When lip-synching just isn’t enough, it’s good to know that scripted programming also works.

That’s what Spike has just found out. The network announced that its “most ambitious project to date, the scripted 3-night event-series ‘Tut’ launched with big numbers for the network on Sunday, July 19. ‘Tut’ delivered 2.6 million viewers for night 1, including the premiere telecast and two encore presentations that followed.

“The premiere telecast (9:00-10:54pm) drew 1.7 million viewers. This marks the largest audience for Spike in this timeslot in 7 years.  The following airings drew 661,000 and (10:54pm-12:54am) and 273,000 (12:54-2:56am).

“‘We are thrilled that “Tut” resonated with viewers and delivered a big audience for Spike’s first scripted event series in almost a decade,’ said Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, Original Series. ‘The big numbers are a testament the hard work and creativity of the incredible cast and crew of ‘Tut.’”

“Tut” stars Academy Award-winner Ben Kingsley.

Spike also airs the hit “Lip Sync Battle.”