Mixed Ratings for U.S. Series Finales

LOS ANGELES: FOX’s 24 came to a close after eight seasons last night with 8.9 million viewers, while NBC’s Law & Order took in 7.6 million and Lost‘s series finale on Sunday delivered 13.5 million viewers.

The early numbers from Nielsen don’t include DVR viewership, which is set to give the shows a ratings boost.

24, FOX’s action thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland, came to an end with largely positive reviews. It was up against stiff competition, with the first part of the Dancing with the Stars finale on ABC and a strong comedy block on CBS. (For a look back the the Emmy-winning series, read World Screen‘s interviews with creators Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran. Our archives also include the transcript of a 2003 panel at the Monte Carlo TV Festival featuring the show’s cast.) A feature film to continue the 24 story line is in the works.

ABC’s Lost wrapped its six-season run on Sunday night with 13.5 million viewers and mixed reactions from fans. And Law & Order concluded its historic 20 season run last night on NBC with about 7.6 million viewers. This fall, NBC is due to premiere a new spin-off, Law & Order: Los Angeles.