Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Men is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn that originally aired on CBS from September 22, 2003, to February 19, 2015, spanning 12 seasons and 262 episodes.[1][2] The series centers on the contrasting lifestyles of two brothers—Charlie Harper, a hedonistic jingle writer portrayed by Charlie Sheen, and his uptight divorced brother Alan Harper, played by Jon Cryer—along with Alan's young son Jake, enacted by Angus T. Jones, as they share Charlie's luxurious Malibu beach house.[3][4] The show explores themes of family, relationships, sex, dating, divorce, and single parenthood through a lens of humor often centered on male perspectives and generational clashes.[3] The ensemble cast also features recurring roles such as Marin Hinkle as Alan's ex-wife Judith, Conchata Ferrell as the Harper brothers' housekeeper Berta, and Holland Taylor as their manipulative mother Evelyn, adding layers of comedic tension and familial dysfunction.[3] Initially a ratings juggernaut, Two and a Half Men became one of CBS's highest-rated comedies, frequently topping Nielsen charts and contributing to the network's primetime dominance during its run.[5] However, the series faced significant upheaval in 2011 when lead actor Charlie Sheen was fired following public conflicts with the producers, leading to his character being written out as deceased and replaced by Ashton Kutcher as Walden Schmidt, a billionaire software entrepreneur, for the final four seasons.[6][7] Critically mixed but commercially successful, the show earned 47 Primetime Emmy nominations and secured 9 wins, including two for Jon Cryer—for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2009 and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2012—as well as awards for art direction and cinematography in 2013.[8] Despite controversies over its portrayal of gender dynamics and Sheen's off-screen behavior, Two and a Half Men remains notable as the longest-running multicamera sitcom in television history at the time of its conclusion, influencing subsequent ensemble comedies with its blend of slapstick, innuendo, and character-driven satire.[9][5]Overview
Premise
Two and a Half Men centers on the life of Charlie Harper, a carefree jingle writer who enjoys a lavish, bachelor lifestyle in his Malibu beach house. The story begins when Charlie's divorced brother, Alan Harper, a strait-laced chiropractor, loses his home and moves in with Charlie, bringing along his young son, Jake. This arrangement disrupts Charlie's hedonistic routine, leading to humorous conflicts arising from their contrasting personalities and living habits.[3][10] In the ninth season, the premise shifts dramatically after Charlie's off-screen death, prompting Alan to consider leaving the house. Instead, internet billionaire Walden Schmidt purchases the property following his own divorce and forms an unlikely friendship with Alan and Jake, who continue to reside there. Walden's eccentric wealth and emotional vulnerabilities replace Charlie's playboy antics as the source of comedy, while the core family tensions persist in the beach house setting.[10][11] Throughout its run, the series explores sibling rivalry between Charlie (and later Walden) and the financially dependent Alan, Jake's maturation from a carefree child to a young adult navigating adolescence, and broader themes of post-divorce family life, fleeting romantic relationships, and traditional notions of masculinity. The Malibu beachfront home serves as the symbolic heart of these dynamics, representing unattached freedom juxtaposed against instability and interdependence.[3]Format and themes
Two and a Half Men employs a traditional multi-camera sitcom format, with episodes typically running approximately 22 minutes and filmed before a live studio audience to capture authentic reactions, augmented by a laugh track for broadcast. The series adheres to a conventional three-act structure, where setups involving family dynamics and interpersonal conflicts build tension across acts, culminating in punchlines that resolve around humorous misunderstandings or revelations in the domestic sphere. This approach emphasizes quick pacing and punchy dialogue, characteristic of the genre's theatrical roots.[12][13][14][15] The show's humor blends slapstick physical comedy, sharp verbal wit, and frequent sexual innuendo, often drawing on exaggerated gender stereotypes to drive gags. Central themes include male privilege, as exemplified by Charlie Harper's unapologetic hedonism; failed romantic relationships, portrayed through fleeting encounters and emotional detachment; and generational gaps, highlighted by clashes between adult siblings and their nephew. These elements reinforce a worldview where masculinity is tied to dominance and sexual conquest, with women frequently depicted as objects of desire or sources of comic frustration, perpetuating notions of toxic masculinity.[16] Over its run, the series experienced a tonal evolution, starting with light-hearted, risqué episodes centered on Charlie's antics in the early seasons and shifting to a more sentimental tone after season 8, following his character's exit and the introduction of Walden Schmidt. Later seasons incorporated greater pop culture references and celebrity cameos to refresh the dynamic, while recurring motifs persisted, such as Charlie's alcoholism and casual sex as markers of his carefree lifestyle, Alan's hypochondria and mooching as foils to his brotherly dependence, and Jake's progression from dim-witted innocence to teenage rebellion. This brief reference to the post-season 8 changes underscores the show's adaptation without delving into production details.[17][16]Production
Development
Two and a Half Men was created by Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn as a CBS sitcom in 2003, drawing inspiration from the classic Odd Couple dynamic but incorporating family elements with two contrasting brothers and a young nephew living together.[18][19] The premise centered on the hedonistic lifestyle of one brother clashing with the more straitlaced life of the other, amplified by the addition of a child, aiming to blend humor with relatable sibling and parental tensions.[18] The pilot episode aired on September 22, 2003, in the Monday night prime-time slot following Everybody Loves Raymond, marking it as the most-watched new series of its premiere week and retaining a strong portion of its lead-in audience.[19] CBS quickly greenlit a full 13-episode first season based on the pilot's immediate popularity, setting the stage for the show's long run.[19] The series was renewed annually, with notable multi-season commitments including a three-year extension announced in 2009 that carried it through 2012, ultimately spanning 12 seasons from 2003 to 2015 for a total of 262 episodes.[20] A pivotal development decision came ahead of season 9, when co-creator Lorre opted to introduce billionaire character Walden Schmidt to replace the original lead after his abrupt exit, shifting the tone toward more optimistic relational themes while sustaining the core buddy-comedy format.[19][21] The original theme song, "Men, Men, Men, Men, Manly Men, Men, Men," was written and performed by Lorre in collaboration with Aronsohn, underscoring the show's focus on masculine antics and brotherly bonds through its playful, repetitive lyrics.[22] Minor variations appeared across seasons in the opening sequence, such as updated photos to reflect cast changes and Jake's growth, but the core track remained a staple emphasizing the series' humorous take on male relationships.[22] Aired in CBS's prime-time lineup, the show's production budget started at approximately $1 million per episode in its early seasons, driven by modest initial cast salaries, but escalated to $3-4 million by the later years amid rising star pay, including multimillion-dollar deals for leads that boosted overall costs.[23][24]Filming and crew
The principal filming for Two and a Half Men took place on Stage 26 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, where the interior sets of the Harper brothers' beach house and other recurring locations were constructed and shot using a multi-camera setup.[25] Exterior establishing shots of the Malibu beach house were captured at Point Dume in Malibu, California, providing the iconic coastal backdrop seen in opening sequences and transitional scenes.[26] Occasional on-location shoots were conducted for episodes involving vacations or special events, such as beach outings or travel sequences, to enhance visual variety beyond the studio environment.[25] The production followed a standard multi-camera sitcom schedule, producing 22 to 24 episodes per season from September to May, aligning with the CBS broadcast calendar. Each episode required approximately three to four days of principal photography, including rehearsals and a live audience taping on the final day, which typically lasted four to five hours to capture multiple takes for editing flexibility. Practical sets were used for interior scenes to maintain a grounded, domestic feel, with the live audience providing natural timing cues for comedic delivery. Production schedules were occasionally adjusted due to cast absences in later seasons.[27] Key behind-the-scenes personnel included director James Widdoes, who helmed the majority of episodes—142 across the series—ensuring consistent pacing and visual style. The writers' room was led by co-creators Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn, who oversaw script development and contributed to many episodes directly. Composer Grant Geissman crafted the series' theme and incidental score for all 12 seasons, blending jazz-inflected instrumentals to underscore the show's lighthearted tone.[28][29][30] In post-production, episodes underwent editing to refine comedic timing and narrative flow, with the live audience's reactions incorporated as a laugh track, occasionally sweetened for emphasis on punchlines. Visual effects were minimal, primarily limited to dream sequences or simple composites, prioritizing the show's reliance on dialogue and performance over elaborate graphics.[31]Controversies
The most significant controversy surrounding Two and a Half Men involved lead actor Charlie Sheen's dismissal in 2011, following a series of personal struggles and public outbursts that disrupted production. Sheen was hospitalized for substance abuse issues during the eighth season, prompting CBS to halt filming temporarily, and he subsequently engaged in highly publicized rants against co-creator Chuck Lorre, including calling him a "maggot" and wishing him "pain" in an open letter.[32][33] Warner Bros. Television fired Sheen on March 7, 2011, citing his "dangerously self-destructive conduct" and contractual clauses related to incapacity and moral turpitude as grounds for termination.[34][35] In response, Sheen filed a $100 million lawsuit against Warner Bros. and Lorre, alleging wrongful termination and breach of contract, which also sought compensation on behalf of the cast and crew for lost wages. The dispute was settled out of court in September 2011 for $25 million, allowing production to resume without further legal escalation. Sheen's character, Charlie Harper, was killed off in the season 9 premiere through a train accident, a narrative choice that addressed his absence while drawing widespread attention.[36][37][38] To fill the void left by Sheen, Ashton Kutcher was cast as billionaire Walden Schmidt, a new character who purchases the Harper beach house, marking a major shift in the show's dynamic. Kutcher, who earned $700,000 per episode for his debut season, helped propel the September 19, 2011, season 9 premiere to a record 27.7 million viewers, the highest-rated comedy episode in TV history at the time and a testament to public curiosity about the recast.[39][40] However, the transition required a complete rewrite of the season's scripts, originally planned around Sheen, leading to on-set tensions as the production team adapted under pressure from Lorre, who had faced direct attacks from Sheen but focused on salvaging the series.[41] Another notable controversy arose in 2012 when child actor Angus T. Jones, who played Jake Harper, announced his departure from the regular cast after season 10, citing his newfound religious convictions as a Seventh-day Adventist. In a video testimonial for a church group, the 19-year-old Jones described the show as "filth" and urged viewers to stop watching it, sparking backlash and highlighting his discomfort with the series' content as an adult. Jones was subsequently reduced to a recurring role, with his character written out by enlisting in the U.S. Army at the end of season 10, allowing the show to continue without his full-time involvement; no additional major lawsuits emerged from this or other production issues.[42][43][44] Despite these disruptions, Two and a Half Men persevered, airing three additional full seasons with Kutcher as the lead and maintaining strong ratings, before concluding its 12-season run on February 19, 2015, with a series finale that reconciled some past tensions by featuring Sheen in a cameo appearance.[1][45]Cast and characters
Main
Charlie Sheen starred as Charlie Harper, the show's original lead character, a hedonistic jingle writer and perpetual bachelor whose lavish Malibu lifestyle is upended by his brother and nephew moving in.[46] Harper is depicted as charismatic yet irresponsible, frequently engaging in casual relationships and avoiding commitment while providing reluctant support to his family.[46] Sheen top-billed the series from its inception and appeared in 178 episodes across seasons 1 through 8, plus a brief guest spot in season 12.[47] Jon Cryer played Alan Harper throughout all 12 seasons, the only actor to appear in every episode, totaling 262 appearances.[47] As Charlie's uptight younger brother and a divorced chiropractor, Alan is portrayed as neurotic, financially strained, and overly dependent on others, often crashing at Charlie's (and later Walden's) beach house with his son Jake while navigating failed relationships and personal insecurities.[46] Cryer received second billing after Sheen until season 9, when he assumed co-lead status alongside Ashton Kutcher.[48] Angus T. Jones portrayed Jake Harper, Alan's laid-back son and the "half man" of the title, evolving from a naive child into a dim-witted young adult and eventual slacker.[46] Jake's character arc highlights his oblivious humor and minimal effort in school or work, serving as comic relief amid family dynamics; he was a series regular through season 10 before transitioning to recurring in seasons 11 and 12.[46] Jones appeared in 226 episodes overall.[47] Following Sheen's departure, Ashton Kutcher joined as Walden Schmidt in season 9, taking top billing as the new lead through the series finale in season 12, with 85 episodes total.[47] Walden is an eccentric tech billionaire reeling from a painful divorce, exhibiting vulnerability beneath his wealth and naivety in social situations, particularly dating, while forming an unlikely bond with Alan.[11] His purchase of Charlie's beach house integrates him into the core family setup.[11] Holland Taylor recurred as Evelyn Harper, the sharp-witted and emotionally distant mother of Charlie and Alan, across all 12 seasons in 98 episodes.[47] Evelyn is characterized by her dry sarcasm, multiple failed marriages, and manipulative tendencies toward her sons, often clashing with them over family matters.[46] Conchata Ferrell appeared as Berta, the no-nonsense housekeeper, in 211 episodes spanning all 12 seasons (died October 12, 2020).[47] Berta provides grounded, irreverent commentary on the Harpers' chaos with her blunt wit and unfiltered opinions, acting as a maternal figure despite her gruff exterior.[11]Recurring
The recurring characters in Two and a Half Men provided essential support to the central family dynamics, appearing in multiple episodes to develop ongoing subplots without overshadowing the main narrative.[4] Marin Hinkle portrayed Judith Harper-Melnick, Alan's ex-wife and Jake's mother, who served as a primary antagonist in custody disputes and alimony conflicts, often highlighting Alan's financial and emotional struggles.[49] Hinkle appeared in 84 episodes across the series, primarily in seasons 1 through 8, with sporadic returns later.[4] Melanie Lynskey played Rose, the Harpers' eccentric neighbor and Charlie's obsessive stalker, whose unpredictable affections drove romantic and comedic tension, evolving from a one-sided pursuit to a peculiar friendship. Lynskey featured in 63 episodes, mainly in early seasons but recurring through the finale.[4] Ryan Stiles depicted Dr. Herb Melnick, Judith's second husband and Jake's stepfather, injecting comic relief through his dim-witted yet affable personality and integration into the extended family. Stiles appeared in 30 episodes, concentrated in seasons 4 through 10.[4] These characters typically appeared in 20 to 100 episodes, distributed across seasons to sustain story arcs like romantic entanglements and family extensions.[29] Collectively, the recurring cast enriched the series by layering interpersonal conflicts and humor into family and romantic subplots, maintaining narrative depth without dominating the core ensemble.[50]Guest stars
The series featured numerous high-profile guest stars throughout its 12 seasons, with over 200 unique appearances contributing to its comedic dynamics and drawing larger audiences through celebrity appeal.[51] These one-time or limited-role performers often served as romantic interests, foils for the main characters' antics, or elements of parody, enhancing the show's lighthearted tone without integrating into ongoing storylines.[52] Notable examples include Jane Lynch, who portrayed Dr. Linda Freeman, the no-nonsense therapist to Charlie and Alan, in 14 episodes billed as a guest star, providing sharp comedic tension through her character's disdain for the brothers' flaws. Jenna Elfman appeared in two episodes of season 1 as Frankie, a quirky and chaotic love interest who disrupts Charlie's life in "Round One to the Hot Crazy Chick" and "That Was Saliva, Alan," highlighting the show's exploration of mismatched attractions.[53] Similarly, Megan Fox guest-starred in season 1's "Camel Filters and Pheromones" as Prudence, Berta's rebellious teenage granddaughter, whose flirtatious presence creates awkward humor around the adult characters' temptations.[54] Celebrity cameos added self-referential humor, such as John Stamos playing himself in season 9's premiere "Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt," where he recounts a past escapade with Charlie to explain his disinterest in buying the house.[55] Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen's real-life brother, appeared as Andy in season 6's "The Devil's Lube," portraying a wild friend whose death prompts Charlie to reflect on his lifestyle.[56] Miley Cyrus had a limited arc as Missi, Jake's bold ex-girlfriend, across two episodes in season 10—"You Do Know What the Lollipop Is For" and "Avoid the Chinese Mustard"—infusing the narrative with youthful energy and romantic complications.[57] Such appearances frequently boosted viewership; for instance, Cyrus's episodes drew a season-high 13.6 million viewers, demonstrating how star power amplified the series' ratings during transitional periods.[58] Overall, these guests enriched the comedy's episodic variety, often tying into themes of fleeting relationships and celebrity culture without overshadowing the core ensemble.[59]Broadcast
Episodes
Two and a Half Men comprises 262 episodes broadcast over 12 seasons from September 22, 2003, to February 19, 2015.[60] Each episode has a runtime of approximately 22 to 30 minutes, consistent with the half-hour sitcom format.[4] The series maintained a standard production order of around 22 episodes per season in its early years, though later seasons were shortened due to cast changes and network decisions, with no unaired episodes produced.[1] Seasons 1 through 8, totaling 177 episodes, featured Charlie Sheen as the lead character Charlie Harper.[61] Beginning with season 9, Ashton Kutcher replaced Sheen as Walden Schmidt, covering the remaining 85 episodes across seasons 9 to 12. Later seasons incorporated holiday-themed episodes, such as annual Christmas specials, and occasional clip shows revisiting prior storylines.[62] The following table outlines the episode counts per season:| Season | Episodes | Air Dates | Lead Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | 2003–2004 | Charlie Harper |
| 2 | 24 | 2004–2005 | Charlie Harper |
| 3 | 24 | 2005–2006 | Charlie Harper |
| 4 | 24 | 2006–2007 | Charlie Harper |
| 5 | 19 | 2007–2008 | Charlie Harper |
| 6 | 24 | 2008–2009 | Charlie Harper |
| 7 | 22 | 2009–2010 | Charlie Harper |
| 8 | 16 | 2010–2011 | Charlie Harper |
| 9 | 24 | 2011–2012 | Walden Schmidt |
| 10 | 23 | 2012–2013 | Walden Schmidt |
| 11 | 22 | 2013–2014 | Walden Schmidt |
| 12 | 16 | 2014–2015 | Walden Schmidt |
Syndication
Syndication of Two and a Half Men began in the United States in fall 2007, with reruns distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television to local broadcast stations and cable networks, including an initial run on FX from 2010 to 2017.[65] In 2010, the series was renewed for a second off-network cycle through 2021.[66] Tribune and Sinclair had previously purchased rights covering 47% of U.S. television households through September 2012.[67] Following its broadcast syndication run, the show shifted to cable outlets, airing on Nick at Nite from December 2017 to July 2018 as part of the network's family comedy lineup, where episodes were edited to remove adult content such as profanity and sexual references for evening family viewing.[68] It then moved to TV Land in July 2018, replacing Mom in a programming swap, and continues to air there alongside other classic sitcoms.[69] As of 2025, reruns remain available on various local stations, including CW affiliates like WLVI in Boston and independent outlets, often in late-night or weekend slots.[70] Internationally, Two and a Half Men has been distributed by Warner Bros. Television to over 50 countries, reaching audiences through local broadcasters and cable channels.[71] In the United Kingdom, it premiered on Paramount Comedy in 2004 before moving to E4 and later Comedy Central, where a 2011 episode drew record viewership of 803,000 for the channel.[72][73] In Canada, the series aired on CTV from 2007 to 2012 and subsequently on CTV Two for reruns.[74] In Australia, Nine Network broadcast the show, including repeats in prime time slots until 2011.[75] Warner Bros. Television holds the primary syndication rights, with deals structured around license fees of approximately $2 million per episode plus barter advertising in the U.S. market.[76] (Note: This figure encompasses cumulative syndication earnings, including global deals.) Reruns typically air in daily strips of two to four episodes on local stations and cable, with occasional marathons on networks like TV Land during holidays or weekends; content is frequently edited for time and suitability in family-oriented time slots, such as those on Nick at Nite.[68]Streaming
In the United States, all 12 seasons of Two and a Half Men have been available for streaming exclusively on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus since a 2020 licensing deal between Warner Bros. Television and NBCUniversal.[77] The series can also be purchased or rented digitally on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu (now Fandango at Home).[78] Additionally, episodes are accessible via live TV streaming services such as Philo and YouTube TV, which include on-demand options for the show.[78] As of 2025, Two and a Half Men is not available on Netflix or Hulu in the United States.[78] The full series streams in high definition on Peacock, with ad-supported viewing available on the Premium tier and an ad-free experience on the Premium Plus tier.[79] Internationally, availability varies by region; for example, the show streams on Sky Show in parts of Europe until at least November 2025, while viewers in other countries may access it through local platforms or VPNs to reach U.S. services like Peacock.[80] The Peacock deal has contributed to Warner Bros. Television's streaming revenue strategy, capitalizing on the show's enduring appeal amid a surge in nostalgia-driven viewership for classic sitcoms during the early 2020s, particularly boosted by pandemic-era binge-watching trends.[77][81] This on-demand accessibility complements the show's ongoing syndication reruns on linear television.[82]Reception
Critical reception
The series received mixed reviews from critics over its 12-season run, earning an aggregate Tomatometer score of 65% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 83 reviews.[11] The first season garnered a Metascore of 67 out of 100 on Metacritic from 29 critic reviews, reflecting generally favorable reception.[83] Much of the praise centered on the strong comedic chemistry between leads Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer, which anchored the show's dynamic interplay of contrasting personalities.[84] During its initial years from 2003 to 2008, Two and a Half Men was frequently commended for its sharp, witty dialogue and accessible family-oriented humor amid the bachelor lifestyle antics. Variety described the premiere as "smooth and self-assured in its 'Odd Couple' approach," noting how the brothers' clashing lifestyles generated consistent comedic opportunities without feeling forced.[84] Critics appreciated the brisk pacing and character-driven gags that made the early episodes engaging and relatable for a broad audience. Criticisms of the show often focused on its reliance on sexist humor and the objectification of women, portraying female characters primarily as conquests or stereotypes. NPR characterized the series as a "crass, borderline sexist counterpoint" to more wholesome CBS comedies of the era, highlighting its unapologetic bro-centric worldview.[9] Feminist-leaning outlets echoed these concerns, pointing to the show's reinforcement of gender imbalances through demeaning jokes that diminished women's agency. The show's reception evolved notably after Charlie Sheen's departure in 2011, with later seasons criticized as stale and struggling to recapture the original spark. Variety described the season 9 premiere as an "awkward" transition, burdened by the need to explain Sheen's absence while integrating Ashton Kutcher's character, though it acknowledged the producers' adept handling of the shift.[17] Rotten Tomatoes scores reflected this decline, dropping from 80% for season 1 to 41% for season 9.[85] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/two-and-a-half-men/s09 Some reviewers found positive notes in Kutcher's portrayal of Walden Schmidt, praising his introduction as bringing fresh energy to the ensemble through a relatable tech-billionaire archetype.[86] Overall, the series was often viewed as a guilty pleasure sitcom—entertaining in its irreverence but limited by formulaic elements and uneven quality over time.[17]Ratings
Two and a Half Men achieved strong viewership throughout much of its 12-season run on CBS, often ranking as the network's top scripted series and among the highest-rated comedies on television. During the Charlie Sheen era, the show averaged approximately 15 million weekly viewers, establishing it as a dominant force in primetime. It frequently topped Nielsen charts as the #1 sitcom from 2004 to 2011, reflecting its broad appeal and consistent performance in key demographics.[87][88] The series' first season in 2003-2004 posted solid numbers for a new sitcom, averaging a 12.0 household rating and drawing around 12-13 million viewers per episode. Viewership peaked in seasons 3 through 6 (2005-2009), with weekly audiences regularly exceeding 15 million and reaching up to 20 million in strong episodes, bolstered by strong performance in the adults 18-49 demographic, a key metric for advertisers. The season 9 premiere in 2011, marking Ashton Kutcher's debut following Sheen's departure, set a series high with 27.7 million viewers and a 10.3 rating in adults 18-49. However, the season averaged 14.62 million viewers overall, still robust but indicative of initial curiosity-driven spikes.[89][90][91][92] Following Sheen's exit, ratings experienced a notable dip, settling into the 10-15 million range as the novelty of the recast waned, though the show remained competitive. The series finale in February 2015 drew 13.2 million viewers and a 3.1 rating in adults 18-49, a solid but diminished performance compared to its peak. Season 12, the final one, averaged 9.63 million viewers and a 2.3 rating in adults 18-49, contributing to the decision for cancellation amid declining numbers. The show's strong appeal in the adults 18-49 demo persisted throughout, often ranking in the top 10 for comedies, which helped sustain its syndication value.[93][94][95] Internationally, the series performed well in markets like the UK and Australia, where the season 9 premiere attracted 803,000 viewers on Comedy Central in the UK and over 2.3 million in metropolitan Australia on Nine Network, underscoring its global draw and role in boosting syndication revenue.[73][96]| Season | Average Viewers (millions) | Adults 18-49 Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2003-04) | ~12.5 | ~3.5 |
| 3-6 (2005-09) | 15-20 | 5.0-6.0 |
| 9 (2011-12) | 14.62 | 5.0 |
| 12 (2014-15) | 9.63 | 2.3 |