Most-watched TV finales

Even if it has been a while since you’ve watched a television series you used to view religiously, there’s a twinge of nostalgia when you hear it is going off the air. That’s part of the magic of a well-hyped series finale — a one night stand that provides a chance to say goodbye to an old friend, even if it is one you haven’t seen for a while.

Not coincidentally, some series sendoffs are among the highest-rated programs of all-time. While some were more successful in offering closure than others, most are memorable in some way or other.

Here’s one list, via AOL Television, with date of broadcast and estimated audience:

10: All in the Family, April 8, 1979: 40.2 million households

9. The Cosby Show, April 30, 1992: 44.4 million households

8. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, May 22, 1992: 50.0 million households

7. Magnum P.I., May 1, 1988: 50.7 million households

6. Survivor, 1st Season Finale, Aug. 23, 2000: 51.7 million viewers

5. Friends, May 6, 2004: 52.5 million viewers

4. Seinfeld, May 14, 1998: 76.3 million viewers

3. Cheers, May 20, 1993: 80.4 million viewers

2. Roots, Jan. 30. 1977: 36.38 million households

1. M*A*S*H*, Feb. 28, 1983: 105.9 million viewers

To read a little bit about these, and to see a slideshow, visit AOL Television

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