[hugh]

According to preliminary results from ratings giant, The Nielsen Company, Sunday night’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLV on FOX was the most watched television show ever in the United States.

 

[NB Josh]

It's not really any surprise to me considering we are talking about Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Probably only a Dallas-Pittsburgh Super Bowl could beat it.

It is also the highest rated Super Bowl ever in Canada.

 

[Classof83]

I still can't believe how many viewers MASH got.

 

[hugh]

If you went by HH share, I'll bet Mash would still be #1.

 

[james99]

Previous record prior to MASH was the last episode of The Fugitive.

 

[Nuje]

I still can't believe how many viewers MASH got.

Keep in mind that back then, for most Americans, there were only two other options of what to watch on that particular night. The show got a 77 share (which means 77% of sets were tuned to that show) - nothing is ever going to top that in our 500 channel (plus online video) universe of today.

 

[Walter Dnes]

I wonder what share the Ed Sullivan Show got on Feb 9, 1964 for the Beatles' first appearance. Was it really 47 years ago? I was 12 back then. This makes me feel really old.

 

[james99]

If you're talking about 'Share' the top 5 are:

42nd Academy Awards - 78%
M*A*S*H series finale: "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen" - 77%
Dallas episode: "Who Done It?" aka "Who shot J.R.?" - - 76%
Super Bowl XIII (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys) - 74%
Super Bowl VI (Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins) - 74%

down in the list:

The Ed Sullivan Show: The Beatles' first appearance - 60%