EXCLUSIVE: For the first time in Saturday Night Live‘s 46-season history, the iconic sketch comedy series has reached a major milestone: NBC’s current season of SNL was ranked number one among all comedies on both the broadcast and cable in the adult 18-49 demographic and total viewers (Live + 7 for both categories).
This is the first time in Nielsen measurement history – dating from 1987 – SNL occupies the number 1 comedy series in total viewers. SNL ‘‘s 46th season is also the best result for the show in four years in both 18-49s and total viewers. This is compared to the first seven episodes of each of the seasons.
Through the first seven episodes of the season, SNL is averaging a 4.1 in 18-49 total rating for linear and digital viewing (Live + 35), achieving 27% above the comparable episodes of last season and the best rating of the program at this stage in the season since 2016 liver.
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SNL did not allow the pandemic to prevent it from bringing the funny. Towards the end of season 45, they broadcast ‘At Home’ reruns of the program remotely recorded, beginning with the episode of Tom Hank-Chris Martin in April. The 46th season begins in October with a production in the studio SNL alum Chris Rock as host and Megan Thee Stallion as the musical guest.
The full delivery of episodes on digital platforms is significantly higher than last year, which is currently 64% higher than the previous season. To make things even sweeter, SNL is the NBC program currently airing on Peacock.
SNL comes back with five consecutive new shows starting this weekend with host John Krasinski and musical guest Machine Gun Kelly. Schitt’s Creek Emmy winner Dan Levy is making his debut as host for the February 6 episode with Phoebe Bridgers as musical guest. Oscar winner and A night in Miami director Regina King will be hosting Nathaniel Rateliff as musical guest on February 13. Hosts and musical guests for February 20 and February 27 deliveries will be announced later.
SNL is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.