From a TNT press release:

Major Crimes Premiere Climbs to 9.5 Million Viewers To Become Basic Cable’s Biggest Series Launch Ever

TNT’s The Closer, which set numerous audience records during its seven-season run, just added another one. Through time-shifted viewing, the Aug. 13 finale of the blockbuster series grew to a final tally of 11,212,000 viewers, making it the most-watched series finale in basic cable history. On a household basis, the finale scored a 7.2 national HH rating, making it the highest-rated series finale in cable history.

Meanwhile, the Aug. 13 premiere of TNT’s new series Major Crimes climbed to 9,453,000 viewers, making it basic cable’s biggest new series launch ever.

“As wonderful as i t is to see The Closer claim yet another page in the record books, it’s extremely gratifying that Major Crimes has taken its own place in cable history,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

The record-setting audience for Major Crimes has overtaken previous high marks set by July 12, 2010, debut of TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles (9,049,000 viewers) and the Sept. 1, 2008, premiere of TNT’s Raising the Bar (8,560,000 viewers).

Among key demos, The Closer‘s finale garnered 2.7 million adults 18-49 and 3.6 million adults 25-54, while the premiere of Major Crimes drew 2.2 million adults 18-49 and 2.9 million adults 25-54.

Major Crimes recently finished summer as television’s #1 new series, with a Live + Same Day average of 6.3 million viewers. That average will rise significantly as additional weeks of time-shifted viewing are added. Meanwhile, The Closer‘s six final episodes this summer scored an overall average of 8.7 million viewers, with 2.1 million adults 18-49 and 2.8 million adults 25-54 in Live + 7.