Saturday Night Live was quick to take advantage of the political turmoil following Donald Trump’s election victory and are reaping benefits of high ratings and increasing viewership.
Yesterday’s edition received a 2.5 rating in adults 18-49 (in Nielsen’s 56 overnight metered markets), making SNL runner-up to CBS’ The Big Bang Theory for highest-rated programs of the week. SNL’s ratings are highly likely to rise by double digits when delayed viewing is factored in.
Saturday’s edition jumped up in ratings and viewers partly due to the online buzz generated when Melissa McCarthy made a surprise feature appearance as White House press secretary, Sean Spicer. Actress Kristen Stewart hosted the episode.
Compared to the 2015-16 season, SNL viewership is up 19% in adults 18-49 and up 22% in total viewers. This is the strongest ratings performance the NBC late-night institution has seen in 22 years.
Alec Baldwin has made recurring impersonations of President Trump on SNL and Trump has made no secret of his dislike for the show or its opinion of him. He has yet to comment on McCarthy’s appearance as Spicer.
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