'My Big Fat Greek Life' Plumps Up the Ratings for CBS

NEW YORK (AP) -- The TV series adaptation of the hit movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" drew robust ratings for its premiere Monday night on CBS.

The renamed "My Big Fat Greek Life" not only won its time slot in a special airing at 9:30 p.m. EST but was the most-watched premiere of a comedy on any network in more than four years, CBS said. It had an audience of 22.7 million viewers.

The 2002 film, which takes a lighthearted look at a Greek-American family's reaction to their daughter's non-Greek suitor, has made box office history by grossing $240 million, and counting. It was filmed for $5 million.

The new series, starring the film's writer and star Nia Vardalos, picks up as the newlyweds return from their honeymoon.

Most of the film's major cast members are back, including Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin and Gia Carides. Steven Eckholdt has replaced the film's John Corbett as the husband.

"My Big Fat Greek Life" now moves to its regular time slot, Sunday at 8 p.m.
The last sitcom to premiere as successfully was NBC's "Jesse," which bowed in September 1998.
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