'The Closer,' 'Rizzoli & Isles' Score Big In Summer Swan Songs

TNT's Monday night one-two punch of serries veteranThe Closer and rookie Rizzoli & Isles ended their summer runs in strong Nielsen fashion Monday night.
The Closer, starring Emmy winner for outstanding actress in a drama Kyra Sedgwick, racked up 7.2 million live+same-day viewers, while Rizzoli & Isles, showcasing Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, turned up some 6.6 million by that Nielsen measure.
According to live + 7 data through Aug. 23, the first season of Rizzoli & Isles averaged 8.7 million viewers and 6.4 million households, while The Closer, in its sixth campaign, produced its best numbers ever, with 8.4 million viewers and 6.2 million households, up 3% from last summer. The pair ranks as the top two shows in ad-supported cable among viewers and households, according to TNT officials.
"TNT's The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles have made this a summer to remember, from their record-breaking ratings to Kyra Sedgwick's big night at the Emmys," said Michael Wright, executive vice president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, in a statement. "The Closer proved that a series in its sixth season can continue to reach entirely new creative levels while also building in audience. Rizzoli & Isles brought two exciting new personalities to television and quickly established itself as a hit in its own right. We are extremely proud of both series and the tremendous success they have enjoyed."