8.45 Million Viewers Return To 'Jersey Shore'

The season three premiere of Jersey Shore Thursday night was MTV's highest-rated telecast ever, with 8.45 million total viewers tuning in for the gang's return to Seaside Heights.

It averaged an 8.3 rating with persons 12-34 and 6.5 million viewers in that demo.

That rating is up 63% over the season two premiere and 36% from the last finale.