It is impossible to give precise audience figures of the most watched shows of the 20th century in Australia, so this is an approximate ranking, originally compiled by David Dale for the Sydney Morning Herald, using estimates from ACNielsen.
1. Diana Spencer’s funeral 1997 (9, 7, 10, ABC)
2. Olympic opening and closing ceremonies 2000 (7)
3. Wedding of Charles and Diana 1981 (9, 7, 10, ABC)
4. Cathy Freeman’s Olympic gold run 2000 (7)
5. Olympic swimming events 2000 (7)
6. Olympic opening ceremony 1984 (10)
7. The Sound of Music 1977 (9)
8. Boxing: Rose v Rudkin 1969 (10)
9. The World Of The Seekers 1968 (9)
10. Roots mini-series 1977 (10)
11. Moon landing 1969 (9, 7, 10, ABC)
12. Royal Charity Concert 1980 (9)
13. AFL Grand Final 1996 (7)
14. The Seekers Down Under 1967 (7)
15. Olympics Day 7 1996 (7)
16. Commonwealth Games Day 7 1998
17. Olympics men’s 1500m swimming final 1996 (7)
18. Friends final 1998 (9)
19. Holocaust mini-series, 1978 (7)
20. Homicide 1972 (7)
