| 100% | IDOL | 4 | "American ___" (show that launched Kelly Clarkson's and Carrie Underwood's careers) |
| 66% | IDOL | 4 | Show that launched Kelly Clarkson's career, familiarly |
| 46% | IDOLS | 5 | Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, for two |
| 44% | IDOL | 4 | Show that launched Clay Aiken's singing career, familiarly |
| 42% | SNL | 3 | Sketch show that launched 40-Across's career, in short |
| 41% | SNL | 3 | Show that's launched many film careers: Abbr. |
| 41% | IDOL | 4 | Show that made Kelly Clarkson famous, for short |
| 40% | IDOL | 4 | "American ___" (reality show competition that Kelly Clarkson won) |
| 38% | SNL | 3 | Show that launched Eddie Murphy and Chevy Chase, for short |
| 36% | IDOL | 4 | "Title" for Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood |
| 36% | CMA | 3 | Awards show co-hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood since 2008, for short |
| 36% | IDOL | 4 | Former title for Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood |
| 35% | IDOL | 4 | Reality show that Kelly Clarkson won in 2002, for short |
| 32% | FLOSS | 5 | American invention that is essentially a string and always a dentist's suggestion |
| 32% | THEM | 4 | British Invasion band that launched Van Morrison's career |
| 31% | CMA | 3 | ___ Awards (show hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood this year): Abbr. |
| 31% | AIRPLANE | 8 | 1980 aviation disaster spoof that launched Leslie Nielsen's comedy career |
| 30% | IDOLS | 5 | Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia |
| 30% | CSI | 3 | Show that originally starred William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger |
| 29% | NIGHTLIVE | 9 | "Saturday ___," American live variety show that is regarded as one of the best, and is in its 43rd season: 2 wds. |
| 28% | GLEE | 4 | Show that featured Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel |
| 28% | CSI | 3 | TV show that spawned an exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry |
| 28% | SCTV | 4 | Comedy show that once featured John Candy and Martin Short |
| 28% | CSI | 3 | CBS show that originally starred William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger |
| 28% | IDOL | 4 | "American ___" (show first won by Kelly Clarkson) |
| 28% | CSI | 3 | Show that had "Cyber" and "Miami" spin-offs |
| 28% | ELM | 3 | American ___ (shade tree that's the state tree of North Dakota and Massachusetts) |
| 28% | DUMMY | 5 | American invention that looks like a mannequin and is central to crash tests |
| 28% | SNL | 3 | NBC show that once featured Mike Myers and Chris Rock: Abbr. |
| 28% | SNL | 3 | NBC show that has a repertory cast and featured players: Abbr. |