'Breaking Bad' hits ratings high

The season finale of AMC's "Breaking Bad" drew 1.9 million viewers overall with another million tuning in for encore presentations, capping the series' most-watched season to date. Viewership for "Breaking Bad" rose 24% in season four compared to season three -- an increase that, according to Nielsen, is the biggest for any fourth-season drama in basic cable history. Gains of at least 20% were seen in the 18-49 and 25-54 demos, with a 42% increase coming among viewers 18-34. Of the 2.9 million viewers who watched "Breaking Bad" on Sunday, 1.9 million were in the 18-49 demo. Series creator Vince Gilligan exec produces "Breaking Bad" with Mark Johnson and Michele MacLaren. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com