I’ve never watched Jersey Shore, but I’d chalk that up to general apathy and sloth as much as anything else. But I was delighted – absolutely freaking delighted – to see Jersey Shore’s season three premiere crushed it in the ratings. The Jersey Shore ratings are my favorite TV ratings schadenfreude. I know JS’s ratings success boils the blood of many elitist snobs and disgruntled fans of little-watched scripted shows. I don't get it. It's not like Fox canceled the Good Guys or Syfy canceled Caprica because of Snooki!
I don't try to understand why people like to watch Jersey Shore or any other show. I just accept that they do. What I've never grasped is the concept of hating -- and with a passion -- shows that other people enjoy. Even though I don't care about Jersey Shore, its success annoys so many that when I see the huge numbers, I confess that I think: "haha, suck it, haters!"
Some can't handle that it’s not just lazy and stupid people who are watching Jersey Shore. But it isn't. Like it or not, it is a cultural phenomenon and a waxing one at that. With a 4.2 adults 18-49 rating and over 8.4 million viewers for the season 3 premiere, could it get to a 5.0 adults 18-49 rating and 10 million viewers by the end of the season? I wouldn’t be quick to bet against Jersey Shore.
