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A Yankee confession, ratings behemoth Duck Dynasty on A&E a delight

By April MacIntyre Dec 7, 2012, 15:58 GMT

Korie decorate while her brother-in-law Jase, the killer of bull froggies - says, "I’m into the true meaning of Christmas. Faith, family…and facial hair."

I did not want to like you "Duck Dynasty."

Normally tales of people in the sticks -whether it be West Virginia, Maine or Louisiana- don't usually inspire any interest.

But this hairy, family feel-good "reality" series is such a sweet breath of fresh air in a smallscreen landscape filled with 'Locked Up and Abroad' scofflaws, Bikers who bite off their own tongues and flappers who are blown up in mafia style paybacks. You have to decompress visually somewhere. It's perfect for families and reinforces togetherness, humor and heart, the needed ingredients for all of us to feel connected and loved in our homes.

Now 6.5 Million viewers have agreed and made the series #1 for the network.
Wednesday night’s “Duck Dynasty” brought the holidays to A&E with a special hour-long “I’m Dreaming Of A Redneck Christmas.” Wednesday night’s one-hour season finale at 10PM became the network’s most-watched telecast of all time among all key demos, including total viewers, adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.

Korie decorates for the holiday while her brother-in-law Jase, the killer of bull frogs, says, "I’m into the true meaning of Christmas. Faith, family…and facial hair."

A hunter I am not, but I appreciate and understand those who kill and eat their prey versus the pure trophy types. I cannot abide a lifeless head of anything mounted in my home, but to each their own. It's a lifestyle I'm not indoctrinated into.

Mama Miss Kay comes from the Paula Deen school of love 'em to death with food, as her calorific cooking is an expression of her maternal devotion. I would love to see her make something with Seitan. Imagine the commentary.

Miss Kay's “porducken" explained: "You have the pig, Inside the pig is the turkey. Inside the turkey is the chicken. Inside the chicken is the duck."

The star of the show is crazy uncle Si, our Vietnam vet turned connoisseur of all things that get one buzzed and go bump in the night.  Si is dolled up as an elf giver in this Christmas special.

“‘Duck Dynasty’ represents the best of A&E’s unique brand of storytelling, showcasing authentic and engaging characters,” said Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel. “It’s extremely gratifying to see more and more viewers flocking to the series week after week.”

Season two of “Duck Dynasty” has grown by 139% in total viewers, 141% in adults 18-34, 136% in adults 25-54 and 127% in adults 18-49 versus the season one average.

A&E was Wednesday night's top cable network among total viewers and 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54. "Duck Dynasty" was also television’s top show on Wednesday night (cable and broadcast) in prime among adults 18-34 and 18-49.

An encore of the “Duck Dynasty” one-hour holiday episode will air Saturday, December 8 at 9PM. New episodes of “Duck Dynasty” will return in early 2013.