Animal rights groups are calling for a boycott of Love/Hate.
It's after a cat was shot dead in the opening scenes of season four.
Producers put a note on the credits to say no animals had been harmed during filming.
RTE says just over half of people watching TV last night tuned into Love/Hate.
53% of the audience watched the fourth season premiere of the Dublin gangland show.
It's already tipped to win Best Drama at next year's IFTAs.
Watch Eoin Duffy's impression of Nidge, that's been doing the rounds on Youtube.
