how did truman escape home ? when did the truman show have the highest ratings ?

In Chapter Nineteen, Truman faces his greatest fear. He struggles for his life in the "ocean" surrounding Seahaven Island as Christof increases the intensity of the storm bearing down on him. Christof calmly watches Truman cling desperately to the side of the boat and viewers all over the world cheer him on. Truman screams his challenge to Christof, "you'll have to kill me!" Christof tells his crew to capsize the boat, but Truman does not care if he drowns. A giant wave crashes over the boat, but Truman has tied himself to the boat with ropes. As he is finally submerged in water, eyes closed, Christof can't take it anymore. He orders his crew to stop the storm. The sun comes out and Truman, who is flung over the side of the boat, chokes and sputters - he is alive.