MediaBuyerPlanner: Sunday's finale of the Sopranos, with nobody getting whacked and no major emotional breakdowns, was down 19 percent from last year, making it the least-watched season finale since season one, according to Media Life. And the season itself averaged just 8.64 million viewers, down 12 percent from last year and the worst season record since season three.

Part of the decline is likely due to the fact that the show has had to compete against Desperate Housewives on ABC in recent years. But viewers have also been vocal about their disappointment in the show this season.

HBO, however, is pointing out that Nielsen changed the way it measured the pay cable network between seasons four and five. Previously, multiple airings of the show were included in the show's average; now Nielsen measures only the first-run episodes.

The final eight episodes of The Sopranos will begin airing next spring.