‘Duck Dynasty’ gets royal audience of 9.6 million in season finale

The bearded men of “Duck Dynasty� -- and their women -- have become the kings and queens of cable.

The third season finale of the A&E; reality/comedy show that features the family behind a successful duck-call manufacturing business in the Louisiana bayou drew in a record 9.6 million viewers. The episode was also the most-watched series telecast in network history among all key demos.

The average viewership of the show this season was 8.4 million, an increase of 95% compared with season two.

Production will begin shortly on the fourth season, which is scheduled to premiere later this year.

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