'The Oprah Winfrey Show' Finale Takes Ratings Back to the Golden Age

By AOL TV Editors Posted May 26th 2011 04:45PM

It seems Oprah Winfrey's message of love and self-acceptance during the final episode of her talk show was enough to boost yesterday's goodbye to the top of the ratings.

Despite the fact that none of the multitude of celebrities present at the taping in Chicago's United Center actually appeared during the episode, during which Winfrey looked back on her 25 years on television, the last installment of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' scored a major 13.3 household rating.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, that's the biggest audience for a single episode since 1994. For a show that's been on the air for two and a half decades, that's a pretty respectable way to go out. The previous record-holder: a Feb. 21, 1994 show called 'People Shed Their Disguises,' "during which Winfrey convinced guests to stop hiding behind questionable style and grooming choices," THR reports.

The total number of viewers who tuned in will be reported in two weeks. In the meantime, fill your 'Oprah' void with some of the highlights from O's final year on air.

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Tags: finale, oprah winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show

Comments

(19)

Thursday 26 May

By Bob

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So many people watched just to see her go! Good riddance!

By elvisfan2k

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Thank you, Miss Winfrey, for so many years of dedication, education, information, entertainment and love!
Your legacy will leave forever!
I know we will all be meeting with you again soon and you will be doing greater things!
Thank you for your humility in giving God all the glory!
May He continuously and abundantly bless you and keep you in His loving care!

Sorry, I meant "live" and not "leave"
I apologize for the mispelling

Friday 27 May

By Barbara

Shut Up Bob

Thank you, Miss Winfrey, for so many years of dedication, education, information, entertainment and love!
Your legacy will live forever!
I know we will all be meeting with you again soon and you will be doing greater things!
Thank you for your humility in giving God all the glory!
May He continuously and abundantly bless you and keep you in His loving care!

By KS.

Good grief..this woman is JUST a T.V. personality, not a saint. She had her day in the sun. So glad she is finally moving on...

By pat

get out much? your one of the fish the fat pig hooked. idiot.

By Mike

I don't care for daytime talk shows so don't really care if she is gone of not, but you have to admire the woman's drive and ambition. American success story.

By Hbowman

I didn't watch Opera every day, but I did watch her final show and when it was over I felt a definite sense of loss. The woman had been a part of my life - all our lives actually - for 25 yeras and suddenly she was gone. I didn't know I'd feel that way, but I did. I admire her grately.

To KS: You are right: she is not a saint, but we have to recognize that she has given to this country (and the world) much more than a lot of politicians could have done!

LOL..ok, if you say so..LOL!!!!

Friday 03 June

By Frank

I heard Oprah will be subbing for Jerry Springer soon.

By celmayster

See ya O.. Wont miss Ya. Your ending show - the snippits I heard wanted to make me barf.. The only reason you got the live audience was the give aways, who could stand it in person otherwise?

By dc walker

She made millions and could have just lived her life in private but she gave back; the Angel Network, the schlarships, the school for girls in Africa that will continue to educate women who in turn will better South Africa. You may not agree with her politics or religious views but she was genuine and spoke HER mind something not close with other female personalities on TV.

good riddance to stinking garbage.

By dls031568

GOOD RIDDANCE TO THIS FAT ILLUMINATI TOOL!!!

I have watched Her on and off since She first came on, I think what people See in Her is That She is real , A very rare Quality in this day and Age.I feel like I lost a very good friend I hope she will be back in some way , so that We can keep in touch with Her and as For Her being a saint She is One cause She is a Christian, Who as We all Know Will be a saint some day, in heaven with God, So thanks Oprah for the years of entertainment and advice and fun We had God Bless You In Your new Life We all love You and gonna Miss You

By Kat2988

By frank

Look how Barbara Walters is looking at Queen Latifah. It's like stop already with this iodlizing Oprah. Don't you know I'm the aged queen of interviewing...... Babs a tad jealous, or just didn't have her fiber.

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