Ratings Report: Death Become Grey's Anatomy Finale

Their deaths may have been emotionally manipulative, but the (likely) passing of both George and Izzie was also a ratings bonanza for Grey's Anatomy.

The season-five finale shocked 17.5 million with its finale. Overall, the series averaged a night-best 16.4 million from 9 to 11 p.m.

Among other primetime pickings:

• The third season finale of 30 Rock was down one million eyeballs from its season average, earning 5.7 million viewers.

• Southland (4.6 million) saw a season low in viewers.

• Airing at 8 p.m., the conclusion to Bones' fourth-season earned 8.7 million viewers.

• All competition considered, Ugly Betty (6.8 million) did okay... and has next Thursday all to itself for its season finale

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.