Most Popular TV Series (1986-2019)


Timeline history of the most viewed TV series from 1986 to 2019. Ranking is based on the following factors: prime-time first 24 hours audience reports, one week of reported statistics for downloaded copies (pirated), one week of streaming services viewership. Numbers are worldwide with significant bias towards US market up until 2002, afterwards it's balanced by p2p distribution across the globe.

Timeline of the Most Viewed TV Series Worldwide (1986–2019)
Discover the shifting landscape of TV viewership from 1986 to 2019 with this detailed timeline ranking the most viewed TV series globally. This ranking combines prime-time first 24-hour audience reports, one week of pirated downloads, and streaming service viewership, offering a unique perspective on how audiences consumed TV content across traditional and digital platforms. While early years show a strong US market influence, the rise of peer-to-peer distribution after 2002 balances the global picture, reflecting changing habits in TV consumption worldwide.

Fun Facts & Trivia:

Iconic shows like The Simpsons and Friends dominated prime-time viewership in the 1990s.

The rise of streaming platforms in the 2010s dramatically shifted how and where audiences watch their favorite series.

Piracy data helps reveal hidden global popularity, especially for shows with limited official distribution.

Keywords: most viewed TV series, global TV ratings, streaming viewership trends, TV piracy impact, TV audience history.



Source: Data Is Beautiful

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