 The episode first aired on January 11 , 1988 , receiving Nielsen ratings of 11 @.@ 5 million . It was the first new episode broadcast since the previous November , when 10 @.@ 3 million viewers watched " Haven " . " The Big Goodbye " received more viewers than the following episode " Datalore " , which also had only 10 @.@ 3 million viewers . In recognition of its " new standard of quality for first @-@ run syndication " , the episode was honored with a Peabody Award in 1987 . " The Big Goodbye " was also nominated for two Emmy Awards in the categories of Outstanding Cinematography for a Series and Outstanding Costumes for a Series , with costume designer William Ware Theiss winning the award in the latter category . 
