Steve Carell's ‘Office’ farewell boosts ratings

Steve Carell's last episode of "The Office" pulled in above-average ratings on Thursday.

The hourlong NBC episode averaged 8.3 million viewers during the first half and 8.0 million in the second. By comparison, Will Ferrell's debut appearance on "The Office" two weeks ago pulled in 7.7 million viewers, just above its current season average of 7.4 million.

Lowly NBC still came in fourth for the night, as usual, averaging 5.2 million viewers for a lineup rounded out by "Parks and Recreation" (4.6 million) and "30 Rock" (3.9 million).

Fox led the way (14.4 million), thanks to "American Idol" (19 million) and "Bones" (9.8 million). CBS (10.9 million) and ABC (7.9 million) rounded out the derby.