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Ashton Kutcher Sets Record For 'Two And A Half Men'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Ashton Kutcher has bragging rights over Charlie Sheen.

Kutcher's debut in the CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men'' on Monday was seen by 27.7 million people. The Nielsen company says that's more than any other episode in the first eight seasons, when Sheen was the star.

The sitcom's previous best came in May 2005 following the final episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond.''

The new season started with an ending and a new beginning. During Monday night's premiere, it was revealed that Sheen's character, Charlie Harper, died when he was hit by a subway train in Paris.

Kutcher was introduced as a billionaire who made his money off a website. His character moves in by buying up Harper's old Malibu pad.

The freshman comedy "2 Broke Girls," which aired right after "Men," drew an audience of 19.2 million during its debut. The show posted the largest audience for a fall comedy premiere since "Inside Schwartz" in September 2001.

Did you watch the show? What'd you think? Will you keep watching it? Let us know below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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