'Downton Abbey' Season Finale Draws 5.4 Million Viewers

Episode is highest-rated PBS program since September 2009

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/23/2012 12:03:39 PM

PBS' buzzy period drama Downton Abbey concluded its second season on a high ratings note, averaging 5.4 million viewers for its finale on Sunday night.

The episode earned a 3.5 household rating, according to Nielsen fast national data, making it the highest-rated PBS program since the premiere of Ken Burns' National Parks in September 2009.

Overall, Downton Abbey's second season ratings were up 25% over its first and its audience doubled the PBS primetime average. This season also saw upticks in online viewing, with full episodes seeing 4.8 million views, an increase of 400% from season one.