'Dexter' finale makes off with killer ratings

"Dexter" made its biggest kill yet -- in the ratings.

Hardly any blood was shed during Sunday's third-season finale, but Dexter still came out ahead, not to mention married. The show attracted 1.5 million viewers at 9 p.m., a 48% jump from last season's finale and Showtime's highest rated telecast in 4 years.

An 11 p.m. encore drew another 491,000 viewers for a total haul of 2 million. That's the network's biggest nightly grab for a series episode since 2004.

Also wrapping its season Sunday was "Californication," which attracted 615,000 viewers at 10. Number reps a season high for the half-hour comedy. Both the series and star David Duchovny received Golden Globe nominations in the comedy and acting categories, respectively, Thursday. "Californication" was recently renewed for a third season.

-- Denise Martin

Related:
Complete coverage of "Dexter."
Complete coverage of "Californication."

Photo: Michael C. Hall is Dexter. Credit: Associated Press