The Ultimate List of the Top 100 Most Watched Hollywood TV Shows of All Time with Views, Cast, Ratings, and Reviews

Television has an unmatched ability to bring people together, whether it’s through laughter, tears, or edge-of-your-seat suspense. Hollywood’s TV shows have shaped pop culture, defined eras, and drawn massive audiences worldwide. From sitcom classics to gripping dramas, the most watched TV shows have left an indelible mark. This ultimate list ranks the top 100 Hollywood TV series of all time, focusing on their viewership (where data exists), star-studded casts, IMDb ratings, and honest reviews. Whether you’re hunting for the "best TV shows to binge" or curious about what’s captivated millions, this guide—spanning the 1950s to April 2025—has you covered.

Let’s explore the shows that have glued us to our screens!

Why Hollywood TV Shows Are Global Phenomena

Hollywood’s TV industry thrives on innovation, talent, and storytelling that resonates across borders. The most watched TV shows combine universal themes—love, conflict, humor—with unforgettable characters, like Walter White or Rachel Green. These series don’t just entertain; they spark conversations, inspire memes, and dominate watercooler chats. While exact viewership numbers are tough to pin down (especially for older shows or streaming hits), we’ve ranked these based on historical data, finale viewership (where available), cultural impact, and fan devotion. Ready to discover the top Hollywood TV series that have drawn the biggest crowds? Let’s begin!

Top 100 Most Watched Hollywood TV Shows

1. Friends (1994-2004)

Estimated Viewership: Finale drew 52.5 million (US); global audience in hundreds of millions.
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Review: Six friends navigate life and love in NYC with humor that’s still quoted today. Its relatable chemistry and cozy vibe make it a binge-watch staple. From Ross’s “pivot” to Chandler’s sarcasm, Friends is timeless comfort food.

2. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Estimated Viewership: Finale hit 19.3 million (US); global viewership estimated at over 100 million per season.
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Review: This fantasy epic of dragons and betrayals gripped the world with its sprawling story. Despite a divisive ending, its battles and Dinklage’s Tyrion make it unforgettable.

3. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

Estimated Viewership: Averaged 18 million per season (US); finale at 18.5 million.
Cast: Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Nerdy scientists and their quirky friendships deliver consistent laughs. Parsons’ Sheldon is a comedic gem, though later seasons lean predictable.

4. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Estimated Viewership: Finale drew 10.3 million (US); global streaming numbers push it into billions.
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Review: Walter White’s transformation from teacher to drug lord is TV’s greatest character arc. Tense, dark, and brilliantly acted, it’s a masterclass in storytelling.

5. The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Estimated Viewership: Averaged 11 million per season (US); finale at 11.9 million.
Cast: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Review: Tony Soprano’s life as a mob boss and family man redefined drama. Gandolfini’s raw performance and the show’s depth make it a landmark.

6. MAS*H (1972-1983)

Estimated Viewership: Finale drew 105.9 million (US), the most-watched scripted episode ever.
Cast: Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, Wayne Rogers
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Review: This war comedy-drama blends humor with heart, tackling tough themes. Its finale remains a cultural milestone for its emotional goodbye.

7. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Estimated Viewership: Finale hit 76.3 million (US); averaged 20 million weekly.
Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Review: The “show about nothing” turned mundane life into comedy gold. Its sharp wit and iconic moments (“No soup for you!”) keep it fresh.

8. The Simpsons (1989-Present)

Estimated Viewership: Over 1 billion global views across 35+ seasons.
Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: This animated satire of family life is a cultural juggernaut. Early seasons shine brightest, but its longevity is unmatched.

9. Cheers (1982-1993)

Estimated Viewership: Finale drew 80.4 million (US); averaged 15 million weekly.
Cast: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Review: A Boston bar where “everybody knows your name” delivers warm laughs. Danson’s Sam Malone anchors a stellar ensemble.

10. The Office (US) (2005-2013)

Estimated Viewership: Averaged 8 million per season (US); streaming views in billions.
Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Review: This mockumentary of office life nails awkward humor and heart. Carell’s Michael Scott is a legend, though later seasons dip.

11-20: Iconic Hits Across Genres

ER (1994-2009)

Viewership: Finale at 16.4 million; peaked at 30 million weekly.
Cast: George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Noah Wyle
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Review: Intense medical drama with raw emotion. Clooney’s breakout role shines.

Frasier (1993-2004)

Viewership: Finale drew 33.7 million; averaged 15 million.
Cast: Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Review: Sophisticated sitcom with witty banter. Grammer’s Frasier is comedy royalty.

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

Viewership: Peaked at 17 million per episode; finale at 8.2 million.
Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Zombie apocalypse with gripping survival tales. Strong early seasons fade later.

NCIS (2003-Present)

Viewership: Averages 9-12 million weekly; 2024 season at 7 million.
Cast: Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Sean Murray
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Review: Procedural mainstay with loyal fans. Harmon’s Gibbs is the glue.

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)

Viewership: Peaked at 20 million; 2024 season at 5 million.
Cast: Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Review: Medical soap with endless drama. Pompeo’s Meredith carries it through ups and downs.

Lost (2004-2010)

Viewership: Finale at 13.5 million; averaged 10 million.
Cast: Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Review: Island mysteries and twists captivate, but the ending splits fans.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)

Viewership: Peaked at 26 million; finale at 12.2 million.
Cast: William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Review: Forensic drama that spawned a franchise. Gritty and addictive.

Home Improvement (1991-1999)

Viewership: Peaked at 32.5 million weekly (1994-95).
Cast: Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Jonathan Taylor Thomas
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Review: Family sitcom with tool-time laughs. Allen’s charm shines.

The Cosby Show (1984-1992)

Viewership: Peaked at 30 million; finale at 44.4 million.
Cast: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Keshia Knight Pulliam
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Review: Groundbreaking family comedy, though Cosby’s legacy taints it.

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)

Viewership: Finale at 32.9 million; averaged 15 million.
Cast: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Review: Relatable family humor with Romano’s everyman appeal.

21-30: Modern Blockbusters

Stranger Things (2016-Present)

Viewership: Season 4 hit 1.4 billion hours streamed globally (Netflix).
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: ‘80s nostalgia with sci-fi thrills. The kids’ chemistry hooks you.

Yellowstone (2018-Present)

Viewership: Season 5 averaged 12 million (US).
Cast: Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: Modern Western with family drama. Costner’s patriarch rules.

The Mandalorian (2019-Present)

Viewership: Estimated 100 million streams per season (Disney+).
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Baby Yoda
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Star Wars meets Western grit. Baby Yoda steals the show.

This Is Us (2016-2022)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million per season; finale at 6.4 million.
Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: Emotional family saga that tugs heartstrings. Brown shines.

Modern Family (2009-2020)

Viewership: Averaged 7 million; finale at 6.7 million.
Cast: Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Ty Burrell
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Review: Diverse family comedy with warmth and wit. Vergara’s Gloria pops.

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Viewership: Averaged 12 million; finale at 8.9 million.
Cast: Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Review: Idealistic politics with sharp dialogue. Sheen’s Bartlet inspires.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Viewership: Finale at 13.1 million; averaged 9 million.
Cast: Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Review: Romantic sitcom with twists. Harris’ Barney is a fan favorite.

Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)

Viewership: Peaked at 23 million; finale at 11.1 million.
Cast: Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Review: Soapy suburbia with juicy scandals. The ensemble sparkles.

Law & Order: SVU (1999-Present)

Viewership: Averages 5-7 million weekly (2024).
Cast: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Christopher Meloni
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Crime procedural with heart. Hargitay’s Benson is iconic.

Two and a Half Men (2003-2015)

Viewership: Peaked at 15 million; finale at 13.5 million.
Cast: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Review: Raunchy sitcom with Sheen’s charm. Later seasons falter.

31-40: Timeless Classics

I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Viewership: Peaked at 50 million weekly (1950s estimate).
Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Pioneering sitcom with Ball’s comedic genius. A trailblazer.

All in the Family (1971-1979)

Viewership: Peaked at 40 million weekly.
Cast: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Bold social satire that tackled taboos. O’Connor’s Archie is iconic.

Happy Days (1974-1984)

Viewership: Peaked at 30 million weekly.
Cast: Ron Howard, Henry Winkler
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Review: ‘50s nostalgia with Fonzie’s cool. Lighthearted fun.

The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

Viewership: Averaged 20 million weekly.
Cast: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Review: Wholesome family antics with campy charm. A retro favorite.

Dallas (1978-1991)

Viewership: “Who shot J.R.?” episode hit 83.6 million.
Cast: Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Review: Soap opera drama with oil tycoon intrigue. Hagman’s J.R. rules.

The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)

Viewership: Peaked at 27 million weekly.
Cast: Andy Griffith, Don Knotts
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Small-town warmth with Griffith’s sheriff. Timeless comfort.

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)

Viewership: Peaked at 20 million weekly.
Cast: Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Review: Teen drama that defined the ‘90s. Soapy but addictive.

Full House (1987-1995)

Viewership: Averaged 15 million weekly.
Cast: Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Candace Cameron
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Review: Family sitcom with cheesy laughs. Uncle Jesse’s hair steals it.

Murphy Brown (1988-1998)

Viewership: Peaked at 20 million weekly.
Cast: Candice Bergen, Faith Ford
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Review: Smart newsroom comedy with Bergen’s wit. Ahead of its time.

The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

Viewership: Averaged 15 million; finale at 27.2 million.
Cast: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Review: Senior citizen laughs with heart. White’s Rose is comedy gold.

41-50: Crime and Drama Favorites

The X-Files (1993-2018)

Viewership: Peaked at 20 million weekly.
Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Paranormal mysteries with Mulder and Scully’s chemistry. A sci-fi gem.

House M.D. (2004-2012)

Viewership: Peaked at 19 million; finale at 8.7 million.
Cast: Hugh Laurie, Olivia Wilde, Robert Sean Leonard
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: Diagnostic drama with Laurie’s biting House. Addictive cases.

Bones (2005-2017)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million; finale at 5.5 million.
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Review: Forensic procedural with charm. Booth and Brennan’s romance hooks.

Criminal Minds (2005-Present)

Viewership: Peaked at 15 million; 2024 season at 4 million.
Cast: Mandy Patinkin, Joe Mantegna, Shemar Moore
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Profiler drama with chilling cases. Ensemble keeps it fresh.

The Mentalist (2008-2015)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million; finale at 9.7 million.
Cast: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Review: Charismatic psychic-turned-detective. Baker’s charm carries it.

24 (2001-2010)

Viewership: Peaked at 13 million; finale at 8.9 million.
Cast: Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rajskub
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Real-time action with Sutherland’s Jack Bauer. Thrilling but intense.

Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)

Viewership: Finale at 9.3 million; averaged 5 million.
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Ron Perlman, Katey Sagal
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Biker gang drama with Shakespearean stakes. Sagal’s Gemma stuns.

Dexter (2006-2013)

Viewership: Finale at 7.7 million; averaged 5 million.
Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Serial killer with a code. Hall’s Dexter is chillingly magnetic.

True Blood (2008-2014)

Viewership: Averaged 5 million; finale at 3.5 million.
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Review: Vampire soap with steamy drama. Paquin’s Sookie drives it.

Prison Break (2005-2017)

Viewership: Peaked at 10 million; finale at 5.2 million.
Cast: Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Review: High-stakes escape thriller. Miller’s intensity hooks early seasons.

51-60: Comedy and Sci-Fi Gems

Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Viewership: Averaged 5 million; streaming boosted popularity.
Cast: Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Small-town satire with Poehler’s Leslie Knope. Heartfelt and hilarious.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Viewership: Averaged 3-5 million; finale at 2 million.
Cast: Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Cop comedy with charm. Braugher’s Holt steals scenes.

The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

Viewership: Estimated 20 million weekly (1960s).
Cast: Rod Serling (host), various
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Review: Anthology with timeless twists. Serling’s genius shines.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

Viewership: Peaked at 15 million weekly.
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: Sci-fi exploration with Stewart’s Picard. A genre cornerstone.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Viewership: Averaged 5 million weekly.
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Review: Teen horror with feminist edge. Gellar’s Buffy is iconic.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Viewership: Peaked at 15 million weekly.
Cast: Will Smith, James Avery
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Review: Fish-out-of-water comedy with Smith’s breakout. Heartfelt moments hit.

3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million weekly.
Cast: John Lithgow, Jane Curtin
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Review: Alien sitcom with absurd laughs. Lithgow’s zany lead shines.

That ’70s Show (1998-2006)

Viewership: Peaked at 10 million weekly.
Cast: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Retro teen comedy with nostalgic vibes. The basement gang rules.

Scrubs (2001-2010)

Viewership: Averaged 7 million; finale at 5 million.
Cast: Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Hospital comedy with heart. Braff’s J.D. balances humor and pathos.

Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million weekly.
Cast: Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Review: Chaotic family comedy with Muniz’s wit. Cranston’s dad steals it.

61-70: Modern Streaming Giants

The Last of Us (2023-Present)

Viewership: Averaged 40 million per episode globally (HBO).
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: Post-apocalyptic drama with emotional depth. Pascal and Ramsey shine.

Succession (2018-2023)

Viewership: Finale at 2.9 million; streaming in millions.
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Review: Corporate dynasty drama with biting wit. Strong’s Kendall stuns.

The Bear (2022-Present)

Viewership: Estimated 20 million streams per season (Hulu).
Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Review: Kitchen chaos with raw emotion. White’s Carmy is riveting.

Ted Lasso (2020-2023)

Viewership: Over 1 billion minutes streamed (Apple TV+).
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Review: Feel-good soccer comedy with heart. Sudeikis’ optimism wins.

Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million streams per season (Hulu).
Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Murder mystery with comedic charm. The trio’s chemistry sparkles.

The Boys (2019-Present)

Viewership: Over 50 million streams per season (Prime Video).
Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: Superhero satire with dark humor. Starr’s Homelander terrifies.

Cobra Kai (2018-Present)

Viewership: Over 2 billion minutes streamed (Netflix).
Cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Review: Karate Kid revival with nostalgia and heart. Action-packed fun.

House of the Dragon (2022-Present)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million per episode (HBO).
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: GoT prequel with fiery dragons. Smith’s Daemon steals it.

Squid Game (2021-Present)

Viewership: 1.65 billion hours streamed (Netflix, Season 1).
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Review: Korean survival thriller with global impact. Tense and thought-provoking.

Bridgerton (2020-Present)

Viewership: Over 900 million hours streamed (Netflix).
Cast: Jonathan Bailey, Phoebe Dynevor
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Review: Regency romance with lush drama. Steamy and stylish.

71-80: Cult Classics and More

Mad Men (2007-2015)

Viewership: Averaged 3 million; finale at 3.3 million.
Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Review: 1960s ad world with depth. Hamm’s Don Draper mesmerizes.

The Wire (2002-2008)

Viewership: Averaged 2 million; cult following grew later.
Cast: Dominic West, Idris Elba
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Review: Baltimore’s drug trade in raw detail. A storytelling triumph.

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Viewership: Finale at 1.9 million; streaming millions.
Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Review: Breaking Bad prequel with Odenkirk’s Saul. Matches its predecessor.

Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)

Viewership: Peaked at 20 million weekly (1990).
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Review: Surreal mystery with Lynch’s vision. Haunting and unique.

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Viewership: Averaged 6 million; cult status later.
Cast: James Franco, Seth Rogen
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Review: Teen angst with heart. Cancelled too soon.

Firefly (2002)

Viewership: Averaged 4 million; massive cult following.
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Review: Sci-fi Western with charm. One season, eternal love.

Veronica Mars (2004-2019)

Viewership: Averaged 3 million; fan-funded revival.
Cast: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Teen detective with wit. Bell’s Veronica is a star.

Chuck (2007-2012)

Viewership: Averaged 5 million weekly.
Cast: Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Review: Nerdy spy comedy with heart. Levi’s charm carries it.

Supernatural (2005-2020)

Viewership: Averaged 3 million; finale at 1.4 million.
Cast: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Review: Monster-hunting brothers with epic lore. Loyal fans adore it.

Glee (2009-2015)

Viewership: Peaked at 13 million; finale at 2.5 million.
Cast: Lea Michele, Cory Monteith
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Review: Musical teen drama with highs and lows. Early seasons sing.

81-90: Diverse Favorites

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)

Viewership: Peaked at 30 million weekly.
Cast: Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Review: Career woman comedy with heart. Moore’s Mary is a pioneer.

Taxi (1978-1983)

Viewership: Averaged 20 million weekly.
Cast: Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Review: Quirky cabbie tales with DeVito’s bite. Underrated gem.

Roseanne (1988-1997, 2018)

Viewership: Peaked at 30 million weekly.
Cast: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Review: Working-class family with real humor. Early seasons excel.

Family Ties (1982-1989)

Viewership: Peaked at 25 million weekly.
Cast: Michael J. Fox, Justine Bateman
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Review: ‘80s family comedy with Fox’s Alex P. Keaton. Nostalgic fun.

Growing Pains (1985-1992)

Viewership: Averaged 15 million weekly.
Cast: Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Review: Family sitcom with light laughs. Cameron’s charm carries it.

Alf (1986-1990)

Viewership: Averaged 15 million weekly.
Cast: Max Wright, Anne Schedeen
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Review: Alien houseguest with goofy humor. Retro oddball hit.

Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million weekly.
Cast: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Review: Teen sitcom with campy charm. Zack Morris rules Bayside.

Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

Viewership: Averaged 10 million weekly.
Cast: Ben Savage, Rider Strong
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Review: Coming-of-age with heart. Cory and Topanga’s love endures.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

Viewership: Averaged 8 million weekly.
Cast: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Review: Magical teen comedy with Hart’s charm. Salem the cat steals it.

7th Heaven (1996-2007)

Viewership: Peaked at 10 million weekly.
Cast: Stephen Collins, Jessica Biel
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Review: Wholesome family drama with preachy tone. Loyal fans loved it.

91-100: Recent and Retro Hits

Tracker (2024-Present)

Viewership: Averages 10.8 million weekly (2024-25 season).
Cast: Justin Hartley, Fiona Rene
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Review: Action drama with Hartley’s lone-wolf tracker. Fast-paced fun.

Matlock (2024-Present)

Viewership: Averages 7 million weekly (2024-25).
Cast: Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Review: Reboot with Bates’ lawyerly grit. A surprising hit.

Ghosts (2021-Present)

Viewership: Averages 6 million weekly (2024).
Cast: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Review: Haunted-house comedy with charm. McIver’s Sam shines.

Young Sheldon (2017-2024)

Viewership: Averages 9.3 million; finale at 8.9 million.
Cast: Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Review: Big Bang prequel with heart. Armitage’s Sheldon grows on you.

The Neighborhood (2018-Present)

Viewership: Averages 5 million weekly (2024).
Cast: Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Review: Neighborly sitcom with laughs. Cedric’s charisma carries it.

Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)

Viewership: Averages 4 million weekly (2024).
Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Review: School comedy with heart. Brunson’s Janine is a star.

The Conners (2018-Present)

Viewership: Averages 4 million weekly (2024).
Cast: John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Review: Roseanne spin-off with grit. Goodman’s Dan anchors it.

Chicago Fire (2012-Present)

Viewership: Averages 7 million weekly (2024).
Cast: Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Review: Firefighter drama with action. Ensemble keeps it burning.

Blue Bloods (2010-Present)

Viewership: Averages 6 million weekly (2024).
Cast: Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Review: Cop family drama with Selleck’s gravitas. A steady hit.

FBI (2018-Present)
- Viewership: Averages 6 million weekly (2024).
- Cast: Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Review: Procedural with high stakes. Solid ensemble drives it.

The Evolution of TV Viewership

1950s-1970s: The Broadcast Boom

Shows like I Love Lucy and MASH* drew massive audiences when TV was the only game in town. Finale viewership (e.g., MASH*’s 105.9 million) set records unlikely to be broken.

1980s-1990s: Cable and Competition

Cable brought Cheers and Seinfeld to huge audiences, though numbers dipped as choices grew. Finale events still pulled tens of millions.

2000s: Reality and Serialization

American Idol and Survivor competed with dramas like Lost. Viewership split between network and cable.

2010s-Present: The Streaming Era

Streaming giants like Stranger Things and Squid Game measure views in billions of hours. Linear TV (e.g., Tracker) still draws millions but competes with on-demand.

What Makes a TV Show “Most Watched”?

Popularity stems from:

Accessibility: Network shows like Friends aired widely; streaming hits like Bridgerton reach global audiences instantly.
Cast: Stars like Cranston or Aniston draw crowds.
Hype: Cultural moments (Game of Thrones battles) fuel buzz.
Replay Value: Comedies like The Office thrive on rewatches.

Challenges in Tracking Viewership

Exact numbers are elusive. Nielsen tracks US linear TV, but global and streaming data (e.g., Netflix’s hours viewed) vary. Older shows rely on estimates, while finales offer snapshots of peak popularity. This list blends hard data, cultural impact, and fan love to rank the “most watched.”

Conclusion: Your Next Binge Awaits

From MASH*’s record-breaking finale to Squid Game’s streaming dominance, these top 100 most watched Hollywood TV shows prove television’s power to unite and entertain. With casts that shine, ratings that reflect quality, and reviews to guide you, this list is your roadmap to the best TV series ever. Whether you’re revisiting Friends or diving into The Bear, there’s a hit waiting.

What’s your favorite? Share in the comments and start watching!