History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1978

In the colorful era of the 1970s, 1978 saw a swell surge of retro grooves and analog innovation in the world of tv! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Dallas and Taxi, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like David Jacobs and James L. Brooks proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Dallas

   Released in 1978 by David Jacobs, CBS

   On April 2, 1978, American television audiences were introduced to the Ewings of Southfork Ranch, as CBS aired the first episode of what was initially a five-part miniseries titled 'Dallas'. This date marked a pivotal moment in television history, launching the era of the modern prime-time soap opera. In a landscape dominated by sitcoms and procedural dramas, 'Dallas' offered a serialized narrative of wealth, betrayal, and family conflict that was previously confined to daytime television. The network's cautious

2. Taxi

   Released in 1978 by James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis, Ed. Weinberger, ABC, NBC

   On September 12, 1978, American television audiences were introduced to the motley crew of the Sunshine Cab Company as "Taxi" premiered on ABC. The late 1970s was a period of transition for sitcoms, moving away from the purely escapist comedies of the early decade. "Taxi" arrived as a quintessential example of the MTM Enterprises production style: a character-driven, realistic, and often poignant workplace comedy. It debuted as part of ABC's powerhouse Tuesday night lineup, immediately following hits like "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley," which guaranteed it a massive lead-in audience. The premiere established the show's unique tone, blending sharp humor with a melancholic look at the dreams and disappointments of ordinary people, setting it apart from its contemporaries.