Any hope that Monday’s “24” series finale would play like an “event” in the ratings department had to be dashed by the lukewarm response to Sunday’s “Lost” closer, which was far more effectively promoted over the course of the season. Sure enough, “24” ended its creatively-brilliant eight-year-run on an uninspired ratings note.
The show’s two hour finale averaged a 2.8 adults 18-49 rating with 8.94 million viewers, which actually marks a slight decrease from last week’s hourlong episode despite less overall competition. The lack of a significant spike for the second hour is particularly unfortunate, as it reveals that casual fans and general television viewers did not even perceive the final moments of the show to be special.
“Law & Order”‘s historic run ended with even more disappointment; the show bowed out with a 1.9 adults 18-49 rating and 7.841 million viewers. Lead-in “Chuck” was also soft with a 1.8 and 5.009 million.
ABC’s final “Dancing with the Stars” performance show of the season scored a 4.0 with 19.362 million, while the premiere of “The Bachelorette” was good for a 2.8 and 9.083 million.
CBS’ comedies ended in solid territory–8PM occupants “How I Met Your Mother” and “Rules of Engagement” scored a 3.5/8.055 million and 3.2/8.100 million, respectively. At 9PM, “Two and a Half Men” led into “The Big Bang Theory” (15.017 million, 5.3) with a 5.0 and 15.460 million. “CSI: Miami” ended the year with a 3.3 and 12.379 million.
Source: Mediaweek
