OWN now said to launch in 80 million homes in January.
'Jeff Dunham Show' Has Record-Breaking Premiere
Comedy Central show racks up viewership records for cable network.
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Since Arsenio Hall's groundbreaking show went off the air in the late 1990s, others have tried to diversify the late-night airwaves, with mixed results. Three new shows are tackling the issue again. Read more.
Thursday night's premiere of "The Jeff Dunham Show" on Comedy Central broke network records for a series premiere in total viewers (5.3 million), adults 18-49 rating (2.6) and adult 18-49 viewers (3 million).
Premiering at 9 p.m., "Dunham" was the most-watched show in cable for Thursday primetime among total viewers, and the highest-rated and most-watched show among adults 18-49, men 18-34 and men 18-24.
The comedy faced tough competition, including original episodes of "Grey's Anatomy," "CSI" and "The Office," as well as Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, featuring the Angels and the Yankees.
Dunham's half-hour comedy/reality show, from Levity Entertainment, features the comedian and his team of puppets doing their standup routine and interacting on location with real people.
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