Four decades ago in 1983, an estimated 60 percent of American households flicked on their televisions and tuned their sets to CBS for the series finale of M*A*S*H. That final installment got a 60.2 Nielsen rating and is the highest-rated telecast to date, according to the analytics company.
When accounting for total viewers, though, the ranking changes. Citing Nielsen data, Wikipedia users have listed of the 30 most-watched television broadcasts in the United States, and the M*A*S*H finale isn’t in the top slot. After consolidating the Super Bowl broadcasts on the list — since those NFL games take up 22 entries in the top 30! — here’s where the ranking stands.
I'm a television and media enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, and I'm here to provide insights into the fascinating world of television ratings and viewership trends. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of television programming and the factors that contribute to the success of particular shows or broadcasts.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide a comprehensive overview:
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*MASH Series Finale (1983):**
- The MAS*H series finale in 1983 is highlighted as a pivotal moment in television history. With an estimated 60 percent of American households tuning in, it garnered a remarkable 60.2 Nielsen rating. This exceptional rating solidified its place as the highest-rated telecast to date.
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Nielsen Rating:
- Nielsen ratings are a key metric in the television industry, measuring the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States. The rating is expressed as a percentage of households watching a particular program among those with television sets. In the case of the MAS*H finale, the impressive 60.2 rating reflects the show's immense popularity.
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Total Viewers:
- While Nielsen ratings provide a percentage of households, total viewership accounts for the actual number of individuals watching a program. In the article, it's mentioned that when considering total viewers, the ranking of the most-watched television broadcasts in the United States changes.
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Super Bowl Broadcasts:
- The article notes that Super Bowl broadcasts significantly impact the ranking of the most-watched television broadcasts. Given the immense popularity of the Super Bowl, the NFL games take up a substantial number of entries in the top 30 list of most-watched broadcasts.
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Wikipedia and Nielsen Data:
- Wikipedia is cited as a source for the Nielsen data related to the most-watched television broadcasts. This highlights the collaborative nature of information sharing and the use of reliable sources in compiling and disseminating television viewership statistics.
In summary, the MAS*H series finale serves as a benchmark for television success, both in terms of Nielsen ratings and its lasting impact on popular culture. The interplay between Nielsen ratings, total viewership, and the influence of major events like the Super Bowl contributes to the dynamic landscape of television viewership rankings in the United States. The use of reliable sources, such as Nielsen data on Wikipedia, underscores the importance of accurate and transparent information in understanding the television industry's historical milestones.
