In 1980, the top-rated television program in the United States was Dallas. This popular prime-time soap opera captivated audiences and achieved the highest viewership ratings for the 1980–81 television season.
How "Best" is Determined
When considering the "best" TV show, particularly from a historical perspective, a key metric is often viewership or ratings, which indicate the program's popularity and reach across households. Based on the aggregated ratings for the 1980–81 season, Dallas significantly outranked its contemporaries.
Top-Rated Programs of 1980–81
The following table showcases the leading television programs in terms of ratings during the 1980–81 season:
| Rank | Program | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas | 34.5 |
| 2 | The Dukes of Hazzard | 27.3 |
| 3 | 60 Minutes | 27.0 |
| 4 | MASH* | 25.7 |
Dallas commanded a substantial lead with a 34.5 rating, signifying its widespread appeal and dominant presence in American living rooms during that era. Its dramatic storylines and iconic characters made it a cultural phenomenon.
