The show, starring one-time Bond girl Teri Hatcher, attracted a peak of 5m and an average of 4.6m, but more than doubled Channel 4's usual audience share from 10% to 24%.
It was the broadcaster's most popular launch since US hospital drama 'ER' in 1994, which attracted just over the 5m mark.
'Desperate Housewives', which has been a phenomenal success in the US, has been billed as a cross between 'Sex and the City' and 'Six Feet Under'.
The black comedy-drama follows the lives of four middle-aged women living in an affluent American suburb after their friend commits suicide.
It managed to beat ITV's new Johnny Vegas comedy vehicle 'Dead Man Weds' in the same time slot. The new six-part comedy averaged 3.4m from 10pm, peaking at 4.6m.
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