TNT: 7.7M watched 'Bar' premiere

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- An estimated 7.7 million viewers tuned in to see the premiere of the new U.S. drama series "Raising the Bar" Monday, TNT announced.

The network said the viewership for the commercial-free debut set the record for "ad-supported cable's biggest series launch of all time."

The new Steven Bochco series stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben and Jane Kaczmarek.

"We are proud 'Raising the Bar' is off to such a strong start, with a record-breaking series premiere," Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, said in a statement Tuesday. "'Raising the Bar' is an important part of TNT's ongoing plans to take on broadcast networks by increasing our lineup of high-profile, original series. With the strength of the TNT brand and three solid, broadcast-level hits in 'Raising the Bar,' 'The Closer' and 'Saving Grace,' we are well on the way to achieving our goals."

"The outstanding launch of 'Raising the Bar' shows that great things can happen when you work with the best in the business," added Michael Wright, senior vice president in charge of the Content Creation Group for TNT, TBS and TCM. "There's no question that Steven Bochco is among the top talents in television. Working with David Feige and a spectacular cast and crew, Steven has created a series that resonates with TNT's audience of drama lovers."