© stock.xchng
Though down on last year's special, the firework display and celebration attracted a hefty 7.9 million and a 1.7 rating with 18-49 adults.
With the main programme airing between 9pm and 10pm, an encore followed with 5.4m (1.4).
At the same time, CBS's live screening of Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular managed 5.4m (0.8).
Meanwhile, the second episode of Final Witness - the only scripted show scheduled on the terrestrial networks - dipped from its already disappointing premiere audience to 2.7m (0.7) for ABC.
Betty White's Off Their Rockers was the night's highest rating rerun, delivering 4.2m (1.0) in the 8pm hour and ensuring NBC won every slot.
