US 'Lost' finale is least popular so far

This season's Lost finale attracted 17% fewer viewers in the US than the final episode last year, according to audience figures.

The two-hour episode was still a big draw and, with 12.3m watching on Thursday, was the most-seen show of last week. However, it was the lowest-rating finale for the series so far.

ABC, which airs Lost in the US, said the show's total audience was underestimated in early viewing figures because it was recorded more often than others.

The closest competitors to the drama last week were Fox reality shows So You Think You Can Dance, seen by 9.6m on Thursday, and Hell's Kitchen, with 9.5m viewers.