Unveiling the Unprecedented: The Ultimate Countdown of TV's Most Viewed Non-Finale Episodes
Discover the top 10 most-watched non-finale TV episodes ever! From iconic shows like All In The Family and Gunsmoke to groundbreaking series like Roots and The Winds Of War, these episodes captivated audiences Find out which episodes had the biggest viewership and became unforgettable moments in television history
Season finales are often the most thrilling part of a television show. They bring closure to storylines and bid farewell to beloved characters audiences have become acquainted with. As a result, series finales consistently attract high viewership numbers. Even those who have not followed the show closely will return for the final episode to witness how the writers conclude the story, leading to a significant surge in viewership.
Meanwhile, there are numerous individual episodes of television shows that have achieved tremendous success without serving as series finales. These episodes may hold the promise of major revelations or the resolution of cliffhangers from previous seasons. They also garner substantial viewership numbers, often surpassing those of series finales. Audiences are eager to discover how the story progresses after the events of the preceding episode. While exact figures are difficult to obtain in the age of streaming services and on-demand viewing, these episodes stand as the most watched in television history, excluding series finales.
10 All In The Family - “Edith’s Problem”
9 Gunsmoke - “Love Thy Neighbor”
: "Edith's Problem" proved to be a groundbreaking TV episode as it tackled significant issues that had previously been overlooked in sitcoms. This captivating installment focused on Edith's personal battle with menopause, while highlighting the genuine efforts of her husband to empathize with and appreciate the transformative experience she was undergoing. As a result, an astounding 40.7% of households eagerly tuned in, forever transforming the perception of what a sitcom could achieve.
Gunsmoke, an American classic, captivated audiences for an astounding 20 seasons spanning from 1955 to 1975. Despite other shows surpassing its duration, Gunsmoke managed to cultivate a devoted fan base that eagerly awaited each weekly episode. Within the show's sixth season lies "Love Thy Neighbor," an unassuming episode that delves into a feud between two families ignited by a stolen sack of potatoes. Gunsmoke's unparalleled success can largely be attributed to its limited competition during its original airing, as it stood as one of the few dramas of its time.
8 Roots - “Part Six”
Roots, one of America's earliest and highly successful miniseries, portrays the harrowing journey of a Black family sold into slavery and transported to America. In this gripping narrative, they bear witness to pivotal events that have shaped the nation's history. It is an incredibly compelling show, brimming with raw emotions and a strong sense of purpose. Notably, "Part Six" resonated deeply with viewers, garnering immense popularity just shy of the finale. A staggering 32.68 million viewers tuned in that week (according to Business Insider), hungry to discover the aftermath of the explosive preceding episode.
7 The Winds Of War - “The Storm Breaks”
Limited series gained popularity in the 1980s, capturing the hearts of American viewers, despite the consistent appeal of long-running sitcoms and dramas. The Winds of War became a sensation, narrating the journey of a naval officer and close friend of President Roosevelt during the Second World War. It engaged millions of people, with the second installment proving to be the most successful, as audiences had already become emotionally invested in the story. According to Business Insider, 33.49 million viewers eagerly returned to see how the show would progress after the pilot.
6 Bonanza - “The Pure Truth”
Series like Bonanza may not be considered among the greatest shows ever made, but they benefited from being broadcasted during the peak of cable television's popularity. Bonanza was a highly cherished show that consistently attracted millions of viewers each week. Although "The Pure Truth" may not hold significant importance in the overall context of the show, it still met the audience's expectations and enjoyed immense popularity.
5 The Beverly Hillbillies - “The Giant Jack Rabbit”
Although The Beverly Hillbillies was undeniably popular, it never quite attained the same level of adoration as some concurrent series. Thus, the astounding viewership figures for “The Giant Jack Rabbit” come as a surprise. While it is an enjoyable episode, it falls short of the show's best. Nevertheless, these numbers can be attributed to the fact that “The Giant Jack Rabbit” aired immediately after President Johnson’s first address to America following the tragic death of John F. Kennedy. This implies that several viewers likely continued watching after the address concluded.
4 The Thorn Birds - “Pt II”
The Thorn Birds, a limited series airing in 1983, depicted the captivating tale of a disillusioned priest torn between his emotions and ambitions in a thrilling adaptation of Colleen McCullough's novel of the same name. This show quickly became a phenomenal success in America, attracting millions of dedicated viewers who eagerly tuned in week after week. Each episode garnered an astounding number of viewers, with "Pt II" captivating a staggering 35.4 million people after they were drawn into the story from the very first episode (according to Business Insider).
3 The Thorn Birds - “Pt III”
The success of "The Thorn Birds" reached new heights with its third installment, surpassing all expectations. In this captivating episode, the focus shifts to Meggie, who experiences the joyous occasion of giving birth to her daughter and embarks on a fateful encounter with Father Ralph on a secluded island. As reported by Business Insider, a staggering 35.99 million viewers were enthralled by the episode upon its broadcast, surpassing the previous record set just a week prior.
2 The Cosby Show - “Say Hello To A Good Buy”
The popular sitcom, The Cosby Show, reached its peak in the late '80s with its beloved episode, "Say Hello To A Good Buy," from season 3. Despite not having any significant events, the episode's impressive viewership numbers showcased the immense adoration for the show at that time. With millions of viewers eagerly tuning in every week to enjoy the comedic moments and keep up with their favorite characters, "Say Hello To A Good Buy" coincided with America's peak obsession with the series, attracting a staggering 36.1 million viewers (according to Business Insider).
1 Dallas - “Who Done It?”
The question of who shot J.R. in Dallas remains one of the most iconic TV plots ever written. The story captivated audiences worldwide in 1980, leaving everyone eager to discover the identity of the mysterious assailant. Even those unfamiliar with Dallas found themselves engrossed in the suspense, resulting in a significant surge in viewership. The episode titled "Who Done It?" drew a staggering 41.47 million viewers (as reported by Business Insider), promising to finally unveil the resolution to this gripping storyline.
Source: Business Insider, Screen Rant
