BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Friday's premiere of "High School Musical 2" on the Disney Channel more than doubled the viewership of the first movie, "High School Musical," attracting an audience of 17.2 million to make it the most-watched basic cable progrom ever, according to Nielsen Media Research.

"High School Musical" drew 7.7 million viewers in 2006.

The basic-cable record had been held by CNN's airing of a 1993 debate on the North American Free Trade Agreement that drew 16.8 million viewers.

Among children 6 to 11 and youngsters 9 to 14, two out of three children in those age groups watching TV were tuned in to "High School Musical 2," the Disney Channel said Monday. Among girl viewers age 6 to 11, it was four out of five.

The "High School Musical" brand has become a cultural phenomenon with hit records, concerts and newly minted young stars including Ashley Tisdale and Zac Efron. The sequel followed the summer adventures of students Sharpay and Troy and their fellow Wildcats of East High.

(Agencies)