Sen. John McCain’s appearance last night on the final “Saturday Night Live” before the election lifted the series to its second-highest overnight rating since December 1997.
Drawing a 9.0 rating/20 share overnight household rating in 56 markets, last night’s “SNL” was second only to the Oct. 18 episode, which wrangled a 10.7/24 overnight rating and featured an appearance from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Last night’s episode featured host Ben Affleck, musical guest and “American Idol” winner David Cook and special appearances by Cindy McCain and Tina Fey as Gov. Palin.
The first seven episodes of “SNL” in 2008 are running 69% ahead of this point last year in overnight household ratings; the show had aired only four episodes by this time in 2007.
“SNL” also has a Monday political prime-time special on tap, scheduled to air at 9 p.m. It’s a collection of presidential sketches, as well as new material and pre-taped pieces from Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin.
Below is the opening sketch of last night’s “SNL,” featuring the McCains and Ms. Fey.