‘Duck Dynasty’ returns to break cable ratings records

Attention TV viewers of Earth: The time has come to bow down before “Duck Dynasty.�

The unscripted series on A&E returned for its fourth season on Wednesday night and promptly became the most-watched nonfiction series telecast in cable history, with an audience of 11.8 million viewers tuning in.

The show’s one-hour premiere, which introduced previously unseen Robertson family member Alan Robertson, featured Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson renewing his vows with his wife, “Miss Kay.� The Robertson clan operates the successful duck call company out of West Monroe, La.

VIDEO: Summer 2013 TV preview

The premiere was up 37% over the third season premiere in February.

The episode also set records in individual demographic categories, with 6.3 million adults ages 25-54, 6.3 million adults ages 18-49 and 3 million adults 18-34, making it the network’s most-watched episode in all the key demos.

Keep in mind, however, that the Robertson clan still lags behind the fictional zombies on AMC’s “The Walking Dead,� which grabbed 12.4 million viewers for its third season finale earlier this year. But it’s way ahead of previous unscripted champs like “Jersey Shore� and “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.�

The Robertson family reportedly signed a new deal just before the new season aired, giving them all significant salary bumps. With ratings like this, A&E is surely pleased with its investment.

In a statement, David McKillop, general manager and executive vice president of A&E, said, “We would like to thank the Robertsons for their incredible partnership. We are all Happy, Happy, Happy.�

[For The Record: 8/15 1:29 p.m.: In a previous version of the photo caption, Missy Robertson was misidentified as Sissy Robertson.]

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