The debut of "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" on TBS Wednesday drew the biggest sitcom audience in the history of cable.

TBS aired two episodes, with ratings 12 percent higher for the second episode than for the first.

The second episode, which aired at 9:30 p.m., drew 5.8 million total viewers and 3.1 million adults 18-49. It had a 3.2 national ratings among households.

It was the highest rated telecast in the history of TBS.

"House of Payne" centers on the lives of three generations of an African-American family living under one roof.

"Last night's record-breaking performance has gotten TBS's summer of new sitcom premieres off to a roaring start," said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks.

TBS will be launching "The Bill Engvall Show" and bringing back "My Boys" in July.

(Editor: Romanelli)