'Big Bang Theory', 'Office', 'Vampire Diaries' finales underperform

Published May 11 2012, 17:52 BST  |  By Paul Millar

The Big Bang Theory was the best-rated show in a night (Thursday) that saw four scripted shows unexpectedly lose viewers for their respective finales.

CBS's Big Bang Theory grabbed 13.3m and a metered markets rating of 4.2 for its final episode of season five at 8pm, while The Vampire Diaries' third season climax attracted 2.5m (1.1) to The CW.

The Office (4.4m/2.2) and Parks and Recreation (3.5m/1.7) also recorded their lowest-watched finales in history.

American Idol's average of 15.1m (3.9) gave Fox the edge over CBS, which also aired Rules of Engagement (8.9m/2.7), Person of Interest (12.7m/2.6) and The Mentalist (12.4m/2.4) to solid ratings.

Grey's Anatomy anchored ABC's schedule with a slot-winning 9.6m (3.4) in the 9pm hour, while fellow dramas Missing (6.4m/1.1) and Scandal (6.5m/2.0) struggled either side of the medical series.

Meanwhile, Community and 30 Rock were steady for NBC in the 8pm hour, amusing 3.1m (1.4) and 2.9m (1.5) respectively. Awake nabbed 2.5m (0.9) later at 10pm.

The Secret Circle continued on a consistent path with 1.2m (0.5) for The CW at 9pm.