Morrissey's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' cancellation gives 'Duck Dynasty' record-breaking viewers

Since Morrissey, an animal rights activist, cancelled his performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week on account of the guys of Duck Dynasty being there, the media coverage has helped give the A&E show record-breaking viewership.

On the Season 3 premiere, 8.6 million people tuned in to watch the reality show that follows the family that made a fortune off of hunting equipment.

English rocker, Morrissey, however, surely wasn’t one of them. He angered Kimmel when he cancelled at the last minute upon hearing that Duck Dynasty cast would also be there. He released the statement, “Morrissey would be honored to play the show, if Duck Dynasty were removed.” He also called them “animal serial killers.”

But EW reports that the media backlash that ensued after that likely helped the show. In fact, it was up 132 percent compared to the Season 2 premiere.

Duck Dynasty’s nearly 9 million viewers even bested Fox’s American Idol, only having been beat by The Bachelor, Modern Family and the Academy Awards this week in terms of viewership.