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"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"?

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