'Duck Dynasty' Finale Sets Ratings Record for A&E

Wednesday's episode becomes net's top telecast ever with 6.5 million viewers

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/7/2012 10:59:04 AM

The season finale of A&E's Duck Dynasty drew a record-breaking 6.5 million viewers Wednesday night, becoming the network's most-watched telecast ever.

The one-hour episode also drew A&E's biggest audiences ever among all key demos, averaging 3.9 million adults 18-49, 3.8 million adults 25-54 and 2 million adults 18-34.

Duck Dynasty, which is up more than 100% in all demos over its first season average, was the top-rated primetime show on cable or broadcast on Wednesday among adults 18-49 and 18-34.

The series will return with new episodes in early 2013.