What was the most-watched TV finale of all time?

Make every day more interesting. Each day a surprising fact opens a world of fascinating information for you to explore. Did you know that….? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

HOME    FACTS    ARTICLES

Original photo by Glasshouse Images/ Alamy Stock Photo More than 106 million people watched the "M*A*S*H" finale — the most of any series finale ever. After 11 years on the small screen, M*A*S*H aired its series finale on February 28, 1983 — and made history in the process. More than 106 million people tuned in to watch "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," making it the most-viewed series finale ever. Until Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, which saw the post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts, it was the most-watched television broadcast in U.S. history. No episode of a scripted series has come close in the decades since. The series finale of Cheers earned 80.4 million viewers, Seinfeld got 76.3 million, and Game of Thrones — the most talked-about show on television for years — had 19.3 million. A spinoff of Robert Altman's 1970 film of the same name, which was itself an adaptation of Richard Hooker's 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, the TV show used both comedy and tragedy to depict a military medical team working during the Korean War. After a slow start — the first season was ranked 46th in the ratings — the show only rarely dropped out of the top 20 for the rest of its run, and became one of the most memorable cultural products of the 20th century.   The "M*A*S*H" series finale was also the last episode of the show to be filmed. The "M*A*S*H" series finale was also the last episode of the show to be filmed.

Showcase Your Skin's Potential With PROVEN's Personalized 3-Step Regimen — Now 50% Off Tired of underwhelming results from one-size-fits-all skin care? PROVEN personalizes your routine with science-backed formulas that deliver radiant skin. Their quiz analyzes 47 unique factors to create a targeted three-step regimen just for you. Experience the PROVEN difference for only $99 (originally $199) when you use code PROVENPARTNER. You'll even receive a free mystery gift. Take the quiz today! Take the Quiz

"M*A*S*H" stands for __. "M*A*S*H" stands for __. Numbers Don't Lie Episodes of "M*A*S*H" that aired during its 11 seasons 251 Length, in minutes, of the series finale 135 Actors who appeared in both first and last episodes (Alan Alda & Loretta Swit) 2 Emmys "M*A*S*H" won 14 The show's creators really, really didn't want a laugh track. Though ostensibly a comedy, M*A*S*H always struck a more serious tone than many 30-minute shows of its era. Series developer Larry Gelbart was strongly opposed to the idea of a laugh track, believing that canned laughter "cheapened the show," but CBS insisted on it. The network had never produced a comedy without one, and "got their way" because "they were paying for dinner," according to Gelbart. Gelbart and the other developers did win some concessions, however — there was never canned laughter during scenes in the surgical tent, season six onward featured a much quieter laugh track, and the DVD release has the option to watch the show with no fake laughter at all.   You might also like 6 Facts You Might Not Know About "M*A*S*H" Thank you for supporting our advertisers. They help keep Interesting Facts free!

Make Every Day More Interesting. Email Preferences     Unsubscribe     Privacy Policy     Terms of Use Make Every Day More Interesting. Email Preferences     Unsubscribe Privacy Policy     Terms of Use Advertisements: Powered by AdChoices We love to collaborate. To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities, please connect with us here. 1550 Larimer Street, Suite 431, Denver, CO 80202