LOS ANGELES – Ashton Kutcher's 'Two and a Half Men' debut set a ratings record for the show.
The first episode of the sitcom's ninth series – in which Ashton has replaced sacked Charlie Sheen – got 27.7 million viewers, more than double the number who watched the first episode of season eight in 2010.
The show introduced Ashton's billionaire character Walden Schmidt, who spent most of the episode naked.
The show saw Walden form a friendship with Charlie's character's brother, Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) and decide to buy the departed star's house.
It was also explained that Charlie's alter ego died after being hit by a Paris subway train.
While Charlie's firing from the show initially led to some bitter public outbursts, he has since wished Ashton well and made a public apology to his former cast mates.
Speaking at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, he said: "I want to take a moment to get something off my chest and say a few words to everybody here from 'Two and a Half Men'.
"From the bottom of my heart I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season. We spent eight wonderful years together, and I know you will continue to make great television."
It has also been reported the actor – who launched a multi-million dollar legal battle with the show's makers, Warner Brothers over his sacking – has settled with them for a $100 million, in wages from when he was on the show and syndication profits.
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