Parental ratings for TV programming is determined by broadcast and cable networks, on a voluntary basis. The current TV parental guidelines went into effect in 1997. The ratings vary from Y (appropriate for ages 2 and older) to MA for mature audiences only. Ratings are based on language, sexual innuendo/acts, violence, nudity, drug themes and much more.
A Hot Dog Program - 1999 TV is rated/received certificates of: USA:TV-G
Princess Protection Program - 2009 TV is rated/received certificates of: Australia:G Netherlands:AL Singapore:PG
The highest rated television program across all genres according to Deadline, is Sunday Night Football. As far as reality shows go, American Idol and the Voice are similar in most viewers. Modern Family is the most watched comedy program.
SUPERBOWL
Gunsmoke
A Program About Unusual Buildings and Other Roadside Stuff - 2004 TV is rated/received certificates of: USA:TV-G
I'd love it, if it were The Simpsons.
The Beverly Hillbillies
THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES
They hire the Nielsen Company to measure their viewership. Nielsen uses diaries and electonic boxes to measure ratings. (No, you cannot request it, Nielsen decides).
Bernard decides to build an SOS on the island.
Not counting sports programming, for the 2014-2015 fall season, Empire was the highest ranked program for the 18/49 demo & The Big Bang Theory was the highest viewed program.