One of the best received “Saturday Night Live” episodes this season, this weekend’s edition also delivered one of the season’s biggest audiences.
According to preliminary overnight data, Saturday’s “SNL,” which featured host Melissa McCarthy and musical guest Imagine Dragons, drew a 2.9 adults 18-49 rating and a 5.4 household rating.
Both numbers, which were up from the 2.6 adults 18-49 and 4.8 household ratings for the Jonah Hill/Bastille episode, rank as the third best of the season.
Only the Jimmy Fallon-hosted, Christmas-themed episode (3.9 A18-49, 6.4 HH) and January 4 “Best of” special (3.0 A18-49, 5.6 HH) drew better numbers.
“SNL” returns with live episodes on March 1. NBC has not yet announced the host or musical guest.