Jim Carrey’s hosting boosts SNL ratings

Not only did Jim Carrey’s third outing as host of “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend rate raves from the critics — including my Sun-Times colleague Darel Jevens (with whom I totally agreed), but America clearly lined up to support the actor and comedian.

With Carrey at the helm — supported by the very popular Iggy Azalea as musical guest — the show posted an 8 percent gain in overall households and a 22 percent jump in the all-important 18-49 age group over the most recent original show, hosted by ex-SNL cast member Bill Hader.

The bottom line, the Carrey-hosted show was the highest rated SNL so far this season, though it is still early in the year.

The most recent SNL to rival Carrey’s ratings, was last March 8, when “Girls” creator and star Lena Dunham was the host.