ABC documentary The Killing Season has concluded on a ratings high, with 979,000 people tuning in to watch the final instalment of the bloody Rudd-Gillard-Rudd saga.

The show has been a runaway success for the broadcaster, with 986,000 viewers tuning in for week one and 968,000 viewers for the second episode.

The Killing Season unpicked the factional drama that swirled around the removal of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister in 2010 and included frank interviews with Rudd, Gillard and others close to the action. 

Advertisement

ABC head of current affairs Bruce Belsham said the broadcaster was delighted with the public response for the "sensational" series.

"The Killing Season showcased the results of many months of hard work, meticulous research, strong writing and expert filmmaking – and the result was a riveting real life drama," Mr Belsham said.

"We're delighted with the response from critics and audiences alike, and congratulate the production team on a sensational and successful series."

It was hosted by the ABC's Sarah Fergurson who has proved a popular presenter for the national broadcaster, having previously hosted 7:30 in the absence of Leigh Sales. Fergurson's next project, No Excuses with Sarah Fergurson, will investigate family violence and women's shelters.

Despite capturing the nation's imagination, The Killing Season fell short of the top ratings spot, coming in at sixth place in the capital city television ratings.

Channel Ten's Masterchef won the night with 1.23 million viewers.

The Nine Network continues to dominate the nightly news market, with A Current Affair, Nine News and Nine News at 6.30 rounding out the top four with 1.1 million viewers each.

Seven News finished fifth with 995,000 viewers tuning in.

Australian programs held steady among overseas shows like The Big Bang Theory, with Seven's House Rules finishing ninth (903,000 viewers) and Nine's Love Child placing 10th (856,000).

Channel Ten flagship news program The Project (7pm) came 16th with 674,000 viewers tuning in.