LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Jersey Shore brought in a record number of viewers when season four premiered Thursday night.

The newest cycle, filmed in Italy, had 8.8 million viewers, up 4% from last season's debut.

The newest episode was the third-highest series telecast ever for MTV, coming in behind two shows from season three of the Jersey Shore.

See X17online's behind-the-scenes look at the cast's Florence, Italy, home here.