History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1972

Revisiting 1972 presents a grand parade of tv history, marked by retro grooves and analog innovation and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including The Bob Newhart Show, M*A*S*H, and essential classics took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like David Davis and Lorenzo Music and Larry Gelbart led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. The Bob Newhart Show

   Released in 1972 by David Davis and Lorenzo Music, CBS

   On September 16, 1972, television audiences were introduced to the calm, stammering, and utterly relatable world of Dr. Bob Hartley. The premiere of 'The Bob Newhart Show' on this date marked the beginning of a six-season run that would solidify Bob Newhart's status as a comedy legend. The show debuted as part of CBS's powerhouse Saturday night lineup, which is often cited as the greatest in television history, nestled among classics like 'All in the Family' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. This launch immediately established the series as a high-quality, character-driven comedy, offering a more subtle and observational brand of humor than many of its contemporaries. It was the perfect vehicle for Newhart's signature 'button-down mind' persona, making its premiere a significant moment in 1970s television.

2. M*A*S*H

   Released in 1972 by Larry Gelbart, CBS

   On September 17, 1972, American television audiences were introduced to the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as 'M*A*S*H' premiered on CBS. Debuting while the Vietnam War was still a deeply contentious and ongoing conflict, the series used the Korean War of the 1950s as a historical backdrop to comment on the futility and absurdity of war in general. This premiere was a significant cultural moment, launching a show that would skillfully blend comedy with drama to explore the human condition under extreme pressure. It was a bold programming choice, offering a unique, character-driven perspective on conflict that stood in stark contrast to the more straightforward sitcoms and dramas of the era.