"Breaking Bad" finale logs record 10.3 million viewers

A record-breaking number of viewers tuned in to say goodbye to "Breaking Bad" on Sunday night.

AMC says the drama's series finale was seen by 10.3 million viewers. That was three times the audience for the midseason finale airing a year ago.

The network also says an expanded one-hour version of its "Talking Bad" discussion after-show delivered 4.4 million viewers.

"'Breaking Bad' is simply unique," said Charlie Collier, AMC president. "It all starts with Vince Gilligan who really only ever asked for one thing -- the opportunity to end the show on his own terms. That is exactly what Vince did last night and, as always, brilliantly so. Congratulations to Vince and to every single person involved in this remarkable journey. We're proud that AMC will forever be known as the birthplace and home of this iconic show and, at the same time, we tip our Heisenberg hat to the fans who made this a truly shared experience."

The drama's popularity has soared during its five-season run, while it reaped acclaim and awards. At last week's Emmy Awards it collected a best-drama-series trophy and a supporting-actress statuette for Anna Gunn, who played the wife of teacher-turned-drug-lord Walter White opposite series star Bryan Cranston.

The series' previous record was set last Sunday, when 6.6 million viewers tuned at the same time as the Emmys.