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September 21st, 2011, 10:02 GMT · By

‘Two and a Half Men’ Season Premiere Sets New Ratings Record

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Ashton Kutcher’s debut on “Two and a Half Men” set new ratings record
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People really wanted to see how Ashton Kutcher did on the first episode of the new season, the ninth, of “Two and a Half Men.” In fact, they wanted to see him so badly that the season premiere set a new record for the series, figures confirm.

The episode, which aired Monday evening, saw Charlie Sheen’s character Charlie Harper die a most violent death, which was only to be expected given the circumstances around the actor’s departure from the series.

It also featured Kutcher’s debut on the show, as Internet millionaire Walden Schmidt, as we also noted the other day.

In other words, fans of “Men” had a lot to look forward to, so they tuned in by the millions to see the first episode, AceShowbiz informs, citing Nielsen figures.

“Around 27.2 million viewers tuned in to the sitcom’s ninth season premiere on Monday, September 19, Nielsen noted. It also posted a 10.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic,” the e-zine reports.

Ashton did better than Charlie ever did throughout 8 whole seasons – but whether he has what it takes to keep it up is an entirely different matter.

“The numbers are extremely good because any other episode in the first eight seasons when Sheen was the star could not top it up,” AceShowbiz further writes.

“The sitcom’s previous best came in May 2005 following the final episode of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.’ Additionally, it is rarely seen for a scripted show these days to generate such big audience,” explains the e-zine.

While fans may have helped “Men” kick a new season off to an excellent start, critics didn’t take too kindly on Kutcher’s addition to the series.

The writing was lame and uninspired, he wasn’t funny and it seemed as if producers were trying to make fans think nothing had changed since Sheen’s departure when, in fact, a lot had – these are the loudest complaints from critics, as summed up by ScreenCrave.

In the end, even if critics continue to hate Ashton’s character and his take on it, it’s the fans who will decide the fate of the show. Speak your mind on the season premiere in the comments section below. 

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: BAD on 21 Sep 2011, 11:46 UTC reply to this comment

This was the worst show I have ever seen. You only had people watching to see how bad it was going to be. It was much worse than I could even imagine.

Comment #1.1 by: fighter on 27 Sep 2011, 02:24 GMT

I totally agree with you. thank you


Comment #2 by: Liz on 21 Sep 2011, 15:45 UTC reply to this comment

I think the original cast pulled off the show. A. Kutcher is no C. Sheen and I will give it another chance. If I still fell the same I will watch something else.


Comment #3 by: ron on 21 Sep 2011, 18:10 UTC reply to this comment

I enjoyed charlie sheen the previous 8 seasons, but by the looks of Kutchers first show, it,s probably dead in the water, not funny, boring and stupid, Kutcher has no talent!

Comment #3.1 by: june on 25 Oct 2011, 01:34 GMT

AGREE!!!


Comment #4 by: cb on 21 Sep 2011, 18:28 UTC reply to this comment

If Charlie Sheen and the producers kiss and make up he could return. Remember Dallas ( Bobby). We never seen Charlie dead so they do have
an option say....he was in rehab and faked his death

Comment #4.1 by: ask on 24 Sep 2011, 05:02 GMT

I agree or kill the show.

Comment #4.2 by: Shay on 03 Oct 2011, 22:37 GMT

Or make him a ghost and spice up the show.


Comment #5 by: Pv on 21 Sep 2011, 22:40 UTC reply to this comment

I didn't watch the show to see Ashton, just wanted to see how they got rid of Charlie. Aston is * & scruffy looking on the show. Clean him up!!

Comment #5.1 by: june on 25 Oct 2011, 01:26 GMT

So true ! he is just an ugly man...boy. No C.Sheen for a fact..Love u charlie


Comment #6 by: Jamey on 22 Sep 2011, 01:03 UTC reply to this comment

I thought it was really funny and I think Ashton did a great job. I'm looking forward to the full season. Always good to have some new blood so to speak--things don't get stale. I think it will continue to surpass.

Comment #6.1 by: Drewman on 22 Sep 2011, 14:23 GMT

I agree, He's not trying to be charlie, he's got his own Ashton style about him, and I hope they keep airing the show, I thought I was the only glad to see a positive post

Comment #6.2 by: Suelynn on 01 Oct 2011, 10:16 GMT

You have a strange sense of humor if you think Ashton Kutcher is funny.


Comment #7 by: Drewman on 22 Sep 2011, 14:30 UTC reply to this comment

I loved it, I don't think he's trying to be Charlie, I think he's got his own style about him "almost like a smart verion of a male Candy" To see him and Alan hanging out and Waldon leaving the bars with all the women whom isent even trying to pick them up and Alan countining to lose his mind, to me is halirious. I think give it some more time and see if Waldon grows on you


Comment #8 by: JACK DWYER on 22 Sep 2011, 23:51 UTC reply to this comment

I THOUGHT THE EPISODE WAS GOING GREAT. RIGHT UNTIL ASHTON MADE HIS APPEARANCE


Comment #9 by: Goldburg3 on 23 Sep 2011, 22:42 UTC reply to this comment

The premier was awesome. The original cast was hilarious, since they are all just naturaly funny. But I swear, Kutcher is not going to blend in. HE IS NOT FUNNY. His character in the first episode was * . The ratings are bogus, because people only tuned in, to see the change. Give me the numbers next Monday.....


Comment #10 by: Butterworth 8 on 24 Sep 2011, 02:32 UTC reply to this comment

I think the reason so many people may have watched is to see how the show handled the Charlie Sheen debacle. I found Mr. Lorre lacking in talent...the nudity of the idiot Ashton Kutchner could well have been dispensed with in favour of some decent dialogue. I do not predict a long run for this show.


Comment #11 by: ProffessorT on 24 Sep 2011, 21:22 UTC reply to this comment

Goodbye Charlie, You done messed up bad. I watched it. It was Fantastic and it,s just going to get better. No cameo Charlie. Your ash,s are in a dust buster. Where they belong. New season and much better Talent. Charlie was getting Stale. Charlie is only on the Tube because of his father. and he treats his family like crap. The very ones who made him. Ashton Kutcher is beyond Charlies reach as an actor, even without a Charlie Sheen Drug, that no man could survive except Charlie. It,s acting. playing pretend in front of a camera for 22 minutes. Now watch as Ashton shows you how it,s suppose to be done. DRUG FREE !


Comment #12 by: smo on 26 Sep 2011, 17:39 UTC reply to this comment

I watched just to see how they were going to get rid of Charlie and how Ashton's character would work into the show. WORSE two and half men ever. This is not going to work for me. Nothing against Ashton but Charlie Sheen was too much "the show". Killing his character off was a major mistake..makes it sad. The show might have had a chance if Charlie had just moved to a different country. Also having the new character living in Charlie's house, trying to mimic the same character does not work. They either need to have a whole new plot..with Allen being the main character and the new guy living with Allen.

A big thumbs down for me. Just take the show off the air or completely re-write it. Better yet.. Bring Charlie Sheen Back!


Comment #13 by: dee dee on 27 Sep 2011, 01:58 UTC reply to this comment

We want charlie back!!! Ashton Kutcher is ok, but he's not Charlie


Comment #14 by: Emma on 27 Sep 2011, 02:17 UTC reply to this comment

Today was it for me goodbye Two and Half Men. No Sheen no show.


Comment #15 by: fighter on 27 Sep 2011, 02:23 UTC reply to this comment

Ok so two and a half men sucked!!!!!!!!!!! wake up people the only reason i tuned to the show is to see how bad it was going to be. and it was bring Charlie back if you want the show to go on


Comment #16 by: tvgal on 27 Sep 2011, 03:40 UTC reply to this comment

Too bad, the show with out Sheen is not very funny. I like Kutcher but it just doesn't work.


Comment #17 by: Chip on 27 Sep 2011, 09:55 UTC reply to this comment

Two and a Half Men use to be a TOP RATED SHOW and I and everyone I talked to LOVED IT. Now, since Chuck Lorre, or whomever it is, is unable to MAN-UP and pretend to act professional for the benefit of the show he has it rewritten to the embarrassing crap that aired tonight and the season opener last week. Two and a Half Men use to be a Classy AND Funny show....now it is NEITHER! It STINKS...no it SUCKS big time. If the immature children who currently produce this show are unable to man-up and pretend to act like adults for the benefit of the show, then this show is History, it's DEAD! As far as I'm concerned, this show was DOA on the Season Opener. My opinion, get rid of the immature children who are unable to man-up and act like adults and continue to produce the Great Two and a Half Men Show as it's been produced for years.....with Sheen and the rest....for this WAS a CLASSY, FUNNY, show....a REAL WINNER for many years and a great money maker for all concerned. If this show is put back together again like it was, and real soon, it'll go on to be as great as it ever was....and maybe even greater now. But if it's allowed to go on like this much longer you'll lose fans, permanently!!! Just write a show with Allen wakening from a bad dream....have him explain the terrible things in his dream which would basically be the two or three horrible episodes which will have already aired. Then we all can get back to enjoying a terrific show and both the producers and actors can go back to making a killing each week on this fantastic show with Charlie. It's NOT TOO LATE to FIX THIS...YET!!! Thank you.

Comment #17.1 by: Rosser on 04 Oct 2011, 11:23 GMT

I am with you on this - we should all vote to bring Charlie back. They should have helped him not sacked him. Know he was probably a pain in the * but they should have made allowances - he kept them all in a job

Comment #17.2 by: elle on 29 Oct 2011, 17:56 GMT

My thoughts exactly, not everyone at Apple loved Steve Jobs but they understood his genius and wanted to be part of a successful company. Chuck Lorre and Charlie Sheen could take a lesson from this. Kiss and make up and get the show back on track. Ashton can find another job on Nickelodeon whose demographics actually find him amusing


Comment #18 by: yuck on 27 Sep 2011, 15:45 UTC reply to this comment

I think the show is a joke now and won't keep the fans watching for long. I am a big fan of the show not now.


Comment #19 by: JJ on 28 Sep 2011, 00:14 UTC reply to this comment

Not the same, Ashton does not fit the part , not funny. The only reason so many people saw the episode was to compare and guess what it doesn"t compare. I bought the first eight seasons, but I sure won't buy the rest as a matter afact I won't be watching any more of Two and Half Men. Had a good thing going with Charlie Sheen and the rest of cast it was so perfect. Your loss Chuck Lorre, it is not going to last.


Comment #20 by: rbbrduck on 28 Sep 2011, 07:01 UTC reply to this comment

ashton totaly sucked. i watched the first two and was not impressed. i couldn't believe they are using herbs sister as waldens ex. is there going to be a connection later on or what???? guess i'll never know, will be watching reruns until charlies new show comes out. ashton is still playing kelso, well his marriage is done and the show will die.


Comment #21 by: hughes on 28 Sep 2011, 13:17 UTC reply to this comment

hi i think that charie is d main man 4d two and a half man its his life staly looks like mine and its gd c.hughes


Comment #22 by: phil on 29 Sep 2011, 16:55 UTC reply to this comment

First show was ok, but second show was not funny, I have been a fan since the beginning. I will eventually watch something else. the show lacks interesting story line.


Comment #23 by: CT on 30 Sep 2011, 19:26 UTC reply to this comment

I think it's too early to tell. So far, I still think it's funny. People just need to be open minded and give it a chance. Now that Ashton is here, the producers may have more storylines. Of course you cannot watch the show anymore expecting it to be the same as before when Charlie was there.


Comment #24 by: lover on 30 Sep 2011, 23:27 UTC reply to this comment

this show will never be the same without Charlie Sheen...did not like new show with Ashton..need Charlie back..will not watch again


Comment #25 by: R2D2 on 01 Oct 2011, 00:59 UTC reply to this comment

If you wish to continue the program--get Sheen back....
the ensemble without Ashton can hold it together
until you get new story line to bring the show out of the toilet
it was shoved in.....
I like Ashton, but not in this show--timing has been lost...
Better to have everyone sit on their pride and get the show
back together --- Sheen may have always been a pain but his
timing in this show was great---
Who approved the beard??? Not cool!!!


Comment #26 by: Suelynn on 01 Oct 2011, 10:12 UTC reply to this comment

The show will never last more than 1 season, if even that much. Ashton does not fit into the role and Chuck Lorre should be fired and they need to bring Charlie back. The whole cast was great, but it was Charlie who brought it all together. So sad that the best sitcom in years has gone down the toilet because of one producer. He should have given Charlie a chance to get his act together. The show sure won't be making the money now that Charlie brought in. I know I won't be watching without Charlie.


Comment #27 by: Peppe on 02 Oct 2011, 14:50 UTC reply to this comment

I think Charlie Sheen is the real dea for this show, with all due respect, Ashton is forced into it and he doesnt fit quite well. Sorry Ashton


Comment #28 by: Rosser on 04 Oct 2011, 11:16 UTC reply to this comment

For such a pivotal iconic character to be killed off in such a lame way and the subsequent childish performance by Ashton whomever is a travesty of justive. The whole premise of the series was around Charlie - bring him back

Comment #28.1 by: wa on 04 Oct 2011, 14:59 GMT

I watched the show last night for the first time. I didn't laugh, it was even painful to watch at moments. Not a fan.


Comment #29 by: wa on 04 Oct 2011, 15:02 UTC reply to this comment

Watched the show for the first time last night. I didn't laugh once, it was painful to watch at moments. * comes to mind. Not entertaining. Not a fan.


Comment #30 by: swehrm on 04 Oct 2011, 15:52 UTC reply to this comment

I think the new show is absolutely pathetic! Did they really think putting two whining (sp?) men - one who appears to have the mentality of a 5 year old - together could possibly replace the chemistry between Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer?????? The show is painful to watch. I have watched the first couple of shows, wanting to give it a chance, but will go back to watching re-runs of Two and a Half Men. Whose bright idea was it to have Ashton's long hair and beard - he reminds me of the cave man from the Geico commercial and it is very distracting. All in all, it was very disappointing, the writing is a poor attempt to maintain what they had with Charlie and is falling on its face. Having Aston supposedly running around nude was sad! I guess I could go on and on but from a former big fan of Two and a Half Men - let it die.


Comment #31 by: jj on 13 Oct 2011, 21:50 UTC reply to this comment

bring back charlie new show stinks


Comment #32 by: Smurph on 15 Oct 2011, 16:56 UTC reply to this comment

I hate this show so much that I can't even think straight enough to give you a comment!

Comment #32.1 by: june on 25 Oct 2011, 01:32 GMT

so right man...he really sucks..he is the same old person..even in a so called bad movie..same !! he sucks Ashton tak a fall off a mountain Please! couldn't Dingie Moore do any better that that ..LOL


Comment #33 by: Crazy Txn on 16 Oct 2011, 06:23 UTC reply to this comment

Same, It's not 2 and a half men, without Sheen. More like 3/4 man. Ashton isn't half as funny as Charlie is. I did watch the first, didn't laugh at all...and I laugh at every thing. Apparently everything except Ashton. Been watching the re runs like crazy tho. Been lmao!


Comment #34 by: Anthony on 18 Oct 2011, 01:15 UTC reply to this comment

I am sick and of all the masterbation * on two and a half men..
I wish they would fire all the writers and get some good ones.


Comment #35 by: Gabby on 18 Oct 2011, 15:10 UTC reply to this comment

I think the second episode stunk also he just does have it. bring Charlie back.


Comment #36 by: june on 25 Oct 2011, 01:24 UTC reply to this comment

Ashton sucks in the new two and a half men...Nobody can replace charlie Sheen !! he is a real STAR Actor...I cannot watch this junk now..why not a good dog.to replace him,,not with a freak like Ashton..He would sleep with his own Mother to just get attention..sick !! man. He is with a mother LOL


Comment #37 by: Dolly on 27 Oct 2011, 23:25 UTC reply to this comment

Kelso (and that's the part he's playing) stinks on Two and a Half Men. The show stinks now, and I've stopped watching it after all these years.


Comment #38 by: elle on 29 Oct 2011, 17:52 UTC reply to this comment

the addition of Ashton Kutcher was a horrible mistake. He is not funny, he can not act and it is not the responsibility of the other excellent actors to carry his weight. Eat some crow and get Charlie Sheen back. I will never watch again after giving it three episodes, without a single laugh


Comment #39 by: elle on 29 Oct 2011, 17:54 UTC reply to this comment

Ashton Kutcher is just not funny and he plays the exact same character in everything he does. Please quit, for all our sakes.


Comment #40 by: JO on 31 Dec 2011, 01:29 UTC reply to this comment

I really miss Charlie Sheen. He had a special kind of humor that I loved. He also related much better to the rest of the cast. It felt real with Charlie, like they were a real family. Ashton is a nice guy, but the show is just plain silly, goofy and degradable now. The cast is just going through the motions reading their lines. Empty, void, not memorable.


Comment #41 by: JP on 14 May 2012, 23:51 UTC reply to this comment

Glad it's finally over. What a waste of air time. Retards


Comment #42 by: JP on 14 May 2012, 23:52 UTC reply to this comment

Glad it's finally over. What a waste of air time. Bunch of Retards.

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