NBC's Fear Factor set series ratings records last evening as the series' seven-episode couples competition came to an end with engaged couple Chris Jackson and Monica Gonzales of Bedford, Texas winning the program's $1,000,000 prize.
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According to preliminary according to "fast affiliate-based" in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, the Couples Fear Factor finale set new series records in both total viewers and the Adults 18-49 demographic -- breaking the records held by last week's penultimate episode of the contest.
Airing from 8-9:02 PM ET/PT, the Fear Factor finale drew 18.6 million overall viewers and a 8.4 rating, 21 share in adults 18-49. Not only were the numbers series highs, but they also represented NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the hour since 1996 (excluding Olympics). The last time NBC hit at least an 8.4 18-49 rating in the Monday 8-9 p.m. hour with anything other than an Olympics telecast was the night of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series finale (an 8.7) on May 20, 1996.
The program's 142th NBC telecast dominated the 8 PM ET/PT hour in all key ratings measures and doubled its nearest pursuer in the prized Adults 18-49 demographic.