COLOGNE, Germany -- The German version of Brit cringe comedy "The Office" is enjoying something never experienced by Ricky Gervais' character David Brent: success.

Some 2.1 million viewers tuned in Tuesday night to watch the fourth season debut of "Stromberg," the German-language adaptation of "The Office," an-all time record for the show.

The market share in the key 14-49 demographic topped 16% for network Pro7, beating out popular U.S. imports "The Simpsons" (15.4%) and "Two and a Half Men" (15.1%), according to figures from ratings agency GfK. Total audience figures, however, were higher for the U.S. series, which aired in primetime leading in to "Stromberg's" 10:15 p.m. debut.

The numbers are good news for producers Brainpool, which have floated the idea of releasing the finale of the fourth season as a feature film.