History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1982

Make way for the hits of 1982! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the tubular 80s arcade boom and the march of first-rate tv. Crowd-pleasers such as Late Night with David Letterman shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Cheers and St. Elsewhere. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like David Letterman and James Burrows, these trailblazing products sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Late Night with David Letterman

   Released in 1982 by David Letterman, Merrill Markoe, NBC

   On February 1, 1982, television history was made as "Late Night with David Letterman" premiered on NBC, immediately following Johnny Carson's legendary "The Tonight Show." In an era dominated by Carson's more traditional, showbiz-centric style, Letterman's debut signaled a seismic shift in late-night comedy. The show was a breath of fresh air, offering a younger, college-aged demographic a brand of humor that was ironic, self-aware, and often delightfully absurd. Airing at 12:30 AM, it occupied a time slot where the network was willing to take a chance on something more experimental. This premiere wasn't just the start of a new show; it was the birth of a new comedic sensibility that would redefine the late-night format for decades to come.

2. Cheers

   Released in 1982 by James Burrows, Glen Charles, Les Charles, NBC

   On September 30, 1982, American television audiences were first welcomed into a Boston bar where everybody knows your name. The premiere of 'Cheers' on NBC marked the beginning of an 11-season journey that would redefine the sitcom genre. At the time, television was dominated by different styles of comedy, but 'Cheers' offered something new: a sophisticated, character-driven workplace comedy with a serialized romantic storyline at its core. Though it debuted to dismal ratings, finishing nearly last for the week, the network's faith in its quality and critical acclaim allowed it to survive. This premiere introduced Sam Malone, Diane Chambers, and the rest of the iconic ensemble, planting the seeds for what would become a cornerstone of NBC's 'Must See TV' and one of the most beloved shows in television history.

3. St. Elsewhere

   Released in 1982 by Joshua Brand, John Falsey, NBC

   On October 26, 1982, a new kind of medical drama premiered on NBC, forever changing the landscape of television. In an era dominated by more idealized portrayals of doctors, "St. Elsewhere" arrived with a gritty, realistic, and often darkly humorous look at life and death inside a decaying urban teaching hospital. Its debut marked a significant departure from the formulaic procedurals of the time, introducing audiences to a large ensemble cast of flawed, complex characters whose personal lives were as messy and compelling as their professional ones. The premiere set the stage for six seasons of groundbreaking television that would prioritize character development and serialized storytelling, influencing a generation of dramas that followed.