‘Breaking Bad’ series finale ratings: Show reaches another high, nears ‘Walking Dead’ territory

The ratings for the “Breaking Bad” series finale are in, and it’s fair to say that these are almost as massive as you would have figured.

Overall, what we are looking at here is a massive viewership of 10.3 million, including around a 5.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The only scripted series to top this rating in the past week was “The Big Bang Theory” over on CBS, and it was second only to “Sunday Night Football” on the night. (Take that, premiere week!)

For AMC, this would be a record by a longshot were it not for the major success of another one of their shows in “The Walking Dead,” which broke its own records earlier this year with over 12 million viewers along with a 6.4 rating in the demo. You can only expect the zombie drama to see even higher ratings than ever before when it returns a week from Sunday, especially when you remember just how much promotion the show pulled in thanks to “Breaking Bad.”

As for another AMC series in “Low Winter Sun,” it’s beyond dead. While there is no official word yet on its fate, it is going to be one of the rare cable shows that will not see the light of day for another season. Its ratings have been atrocious, and that is with it airing after one of the most-popular series on TV. We’re just curious to see how the next new episode fares, given that there is no “Breaking Bad” to help hold it up.

What is your reaction to the “Breaking Bad” finale ratings? Surprised? Gleeful? Be sure to share below. Also, be sure to check out some of our other stories all about the finale, including a look behind the scenes at its production and also the full review we posted last night.

Photo: AMC