his best friend and fellow manager. Despite its potential, The Good Life was abruptly canceled in May after airing only 13 episodes.
3. AirWolf // Premiere Date: January 22, 1984
After Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, CBS premiered the two-hour debut of the action-packed series Airwolf. The show focused on the crew of a highly advanced military helicopter, codenamed “Airwolf.” While it didn’t retain half of the Super Bowl’s 77 million viewers—only about 28 million watched—Airwolf cultivated a dedicated audience and ran for four full seasons, concluding its original broadcast in 1987.
4. American Dad! // Premiere Date: February 6, 2005
Following Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, Fox introduced Seth MacFarlane’s new animated series, American Dad!, after a fresh episode of The Simpsons. The series chronicles the chaotic escapades of a CIA operative and his quirky family. Now in its 10th season, American Dad! is a staple of Fox’s Animation Domination Sunday block, alongside The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers.
5. Davis Rules // Premiere Date: January 21, 1991
In 1991, ABC debuted the sitcom Davis Rules after Super Bowl XXV. The show starred Randy Quaid as Dwight Davis, an elementary school principal and single father raising his children after the loss of his wife. Jonathan Winters played Dwight’s father, Gunny Davis, who moves in to assist with the kids. Winters earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance.
Despite its Super Bowl lead-in, Davis Rules was canceled after one season but was revived for a second season on CBS in 1992. The show underwent changes, including adding Giovanni Ribisi and Bonnie Hunt to the cast, but the revamp and network switch didn’t save it—it was canceled again after 16 episodes.
6. Undercover Boss // Premiere Date: February 7, 2010
Adapted from the British reality series of the same name, the American version of Undercover Boss debuted after the New Orleans Saints' victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The show featured top executives going undercover in entry-level roles to identify flaws in their companies. Despite retaining only 38 million of the Super Bowl’s estimated 106 million viewers, Undercover Boss achieved the largest post-Super Bowl audience for a new series since 1986.
Undercover Boss is currently in its fifth season, with its season finale scheduled to air on March 14, 2014.
7. Family Guy // Premiere Date: January 31, 1999
Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy premiered on Fox in 1999 with the episode “Death Has a Shadow” after Super Bowl XXXIII. The animated series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, though it faced criticism for its resemblance to The Simpsons. Despite its growing popularity, Fox canceled Family Guy after its third season in 2003. However, due to strong DVD sales and high ratings on Comedy Central, Fox revived the show in 2005.
