Check out Tracy Morgan’s return to ‘SNL’ 20 months after crash — VIDEO

LOS ANGELES — Tracy Morgan's return to "Saturday Night Live" boosted the latenight show, which was up week-to-week and matched its top overnight demo score since last winter.

According to Nielsen metered-market overnights, "SNL" averaged a 2.0 rating/10 share in adults 18-49 and a 4.2 household rating/11 share. It was up in both categories from the previous week's 1.9/9 in the demo and 3.9/10 in households for Amy Schumer's first turn as host.

Compared to its October 2014 average, "Saturday Night Live" was up 8% in overnight household rating (from 3.9) and even in adults 18-49. The show hasn't done a higher 18-49 overnight rating since the Jan. 31 show hosted by J.K. Simmons.

Morgan, a former "SNL" cast member for seven seasons and a co-star on NBC's "30 Rock," was hosting the show for the second time. His return to Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center came 16 months after a severe car crash left him in critical condition. He made a surprise appearance at the Primetime Emmy Awards last month, presenting the award for best drama.

And Morgan didn't shy away from making jokes at his own expense. "People said, 'Can he speak?' Is he at 100% mental capacity? The truth is I never did. I might be a couple of points higher now," the comedian said.

Morgan opened the show with a heartfelt thank-you to fans and colleagues who helped him through his long recovery from broken bones and a brain injury. "I'm back," he said. "It feels so good to be here." And several surprise guests appeared on the show to support him.