Seth MacFarlane boasts positive ratings as Oscars host

Seth MacFarlane’s role as host of the Oscars received much criticism even before the Family Guy creator took the stage, so it may come as some surprise that his hosting abilities brought in a jump in both overall ratings as well as ratings in the 18-49 age demographic.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, 40.3 million viewers tuned in to ABC to watch MacFarlane host the evening's best of the best, with a 13.0 rating in the 18-49 age demographic. The stellar ratings mark the highest ratings for the Academy Awards in three years, Reuters reports.

Reuters credits the box offices’ numerous hits in addition to curiosity over how MacFarlane would handle as host.

Additionally, despite receiving criticism from Rolling Stone and the Anti-Defamation League, MacFarlane proved popular on Facebook, Twitter and blogs, Reuters notes. Many posts regarding the Oscars and MacFarlane’s hosting abilities proved positive for the Ted director.

The 2013 Oscars rose 11 percent in 18-49 demographic and 34 percent in 18-34 year-old men, which is higher than in 2012.

Image: ABC