‘Saturday Night Live’ ratings: Larry David – The 1975 show continues solid recent trend

“Saturday Night Live” had some weaker ratings in the early going for season 41, but for the most part, we’d say that the show has done a pretty good job in the new year of having the right hosts at the right time to boost numbers. They started off with Adam Driver fresh off of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and following him we also had a chance to see Ronda Rousey try something completely different from her comfort zone.

Then, last night “SNL” took full advantage of Larry David being on the show in the wake of his Bernie Sanders impersonation going viral over the past few months. Viewers responded, which makes a good deal of sense given that this was probably the best edition of the show in the past several months. (Read our full review / watch videos for it over here.)

In total, the David show drew a 2.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic, which basically means that the show did better than almost every other comedy on TV this past week. Take ABC’s lineup and “The Big Bang Theory” out of the equation, and “SNL” remains at the top of the pile. They’re giving viewers what they want right now, and that is very good comedy despite the frequent criticisms that the show’s just not that funny anymore.

Next week, we’d say that we are poised to have some great ratings yet again. Melissa McCarthy is returning to host after a year away from the show, and she will be joined by a musical guest in Kanye West who always likes to do big, experimental pieces during some of his performances. These two have a ton of experience on the show, and they may be able to use that to their advantage.

We’ll give you some further news in due time when it comes to “SNL,” so be on the lookout! Also, sign up over here to get some further TV news on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)