The series finale of “Scandal” on ABC was up significantly week-to-week in the Thursday overnight ratings but failed to top previous Season 7 highs.


Airing at 10 p.m., “Scandal” drew a 1.3 rating in adults 18-49 and 5.4 million viewers. That is up over 40% in the demo and approximately 29% in total viewers over last week. It was also higher in both measures than the season averages going into the finale. “Scandal” was also the top-rated show of the hour at 10 and narrowly edged out its timeslot competition in total viewers.


However, it did not beat the Season 7 demo high of 1.4, which was drawn by the season premiere back in October. The most-watched episode of this season was the Feb. 1 episode, which drew 5.6 million viewers. This was also the second lowest-rated and second least-watched season finale in series history, beating only the Season 6 finale, which drew a 1.2 and 5.2 million viewers last year.


Earlier on ABC, “Grey’s Anatomy” (1.6, 6.9 million) and “Station 19” (1.1, 5.5 million) were steady.


For CBS, “Big Bang Theory” (2.4, 12.6 million), “Young Sheldon” (1.9, 11.4 million), “Mom” (1.4, 8.8 million), “Life in Pieces” (1.0, 6.3 million), and “SWAT” (0.9, 5.4 million) were all even.


“Superstore” (0.8, 2.9 million) dipped in the demo on NBC, while “AP Bio” (0.6, 1.9 million) was even. After a repeat of “Will & Grace,” “Champions” (0.4, 1.7 million) and “Chicago Fire” (1.0, 5.2 million) were also even.


On Fox, “Gotham” (0.6, 2.2 million) and “Showtime at the Apollo” (0.6, 2.5 million) were both down.


For The CW, “Supernatural” (0.6, 1.8 million) and “Arrow” (0.4, 1.3 million) are both up pending updates.


CBS won the night with a 1.4 and 8.3 million viewers. ABC was second with a 1.3 and 5.9 million. NBC was third with a 0.7 and 3.1 million. Fox was fourth with a 0.6 and 2.3 million. The CW averaged a 0.5 and 1.6 million.