Ariana Grande propels SNL to record-breaking viewership
Saturday Night Live (SNL) reached its highest ratings since May 2021, thanks to a captivating performance by Ariana Grande. Her appearance on the October 12 episode, featuring musical guest Stevie Nicks, pulled in an impressive 5.6 million viewers in live+same day viewing on NBC, based on data from Nielsen. This figure doesn’t include delayed viewership, which is expected to further boost the numbers when available.
Peacock and social media magic
The Ariana Grande episode not only shone on television but also set new records on Peacock, becoming the most-watched SNL episode ever within the first two days of its release. Grande’s charm extended to social media as well, where the episode garnered a staggering 516 million views, with an overwhelming 415 million views attributed specifically to in-show sketches and musical content. This phenomenal engagement demonstrates the massive impact of her multifaceted appeal.
Highlights from the episode
Ariana Grande left an indelible mark on the episode with her performances in various sketches. One of the standout moments was the “Bridesmaid Speech” sketch, a clever riff on Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” Additionally, she delivered a darkly humorous performance where she played a castrated boy with an extraordinary singing gift. Grande’s appearance was part of her promotional efforts for the upcoming “Wicked” movie musical, where she stars as Glinda.
The season continues with star-studded guests
Here’s what’s next for SNL:
- October 19: Michael Keaton will take on hosting duties, with musical guest Billie Eilish.
- November 2: John Mulaney will lead the show, featuring musical guest Chappell Roan, making her debut on the SNL stage.
A milestone season for SNL
SNL’s 50th season, which kicked off on September 28, has been a testament to its enduring popularity. The season premiere, hosted by Jean Smart and featuring musical guest Jelly Roll, drew 5.3 million viewers. This marked the most-viewed season premiere since 2020, showing that the show’s relevance peaks around major election cycles.
This politically charged season also saw the return of audience favorites:
- Maya Rudolph reprised her role as Kamala Harris
- Jim Gaffigan appeared as Tim Walz
- Andy Samberg stepped in as Doug Emhoff
- Dana Carvey portrayed President Joe Biden
Looking ahead to more celebrations
As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary, the excitement is set to continue with a live primetime special scheduled for February 16. The show, revered for its cultural impact and ability to adapt to changing times, will air on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on Peacock.
Produced in association with Broadway Video and helmed by the legendary creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, SNL’s milestone reflects its unparalleled status in the world of entertainment.
Stay tuned for more of the latest from SNL, and share your excitement with others! Follow us for updates on intriguing performances, celebrity guests, and the show’s evolution as it continues to make history.