What TV show broadcast February 28, 1983, holds the distinction of being the most-watched TV show of all time?

On February 28, 1983, the series finale of M*A*S*H, titled "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," became a cultural event, drawing an audience of unprecedented size. An estimated 106 million people tuned in, with some reports placing the number as high as 125 million, to say goodbye to the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. This staggering viewership gave the 2.5-hour television movie a 60.2 Nielsen rating, meaning more than half of all U.S. households with a television were watching. While some Super Bowls have since surpassed the total number of viewers, the M*A*S*H finale remains the most-watched single episode of a scripted series in American history.

The finale's record-breaking viewership was the culmination of the show's immense popularity over its 11-season run. The series, set during the Korean War, was unique for its ability to blend comedy with the dramatic and often tragic realities of war. Based on a 1968 novel and a 1970 film, the show outlasted the actual war by several years and became a television staple. The finale was so highly anticipated that 30-second commercial spots sold for $450,000, more than some ads for that year's Super Bowl.

The finale's impact was a product of its time, a shared television moment before the fragmentation of audiences by cable and streaming services. The event brought the nation to a standstill, with streets reportedly empty as people gathered for viewing parties. The episode provided closure for the beloved characters, chronicling the final days of the war and their emotional goodbyes. The enduring record of "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" is a testament to the show's lasting connection with the American public and its place in television history.