Duck Dynasty has made history, breaking records by becoming the most-watched non-fiction series broadcast in the history of cable television. The fourth season premiere was broadcast on Wednesday night (14th August) at 10pm. According to Entertainment Weekly, the episode 'Till Duck Do Us Part' attracted an audience of 11.8 million viewers. This marks a 37% increase on the number of viewers who tuned in to watch the season three premiere (approximately 8.62 million). 

Korie and Willie Robertson
Korie and Willie Robertson at the 48th American Country Music Awards, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The record-breaking episode has knocked the tabloid fuelled antics of MTV's Jersey Shore and TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8 -who previously competed before for the most-watched - off the top spot. 

The A&E documentary show follows the lives of the owners of the Duck Commander. Owned by the Robertson family the Louisiana-based business provides duck hunters with supplies. Phil and Si Robertson are the two brothers who own the business are the focal point of the series. Their families are also involved in the running of the business, particularly Phil's wife, Christine, and his sons Willie, Jason, Jep and Alan.  Other relatives are also involved including uncles, daughter-in-laws and other in-laws. 

Speaking to E! of the show's success on Wednesday, A&E Executive Vice President David McKillop, said "thanks to its authentic and engaging characters Duck Dynasty has become more than just a reality show, it is a cultural phenomenon. We would like to thank the Robertsons for their incredible partnership. We are all happy, happy, happy."

Duck Dynasty made headlines in March when Smiths frontman Morrissey refused to appear on the Jimmy Kimmel show with the Robertson family, labelling them as "animal serial killers."

Episode 2 of Duck Dynasty "So You Think You Can Date?" is due to be aired on August 28th at 10pm on A&E.

Jon Gosselin
Jon Gosselin, whose family is the focus of Jon & Kate Plus 8.

Nicole Snooki
Nicole Snooki who stars in Jersey Shore.