History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1998

Revisiting 1998 presents a grand parade of tv history, marked by radical 90s attitude and millennium anticipation and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Sex and the City, Will & Grace, and essential classics took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Darren Star and David Kohan and Max Mutchnick led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Sex and the City

   Released in 1998 by Darren Star, HBO

   On June 6, 1998, HBO premiered a series that would fundamentally alter the landscape of television and cultural conversations about womanhood. At a time when the premium cable network was cementing its reputation for prestige, adult-oriented programming, "Sex and the City" arrived as a bold and provocative statement. The debut episode, "Sex and the City," introduced viewers to Carrie Bradshaw and her friends, offering a glimpse into a world of frank sexual discussions, high fashion, and unbreakable female friendship in New York City. This date marks the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that challenged societal norms and redefined the portrayal of single women in media, setting the stage for a new era of television.

2. Will & Grace

   Released in 1998 by David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, NBC

   On September 21, 1998, American television audiences were introduced to a groundbreaking new sitcom as 'Will & Grace' premiered on NBC. The debut was a pivotal moment, not just for the network's famed 'Must See TV' lineup, but for cultural representation at large. In an era where LGBTQ+ characters were rarely seen in leading roles on primetime television, the show's arrival was both a risk and a revelation. It placed the friendship between a gay man and a straight woman front and center, challenging conventions and setting the stage for a new era of inclusivity in media. The premiere marked the beginning of a television institution that would use sharp comedy to explore friendship, love, and identity, ultimately changing hearts and minds across the nation.