List of most watched television broadcasts in the United States

The following is a list of most watched television broadcasts in the United States based on average viewership of the broadcasts by Nielsen. The Super Bowl has frequently been the most watched American television broadcast of the year. Super Bowl XLIX is currently the most watched U.S. television broadcast with 115.2 million viewers.

The following is a list of the twenty most watched TV broadcasts in the United States according to Nielsen.

     Indicates broadcast unrelated to sports.

The following is a list of the ten most watched TV broadcasts in the United States in 2016 according to Nielsen.

     Indicates broadcast unrelated to the 2016 election.

The following is a list of the ten most watched TV broadcasts in the United States in 2015 according to Nielsen.

     Indicates broadcast unrelated to sports.

Nielsen began compiling ratings for television beginning in 1950. Prior to that year, television ratings were compiled by a number of other sources, including C. E. Hooper (which was bought out by Nielsen in February 1950) and Variety.

American Idol holds the record for most consecutive seasons at No. 1 (also its total), with eight. Note however that American Idol usually airs two episodes a week; for the 2003–2004 season, only the Tuesday show was ranked No. 1, overall American Idol was ranked No. 2 that season. For the show taken as a whole, it was No. 1 for seven consecutive seasons.All in the Family, and The Cosby Show share second place for most consecutive (and total) seasons at No. 1, with five each. Counting in for total seasons at No. 1, 60 Minutes also holds a share of a three-way second place, and is the first (and currently only) U.S. primetime television show to lead the annual Nielsen ratings in at least 3 separate decades - 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

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