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.