'Raymond' Gets Big Send-Off

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The series finale of “Everybody Loves Raymond” drew an estimated 32.2 million viewers, helping to pave the way for a Monday night CBS ratings rout.

Overall, CBS averaged a 15.7 rating/24 share, demolishing ABC, which got a small boost from the finale of “The Bachelor.” FOX was third with a 5.7/9, with NBC’s 4.8/7 only enough for fourth. The WB scored a 3.1/5, edging the 2.6/4 for UPN.

A special “Everybody Loves Raymond” tribute easily won the 8 p.m. hour, giving CBS a 15.0/24. ABC took second with the first hour of “The Bachelor” finale. NBC’s movie “Hercules” started off with a 5.1/8, but the film never improved on those numbers. FOX’s “Nanny 911” had a 4.7/8, topping the 3.4/5 for The WB’s “7th Heaven.” UPN brought up the rear with “One on One” and “Cuts.”

CBS padded its lead at 9 p.m. with the “Raymond” finale (19.7/29) and “Two and a Half Men” (15.2/22). ABC’s “Bachelor” posted a 6.9/10, just ahead of the 6.8/10 for FOX’s “24.” NBC’s “Hercules” finished fourth. On The WB, “Everwood” took fifth, beating the 2.8/4 managed by “Girlfriends” and “Half & Half” on UPN.

“CSI: Miami” scored a 14.8/23 to close out CBS’ Monday victory. The conclusion of “The Bachelor” posted an 8.1/13 for ABC. NBC finished third with the conclusion of “Hercules.”

Credit: Zap2It