Jersey Shore Ratings Continue to Rise

Things just keep getting better at the Jersey Shore.

Ratings for the MTV reality series increased to 2.5 million viewers Thursday night. In the adults ages 18-49 demo, the show rocketed 27 percent to a 1.4 rating. Shore also earned a 2.2 rating among women ages 18-34.

Jersey Shore attacker apologizes to Snooki

Thursday's episode made headlines days before its premiere, specifically after a clip of cast member Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi getting punched at a bar went viral. MTV later decided to black out the scene.

Jersey Shore — which follows the tanning, fist-pumping and partying ways of eight Italian Americans — debuted to 1.3 million viewers Dec. 4.