SNL Scores Best Ratings Since 2020 for Its 50th Anniversary

A Broadcast Milestone

“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) launched in October 1975 on NBC, and over the course of 50 years, it has entertained several generations of TV viewers. This sustained success reached a pinnacle on Sunday, February 16, on NBC.

A Record-Breaking Audience

The 50th anniversary of the cult show attracted 14.8 million viewers across the American network and Peacock, according to Nielsen and NBCUniversal figures. This is a real boon for NBC, which scored its best primetime audience in five years for an entertainment show. The previous record-holder, the 2020 Golden Globes, attracted 18.33 million viewers, The Hollywood Reporter stated.

Triple the Usual Audience

In addition to achieving the channel’s best performance, “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” more than tripled the show’s usual average audience, of around 4.9 million viewers.

Youthful Viewership

Younger viewers were more enticed, with around 3.39 million people aged between 18 and 49 tuning in to watch “SNL 50.”

A Red Carpet Premiere

The allure of this SNL special began on the red carpet. The pre-show broadcast of the stars arriving on the red carpet averaged 6.5 million viewers on NBC, Peacock, and E! Entertainment. Guests included Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Pedro Pascal, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Andy Samberg.

Social Media Buzz

The special generated a real buzz on social networks, garnering more than 8.7 million interactions, making it the network’s “most social” entertainment telecast in two years, according to NBC.

Conclusion

The 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” marked a significant milestone for the iconic show, with its highest ratings since 2020. The special’s success can be attributed to its enduring appeal, as well as effective marketing and promotion. The show’s ability to attract a diverse range of viewers, including younger audiences, is a testament to its continued relevance.

FAQs

Q: What was the viewership for the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live”?
A: The special attracted 14.8 million viewers across the American network and Peacock.

Q: What was the previous record for NBC’s primetime audience?
A: The 2020 Golden Globes attracted 18.33 million viewers.

Q: How many younger viewers tuned in to watch “SNL 50”?
A: Around 3.39 million people aged between 18 and 49 watched the special.

Q: Who were some of the celebrities who appeared on the red carpet for the special?
A: Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Pedro Pascal, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Andy Samberg were some of the guests who appeared on the red carpet.