'Breaking Bad' series finale scores record-breaking number of viewers

This image released by AMC shows Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, next to the Winnebago he uses as a mobile meth lab in the pilot episode of "Breaking Bad." The series finale of the popular drama series aired on Sunday, Sept. 29. (AP / AMC, Doug Hyun)

NEW YORK -- AMC says Sunday's "Breaking Bad" finale seized a record-breaking number of viewers for the series in the U.S.

The concluding episode was seen by 10.3 million viewers south of the border. That was three times the audience for the mid-season finale airing a year ago.

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

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.