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Written off as lowbrow by some critics, the show shot to the top of the Nielsen ratings shortly after its premiere and stayed there for several seasons.

During its first two seasons, it was the number one program in the U. S. During its second season, it earned some of the highest ratings ever recorded for a half-hour sitcom.

The season two episode " The Giant Jackrabbit " also became the most watched telecast up to the time of its airing, and remains the most watched half-hour episode of a sitcom as well.

The series enjoyed excellent ratings throughout its run, although it had fallen out of the top 20 most watched shows during its final season.