Update: Monday’s hourlong “How I Met Your Mother” series finale narrowly topped the season seven premiere to set an all-time ratings high.
The episode, which aired on CBS from 8-9PM, posted a 5.4 adults 18-49 rating with 13.13 million viewers. It was the top-rated program on network television.
The series premiere of “Friends with Better Lives,” which followed the “HIMYM” finale, disappointed with a mere 2.6 and 7.63 million viewers. “Mom” followed with a soft 2.2 and 7.27 million, while “Intelligence” wrapped its run on the strength of a 1.2 and 5.55 million.
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It was not a legitimate television “event.” It was not a defining moment in television ratings history. But it did garner a series high household rating according to overnight metered market data.
The “How I Met Your Mother” series finale, which aired Monday night to scathing reviews from fans and critics, posted an 8.6 overnight household rating. While there is no guarantee the same will be true of the adults 18-49 and total viewership numbers, the overnight household number ranks as the show’s best-ever.
The mark previously belonged to the second half of the season seven premiere, which drew an 8.3 overnight number on September 19, 2011.
That episode, which aired on the same night as Ashton Kutcher’s “Two and a Half Men” debut, ended up posting a 5.2 adults 18-49 rating with 12.2 million viewers.
“Friends with Better Lives,” which led out of “HIMYM,” underwhelmed with a 5.1 overnight rating. “Mom” followed with a 4.8, while “Intelligence” closed out its season with a 3.9.
