11.2 Million Viewers Make TNT's "The Closer" Basic Cable's Most-Watched Finale Ever

"Major Crimes" Premiere Climbs to 9.5 Million Viewers To Become Basic Cable's Biggest Series Launch Ever

TNT's The Closer, which set numerous audience records during its seven-season run, just added another one. Through time-shifted viewing, the Aug. 13 finale of the blockbuster series grew to a final tally of 11,212,000 viewers, making it the most-watched series finale in basic cable history. On a household basis, the finale scored a 7.2 national HH rating, making it the highest-rated series finale in cable history.

Meanwhile, the Aug. 13 premiere of TNT's new series Major Crimes climbed to 9,453,000 viewers, making it basic cable's biggest new series launch ever.

"As wonderful as it is to see The Closer claim yet another page in the record books, it's extremely gratifying that Major Crimes has taken its own place in cable history," said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

In setting basic cable's series-finale record with total viewers, The Closer surpassed the Dec. 4, 2009, finale of Monk, which delivered 10,622,000 viewers. In terms of household rating, The Closer now stands ahead of the series finales of The Sopranos (6.7 rating); Sex and the City (6.5) and Monk (6.1).

The record-setting audience for Major Crimes has overtaken previous high marks set by July 12, 2010, debut of TNT's Rizzoli & Isles (9,049,000 viewers) and the Sept. 1, 2008, premiere of TNT's Raising the Bar (8,560,000 viewers).

Among key demos, The Closer's finale garnered 2.7 million adults 18-49 and 3.6 million adults 25-54, while the premiere of Major Crimes drew 2.2 million adults 18-49 and 2.9 million adults 25-54.

Major Crimes recently finished summer as television's #1 new series, with a Live + Same Day average of 6.3 million viewers. That average will rise significantly as additional weeks of time-shifted viewing are added. Meanwhile, The Closer's six final episodes this summer scored an overall average of 8.7 million viewers, with 2.1 million adults 18-49 and 2.8 million adults 25-54 in Live + 7.

About TNT

TNT, one of the top-rated cable networks, is television's destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, TNT is home to such original drama series as Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies, Dallas, Perception, Major Crimes, Franklin & Bash, Leverage, Southland and the upcoming Monday Mornings. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like the upcoming Boston Blue (working title), 72 Hours (working title) and The Hero (working title). In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order and Castle, which starts this year; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards(R); blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.