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In the archive
Top programs

Top 20 programs shown on television, 1998–2009

Five-city metro average: 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
Sydney and Melbourne: 2000 | 1999 | 1998

Programs listed here include overseas as well as Australian titles, where relevant. Australian programs listed highlighted and in bold.

2009

Rank Title Network Total people ('000) Rating1
1 Masterchef Australia – The Winner Announced 10 3,726 25.6
2 Masterchef Australia – Finale Night 10 3,293 22.6
3 Ten's AFL Finals 2009 – Grand Final: St Kilda v Geelong 10 2,878 19.8
4 2009 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,673 18.4
5 Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (Episode 1) 9 2,582 17.7
6 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,528 17.4
7 2009 Grand Final Post-Match Presentation 10 2,448 16.8
8 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v QLD (1st Match) 9 2,322 16.0
9 Seven’s Tennis – 2009 Australian Open – Day 9 Night Session 7 2,316 15.9
10 Seven’s Tennis – 2009 Australian Open – Men's Final 7 2,246 15.4
11 Hey Hey Reunion Special (Episode 2) 9 2,213 15.2
12 Hey Hey Reunion Special (Episode 1) 9 2,149 14.8
13 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v QLD (2nd Match) 9 2,134 14.7
14 Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities 9 2,127 14.6
15 20/20 – Australia v South Africa (Game 2) 9 2,123 14.6
16 The Biggest Loser (Australia) – The Winner Announced 10 2,094 14.4
17 20/20 – Australia v South Africa 9 2,039 14.0
18 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v QLD (3rd Match) 9 1,907 13.1
19 Packed to the Rafters 7 1,872 12.9
20 The Biggest Loser (Australia) – Finale Night 10 1,798 12.4

Source: OzTAM; compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2009, program average.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.
1. Rating is equal to TARP (Target Audience Rating Point).

Top

2008

In 2008, coverage of the Beijing Olympic Games accounted for ten of the top 20 programs. For comparison with previous years, an alternative list has been provided that excludes Olympic programs.

Including Olympics
Rank Title Network Total people ('000) Rating1
1 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Opening Ceremony 7 2,824 19.8
2 Seven’s AFL – Grand Final: Geelong v Hawthorn 7 2,491 17.5
3 Seven’s AFL – Grand Final: Presentations 7 2,468 17.3
4 Seven’s Tennis – 2008 Australian Open – Men’s Final 7 2,447 17.2
5 2008 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,272 16.0
6 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 9 Primetime 7 2,226 15.6
7 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 1 Primetime 7 2,215 15.6
8 Seven’s Tennis – 2008 Australian Open – Men’s Final Presentation 7 2,207 15.5
9 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v Qld (3rd Match) 9 2,145 15.1
10 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 5 Primetime 7 2,131 15.0
11 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 4 Primetime 7 2,112 14.8
12 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 2 Primetime 7 2,093 14.7
13 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v Qld (1st Match) 9 2,092 14.7
14 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 11 Primetime 7 2,090 14.7
15 State of Origin Rugby League – Qld v NSW (2nd Match) 9 2,084 14.6
16 20/20 Cricket – Australia v India 9 2,077 14.6
17 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,051 14.4
18 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 10 Primetime 7 2,043 14.4
19 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 12 Primetime 7 2,038 14.3
20 Seven’s Beijing Olympics – Day 3 Primetime 7 2,015 14.2
Excluding Olympics
Rank Title Network Total people ('000) Rating1
1 Seven’s AFL – Grand Final: Geelong v Hawthorn 7 2,491 17.5
2 Seven’s AFL – Grand Final: Presentations 7 2,468 17.3
3 Seven’s Tennis – 2008 Australian Open – Men’s Final 7 2,447 17.2
4 2008 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,272 16.0
5 Seven’s Tennis – 2008 Australian Open – Men’s Final Presentation 7 2,207 15.5
6 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v Qld (3rd Match) 9 2,145 15.1
7 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v Qld (1st Match) 9 2,092 14.7
8 State of Origin Rugby League – Qld v NSW (2nd Match) 9 2,084 14.6
9 20/20 Cricket – Australia v India 9 2,077 14.6
10 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,051 14.4
11 Seven’s AFL – Grand Final: Post-Match 7 2,009 14.1
12 Packed to the Rafters 7 1,938 13.6
13 The Biggest Loser – Finale 10 1,896 13.3
14 So You Think You Can Dance – The Winner Announced 10 1,877 13.2
15 So You Think You Can Dance – Finale Night 10 1,832 12.9
16 So You Think You Can Dance – Audition 1 10 1,830 12.9
17 Find My Family 7 1,803 12.7
18 Carols by Candlelight 9 1,784 12.5
19 Underbelly 9 1,707 12.0
20 The Zoo (Tuesday) 7 1,688 11.9

Source: OzTAM; compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2008, program average.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.
1. Rating is equal to TARP (Target Audience Rating Point).

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2007

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating1
1 Ten’s AFL Finals 2007 – Grand Final: Geelong v Port Adelaide 10 2,563 18.2
2 Seven’s Tennis – 2007 Australian Open – Men's Final 7 2,442 17.4
3 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,422 17.2
4 2007 Grand Final Wrap-Up (AFL) 10 2,387 17.0
5 Seven’s Tennis – 2007 Australian Open – Men's Final Presentation 7 2,344 16.7
6 20/20 Match: Australia v England 9 2,306 16.4
7 Dancing with the Stars (Series 6 Grand Final) 7 2,199 15.6
8 2007 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,191 15.6
9 Kath & Kim 7 2,127 15.1
10 The Biggest Loser (Finale) 10 2,023 14.4
11 State of Origin Rugby League – Qld v NSW (1st Match) 9 2,020 14.4
12 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW v Qld (2nd Match) 9 1,961 14.0
13 2007 Grand Final Pre-Match (AFL) 10 1,913 13.6
14 Big Brother – The Winner Announced 10 1,902 13.5
15 State of Origin Rugby League – Qld v NSW (3rd Match) 9 1,890 13.4
16 One Day Cricket – Australia v New Zealand (Game 5 Session 2) 9 1,864 13.3
17 Thank God You’re Here (Series 3) 10 1,860 13.2
18 One Day Cricket – Australia v England (Game 1 Session 2) 9 1,846 13.1
19 The Force: Behind the Line (Monday) 7 1,845 13.1
20 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line 7 1,828 13.0

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2007, program average.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.
1. Rating is equal to TARP (Target Audience Rating Point)

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2006

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating1
1 Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games – Opening Ceremony 9 3,561 25.5
2 Ten’s AFL Finals – 2006 Grand Final: Sydney v West Coast 10 3,145 22.5
3 The Great Escape 9 2,790 20.0
4 Australian Open 2006 – Men’s Final 7 2,748 19.7
5 Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games – Closing Ceremony 9 2,736 19.6
6 Dancing with the Stars (Series 4 Grand Final) 7 2,665 19.1
7 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,553 18.3
8 Terri Irwin: The Exclusive Interview 9 2,516 18.0
9 2006 Grand Final Wrap Up (AFL) 10 2,501 17.9
10 The Biggest Loser (Finale) 10 2,310 16.5
11 2006 FIFA World Cup – Italy v Australia SBS 2,297 16.5
12 2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,272 16.3
13 2006 Grand Final Pre Match (AFL) 10 2,271 16.3
14 TV Week Logie Awards Arrivals 9 2,260 16.2
15 Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games – Opening Ceremony Countdown 9 2,229 16.0
16 2006 FIFA World Cup – Australia v Japan SBS 2,199 15.8
17 Australian Idol – The Winner Announced 10 2,189 15.7
17= Dancing with the Stars (Series 4) 7 2,189 15.7
19 20/20 Match: Australia v South Africa 9 2,179 15.6
20 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line 7 2,119 15.2

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2006, program average.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.
1. Rating is equal to TARP (Target Audience Rating Point).

Top

2005

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating1
1 Seven’s Tennis – 2005 Australian Open Finals – Day 14: Men’s Final 7 4,043 29.3
2 Ten’s AFL Finals – 2005 Grand Final: Sydney v West Coast 10 3,386 24.5
3 2005 Grand Final Wrap Up (AFL) 10 2,981 21.6
4 2005 Grand Final Pre Match (AFL) 10 2,593 18.8
5 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,563 18.5
6 2005 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,506 18.1
7 Seven’s Tennis – 2005 Australian Open Finals – Day 14: Men’s Final – Pre 7 2,486 18.0
8 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Australia v Uruguay SBS 2,484 18.0
9 Seven’s Tennis – 2005 Australian Open – Day 12: Night Session 7 2,466 17.8
10 Dancing with the Stars (Grand Final) 7 2,340 16.9
11 Seven’s Tennis – 2005 Australian Open – Day 8: Night Session 7 2,297 16.6
12 Desperate Housewives (Finale) 7 2,290 16.6
13 Big Brother – The Winner Announced 10 2,282 16.5
14 Dancing with the Stars (Series 3 Grand Final) 7 2,224 16.1
16 TV Week Logie Awards Arrivals 9 2,147 15.5
15 Desperate Housewives 7 2,147 15.5
17 Da Kath & Kim Code ABC 2,101 15.2
18 Lost (Finale) 7 2,083 15.1
19 One Day Cricket – Asia v Rest of the World (Session 2) 9 2,082 15.1
20 Everybody Loves Raymond (Finale) 10 2,066 14.9

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes: All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2005, program average.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.
1. Rating is equal to TARP (Target Audience Rating Point).

Top

2004

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating
1 Australian Idol – The Final Verdict 10 3,344 24.5
2 Big Brother – The Winner Announced 10 2,864 21.0
3 Ten’s AFL Finals – 2004 Grand Final: Port Adelaide v Brisbane 10 2,796 20.5
4 Seven News (Sunday) 7 2,556 18.7
5 2004 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,471 18.1
6 Seven’s Athens Olympics – Opening Ceremony 7 2,304 16.9
7 The Block: The Auction 9 2,276 16.7
8 46th Annual TV Week Logie Awards 9 2,274 16.7
9 Friends 9 2,273 16.6
10 National Nine News (Sunday) 9 2,178 16.0
11 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 9 2,154 15.8
12 Dancing with the Stars (Final) 7 2,120 15.5
13 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,107 15.4
14 Survivor All-Stars 9 2,054 15.0
15 CSI: Miami 9 2,049 15.0
16 Kath & Kim (Series 3) ABC 2,015 14.8
17 The 4400 (Part 1) 10 1,998 14.6
18 60 Minutes 9 1,970 14.4
19 Cold Case 9 1,926 14.1
20 Queer Eye for the Straight Guy 10 1,880 13.8

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes: All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2004.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

Top

2003

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating
1 2003 Rugby World Cup – Final: Australia v England 7 4,016 29.7
2 Australian Idol – The Final Verdict 10 3,300 24.4
3 The Block – The Auction 9 3,115 23.0
4 Ten's AFL Finals – 2003 Grand Final: Collingwood v Brisbane 10 2,966 21.9
5 Cricket World Cup 2003 – Final: Australia v India (Session 1) 9 2,465 18.2
6 National Nine News (Sunday) 9 2,420 17.9
7 World Idol – Performance Show 10 2,401 17.7
8 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,352 17.4
9 Big Brother – Final Eviction 10 2,267 16.8
10 2003 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,244 16.6
11 Backyard Blitz 9 2,197 16.2
12 Kath & Kim (Series 2) ABC 2,154 15.9
13 60 Minutes 9 2,096 15.5
14 Location, Location 9 2,081 15.4
15 Friends 9 2,041 15.1
16 TV Week Logies Red Carpet Arrivals 9 2,306 15.1
17 Room for Improvement (Tuesday) 7 2,026 15.0
18 Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 2,022 14.9
19 Carols by Candlelight 9 1,986 14.7
20 Test Australia – The National Driving Test 9 1,948 14.4

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2003.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

Top

2002

A program testing the intelligence of Australians (The National IQ Test) was the top-rating program in 2002. This is the first time sport has not been no. 1 since Seinfeld was the top program in 1998.

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating
1 Test Australia – The National IQ Test 2002 9 2,779 20.9
2 World Cup Soccer Final 9 2,702 20.3
3 Ten's AFL Finals – 2002 Grand Final: Collingwood v Brisbane 10 2,626 19.8
4 2002 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup: The Race 7 2,503 18.8
5 Friends 9 2,410 18.1
6 Ten News First at Five (Sunday) 10 2,400 18.1
7 Big Brother – Final Eviction 10 2,301 17.3
8 National Nine News (Sunday) 9 2,260 17.0
9 Celebrity Big Brother for Charity Opening Night 10 2,250 16.9
10 NRL Grand Final Day – Grand Final 9 2,177 16.4
11 XVII Commonwealth Games – Day 5 (primetime) 7 2,156 16.2
12 60 Minutes 9 2,151 16.2
13 Backyard Blitz 9 2,136 16.1
14 Michael Jackson's Face 9 2,126 16.0
15 All Aussie Adventures 10 2,119 15.9
16 9/11 7 2,080 15.7
17 Room for Improvement (Tuesday) 7 2,055 15.5
18 Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 2,044 15.4
19 One Day Cricket – Australia v South Africa 9 2,036 15.3
20 Malcolm in the Middle 9 2,008 15.1

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2002.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

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2001

Rank Title Network Total people (‘000) Rating
1 Wimbledon – Day 14 9 3,036 23.2
2 Big Brother (Finale) 10 2,789 21.3
3 AFL Grand Final: Essendon vs Brisbane Lions 7 2,604 19.9
4 Friends 9 2,541 19.4
5 FINA World Swimming Championships – Day 8 9 2,507 19.1
6 43rd Annual TV Week Logie Awards 9 2,409 18.4
7 60 Minutes 9 2,343 17.9
8 Backyard Blitz 9 2,324 17.7
9 Survivor II: Australian Outback – The Final Vote 9 2,254 17.2
10 Popstars 7 2,225 17.0
11 World Cup Soccer Qualifier: Australia vs Uruguay 7 2,221 16.9
12 Seven News (Saturday) 7 2,211 16.9
13 Our House – Memories of Shirl 9 2,194 16.7
14 E.R. 9 2,181 16.6
15 National Nine News (Sunday) 9 2,151 16.4
16 The Weakest Link – Special 7 2,103 16.0
17 Rugby League Grand Final 9 2,097 16.0
18 Always Greener 7 2,065 15.7
19 Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 2,054 15.7
20 All Saints 7 2,023 15.4

Source: OzTAM; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
All people, five-city metro average, 1 January to 31 December 2001.
Ranked by rating. Programs with the same rating are ranked by unrounded total number of people viewing, if known.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only. See Archive: Top 20 series 1998-2003 for top titles based on average rating across the series.
Although not identified as such, the screening listed may be a repeat screening of the program. Repeats are indicated when known.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

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2000

Sydney television
Rank Title Station Rating
1 Olympics
– Closing Ceremony
– Opening Ceremony		 7
68.1
67.7
2 Paralympics – Opening Ceremony ABC 49.2
3 Swimming – Selection Trials – Day 3 9 35.2
4 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW vs Qld (2nd Match) 9 34.0
5 Seachange ABC 32.4
6 Rugby League – NRL Grand Final 9 32.4
7 Better Homes and Gardens Lends a Hand Special 7 32.2
8 E.R. 9 30.8
9 Air Force One 7 30.4
10 Cricket – One Day International – Australia vs Pakistan 9 30.0
10= Renovation Rescue 2 9 30.0
12 Blue Heelers 7 29.8
13 RPA 9 28.9
14 My Best Friend’s Wedding 10 28.6
15 Burke’s Backyard – Hawaiian Special 9 28.5
16 Seven News 7 28.1
17 The Potato Factory (Part 2) 7 27.6
18 Welcome to 2001 9 26.9
19 Con Air 7 26.2
19= Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 26.2
Melbourne television
Rank Title Station Rating
1 Olympics
– Closing Ceremony
– Opening Ceremony		 7
71.5
65.5
2 AFL Grand Final 7 43.4
3 E.R. 9 36.6
4 The Castle 9 33.4
5 The Potato Factory (Part 1) 7 33.2
6 Con Air 7 32.3
7 Brownlow Medal Count 7 31.2
7= My Best Friend’s Wedding 10 31.2
9 Blue Heelers 7 30.9
10 TV Week Logie Awards 9 30.8
11 Carols by Candlelight 9 30.4
12 Swimming – Selection Trials – Day 4 9 30.2
13 Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 29.7
14 Seachange ABC 29.3
15 Renovation Rescue 2 9 29.1
16 The Footy Show 9 28.7
17 Air Force One 7 28.5
18 Tennis – Australian Open – Night 11 7 28.3
19 Cricket – One Day International – Australia vs Pakistan 9 28.1
20 Better Homes and Gardens Lends a Hand Special 7 27.8

Source: ACNielsen; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Household viewing, 1 January to 31 December 2000.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only. Comedy/sitcom programs or variety/reality programs have been omitted this year as highest-rating episode figures were not available. See Archive: Top 20 series 1998-2003 for top titles based on average rating across the series.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

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1999

Sydney television
Rank Title Station Rating
1 State of Origin Rugby League – NSW vs Qld (2nd match) 9 40.6
2 Friends 9 37.0
3 Cricket – World Cup Final: Australia vs Pakistan 9 34.1
3= Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 34.1
5 Swimming – Pan Pacific Championships – Day 5 9 33.6
6 Jesse 9 33.3
7 Seachange ABC 31.6
8 National Nine News 9 31.1
9 E.R. 9 30.7
9= Joan of Arc (Part 1) 7 30.7
11 Ally McBeal 7 30.3
12 A Current Affair 9 30.0
12= Blue Heelers 7 30.0
12= Hey Hey – The Final Episode 9 30.0
15 This is your Life 9 29.3
16 Water Rats 9 28.9
17 Getaway Presents: The Orient Express in Australia 9 28.7
18 The Birdcage 7 28.5
18= The Practice 7 28.5
18= Walking with Dinosaurs ABC 28.5
Melbourne television
Rank Title Station Rating
1 The Castle 9 39.9
2 Friends 9 38.9
3 Cricket – World Cup Final: Australia vs Pakistan 9 38.3
4 Hey Hey – The Final Episode 9 37.5
5 Blue Heelers 7 35.6
6 Jesse 9 33.2
7 John Farnham 50th Birthday Concert 9 32.9
8 Who Wants to be a Millionaire 9 32.8
9 National Nine News 9 32.6
10 Seven Nightly News 7 32.5
11 Dating the Enemy 7 32.4
12 Brownlow Medal Count 7 32.0
13 This is your Life 9 31.1
14 RPA 9 30.8
15 E.R. 9 30.2
16 The Footy Show – AFL Grand Final Edition 9 29.9
17 Seachange ABC 29.7
18 TV Week Logie Awards 9 29.5
19 Ally McBeal 7 29.0
20 Home Improvement 7 28.8

Source: ACNielsen; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Household viewing, 1 January to 31 December 1999.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only. See Archive: Top 20 series 1998-2003 for top titles based on average rating across the series.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

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1998

Sydney television
Rank Title Station Rating
1 Seinfeld 10 40.6
2 Commonwealth Games – Day 7 (mid evening) 9 38.2
3 Friends 9 37.3
4 Veronica’s Closet 9 34.2
5 Merlin (Part 2) 9 33.5
5= State of Origin Rugby League – NSW vs Qld (3rd Match) 9 33.5
7 Blue Heelers 7 33
8 The Shawshank Redemption 9 32.7
9 Day of the Roses (Part 2) 10 31.9
10 Water Rats 9 31.7
11 Babe 7 31.5
12 Annual Academy Awards 9 31
12= Suddenly Susan 9 31
14 Diana: Secrets behind the Crash 9 30.8
15 Cricket – One Day International Third Final: Australia vs South Africa 9 30.3
16 E.R. 9 30.1
17 Die Hard with a Vengeance 9 29.8
18 The Nanny 10 29.5
19 National Nine News 9 29.3
20 Ally McBeal 7 29.2
Melbourne television
Rank Title Station Rating
1 Commonwealth Games – Day 7 (mid evening) 9 41.1
2 Friends 9 40.5
3 Seinfeld 10 39.3
4 Blue Heelers 7 36.3
5 Merlin (Part 2) 9 35.9
6 Live and Kicking 7 35
7 The Shawshank Redemption 9 34.4
8 Veronica’s Closet 9 33.7
9 Suddenly Susan 9 33.6
10 TV Week Logie Awards 9 33.4
11 Water Rats 9 32.3
12 Day of the Roses (Part 1) 10 32
12= National Nine News 9 32
14 Ally McBeal 7 32
15 Die Hard with a Vengeance 9 31.9
16 This is your Life 9 31.3
17 Cricket – One Day International Third Final: Australia vs South Africa 9 31
18 E.R. 9 30.8
19 The Footy Show – AFL Grand Final Edition 9 29.7
19= Sixty Minutes – 20 Years 9 29.7

Source: ACNielsen; compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Household viewing, 1 January to 31 December 1998.
For series and multi-part sport events, figure is for highest-rating episode or part only. See Archive: Top 20 series 1998-2003 for top titles based on average rating across the series.
Any comparison of ratings data should take into account that different methodology was used to compile top-program lists before January 2005 and that a different audience measurement system applied before January 2001. See About the data for more information, including definitions of terms.

Top