truTV got the New Year off to a roaring start Tuesday night with the premiere of Hardcore Pawn: Chicago, which drew more than 2.1 million viewers to rank as the network's biggest series launch ever. The show also scored truTV's biggest series debut ever in delivery of key demos, including adults 18-49 (1.0 million) and men 18-49 (602,000). In giving truTV its most-watched series premiere, Hardcore Pawn: Chicago surpassed the previous record set by the original Hardcore Pawn in August 2010.

Hardcore Pawn: Chicago takes viewers behind the scenes at Royal Pawn Shop, "the baddest pawn shop in Chicago." One of the city's largest and oldest establishments in the pawn and gold-buying business, Royal Pawn Shop is owned by Randy and Wayne Cohen, two brothers who don't always see eye to eye...except when it comes to finding the best deals for the business. Hardcore Pawn: Chicago follows along as these over-the-top siblings wheel and deal with just about anyone, from a sweet kindergarten teacher to an intimidating mob boss.

Tuesday night's 9:30 p.m. premiere of Hardcore Pawn: Chicago was preceded by a new episode of Hardcore Pawn, which drew a hefty audience of 2.8 million viewers; 1.4 million adults 18-49; and 827,000 men 18-49 at 9 p.m. The success of both shows helped truTV score its second most-watched Tuesday night ever among total viewers.

truTV's Hardcore Pawn: Chicago is produced by Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment. Hardcore Pawn comes to truTV from Zodiak USA.

About truTV
truTV, one of cable's fastest growing brands, offers a wildly entertaining look at the real world through outrageous characters, unpredictable situations and irreverent storytelling. Currently seen in 92 million U.S. households, truTV features such popular original series as Hardcore Pawn, Hardcore Pawn: Chicago, Lizard Lick Towing, Storage Hunters, Impractical Jokers, Killer Karaoke, Operation Repo, South Beach Tow, Full Throttle Saloon, Black Gold and World's Dumbest. In addition, truTV is a partner in airing the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.

truTV is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. Turner Broadcasting creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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