"Hatfields & McCoys" scores record ratings

Kevin Costner as Devil Anse Hatfield in "Hatfields & McCoys."

/ History

(CBS News) The History channel scored a ratings victory on Memorial Day with the debut of its miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys."

The network announced Tuesday that first installment of the three-night miniseries pulled in a record-breaking 13.9 million viewers, making it the top non-sports telecast ever on an ad-supported cable network.

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"With all the success we have had at History, we felt strongly for some time that we should own historical drama, and in true History fashion, we have done it, with - pardon the pun - guns a-blazin'," History president and general manager Nancy Dubuc said in a statement. "We couldn't be more proud of the entire cast and crew - this has been an amazing collaboration - from Kevin Costner, Bill Paxton, Mare Winningham, Powers Boothe, Tom Berenger and everyone involved in truly making history."

"Hatfields & McCoys" marks the first scripted program to debut on History. It stars Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton as the heads of the two titular feuding families.

The second and third parts of the series will air on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT.

Tell us: Did you tune in for "Hatfields & McCoys"?

[EileenJ1]

This was some of the best television I've watched in ages. Would love to see more of history's dramatic moments brought to life in mini-series. Costner and the entire cast were great, and the amount of research and effort put into the show was obvious.

[ohnoitsjim]

A great show about an American tragedy. Costner rises to the occasion, both as co-producer and actor. Well-written, excellently acted by the entire cast. Really looking forward to the finale tonight.

[Hi_C_Hi_C]

Mare Winningham is an inspiration! How she disappears into a role is truly magnificent! Bravo!!

[jimmyb1us]

I would have watched except Kevin Costner was in it. He's one of the worst actors I've ever seen. He's right up there with Tom Cruise and Keeanu Reeves. Aside from Field of Dreams in which he was decent in, he's murdered every movie he's been it (Waterworld?). I know, I know "what about Dances with Wolves"? He stinks, okay? The Untouchables was one of my favorite series of all time. They cast him in Robert Stack's role! Are you kidding me? The worst casting job of all time. Mean, rough and tough, Robert Stack and they cast pretty boy Kevin Costner.He was worse than awful.
You can keep the Hatfields and McCoys, it won't be believable with Costner in it.Tom Berenger, Powers Booth and Mare Winningham could almost make me watch......but I won't. If you do watch, take notice just how bad Costner is.

[jimmyb1us]

I would have watched except Kevin Costner was in it. He's one of the worst actors I've ever seen. He's right up there with Tom Cruise and Keeanu Reeves. Aside from Field of Dreams in which he was decent in, he's murdered every movie he's been it (Waterworld?). I know, I know "what about Dances with Wolves"? He stinks, okay? The Untouchables was one of my favorite series of all time. They cast him in Robert Stack's role! Are you kidding me? The worst casting job of all time. Mean, rough and tough, Robert Stack and they cast pretty boy Kevin Costner.He was worse than awful.
You can keep the Hatfields and McCoys, it won't be believable with Costner in it.Tom Berenger, Powers Booth and Mare Winningham could almost make me watch......but I won't. If you do watch, take notice just how bad Costner is.

[josh-wv]

Having grown up in Mingo County WV where the Hatfields lived, I can tell you the stories are true, and the History channel has done an excellent job of conveying the stories and history of this awful feud. Knowing hundreds of Hatfields and McCoys that still live in the area till this day, I can also say, with some confidence, that it was not surprising "The Feud" carried on like it did and became as violent as it did. Family comes first....

[MrsVioletPH]

LOVE IT! Worth tuning in to. Amazing to believe this is based on real life events and that this crazy revenge justice took place. Costner's success in his role in Dances with Wolves is paying off again.

[newtonfam561]

Absolutely LOVE this mini-series!!! Its not just some hollywood glamour movie... its based on real life events, and makes it so interesting to find out the story behind the feud.! Great acting, great directing, and a ALL around great movie!! Kevin Costner you need to do more of these kinds of movies.... search other history based events and bring them to life again for us to see! GREAT WORK!!!

[shanedogg2586]

This show is amazing I'm actually going to Gatlinburg in august and my fiance wants to make an extra 3-hr trip to pike county Kentucky to see historical sites of the Hatfields & McCoys fued

[JDMcoy]

Best gol durn show I have ever seen.Do some more dag nab it.