10 Most Groundbreaking TV Episodes Ever
2. M*A*S*H - "Goodbye, Farewell And Amen"
Historic Impact: Most-Watched Episode of American Television Ever
M*A*S*H was an important television show for many reasons, not the least of which was its unflinching (though exceptionally sarcastic) depiction of the realities of the Vietnam War. The show began airing in 1972, three years before the war ended, presenting a rare opportunity for a TV series to comment directly on a major historical event as it was happening.
The popular dramedy lasted 11 seasons and endured thanks to a wildly consistent viewership. When it was time for the show to call it quits, it had to go out with a bang.
"Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" was a two and a half hour swan song for one of the most controversial TV series to ever gain mainstream popularity. And how fitting that it tackled one more majorly controversial topic -- PTSD -- before going off the air for the last time.
The series finale raked in more than 105 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in television history to that point. It wouldn't be topped for 27 years, when the 2010 Super Bowl finally toppled its reign. Even now, it's the only non-Super Bowl in the Top 20 most-watched TV programs.