Ashton Kutcher Joins 'Two and a Half Men'

LOS ANGELES (TheStreet) -- Ashton Kutcher will join the cast of the hit TV sitcom "Two and a Half Men," CBS(CBS) and Time Warner's(TWX) Warner Bros. Television announced Friday.

Kutcher will join Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Holland Taylor, Marin Hinkle and Conchata Ferrell on the top-rated comedy series.

Ashton Kutcher will join the cast of the hit TV sitcom "Two and a Half Men."

"I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes," Kutcher said Friday. "I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!"

Production on the ninth season of 'Men' will begin this summer for broadcast on CBS in the fall of 2011.

"We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family," the show's creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre said. "Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."

CBS is likely hoping that Kutcher will fill the void left when Charlie Sheen was fired in early March. Production of "Two and a Half Men" was shut down for the remaining eight episodes of the 2010-2011 TV season.

The Hollywood Reporter said what Kutcher would be paid wasn't exactly known although one source said the actor is getting a "huge payday" to join the hit sitcom. Other reports, including one from The Wall Street Journal , said Kutcher would make $1 million per episode.

The signing of Kutcher comes as CBS is expected to announce its fall schedule to advertisers on May 18.

--Written by Theresa McCabe in Boston.

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