In Depth
'SNL' Scores Big With Phelps, Fey in 34th Season Bow
“Saturday Night Live’s” 34th season premiere featuring Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and Lil Wayne, plus cameo appearances from “30 Rock’s” Tina Fey and William Shatner, hit a ratings high not seen since 2001.
The show drew a 7.4 rating/18 share in overnight metered households in 55 markets, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research data.
That opening is the highest for "SNL" since its first episode after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which aired on Sept. 29 and was hosted by actress Reese Witherspoon.
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama had planned to make an appearance on last night's show as well. However, he canceled because of Hurricane Ike. "In light of the unfolding crisis in Texas, Sen. Obama has decided it is no longer appropriate to appear on 'Saturday Night Live,'" Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
Compared with last year’s season-opening “SNL,” this year is up 64% in Nielsen metered markets.
Official numbers won’t be released until Thursday.
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Comments 6
wil
I was not sure if an athlete could feel comfortable in such a setting, but given the script, favorable wit and Phelps personality he pulled it off rather well! The openning with the mother got long, due to the mother image was over done, but the freedom to improvise the dance, and school demonstrate a unique skill to play a role with some comfort - ease.
Preston Hershorn
Tina Fey has always been a favorite of mine and her impression of Sarah Palin was still far and away better than what I was expecting (and whenever she does something, I come in with very high expectations).
Now, let's just hope that SNL can keep the inertia going through the season. They definitely got off to a great start.
Professor Science
"Now, let's just hope that SNL can keep the inertia going through the season. They definitely got off to a great start."
Whoops! I think you meant to say "momentum," not "inertia." A common mistake - inertia is the state of an object at rest, and overcoming it to move the object is what creates momentum. I didn't do all that well in HS physics, but I do remember that definition.
Mr. Planet
Too bad Obama couldn't make it to the show. Very funny show opener, but I doubt they can keep it up.
Maryanne
Tina Fey will playing Sarah until the elections!
Michael Hill
One night does not a season make..But, for the audience anticipation for tina fey,and michael phelps.there would have been a softer rating.this was yet, another hollow outing of snl..will they EVER learn to end a sketch with a punch line???..or is that to much to ask of their current crop of writers???