* Rating Systems Vary: Different organizations (Nielsen, etc.) use different methodologies to measure viewership.
* Historical Data Limitations: Reliable, comprehensive ratings data from decades ago may not be easily accessible or available.
* "Off the Air" is Ambiguous: Did the show end its run on a high note, or was it canceled after a ratings decline? The timing of cancellation might not always coincide with a peak in ratings.
However, we can look at some notable examples of shows that ended their run on a high note:
* M*A*S*H (1983): This classic sitcom ended with the highest-rated TV episode in history (at the time).
* Seinfeld (1998): This iconic comedy ended its run with a strong final season and a much-watched finale.
* Friends (2004): The beloved sitcom ended its run with a very high viewership, though it had experienced some ratings decline towards the end.
It's important to remember that these examples represent a subjective view of what constitutes "going off the air at #1". There may be other shows that ended their run on a high note that aren't as widely recognized.
To find more information, you might try searching for:
* "Top-rated TV shows of [year]"
* "Final ratings for [show name]"
* "TV show cancellations [year]"
Good luck with your research!