SNL Debut a ratings hit, Baltimore top TV city
The 34th season premiere of Saturday Night Live with Michael Phelps as host scored the sketch comedy show's highest ratings since 2001 for a season opener.
And the 2001 show with Reese Witherspoon as host and Alicia Keys as musical guest was the highly-emotional premiere that marked the return of SNL after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York.
NBC did indeed have one of the pop culture events of the TV season Saturday with Phelps and the return of SNL alum Tina Fey portraying GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin to widespread acclaim.
And how about a little hometown mojo?
Just as it was during the Olympic games that Phelps so dominated, Baltimore was again the number one market Saturday night, clocking in with a 14.7 rating and 29 share. That means that about 30 percent of all homes in which TV's were being watched Saturday night in Baltimore were tuned to NBC and SNL. In raw numbers, that translate to about 150,000 TV home in the Baltimore area.
The audience estimates are preliminary overnight results from Nielsen based on meters in 55 cities excluding New Orleans, with Houston subject to revision as a result of Hurricane Ike.
Comments
Wonder who SNL is for? Oh that's right, it's NBC. The NOBAMA broadcasting company.
Posted by: Jim | September 15, 2008 10:58 AM
Apart from the begining intro, the show was boring, not funny and at time quite offensive,( especially Alaska man...)I was looking forward to it and in fact I could have turned it off right after first minutes.
Posted by: Jadwiga Barczak | September 15, 2008 10:59 AM
Agreed...the opening with Palin and Clinton was totally unfair and biased...as was most of the show...but the monologue was pretty funny.
Posted by: Tim | September 15, 2008 12:59 PM
I thought the opening was brilliant--like good satire (and SNL at its best), it made a point with humor while sparing no punches.
I agree. Some folks thought it too rough, but I think it ransk among the best work SNL has ever done. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Max | September 15, 2008 4:19 PM
These people need to take a step back and accept satire and comedy.
SNL made nearly identical jokes with regard to Obama's lack of experience during his race with Hillary. I guess the media bashing "right" forgets laughing at the debate skit in which Russert would ask Hillary, "Who is the current Prime Minister of Russia" - Hillary would answer correctly. Then immediately after Hillary's answer, Russert would say "Senator Obama - same question."
Posted by: Ed | September 15, 2008 5:31 PM
Palin is an idiot and she is corrupt.
The skit was brilliant.
McCain/Palin=Bush/Cheney=national shame
Posted by: Skip | September 15, 2008 5:39 PM
From the moment I first laid eyes on Gov. Palin, I prayed that Tina Fey would return to SNL to portray her. It's going to be a fun couple of months if she continues.
Regarding hometown hero Phelps - keep your day job, man, whatever that may be. The only skit in which you looked comfortable in was near the end where SNL lampooned your diet.
Hi, Yes Fey is going to continue. And it is going to be fun. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Piano Rob | September 15, 2008 6:54 PM
I am a conservative and plan to vote that way, but the skit was way too funny. I look forward to seeing more of Tina Fey as Sarah Palin
I do, too. Thanks. Z
Posted by: JR | September 15, 2008 7:51 PM
I tuned out of SNL for the last couple of years. But this one was definitely the best episode I've seen in a long time.
I really liked how they made fun of Michael Phelps' mother in the monologue. And I thought all of the skits were perfect for him. I guess Michael Phelps will be hearing from Hollywood producers soon.
Posted by: Jim Stark | September 15, 2008 10:48 PM
Poor Michael had to rely on the writers and let's face it, SNL hasn't had much good writing for years. As for the Sara Palin skit - you go girl (Tina)! It was very good. Between her and Fred Armistead as Obama and the other guy (he does Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton) as McCain, the next 50+ days will be just like old times (funny) on SNL.
Posted by: Karen | September 15, 2008 11:14 PM
I'd vote for Fey and Poehler in a heartbeat! They are almost as brilliant as Clinton in their own way and I'm sure that they can "learn on the job"!
which is more than I can say for Palin!
Posted by: mimi | September 20, 2008 5:41 PM
Oops. Pity-pity. "Our video library can only be streamed within the United States", I have no chance too see it :(
Posted by: TV fan | April 13, 2009 1:00 PM