As many as 10m people tuned into watch the launch episode on Tuesday night, making it the most popular show during its timeslot.
It beat 'American Juniors', a talent show from ex-Spice Girls and S Club manager Simon Fuller, and UK import 'Dog Eat Dog', hosted by Brooke Burns. In the UK, the show was fronted by Ulrika Jonsson.
CBS's new series of 'Big Brother' kicked off with eight contestants who did not know each other, and then came the bombshell as the rest of the house was revealed to be made up of five former partners of the other housemates.
Housemates are said to have wept, swore and held their heads in their hands when they were faced with the prospect of being locked in the house with their exes. One housemate, Erica, gave her ex-boyfriend Robert "the finger". The couple had originally split up after she caught him cheating.
The move is likely to create a great deal of excitement and buzz around the show as viewers tune in hoping to see fights and or steamy reunions between couples.
The strategy will certainly provide food for thought for Endemol, creators of 'Big Brother' in the UK, and Channel 4, as this year's show is pulling in a smaller audience than previous years.
Viewing figures are understood to be down on last year at around 4.5m, which, although still a good share of the audience, is almost 1m viewers fewer than last year.
The US housemates are competing for an altogether more substantial prize as well with the US pot being valued at $500,000 (£300,000) compared with £70,000 in the UK.
Since the US show started on Tuesday, ex-partners Amanda and Scott have argued in every room in the house, while Alison and her ex, Justin, have already faked getting back together.
In another twist, 'Big Brother US' has also created the post of head of household, which changes every week. This week it is being occupied by Nathan who gets a private room with a lockable door as part of the privilege. He can also nominate two of the housemates for eviction.
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