#1 in the World

In the 1990s the most popular American television show exported to the rest of the world was Baywatch. The worldwide appeal of American beaches and beautiful people in their bathing suits made it the top program in dozens upon dozens of countries around the world.

Any idea what is currently the top American television show around the world? You may be surprised:


That’s right. CSI: Miami has become the highest rated program in countries such as Germany. In other countries it may not be the highest rated program overall but it is the highest rated American import.

I definitely found this surprising. I would have thought that the top U.S. programs would be the most popular. While American hits such as Lost and Desperate Housewives are popular around the world, CSI: Miami beats them nearly every time. Even the original CSI is often outrated by CSI: Miami, even though in the U.S. CSI: Miami is only the 12th ranked program in terms of ratings while the original CSI is #1.

If it was just the forensic mystery that was the top reason people watched, you would think that the original CSI would be the most popular. It is the addition of the sunny locale and sexy individuals that pushes CSI: Miami into the top position.

I wonder what sun drenched program will take over this top spot in the future.