For AMC, "Mad Men" has been a resounding success. And now the show has added another feather to its cap.
On the fifth season finale on Sunday night, 2.7 million viewers tuned in to see how Don, Peter, Joan, Roger et al dealt with the suicide of their colleague Lane Pryce, according to The Telegraph.
This season an average of 2.6 million people tuned in to each episode, an increase of 15 percent over the fourth season. It's rare for a show that's been around so long to draw additional viewers. Some credit the long stretch between seasons and the availability of previous seasons on DVD and Netflix for the increase.
The fifth season covered cheating spouses, LSD trips, fist fights, and other office politics.
The show's creator Matthew Weiner said in a statement about the ratings, "We make 'Mad Men' for the fans. My goal is to tell a compelling story and entertain people and it thrills me that people keep watching."
Photo Credits: AMC
'Mad Men's' Fifth Season Finale Drew Biggest Audience Ever
Cancer Survivor Kathryn Joosten Says Smokers On 'Mad Men' Set Bad Example
Two-time cancer survivor Kathryn Joosten is calling for "Mad Men" bosses to air a warning about the hazards of smoking before characters light up on the hit drama.
The "Desperate Housewives" star stamped out her 45-year smoking habit in 2001 after she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was told she had the deadly disease again last year and underwent surgery before being declared cancer-free in January.
The 70 year old admits she's worried that the characters in "Mad Men," about the advertising industry in 1960s New York, set a bad example for viewers by frequently puffing away on cigarettes.
And the actress is urging producers to address the issue with an official caution.
She tells EOnline.com, "I think they should at least have a disclaimer at the front of the show saying smoking is relevant to the time and place with the subject matter we're dealing with and it is not recommended because it causes cancer. They should at least do that."
Joosten also wants TV executives to pay for annual chest X-rays "for any member of the cast and crew who wants one."