Mr. Baldwin said that many HBO viewers already chose to watch its shows on an HBO on Demand channel.

The choices for ring announcer were also Solomonic: Michael Buffer, who is familiar to HBO viewers, will introduce Lewis.

HBO viewers are tuning in a sitcom and another regular series in unprecedented numbers.

Mr. Weinstein, who had never developed a television show, was more than happy to offer up his sometimes-humiliating experiences for the delectation of HBO viewers.

The huge rating for the finale underscores the hunger among HBO viewers for "The Sopranos," a hunger that now will go unfulfilled for almost a year.

It might be noted, however, that Mr. Feeney was seen last year by millions of HBO viewers.

Films are rated, from one star to five, by HBO viewers, not critics.

"Dr. Jane Goodall, HBO viewer since 1978," the final tag line tells us.

HBO viewers have never liked anything as much as they like "The Sopranos."