'Breaking Bad' hits rankings high

The growing season finale of AMC's "Breaking Bad" came 1.9 million audiences overall with another million tuning set for encore presentations, capping the series' most-viewed season up to now. Viewership for "Breaking Bad" rose 24% in season four in comparison to season three -- a rise that, based on Nielsen, may be the greatest for just about any 4th-season drama in fundamental cable history. Gains with a minimum of 20% were observed in the 18-49 and 25-54 demos, having a 42% increase coming among audiences 18-34. From the 2.9 million audiences who viewed "Breaking Bad" on Sunday, 1.9 million were within the 18-49 demo. Series creator Vince Gilligan professional produces "Breaking Bad" with Mark Manley and Michele MacLaren. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com