Top 10 TV Series Finales with the Highest Viewership in History

In recent years, viewers have bid farewell to several iconic TV shows, including Mad Men and Breaking Bad. Although their final episodes generated significant buzz—often sparking debate—none have come close to the viewership numbers achieved by the last episode of M*A*S*H.

Decades after its conclusion, the final episode of M*A*S*H remains unmatched as the most-watched TV series finale ever. Its enduring record is a testament to its impact. Here’s a look at the top 10 most-watched TV series finales in history. 

1. M*A*S*H // 1983

Audience: 105.9 million

The 1983 finale of M*A*S*H, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” and directed by Alan Alda, drew 105.9 million viewers, making it not just the most-watched series finale but also the most-watched TV event until the Super Bowl surpassed it in 2010 with 106 million viewers. (Since then, the Super Bowl has consistently broken its own records year after year.)

2. Cheers // 1993

Audience: 80.4 million

Following 11 successful seasons, Cheers called it a day. The two-part finale, titled “One for the Road,” brought back Shelley Long as Diane Chambers and attracted a massive audience of 80.4 million viewers.

3. The Fugitive // 1967

Audience: 78 million

While Andrew Davis’s 1993 film adaptation of The Fugitive earned an Oscar (for Tommy Lee Jones as Best Supporting Actor), the original TV series also boasts impressive achievements. Part two of its finale captivated 78 million viewers nationwide, all eager to discover Richard Kimble’s fate.

4. Seinfeld // 1998

Audience: 76.3 million

It’s fair to say that a significant portion of the 76.3 million viewers who watched Seinfeld’s finale were left dissatisfied. One reviewer described it as a dismissive “Goodbye, suckers!” to the fans who had turned the show about nothing into a cultural phenomenon.

5. Friends // 2004

Audience: 52.5 million

Would Rachel and Ross end up together? Could Chandler and Monica thrive in suburban life? And what ever happened to Phoebe’s Smelly Cat? A staggering 52.5 million viewers tuned in to see how their favorite characters’ stories wrapped up as Friends concluded.

6. Magnum, P.I. // 1988

Audience: 50.7 million

Was Higgins truly Robin Masters? What became of Lily? Would Rick finally tie the knot? Over 50.7 million devoted Magnum, P.I. fans were equally eager to uncover these answers.

7. The Cosby Show // 1992

Audience: 44.4 million

Theo’s NYU graduation drew 44.4 million viewers, and Denise’s phone call announcing her pregnancy added to the excitement. However, the biggest surprise came when Cliff finally succeeded in fixing the doorbell after a season-long struggle.

8. All in the Family // 1979

Audience: 40.2 million

In the final episode of All in the Family, 40.2 million viewers witnessed the usually grumpy Archie Bunker express his deep affection for his sick wife Edith. Though the series ended, Carroll O’Connor’s iconic character lived on in the spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place, which aired from 1979 to 1983.

9. Family Ties // 1989

Audience: 36.3 million

36.3 million viewers watched to find out if Alex would accept his dream job in New York, potentially leaving the Keaton family behind on Family Ties, the iconic '80s sitcom that catapulted Michael J. Fox to stardom.

10. Home Improvement // 1999

Audience: 35.5 million

Tim Taylor and Home Improvement secured a spot in the top 10 with 35.5 million viewers, narrowly surpassing Cheers spinoff Frasier (No. 11), Dallas (No. 12), and Everybody Loves Raymond (No. 15).