‘Dexter’ finale breaks ratings record for Showtime

The finale of “Dexter” is drawing mixed reaction from fans, but it was a ratings smash for Showtime.

The conclusion of the series about forensic investigator Dexter Morgan, who moonlights as a serial killer, was the show’s highest-rated telecast ever, and the largest viewership for an original episode in Showtime history.

The episode attracted 2.8 million viewers at its premiere telecast at 9 p.m., and 3.3 million viewers in repeat viewings later in the evening.

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The show’s eighth season was also the highest-rated season ever, with a weekly average of 6.4 million viewers across platforms.

Showtime also celebrated the performance of “Ray Donovan,” which ended its first season Sunday and ranks as the highest-rated freshman series in the premium network’s history. The finale drew 2.1 million viewers for the night, the best finale performance by a freshman series on Showtime.

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