'Lost' finale lowest-rated to date

ABC's "Lost" towered over competitors Thursday night but nonetheless was the show's lowest-rated finale to date.

Continuing the trend for scripted shows this year, "Lost" (12.2 million viewers, 4.9 preliminary adults 18-49 rating and a 13 share) was down 17% from last year's two-hour closer. Thursday night's episode also tied its previous telecast two weeks ago, which was billed as Part 1 of the finale. Part 1 re-aired last night at 8 p.m. (6.8 million, 2.1/7) to place second for the hour. ABC points out that "Lost" has won its time period every telecast this season.

The critic reviews were very positive. USA Today: "Whether we like where they're headed, we won't know until we get there -- but we just got one great step closer." Salon said the show had "the nuttiest final scene ever in a series finale -- the characters spent three seasons trying to get off the island and they're going to spend the next three trying to get back on?" Chicago Tribune: "I love that, no matter what, twitchy little Daniel Faraday never takes off his tie." Harold Perrineau says his character, Michael, was brought back to merely be punished.Plus some burning questions.

Fox was second with "So You Think You Can Dance" (9.4 million, 3.6/11) retaining its growth from Wednesday. CBS was third with repeats (averaging 7.3 million, 1.9/6). NBC was fourth, with repeats and the time-period premiere of "Last Comic Standing" (4.3 million, 1.9/5) falling 25% from last week's debut. The CW aired repeats (averaging 1.7 million, 0.6/2).

Comments

[dtorres]

"Lost" might not be everyone's cup of tea....but it's mine! I loved it! Every minute of it!

[Evan]

The ending was action packed and really strong. There wasn't anything that really surprised me like the flash forwards last time, but I turned off my TV happy. Going to be a long wait until next year though.

[Ithica]

That episode was weak sauce. Bring back Mr. Echo!

[DianeW]

It's too easy to see episodes on the web at any time or through taped or TIVO'd copies, so perhaps fans who couldn't watch it live will tune in later, which skews the ratings. I watched it live, but I don't think anyone counted me. :-\

[Leni]

Ratings seem to be meaningless if they don't include all the people who will watch it via VCR's or DVR's at a later time. Many people find the later hour hard to take. this show is the best thing on TV and has a loyal following. Can't wait for next season and this season's DVD's!

[Emmy]

Say what you will, but there is nothing like it on the tube! It's one of the few shows that I've followed since it's first episode without getting tired of it. I must admit, I tend to get nervous at the slightest hint that Sawyer might get axed. What on earth would we look at without this shirtless wonder?

[Jeff]

Don't overlook the most likely cause -- DVD!

With television shows packaged into DVD, the best way to watch a show is to sit down with the entire season. And LOST is a show that will most certainly have enormous success in that market. The length of time between seasons, the complexity of the storyline, and the fact that the audience is required to keep track of small details all contribute. The ratings are no longer a true reflection of an audience, because they don't take into account the time-shifting nature of the modern TV audience's schedule.

LOST will prove to be one of the most stunningly brilliant shows ever to have been made for television, regardless of its first-run audience. It's time for a new way to gauge viewership

[Danielle]

great finale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vova]

Lost season 4 is SUCKS.
I love season 1, 2, 3.
But season 4 - crap.