The History Channel’s special “Life After People” on Monday generated the biggest audience in the cable network’s history.

The show was seen by 5.4 million viewers and drew a 3.9 household rating, also a record for the History Channel.

“Life After People” is about what would happen to the planet if humans vanished, using clues from history.

“This is a great example of how we are dimensionalizing history to make it more active, immersive and personal,” said Nancy Dubuc, executive VP and general manager of the History Channel. "After coming off our most successful year ever in 2007, this is a great way to start off the new year."

The show was the top-rated show on cable Monday night.

Also setting a record was Oxygen, whose original movie “Husband for Hire” drew a network-record 1.1 million viewers on Saturday and a 1.2 household rating.