Sherri Shepherd's debut sitcom on Lifetime is off to an impressive start.
On its premiere night, 'Sherri' was the most-watched original comedy premiere on the network in more than a decade.
According to Nielsen reports, the 'Sherri' show nearly doubled its prior four-week time period average in all key demographics as well.
Suffice to say, 'The View' co-host's show is a hit!
Five new episodes of the 'Sherri' show aired during premiere week. The show can be seen Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST, beginning on Oct. 13.
'Sherri' is loosely based on Shepherd's life and standup comedy.
The show also stars Malcolm Jamal Warner ('The Cosby Show'), Tammy Townsend ('Lincoln Heights'), Kali Rocha ('Grey's Anatomy'), Elizabeth Regen ('Whoopi'), James Avery ('Fresh Prince of Bel Air') and Broadway star Kate Reinders.
'Sherri' is the first multi-camera sitcom with a live audience to shoot in New York City since 'Spin City.' The show is taped in a studio previously occupied by the 'Maury' show.
To celebrate the sitcom's lauch, 'The View' matriarch Barbara Walters and Lifetime President Andrea Wong hosted a cocktail reception at the Empire Hotel in New York City.
Walters acknowledged to the crowd that from the first time she met Shepherd, she knew her life story needed to be told.
"It's her honesty and the fact that she's so funny that's being translated into this sitcom. The first time Sherri co-hosted 'The View,' her beloved husband was in the audience. The second time she came, she was pregnant. The third time she came on, she was getting a divorce," Walters laughed, before adding: "But the best thing about Sherri is that she has trained her 4-year-old son to come into my dressing room to say, 'I love you, Barbara Walters!"
The veteran news personality did emphasize to the who's who crowd that it's rare for her to give her stamp of approval on things, but she genuinely likes Shepherd's sitcom.
"I rarely endorse things, but I have to say, I believe in this show, and I mean it," she stressed. "It's an adorable show, and I encourage everyone to watch."
Shepherd, who starred on the sitcom 'Less Than Perfect' before landing 'The View,' said Walters encouraged her during a private dinner to maximize her brand while being on the hit ABC chat show.
"Barbara took me to dinner and, besides giving me great advice about sex, she told me to capitalize off of being on daytime," said Shepherd.
In addition to the entire cast of 'Sherri' being on hand for the soiree, others in attendance included Michael Boatman ('Spin City'), Paula Patton ('Déjà Vu'), comedienne Joy Behar, Victoria Rowell ('Young and the Restless'), Rev. Al Sharpton, journalist Lisa Ling, David Graf ('Police Academy'), Lynn Whitfield ('Madea's Family Reunion'), political pundit Meghan McCain, A.J. Calloway ('Extra'), designer Epperson ('Project Runway'), news anchor Sade Baderinwa, Scott Adsit ('30 Rock'), Roberto De Niro's ex-wife Grace Hightower, and 'The View's' executive producer Bill Geddie.
*****
Read also, 'Cover Girl: Sherri Shepherd Graces OK Mag In Swimsuit.'
& 'Sherri Shepherd: The View Host Ready to Rumble With MVP.'
2009 Grammy Nominations
Singer Celine Dion (R) announces nominees for Album of the the Year during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Singer Celine Dion performs during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Singer Taylor Swift (R) and Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy, appear on stage during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Singer Celine Dion announces nominees for the Album of the Year during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
US singer Mariah Carey performs during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
US singer Mariah Carey performs during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
US singer Mariah Carey performs during the Grammy Nominations Concert organized to announce the nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
** FILE ** In this Dec. 3, 2008 file photo, Taylor Swift arrives at "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live" in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)
AP
Musician Ne-Yo poses in the press room during The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live held at the Nokia Theatre on December 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! - Press Room.Nokia Theatre.Los Angeles, California United States.December 3, 2008.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (56303818), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Taylor Swift arrives at the Grammy Nomination Concert Live at the Nokia Theatre on December 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! - Arrivals.Nokia Theatre.Los Angeles, CA United States.December 3, 2008.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (16188028), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Comments: (50)
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By: E on 10/08/2009 10:08AM
Funny! I LOVED this show!. Sherri Shepard's timing is awesome! The show was hilarious! Go Lifetime!
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By: Tawanna "Gneiss" on 10/11/2009 12:40PM
Excellent comedy. I love this show and will keep watching.
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By: dabora2u on 10/13/2009 1:44AM
I love this show also, I have not missed an episode and have watched some twice. I love you Sherri. Lifetime, you did it this time. The writing needs some help and so does the straightlined dresses, however all of us need a real clean laugh. After all the bad news filtered to us hourly and all the hatred spewing in this country, very refreshing. You go SherRi!!!!!
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By: WENDY on 10/11/2009 5:35PM
My husband and I both love the show.
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By: joan on 10/12/2009 5:11PM
Sherri!! So proud of you- finally a show my whole family can watch. This should be on network TV- You and the cast really work!! Nothing but the best to you and your son!! Much love!!! The best is yet to be!!
Even love Rita Rocks-- right after you.
Luv her too!! Good luck ladies!!
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By: john johnson on 10/08/2009 11:47AM
go head sheri, do what you do. i just wish the writers from your show would help out the writers on the show "brothers"
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By: Oni8898 on 10/08/2009 6:10PM
I really enjoy this show & I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. Go SheRri!! Go SheRri!!
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By: lindy on 10/08/2009 11:16PM
LOOOOKKK SHE IS ANOTHER "WHITE GIRL"WANNA BE"...LETS KEEP IT REAL >>Her voice,That hair,the STRIPPER BOOTS,ALL the make-up....WE don't cut for "FAKES",like Sherrie.....NATURAL is the KEY word.....examples..are,,Halle,EVE,MCLyte,ALISHA, Faith Evans,Mya,Kelise,we could gone,I know,Anyways. I'm not impressed....ONE..TEXAS/OHIO
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By: tifany on 10/08/2009 9:42PM
I liked the show it was really funny. I thought the plot moved a little fast though. Normally a show kinda sets the back ground stage for you but they dove right in. I hope they can keep up the good work.
www.myspace.com/mrsseals
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By: Thoea on 10/10/2009 8:57PM
I watched all of the sneak peek episodes this past week. I thought the show was very entertaining, funny,and engaging. There are rarely any shows on tv that are worth watching. This show comes just at the right time, when people are looking for something worthwhile to watch. Good job Sherri and Lifetime.
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