Palin-Fey Meeting Nabs Best 'SNL' Ratings In 14 Years
by JEFFREY RESSNER (excerpt)

POLITICO

Doggone it, “Saturday Night Live” scored its best overnight ratings in more than 14 years this weekend, thanks to the highly anticipated face-off between GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and her comedic doppelganger, "SNL" alum Tina Fey.

Based on overnight results from the 56 biggest markets, the show received a 10.7 rating, which means more than 14 million viewers tuned in to see Palin's visit with the comedy troupe that has decimated her for the past month.

Palin, who participated only in the show’s cold opening and made an appearance during the “Weekend Update” mock newscast, crossed paths with Fey for just a fleeting moment during the opening skit, with 17 million people watching the show’s first half-hour to see the fireworks.

The opening bit was a meta concept that featured Palin backstage at the show watching Fey portray her at a mock news conference.

The Alaska governor than takes her imitator's place at the podium to address the reporters and deliver the show’s trademark announcement: "Now I'm not gonna take any of your questions, but I do want to take this opportunity to say, 'Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!'"