* "ER" was a medical drama that aired on NBC from 1994 to 2009. In 1998, it was in its fifth season and remained a top-rated show with a loyal audience.
* "Friends" was a sitcom, but it's worth mentioning because it was incredibly popular and drew a massive audience during its 10-year run. While technically a comedy, it often featured dramatic elements and storylines.
Other contenders for the title of "most popular drama" in 1998 might include:
* "The X-Files": This sci-fi drama was in its sixth season and continued to be a cultural phenomenon.
* "Law & Order": This long-running procedural was in its ninth season and consistently delivered strong ratings.
* "Touched by an Angel": This drama about guardian angels drew a large audience and was consistently ranked among the top-rated shows.
Ultimately, it's impossible to definitively say which drama was the "most popular" in 1998. It depends on what metrics you're using to define "popularity." However, "ER" and "Friends" were both incredibly popular and influential shows during that time.