The first night of the series "America: The Story of Us" has become the highest rated, most-watched special in network history, the History channel said.

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Sunday's first installment of "America" was watched by 5.7 million total viewers and drew a 4 household rating, Nancy Dubuc, the network's president and general manager, announced Monday.

"We're thrilled by the launch of 'America: The Story of Us,'" Dubuc said in a statement. "The success personifies the hunger for information and the desire to reconnect with our past. Ultimately there's no story more dramatic and gripping than the story of America itself. We've tried to present this incredibly diverse narrative in a way that is engaging for people today. We're very pleased with the response and look forward to sharing the upcoming episodes with the American public."

New episodes are to premiere on History Sundays, starting May 2 and running through Memorial Day weekend.