ABC Draws A Full HOUSE

(From The New York Daily News -- By Richard Huff)

More than 30 million people tuned in to see some mysteries get unraveled Sunday night on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES.

The season finale of the popular drama attracted its largest audience this season. And it was the highest-rated first-year drama finale since NBC's ER ended its 1994-1995 season.

"I'm thrilled," said executive producer MICHAEL EDELSTEIN. "What a way to cap the year!"

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES dominated its time period, drawing more viewers to ABC than its four network rivals combined.

For the whole season, of course, viewers have been glued to the drama about five women in various states of marriage.

And show creator MARC CHERRY, who had promised some mysteries would be cleared up before the season ended, delivered.

Viewers learned what was driving Mike (JAMES DENTON), why Mary Alice (BRENDA STRONG) killed herself and what was in that wooden chest found floating in the water earlier this year.

But there was more. Rex (STEPHEN CULP) died, and Gabrielle's (EVA LONGORIA) gardener (JESSE METCALFE) revealed to her husband, Carlos, that they were having an affair.

"This show is unbelievable," a fan wrote on ABC's Web site. "I have never been captivated by a show more than this. I thought the finale was well thought out and I was very satisfied with the entire season. I can't wait until the next season begins! I am sitting on the edge of my seat!"

Another wrote -- "Its going to be a loooong summer."

But not everyone was overwhelmed with the turn of events.

"I think the fact that Rex died is the biggest mistake MARC CHERRY could make," one poster at ABC.com wrote. "They will actually lose viewers because the neighborhood is so unrealistic with all those single, prowling women."

Since launching in September, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES has become the clear breakout hit of the season, which officially ends this week.

CSI and AMERICAN IDOL are the only shows to have averaged more viewers this season.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES has also helped as a lead-in for ABC's GREY'S ANATOMY, a new medical series that Sunday night averaged 22 million viewers, beating its combined competition on NBC and CBS in the 10 pm slot.