30 Rock Ratings Soar

Though the series has won Emmys, viewership has not always been high for comedian Tina Fey's NBC series, 30 Rock, though it seems her recent appearances on Saturday Night Live have brought publicity and viewers to Fey's latest project, according to E! Online.

Thursday's premiere attracted 8.5 million viewers, an all-time high for 30 Rock. This season's premiere was up 16 percent in comparison to last season's premiere and hit a series high with viewers between the ages of 18 and 49.

Fey's visibility heightened after she was vetted to portray Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin during recent SNL skits.

The series won a number of awards during September's Emmys, though it is unlikely that the awards alone brought in more viewers. Although winning an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy before its second season premiered, the award did not attract a huge jump in viewership for 30 Rock.

Fey's recent Palin skits not only brought in high ratings for SNL but have become Internet sensations, as well. With the record-breaking numbers from Thursday's premiere, it seems the Fey-Palin affect has attracted a larger audience to Fey's show.

Also starring Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock airs Thursdays on NBC.