Funnyman Marlon Wayans and Essence Atkins have already proven their on-screen chemistry with the hilarious ‘Haunted House’ big screen franchise.  So, it should come as no surprise the duo was able to replicate that comic gold on ‘Marlon’ – NBC’s newest sitcom.

Bringing an “updated take” on the classic family comedy style by co-parenting his two children with his unreceptive ex-wife (Atkins), the show not only brought some serious laughs with its premiere last night (August 16), but also some big numbers.

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The series debut of NBC’s comedy “Marlon” scored the second most-watched new summer comedy premiere on the Big 4 broadcast networks in 10 years, according to Nielsen overnight data.

Airing at 9 p.m., “Marlon” averaged a 1.3 rating in adults 18-49 and 5.4 million total viewers.

That is one of the best premieres for a summer comedy series since CBS’ “Creature Comforts” nabbed 6.2 million viewers in 2007. Earlier this summer, the Tuesday timeslot debut of ABC’s “Downward Dog” drew 5.7 million viewers, but that series was ultimately canceled. 

All-in-all very solid numbers, especially for that timeslot and genre.  Here’s hoping the show experiences continued success and encourages more networks to create shows with people of color as leading characters.

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