Jack Bauer's latest marathon workday got off to a good start Sunday, ratings-wise reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The Fox drama "24" notched its most-watched episode ever with its fifth-season premiere with the first of two back-to-back episodes. Airing from about 8:13-9:11 p.m. EST, the first episode of "24" averaged 17 million viewers and a 7.3 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic.

The second hour of "24," which ended at about 10:13 p.m. EST, held onto the majority of its lead-in to finish out with 15.5 million viewers and a 6.7 in adults 18-49.