![CBS' 'Big Bang Theory' will end its primetime run in 2019. - [Big Bang Theory / YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/12/30/660x290/b_502x220x82/cbs-big-bang-theory-will-end-its-primetime-run-in-2019-image-via-big-bang-theoryyoutube-screencap_2172979.jpg "CBS' 'Big Bang Theory' will end its primetime run in 2019. - [Big Bang Theory / YouTube screencap]")
The past year in television brought about a controversy, laughs, surprises, and sports fun. Below are the top five primetime television shows in terms of average viewers.
'Roseanne' (ABC)
The return of "Roseanne" to primetime was a major win, at first. It had more than 18 million viewers, and it looked like Roseanne Barr was back to dominate the sitcom world. However, her racist remarks about former President Barack Obama's adviser, Valeri Jarrett, led to her firing. A continuation of the series, called "The Connors" is back in place of "Roseanne" for the rest of the cast.
Thanks for joining us this season! All-new episodes of #Roseanne return this fall! pic.twitter.com/Y6ZP9nr2rF
— Roseanne on ABC (@RoseanneOnABC) May 23, 2018
NBC 'Sunday Night Football' (NBC)
NBC's "Sunday Night Football" usually features some great matchups and viewers tuned in frequently. The Week 14 game had an estimated 19.4 million viewers who watched the Chicago Bears pick up a defensive win over the Los Angeles Rams. They'll end the season with a big game involving the Colts and Titans for a trip to the playoffs.
It's win or go home for the @Colts and @Titans. pic.twitter.com/wP1LQCjXAH
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 29, 2018
'The Big Bang Theory' (CBS)
Everyone's favorite nerdy sitcom will finally say its goodbyes in 2019 after a lengthy run on CBS. It claimed the third overall spot for the past year, with 18.3 million viewers. It should be interesting to see what's next for Sheldon, Penny, and the rest of "TBBT" crew.
As you get ready to cozy up and watch your favorite shows, we've got the details on what you can expect from the next new episode of The #BigBangTheory: https://t.co/sDISEhgN2C pic.twitter.com/gkJnF5PU0x
— The Big Bang Theory (@bigbangtheory) December 28, 2018
'NCIS' (CBS)
The Naval Criminal Investigation Service folks are continuing to solve crimes or prevent terrorist activities throughout the TV year. The original series brought in an average of 16.6 million viewers.
Millions of #NCIS viewers can tell you those three little words often heard Tuesday nights just after 8pm, but what does "Grab your gear" actually mean? The show's technical advisor spills all: https://t.co/BoAdm5arkP pic.twitter.com/uLQYYHkZLs
— NCIS (@NCIS_CBS) December 27, 2018
'This Is Us' (NBC)
NBC's popular drama, starring Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, continues to bring viewers all sorts of emotions. However, it also keeps bringing them back, no matter what happens. It had 16.3 million average viewers to claim the fifth spot for the year.
We're a team. Now and always. #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/u5rop08Jpl
— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) December 30, 2018
