NEW YORK — Both Ashton Kutcher and Charlie Sheen have something to brag about during their big nights on television.

Kutcher’s debut as Sheen’s replacement in the CBS sitcom “Two and a Half Men” was seen by 27.8 million people Monday. The Nielsen Co. said Tuesday that was more than any other episode in the show’s first eight seasons, when Sheen was the star.

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Jon Cryer and Ashton Kutcher star in “Two and a Half Men” Monday on CBS. Meanwhile, a Charlie Sheen roast gave Comedy Central its second-most watched telecast. The Associated Press

Paris Hilton The Associated Press

Gisele Bundchen The Associated Press

The sitcom’s previous best came in May 2005 following the final episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Meanwhile, Sheen appeared Monday as the “victim” of a Comedy Central roast that reached 6.4 million people. That is the second- most-watched telecast in the cable network’s history, behind only Jeff Dunham’s holiday special in 2008.

The season-opening episode of “Two and a Half Men,” television’s most popular comedy, was much anticipated. Producers kept it a secret how they would kill off Sheen’s character and introduce Kutcher’s.

Sheen had been fired from the show last season for drug use and erratic behavior. He launched a weekslong tirade against his bosses, including show creator Chuck Lorre, and Lorre got revenge in Monday’s episode.

Sheen’s Charlie Harper character was killed when he was hit by a subway train in Paris.

Meanwhile, Kutcher appeared as an Internet billionaire unsuccessful in a suicide attempt over a breakup.

“Two and a Half Men” gave a boost to the premiere of CBS’ new comedy “2 Broke Girls” that followed it. That show had an audience of 19.2 million, the largest for a fall sitcom premiere since “Inside Schwartz” a decade ago.

Bundchen told to slow down

BARNSTABLE, Mass. – Gisele Bundchen, supermodel and wife of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, was stopped for speeding and given a verbal warning by a Massachusetts state trooper.

State police spokesman David Procopio said Bundchen was going about 70 mph in a 55-mph zone on a state road when she was stopped Saturday.

Procopio said two children were in the Cadillac SUV, properly fastened in car seats.

Procopio said Bundchen did not get any special treatment.

The same trooper gave four other drivers verbal warnings that afternoon. He gave 20 others written citations, but those drivers committed other violations in addition to speeding.

‘Jersey Shore’ may lose credit

TRENTON, N.J. – Republican Gov. Chris Christie is considering whether to stand in the way of a $420,000 tax credit for MTV’s “Jersey Shore.”

The state Economic Development Authority approved the film credit last week. It covers production costs for the hit reality series’ inaugural 2009 season.

Christie suspended the film tax credit program in 2010 to close a budget deficit. But the 2009 season still qualified.

The governor’s spokesman suggested last week that Christie couldn’t stop the tax credit. But Christie now says a veto is possible.

The show centers on the cast living and partying on the beach and boardwalk in Seaside Heights.

Hilton finishes probation for drug arrest

LAS VEGAS — Paris Hilton is wrapping up a year of probation stemming from a 2010 drug arrest on the Las Vegas Strip.

Officials said Hilton’s attorneys appeared in court Tuesday on the socialite’s behalf to show she had completed her obligations to the court. She had to pay a $2,000 fine and serve 200 hours of community service in addition to probation.

Hilton, 30, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug possession after a bag containing 0.8 of a gram of cocaine fell from her purse in front of a police officer. 

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