SNL - Highest ratings since 2002 when Al Gore appeared

[RamboLiberal]

The tremendous buzz was reflected in the ratings. Early overnight figures showed the "Saturday Night Live" season premiere earned a 7.4 rating and 18 percent share of viewers watching at that hour -- the highest for a season premiere since 2001, and the highest for any "SNL" telecast since Dec. 14, 2002, when Al Gore was host. The numbers were up 64 percent over last year's season premiere, according to Nielsen "metered market" data.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402496.html

Shales had some interesting back story on the last minute changes as well - Obama having to cancel. And that Shatner was a last minute replacement for Chuck Norris. Yuck on RW shill Norris! BTW Norris is another RWinger who dumped his long time first wife for a trophy wife when he made the big time.