SNL Scores Season-High Ratings with Tom Hanks and Lady Gaga

Saturday Night Live is on a roll.

Per preliminary data, last night’s Tom Hanks/Lady Gaga-helmed telecast delivered season-best ratings — eclipsing the previous high set by the Oct. 1 premiere.

Saturday’s show, arguably Season 42’s strongest outing creatively, notched a 6.1 metered-market rating, up from the 5.8 generated by the premiere.

It marks SNL‘s highest overnight average for an October episode in eight years.

Final ratings, including a viewership total, will be available on Tuesday.