The combination of the excitement of a post-strike Saturday Night Live and guest host Tina Fey (”30 Rock”) spelled big ratings for SNL. The highest ratings in two years, to be exact.

Bringing back former SNL head writer (and Weekend Update anchor) Tina Fey was a great move. The writing seemed fresh again and Tina Fey is comedy gold. Who knew? A guest cameo by Steve Martin and musical guest Carrie Underwood, as well as Mike Huckabee stopping by Weekend Update desk didn’t hurt either.

Saturday Night Live’s ratings were up 36% from the pre-strike show average and delivered the highest average since a February 2006 episode that was hosted by Steve Martin.

SNL will continue their momentun when “Juno” star Ellen Page hosts this Saturday; musical guest is Wilco.