'Mad Men' Season 5 finale a ratings hit

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NEW YORK, June 11 (UPI) -- AMC says an average of 2.6 million viewers tuned in for Sunday night's Season 5 finale of its New York-set drama "Mad Men."

The program about the owners and employees of a 1960s-era advertising firm was the highest rated finale in the series' history, the cable network said.

"[Writer-producer] Matthew Weiner and his remarkable team have again delivered a season of television beyond compare. We couldn't be more proud of this program and the brilliant writers, cast and crew that bring it to life," Charlie Collier, AMC's president, said in a statement Monday. "As in each season prior, Season 5 is now 'Mad Men's' most-watched season, an uncommon television growth record and a testament to the ongoing quality and uniqueness of this rare property. I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the record live-same-day Nielsen ratings that gain so much attention are only a small part of the 'Mad Men' success story. Congratulations to the entire 'Mad Men' team on another terrific season."

"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," said Weiner.