Ashton Kutcher Brings in Big Ratings For ‘Two and a Half Men’
One of the iffier moments for a TV show is in replacing a lead or a core cast member- television history is peppered with notable failures of a spouse or mom replacement in once-beloved shows.
When Charlie Sheen flamed out and off of CBS’s Two and a Half Men, it seemed the show could very well be done for. Without Sheen, it seemed a lot of the show’s appeal might disappear rapidly- and then came news of his replacement, Ashton Kutcher. While Kutcher is popular with young viewers, it seemed a gamble that could possibly not pay off in a pricey way for the network.
But initial viewer data is in, and it seems that Kutcher has worked as a replacement- at least in the first episode. And perhaps exceedingly so.
According to EW, it wasn’t just Two and a Half Men that scored big- Monday night in general was a coup for the network:
CBS’ entire comedy lineup was strong, with the night opening with back-to-back episodes of How I Met Your Mother (11.3 million, 4.7 and 12.2 million, 5.1, respectively), that were much higher than last fall’s premiere… CBS also crushed the premiere of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars (18.6 million, 3.9). While ABC held up better than any other CBS rival, the two-hour premiere was down a sharp 24 percent from last fall’s edition.
The premiere of the new, Sheen-less Two and a Half Men clocked in with an impressive 27.7 million viewers, on par with the premiere of American Idol. Ratings were particularly high among the 18-49 year old demographic, and up 110% over the premiere of the eighth season with Sheen. While there’s a chance the bump was in part curiosity, it seems Kutcher could be in for a good run on Two and a Half Men.
Did you tune in to see Kutcher in action?
Tags : Ashton Kutcher, Ashton Kutcher Two and a Half Men Ratings, charlie sheen, Two and a Half Men, Two and a Half Men Ratings
Posted: September 20, 2011
![Grieving Pit Bull Stays with Dead Mate for 14 Hours [Video]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/05/grieving-pit-bull-phoenix-arizona-2012-video-100x100.jpg)
![Skydiver Gary Connery Safely Lands Without A Parachute [Video]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/05/gary-connery-100x100.jpg)
![Miley Cyrus Flashes Side Boob, Talks About Losing Her Viginity [Photo, NSFW]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/05/o-MILEY-CYRUS-SIDE-BOOB-SEX-SCENE-VIRGINITY-570-100x100.jpg)
![Deadbeat Dad Puts Kid In Tumble-Dryer [VIDEO]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/05/Deadbeat-Dad-Puts-Kid-In-Tumble-Dryer-VIDEO-100x100.jpg)
![Valeria Lukyanova: Model Seeks To Be Real-Life Barbie Doll [Photos]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/04/barbie-doll-100x100.jpg)
Sep 20, 2011
Yes I did and I thought it was a good show last night, hopefully all the sho be as good.
Sep 20, 2011
Thought it was dismal. Not sure anything could have matched the hype though. Ashton Kutcher's character is flat, boring and not funny. I will give them a few shows to see how it developes. I am fearful that Two And A Half Men has failed the math test.
Sep 20, 2011
I did see the show and the only time I laughed was when Sheen was the center of the scene.disappointed by the show.
Sep 20, 2011
I watched it and the word that comes to mind is "sophomoric". This series may have run it's course anyway before Charlie's meltdown. I suppose the encouraging thing is that, after last night, it can only go in one direction. Up
Sep 20, 2011
I thought it was ok. Will watch a few shows to see how it goes.
Sep 20, 2011
B O R I N G
Sep 20, 2011
It was horrible. the worst episode of the show I had ever seen. Way to start the season with a horrible impression of Kutcher. Kutcher's entire character didn't make any sense to me. He played a guy failing to kill himself, conveniently outside the Harper resident, which is up for sale and he just happens to be a billionaire, so he buys the place, and now begins the relationship between 2 strangers that will now be living together. I mean really, the plot was horrid. He wasn't funny at all. The way they killed Charlie off the show was very sad, stupid and just plain, I can't even describe how out of character it was for the show. I have officially watched my last episode of Two and a half men. Sorry Kutcher fans and those who liked the show, but I don't think he's right for this role.
Sep 20, 2011
I absolutely loved it! I laughed so much. Ashton was amazing as he always is in everything he does! I can't wait for next week! I have this season as #1 on my DVR list to record the season! Good Luck 2.5 Men, I for one think you all Rocked it last night! Congratulations!
<3
Sep 21, 2011
Loved it! Kutcher is going to be awesome!
Oct 23, 2011
The show is not the same as when Charlie was in it. I think people need to view the show by accepting a different character.
Oct 23, 2011
ok so I am a dork lol I nothing better to do then read this crap