Lin-Manuel-Hosted SNL Episode Receives Highest Ratings in Slot Since 2008

Last night, Broadway superstar, Lin-Manuel Miranda hosted SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE to great acclaim. Although some may have doubted whether someone whose fame stems from a theatre career would have the star wattage necessary to pull in a nationwide audience, the ratings have proven otherwise! According to CarterMatt: "As a whole, the show drew a 5.2 household rating on average, which ties the best total for a second episode since James Franco hosted all the way back with Kings of Leon in 2008. Meanwhile, its 18-49 demo rating of a 2.4 is the best for the show since 2013, which is when Miley Cyrus served as both the host and the musical guest for the evening." This bodes well not only for Mr. Miranda, but hopefully for the future of other theatre industry powerhouses and crossover talents, such as Laura Benanti, receiving hosting spots as well!

Miranda will soon begin filming MARY POPPINS for Disney, opposite Emily Blunt. He recently composed original music for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, and his original music will be featured in Disney's upcoming animated film MOANA.

Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In the Heights, which opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in March 2008. His written work for the show earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Miranda's performance in the show's lead role of Usnavi earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

This year, Miranda received multiple TONY AWARDS for his work on HAMILTON, as well as the Pulitzer Prize. He is a 2015 recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Award, and received the 2016 Edward Kennedy Prize for Drama.

Photo Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews