Emmy Awards 2012 Up in Total Viewers, Down in Adults Demo

The 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards delivered more audience than last year's ceremony. The Sunday, September 23 telecast pulled in an average of 13.2 million total viewers, up 6% compared to the 2011 show that attracted the smallest audience for the annual event since its 2008 broadcast.

The bad news was, however, the ratings dipped in the key ad demo of adults ages 18 to 49. Posting a 3.8 rating in the coveted demo, it dropped 10% from last year and tied the 2008 broadcast for an all-time Emmys low.

Just like last year, the 2012 Emmy Awards went head-to-head with an NFL game on NBC. The game between the Patriots and the Ravens topped last night's programs in adults 18-49 demo with a 8.1 rating.

Hosting this year's Emmy was Jimmy Kimmel who pulled some pranks during the show, including kicking out his parents after losing the outstanding variety show prize. Speaking after the event, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" co-head writer Molly McNearney revealed Kimmel's parents "had no idea that was coming."

"We wanted to make sure that did not get out, and they did not know that was happening. And they were genuinely surprised," said McNearney, who is also Kimmel's fiancee. Kimmel's parents were indeed escorted out of the venue by the security, but were later guided back to their seats.

Dishing on the opening sketch that featured naked Lena Dunham, McNearney confirmed the "Girls" actress was in the nude during the filming. "God love her, she really is an angel on earth," the writer gushed.

She went on sharing, "It was her idea to be completely naked. She might be an exhibitionist. We offered her a [flesh-colored] bra to wear, which is typically what you do in these situations, but she was like, 'No, I don't need it. It will be easier for you to blur if you don't have to blur around a bra strap.' I think she's pretty experienced in nudity on TV, so she knew how to do it."