Jim Carrey “Black Swan” Spoof Nets Big Ratings For “SNL”

The year’s first episode of Saturday Night Live notched big ratings for NBC, thanks to funny guy Jim Carrey.

Nearly 8 million comedy lovers gleefully tuned in to watch Carrey — who got his first big break in comedy appearing on another classic sketch comedy show; In Living Color — poke fun at Natalie Portman’s Oscar-favored drama Black Swan.

The I Love You, Phillip Morris comedian took on the role of Mila Kunis’ character in the skit which saw him donning a black leotard and tutu in an attempt to upstage fellow ballerina Nina, played by Portman in the critically-acclaimed movie.

Making his first appearance on the show since 1996, Jim opened with a monologue referencing recent headlines. The Master of Funny Faces encouraged viewers to enjoy the show because it was “the very first show of the last year of our existence.”

“Dead birds are falling from the sky,” Jim joked. “Some people say that’s bad, I say Arkansas eats free.”

Carrey delivered SNL’s best ratings since Betty White’s Emmy-winning hosting debut in May 2010.

On Monday night at 8, Everyone’s Favorite Pet Detective sits down with James Lipton for a chat on Bravo’s Inside the Actors Studio.