Quote:
Originally posted by justamom
I know I'm off (but still close) in these numbers, but on the radio
they said the finale of other shows ranked-
MASH-105 million
Cheers-80
Seinfeld-76
Friends-51-52 (actual numbers not released)
Please correct these if you heard it too.
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Probably not far off.
But a few things have to be remembered: When M*A*S*H ran, and when the finale aired, there were only three broadcast networks (four if you count PBS) and relatively few cable networks. The same was still somewhat true when Cheers began its run. Now, there are scores of channel options on most TV sets, so it is not surprising that newer shows and finales, however big, garner smaller audiences.
Also, when the M*A*SH finale ran, there were no VCRs or Tivos. People made plans to be at home (or at a party, like I was) watching TV, where the Nielson folks could count them. Perhaps a more apt comparison for now would be to try to guage not only how many people watched the Friends finale when it was actually airing, but how many others (like Ms. MysticCat and me) recorded it to watch later.