Despite better reviews for last night’s debate, Obama and McCain’s final meetup drew a smaller audience than Round 2. (The presidential event took in 56.5 million; last Tuesday’s gathering hit 63.2 million.) Unfortunately for CBS, yesterday’s political special meant a loss to NBC in both the viewers and the demos.

8pm

• Game 5 of the NLCS (2.6/7 in 18-49) rallied 8 million.
• The New Adventures of Old Christine (7.74 million, 2.1/6 in 18-49) was up about 100,000.
• Gary Unmarried (2.4/7) pulled in 7.71 million.
• Knight Rider (7.65 million, 2.3/7) improved by nearly 1 million.
• Pushing Daisies (6.3 million, 1.9/6) picked up 700,000.
• America’s Top Model (1.5/4) recapped 3.2 million.

9pm

• Approximately 11.3 million watched the debate on NBC.
• ABC had 10.6 million watching their coverage.
• CBS saw 9.2 million tune in.
• 90210* dug up 1.7 million.

10pm

• NBC‘s analysis drew in 9.1 million.
• ABC post-debate chatter attracted 8.9 million.
• CBS’ roundup had 7.2 million talking.

*denotes repeat

(You can review last Wednesday’s ratings here.)