'Saturday Night Live' Dips in Ratings With Ben Stiller, Hugh Jackman

4:10 PM PDT 10/9/2011 by Philiana Ng

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Up against the baseball playoffs, the latest episode of the NBC late-night sketch show dropped compared to the first two episodes of the season.

"Saturday Night Live"

Following strong showings by Alec Baldwin and Melissa McCarthy, Tower Heist star Ben Stiller took his turn as host of Saturday Night Live.

VIDEO: Hugh Jackman Makes a Surprise 'SNL' Appearance

The third episode of the season -- which featured Stiller, musical guest Foster the People and special appearances by Hugh Jackman and Kenny G -- dipped from the previous two weeks, averaging a 4.8 rating/12 share in the metered-market households. Even so, SNL matched its rating for the same night last year. The premiere, with Baldwin emceeing, posted a 5.1 rating, while McCarthy's stint averaged a solid 5.2.

In 25 markets with Local People Meters, last night's SNL matched its performance in the season premiere, pulling in a 2.6 rating and an 11 share among adults 18-49.

VIDEO: Ben Stiller Brings Zoolander 'Weekend Update'

Significant to note, Fox aired the first game between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Numbers for the game are not available yet and went late due to a rain delay. (The Rangers won 3-2.) The second game, originally scheduled for Sunday, will be played on Monday.

Stiller stars in the upcoming comedy Tower Heist from director (and Oscar producer) Brett Ratner. Next week's SNL features Anna Faris and musical guest Drake.