The finale of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was the highest-rated episode in more than 17 years, according to preliminary numers.
Also read: Bye Bye 'Oprah Winfrey Show': 8 Defining Moments
The episode received a 13.3 household rating in overnight metered markets, its best rating since the 13.4 for a Feb. 21, 1994 episode titled "People Shed Their Disguises." (Details on that episode are below.)
Ratings for Wednesday's finale did not include the St. Louis market, which pre-empted "Oprah" for storm coverage. The show will air in St. Louis today.
Also read: 'Oprah' Finale: Winfrey Recalls When She Was 'Just a Jheri Curl and a Bad Fur Coat'
Monday's episode received a 10.2 rating, and Tuesday's a 10.7, according to Nielsen.
The number of total viewers will not be available for two weeks.
So, you may ask: What was the episode that (preliminarily) seems to have out-rated the finale?
The shedding disguises episode (left) featured people parting with all sorts of methods of altering their appearances. It featured a makeup addict learning to make do with less, a man abandoning his toupee, and a woman who wore wigs giving them up after 25 years.
We've searched unsuccessfully for video of the episode and will post it if we find it.
