Television

• The Cosby Show premieres
   
• More than 125 million viewers tune into the last episode of M*A*S*H (which today still holds the record for largest TV audience)
   
• When the 1980s began, there were televisions in 76 million households. By the end of the decade, they were in more than 90 million. It is also the decade when cable television exploded: Cable TV subscriptions more than tripled from 15 million in 1980 to 47 million in 1989.

  Emmy Winners
     Actor - Drama Series         Tom Selleck; Magnum, P.I.
     Actor - Comedy Series       John Ritter; Three's Company
     Actress - Drama Series     Tyne Daly;  Cagney & Lacey
     Actress - Comedy Series   Jane Curtin;  Kate & Allie
     Drama Series                      Hill Street Blues
     Comedy Series                    Cheers

  Top Twenty Shows 83-84
    1.   Dallas
    2.  60 Minutes
    3.  Dynasty
    4.  The A-Team
    5.  Simon & Simon
    6.  Magnum, P.I.
    7.  Falcon Crest
    8.  Kate & Allie
    9.  Hotel
  10.   Cagney & Lacey
  11.   Knots Landing
  12.  (Tie) ABC Sunday Movie
  12.  (Tie) ABC Monday Movie
  13.  TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes
  14.  AfterMASH
  15.  The Fall Guy
  16.  The Love Boat
  17.  Riptide
  18.  The Jeffersons
  19.  Scarecrow & Mrs. King