[SamAdams76]

I think the ratings were a lot higher. A lot of people probably went to bars to see the show. Also, many were in NYC hotel rooms Saturday night. Not sure if they count those towards the ratings.

As well, many people "time shift" and they record and watch the show at a more reasonable time. Not sure if those are counted.

Lastly, SNL has a free mobile app for tablets and phones in which you can see most of the skits (as well as many from years past) on your device. Since they came out with that, that's how I see most of it.

Used to be a time in our culture where a TV show was a happening and you had to be in front of your set at a particular time and on a particular channel, or you missed out on it. I remember back in the 1980s when they had the finale of a show whose name I can't remember. What I do remember is that the streets of Boston were literally empty, as everybody was home watching that show. I think it was "Cheers" or "M.A.S.H." - I can't remember.

Not the case any longer. If you want to watch a TV show, most of them are available on Netflix or Hulu on demand.

Eventually virtually everything ever put to film or broadcast will be available on demand. Including footage from security cameras. So someday, I will be able to go back in time and see myself waiting in line at a Dunkin Donuts walking down the street someplace.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

I agree with your observations, completely.

Those are so true. In the last three years, it has really started to move.

Now, it seems everyone is connected in real time. Everyone.

[Albion Wilde]

I think the ratings were a lot higher. A lot of people probably went to bars to see the show.

Did they count the people who watched online? And how do they know how many people watch each televison set or computer?