The ratings for the premiere of “Saturday Night Live” are in, and they’re massive.
“SNL” kicked off its 44th season on Saturday night with a bang, bringing in a 4.8 overnight rating among metered market households, up seven percent from 2017’s premiere. The show got a particular spike among younger viewers, nabbing a 2.3 rating among adults aged 18-49, which accounts for a 10 percent hike in ratings compared to last season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (RELATED: SNL STAR HOPES FOR ‘LESS POLITICAL STUFF’ NEXT SEASON)
“SNL” hasn’t had ratings like last night’s since 2016’s season, which enjoyed increased viewership thanks in part to the 2016 presidential election. And given the colorful political atmosphere that has been 2018, that popularity may not be going anywhere.
Pro-Trump rapper Kanye West made a guest appearance on last night’s premiere and was booed for wearing a red ‘Make America Great Again’ baseball hat. Matt Damon also had a cameo playing Brett Kavanaugh at last week’s Senate Judiciary hearing.
Wowwwww only 3 people clapped. Chris Rock is laughing At @kanyewest pic.twitter.com/jAGP5OwKXD
— 2cool2blog (@2Cool2Bloggg) September 30, 2018
Even Donald Trump seems to be paying attention to “SNL.” The President tweeted early Sunday morning that, although he does not watch the show, he appreciated Kanye’s support.
Like many, I don’t watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) – no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told “no”), was great. He’s leading the charge!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2018
Last season averaged 10 million viewers per episode. Given the show’s strong open, season 44 could be shaping up to be one of its best seasons yet.