America’s favorite rednecks returned to A&E for the fourth season of “Duck Dynasty” this month. The premiere made history with a record-breaking 11.8 million viewers according to the New York Post. This new record puts the show on track to becoming the number one reality series telecast in cable history.

Since the premiere of the series in March 2012, “Duck Dynasty” has steadily grown in popularity among viewers. According to A&E, viewership grew a total of 37 percent from the season four premiere alone.

David McKillop, General Manager and Executive Vice President of A&E has called the show a “cultural phenomenon.”

For those who aren’t familiar with the show, “Duck Dynasty” follows the lives of the Robertson family, who have created a multi-million dollar business manufacturing and selling duck calls based in Louisiana.

Known almost as much for their beards as for their antics, “Duck Dynasty” has won its fans over with its southern charm and sense of humor.

Although the company was founded by patriarch Phil, his sons have since taken the business over. As the only Robertson with a business degree, Willie is the current CEO of Duck Commander.

His brothers Jase and Jep join Willie in the company creating the actual duck calls, along with their eccentric Uncle Si. The cast is completed by Phil’s wife Miss Kay, as well as the wives and children of the Robertsons.

Fans of “Duck Dynasty” tune in every week to watch the Robertson family attempt to work before they become distracted by some issue or another. Each week comes with new family pranks, Si’s hilarious philosophies and always ends with a family dinner.

The season premiere that garnered so much attention featured a surprise vow renewal ceremony for Phil and Kay to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary. The eldest Robertson son Alan also made an appearance on the season premiere as the pastor for the ceremony.

For many people, it is hard to believe that “Duck Dynasty” is making the record as the most-watched reality show in cable history. With other reality shows currently on air, it’s difficult to see how these self-proclaimed rednecks could top the charts.

Not everyone is disappointed with the success. Senior Cate Monigan, a fan of the Robertson clan, said that she’s “glad that [‘Duck Dynasty’] is getting the recognition it deserves because it’s a better show than what you find on MTV.”

Disappointed with the more superficial attitudes on other reality shows, Monigan prefers the down-to-earth characters and family morals found on “Duck Dynasty.”

Monigan isn’t the only Gael who enjoys watching “Duck Dynasty,” junior Ariel May does as well. “I love ‘Duck Dynasty,’ it’s like a real life ‘Beverly Hillbillies,” May said, “There’s a familiar family sensibility that is extremely relatable.”

Junior Ashley Bresnahan, never having seen the show herself, had no idea that the show was so popular. “If it is collecting that many viewers obviously people seriously enjoy it,” she commented, “maybe I should start watching it!”

It seems as if “Duck Dynasty” will be growing in popularity for the foreseeable future. Fans can’t get enough of the Robertson pranksters.

New episodes of “Duck Dynasty” air Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. on A&E.