*Scratches head* Was the rest of America not watching the same show I saw last night on my TV at 9PM?
The ratings are out for last night's back-to-back episodes of Tyler Perry's 'House of Payne' and, well ...
It was a smash hit.
The two-episode debut of House of Payne last night looks like it will make the record books as the highest rated first-run sitcom debut in the history of basic cable, with an average 3.2 rating/5 share in the overnights from 9-10 p.m. (9 p.m.: 3.1/ 5, 3.3/ 5), according to Nielsen Media Research data.
To compare that figure, Everybody Loves Raymond, which aired in the time slot before House of Payne did a 1.6/3 rating.
So we are talking about a 94 percent increase between the two shows.
You already know how I feel about the show, and surprisingly, a majority of the comments so far have agreed with me (which is quite rare).
But a 3.2 rating is no joke ... so the question is, will you watch next week?

Comments: (100)
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By: Mae Toines on 11/25/2008 12:52PM
I think that this show is a great show and eventhough it started out a little rough, now it has withstood all of the harsh comments from a lot of people. Personally I think that it shows how we as a people act at times and it is REAL. some of us are inconsiderate in how we criticise others. Could we do any better if we were in Tyler's shoes. Probably not!!!!! Kudos to Tyler Perry and all of his extraordinary efforts!!!!! May God continue to bless you with all of these incredible shows and ideas!!!!!
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By: Dacaptin 315 on 6/08/2007 12:57PM
why was his (the father)'s hair grey in one show, and all black in the next one?
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By: Jalia on 6/07/2007 5:24PM
I was extremely disappointed with the show. In fact, I thought "this has got a be a joke." The overall acting was not good and overdone. The images portrayed were almost minstrel-like. Don't get me wrong because I am a huge fan. And I come from a huge funny family, so I know what it was suppose to be like. These characters missed the mark. Nothing seemed natural. They all laughed way too long after jokes that we didn't laugh at so it made watching the show awkward. They were all cracking up and the audience is left thinking "was that suppose to be funny". Anyway, I too will tune in again because I am certain someone somewhere saw a pilot and I hope that things will be rewritten and recast. I want to be proud of this show as I have many of your other works. You may consider that writting and directing for a sitcoms have different elements than that of a play. Debbie Allen has saved many shows from cancellation from Different World to a lil help with Girlfriends, perhaps adding her to the team would be beneficial. I hope I have not offended Tyler. Either way, best wishes.
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By: Chandra* on 6/07/2007 5:29PM
OK, if you saw the beginning and actually payed attention you'd know that his hair was black in the 2nd show because he dyed it to feel younger for his birthday.... c'mon tell me you understood the tight work uniform and white teeth! OMG! I thought that part was hilarious... and when they brought Brown on the show I was like, "Yes!" I love Tyler Perry and will watch next week... and the week after.
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By: SK Caldwell on 6/07/2007 5:36PM
I didn't think it was as funny as I thought it would be. However, if you watch the debut of any comedy, you will see that the beginnings are always rough. I believe Mr. Perry deserves a chance to prove his true talent without so much criticism this early in the game. Give the show a chance!!!
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By: La'Kecia on 6/07/2007 5:38PM
i was really dissapointed in the show., I couldnt watch all of it., I went to bed around 7:20.... Poor lil Allen Payne cannot act after all these years., I just dont unerstand!..
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By: Sharon on 6/07/2007 7:00PM
I don't know what your talking about but I love the show and everybody in it.everybody that i talk to felt the same way i do, they love it as well.And we can't wait for next wednesday show.I just hope he keep mr. Brown in the show cause he made the show even better.and it was funny.not one thing about that show was dissapointed to me. keep up the good work tyler perry you doing a good job.you are bless
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By: Monica on 6/07/2007 7:22PM
TERRIBLE
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By: Mary on 6/07/2007 7:23PM
I can see this show evolving. I enjoyed the show. Was it funny, not terribly, but it was interesting and I can see it getting better. Please give it a chance. We give white sitcoms a chance all the time. Help this brother out, and support his efforts.
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By: Reba on 6/07/2007 7:42PM
Does anyone remember the first time it was on tv like 2 summers ago? It was an all-day marathon on a Sunday. I thought it was great the more I watched it and was sad when the marathon was over because they left us hanging. Well, I'm so happy to FINALLY see the series on tv.
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