Nielsen began measuring TV ratings in 1950; every single year since then, there has been one highest-rated series per year.
The Nielsen rating is named after him; Arthur C. Nielsen, who initially rated radio programs and then, with the advent of television, moved into TV as well.
The list below is a comprehensive history of every single show that has earned that rare and impressive distinction.
In almost 70 years there have only been 30 different TV ratings champions.