 According to the Nielsen Media Research, "Mamma Mia" was watched by 6.2 million households in its original American broadcast. It earned a 2.9 rating / 8 share in the 18 – 49 demographic. This means that it was seen by 2.9 percent of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and 8 percent of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast. This was an increase from the previous episode, "The Natural Order", which was watched by 6.0 million American viewers. Ron Weiner received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series, but lost it to fellow 30 Rock writer Matt Hubbard for the episode "Reunion" at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards. At the same awards show, Alan Alda received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, but lost it to singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for hosting Saturday Night Live.
