A countdown of the 20 most-watched TV show finales of all time
TV history has been defined by moments that capture the hearts of millions, and few events are as monumental as the finales.
Remember when Rachel got off plane to meet Ross on Friends? Or finding out what the hell was had happened on Lost? Truly iconic scenes.
Before the times of streaming, viewers had to tune in to watch a series finale all at the same time – and rush home to do so you didn't miss a second.
Over the decades, some finales drew in record-breaking audiences and sparked debates that are still discussed to this day.
Scroll through to take a look at the 20 most-watched TV finales of all time... and some on the list might surprise you.
20. St. Elsewhere: 22.5 million viewers
St. Elsewhere was an American medical drama television series that ran from 1982 to 1988.
Ed Flanders, Norman Lloyd, and William Daniels played teaching doctors at a run-down Boston hospital who gave interns a promising future into making critical medical and life decisions.
The series ended on May 25 1988, with the finale remembered for its surprising twist of an ending.
The closing scene revealed a boy, Tommy Westphall, playing with a snow globe containing a replica of the hospital – implying the events occurred within his imagination.
This interpretation sparked the "Tommy Westphall Universe" theory, connecting St. Elsewhere to other shows through shared characters, as they too could exist within Tommy's mind.
According to Unsupervised Nerds, shows like Breaking Bad, The Office (both versions), Supernatural, The Andy Griffith Show, Firefly, the old '60s Batman, might all exist in the same fictional universe.
St Elsewhere fans were divided by the finale as some lauded the unexpected bold twist, while others felt it undermined the show's legacy.
19. Full House: 24.3 million viewers
What ever happened to predictability? The milkman, the paperboy, the evening TV?
From 1987 to 1995, Full House depicted the Tanner family's wholesome adventures.
The show was notable for making mega-stars out of twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played the youngest daughter Michelle.
The finale, Michelle Rides Again (Part 2), aired on May 23, 1995, focusing on Michelle's recovery after a fall while horse riding.
Despite being in the Top 20, this was not the intended ending as the show was unexpectedly cancellation.
In 2024, Full House star Dave Coulier, who portrayed Joey throughout its run, opened up about why the show was axed. While the series was a success, rising production costs forced the network to end the series.
Coulier told People, "At that point, it was expensive. Salaries had gone up.
"We were told that there was a possibility when The WB network started that we were gonna do two more seasons. But at that point, season 8, people were kinda like, 'How many more stories can we tell? We've already told a 192 of these.' Like, you know, not everybody was into it."
The show returned for a spin-off series Fuller House in 2016.
18. The Golden Girls: 27.2 million viewers
This beloved sitcom The Golden Girls (1985–1992) starred Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo, Bea Arthur as Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak, Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux and Betty White as Rose Nylund, as four older women sharing a home.
The finale, One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's Nest, aired on May 9, 1992, as Dorothy married and moved out.
Stream The Golden Girls on 9Now.
Fans embraced the bittersweet farewell, though the spin-off, The Golden Palace, struggled to recapture the magic, only lasting a single season.
17. Newhart: 29.5 million viewers
Running from 1982 to 1990, Newhart followed Bob Newhart's innkeeper, Dick Loudon.
Its finale, The Last Newhart, aired on May 21, 1990, famously revealing the entire series was a dream of Newhart's character from his earlier sitcom.
The twist delighted fans, earning its place as one of TV's cleverest endings.
15. Gunsmoke: 30.9 million viewers
As TV's longest-running Western, Gunsmoke (1955–1975) followed Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) as he kept the peace in Dodge City.
After 20 years, the finale, The Sharecroppers, aired on March 31, 1975, blending humour and drama.
13. Everybody Loves Raymond: 32.9 million viewers
This relatable sitcom (1996–2005) starred Ray Romano as a sports writer navigating family dynamics.
The finale, The Finale, aired on May 16, 2005, with a low-key but heartfelt episode that highlighted the family's bond.
12. Dallas: 33.3 million viewers
The iconic prime-time soap Dallas ran from 1978 to 1991, chronicling the drama of the oil-rich Ewing family.
The show was prominent for its cliffhangers, including the "Who shot J.R.?" mystery.
The 1980 episode "Who Done It" remains the second-highest-rated primetime telecast ever. The show also featured a "Dream Season", in which the entirety of season 9 was revealed to have been a dream of Pamela Ewing.
When Dallas finally hit it's finale, Conundrum, which aired on May 3, 1991, the story featured a controversial story where J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) contemplating suicide in a surreal It's a Wonderful Life-style exploration of his choices over the last 13 seasons.
In 2012, the series returned for a reboot series which ran for 3 further seasons.
11. Frasier: 33.7 million viewers
A spin-off of Cheers, Frasier (1993–2004) followed Kelsey Grammer's Dr. Frasier Crane as he rebuilt his life in Seattle.
The finale, Goodnight, Seattle, aired on May 13, 2004, concluding with Frasier taking a leap of faith to chase love.
Fans praised the episode's humour and heartfelt moments.
Stream the original Frasier on Stan.
In 2023 Grammer reprised his role for a continuation series which is now in its second season.
10. Home Improvement: 35.5 million viewers
From 1991 to 1999, Home Improvement brought laughter into households with Tim Allen's portrayal of accident-prone handyman Tim Taylor.
The finale, Backstage Pass, aired on May 25, 1999, blending a fictional farewell with behind-the-scenes clips.
The show's loose endings drew mixed reviews. In 2024, Allen has been hinting at a reboot or reunion, but so far the rest of the cast are in the dark about future plans.
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