Duck Dynasty started its fourth season last night and it looks like A&E made the right decision by giving the cast a big raise. The episode became the most-watched non-fiction telecast in cable television history.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the episode garnered 11.8 million viewers at 10 p.m. That easily breaks the previous record, sit in 2009 by Jon & Kate Plus 8, which drew 10.6 million viewers while its stars were at the center of tabloids.
The episode drew 6.3 million viewers in the advertiser-coveted 18 to 49 demographic, reports TheWrap. It was also up 37 percent from the season three premiere, which drew 8.6 million viewers. It jumped 26 percent in the key demo and 29 percent in the 25-55 demo.
As we previously reported, it was confirmed on Tuesday that the Robertson family is being paid $200,000 per episode. They run a million-dollar empire that produces duck calls and other hunting equipment in Louisiana.
There were rumors that Willie Robertson was being courted to run for a Congressional seat, but he laughed those off, noting that he was never personally approached.
“Thanks to its authentic and engaging characters Duck Dynasty has become more than just a reality show, it is a cultural phenomenon,” David McKillop, General Manager and Executive Vice President of A&E, commented in a statement to EW. “We would like to thank the Robertsons for their incredible partnership. We are all Happy, Happy, Happy.”
image: Wikimedia Commons
