A is not playing second fiddle to CTV where Dancing with the Stars is concerned.

Despite a smaller national reach, the mini-network delivered 2.1 million viewers for the two-hour season premiere of the reality dance competition on Monday March 22 – its highest audience ever. The previous record holder was America’s Got Talent with 1.4 million back in the fall of 2009. (All numbers 2+ and based on PPM data.)

The numbers are on par with the fall season average of Dancing on the main CTV network. The show migrated to A in the winter due to a chockfull schedule on the main network, particularly because of Idol. It airs in simulcast with ABC.

Dancing peaked at 2.7 million viewers for the debut ep of the buzzed-about new season, which features celebrity contestants including Pamela Anderson, Buzz Aldrin, Shannen Doherty and Kate Gosselin.

The reality show was the number one program of the night, besting Global’s House and 24 with 1.1 million and 1.3 million respectively.