Finale draws worst-ever ratings for "Survivor"

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS' two-hour "Survivor" finale and reunion show ranked as the lowest-rated in the reality series' history, continuing the run of series-low ratings drops that have plagued the broadcast networks this May sweep.

"Survivor" (13 million viewers, 4.4 preliminary adults 18 to 49 rating and a 12 share) was down 5 percent from the May 2007 finale, and the reunion special (10.8 million, 3.9/10) was down 13 percent. Nonetheless, the finale claimed the evening's No. 2 spot after ABC's "Desperate Housewives" (15.2 million, 5.5/14).

CBS edged out ABC in total viewers, but ABC won the night in the key demographic group.

Against the increased competition, "Housewives" fell 13 percent from the previous week. Lead-in "Extreme Makeover" (11.9 million, 4.0/11) was on par, while the season finale of "Brothers & Sisters" was up 5 percent (11 million, 4.0/10) and edged out the "Survivor" reunion special to win the hour.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter