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Live+7 Ratings: Alec Baldwin, Ed Sheeran “SNL” Episode Was Most-Watched Since 2008

Alec and Ed on SNL [NBC]

Featuring host Alec Baldwin and musical guest Ed Sheeran, the February 11 “Saturday Night Live” was a strong live+same-day ratings performer.

It was comparatively stronger in live+7.

Citing the newly available L+7 data (live + 7 days of DVR viewership), NBC says the episode drew 16.03 million total viewers.

On a live+7 basis, it ranks as the most-watched episode since the October 19, 2008 broadcast, which featured host Josh Brolin and musical guest Adele.

Alec Baldwin, interestingly, made a cameo appearance on that episode.

Some observers will note that DVR usage has increased in recent years, elevating the typical live+7 boost achieved by programming.

Others, however, will point out that the rise of DVR coincides with a decrease in live+same-day viewership. Live+7, they would argue, is therefore a fair way to compare today’s programming with shows from 5-15 years ago.

No matter which side one takes, it is hard to dispute the central reality: the Alec Baldwin-Ed Sheeran episode was a particularly strong performer in a particularly successful season of “Saturday Night Live.”

Written by Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002.

Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj.

Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

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