Ashton Kutcher Makes Greatly Anticipated Debut on Two and a Half Men
The eighth season premiere of “Two and a Half Men” Monday night featured the death of Charlie Sheen’s character, and has introduced his replacement, Ashton Kutcher.
Airing a half hour before the Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen, the CBS comedy showed a funeral for Charlie Harper- Sheen’s former character. The 46-year-old actor was fired from the network in March after a public meltdown which included accusations against his boss, Chuck Lorre, and other work associates.
Charlie Harper was killed off with the explanation that he had fallen in front of an oncoming train.
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“Men” has become television’s most popular Monday comedy, and the introduction of Kutcher’s character, Walden Schmidt, was a part of the most-anticipated premiere of the season.
Schmidt meets Alan, Jon Cryer’s character, after attempting suicide in the ocean over a broken heart. They two become friends, and it is established that Walden will move in and take Charlie’s place.
The Monday night slot claimed a healthy 14.5 million viewers For “Men,” in the 18-49 year old demographic. Fox news reported that 39 percent of viewers said they missed Charlie Sheen, while 32 percent felt that Kutcher was a good replacement. The remaining 29 percent said that it was too soon to tell how Kutcher would do.
Kutcher appeared on Fox’s “That 70’s Show” as Michael Kelso from 1998 to 2006. In a recent report by US Weekly, the actor sought another sitcom role, and said landing his spot on “Men” was “hitting the lotto.”
During the Emmy Awards Sunday night, Sheen made an announcement wishing his best to the cast and crew of “Men.” Before presenting the award for Leading Comedy Actor, Sheen said, “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.”
Despite his attempt to made amends, Sheen maintains his nearly $100 million lawsuit against his former employers at CBS.
America’s most watched television network, CBS also premiered a new comedy series-“2 Broke Girls” Monday night.
