MTV's hit fist-pumping reality series "Jersey Shore" scored its best ratings ever Thursday night with 5.5 million total viewers.
The third episode of season two now ranks as the most-watched cable broadcast of 2010 in the 12-34 demographic. In fact, the all of the top three highest-rated broadcasts of the year among the 12-34 demo are now episodes of "Jersey Shore."
"Jersey Shore" has been a huge hit for MTV since its debut in December, 2009. MTV is currently in production on a third season of the show.
Difficult contract negotiations threatened to derail "Jersey Shore's" season three, but the show is back on track after the network reportedly gave all of the cast members big raises.
With the show bringing in ratings like this, it's easy to see why MTV was willing to part with the cash.