(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ashton Kutcher is "not as funny" as Charlie Sheen, according to a Two and a Half Men staffer.

Charlie was sacked from the American television show earlier this year after his public meltdown. Ashton replaced him, playing new character internet billionaire Walden Schmidt.

The new season broke records when it premiered this week, with 27.8 million people tuning in.

While staff on the show are glad it's doing well, it's been claimed some aren't convinced it will maintain momentum.

"He's just not as funny as Charlie. Not that we'd want Charlie back if you doubled our salaries," an insider told E! Online.

Another added: "[Ashton] is really a nice guy. Just a nice guy. And he's OK on set. He gets the job done - that's what we all want."

Charlie's contract was terminated after he made rude remarks about show creator Chuck Lorre. His high-publicised battle with substance abuse also resulted in the programme being shut down for a time while he received treatment.

It meant many of the crew weren't paid as they weren't working, causing much dissatisfaction among workers.

Although staff members reportedly aren't sure Ashton has what it takes to make the show a success long term, they are said to be adamant that doesn't mean Charlie should return.

"They also freely volunteer that the show, in their veteran opinions, just isn't the same anymore,' and that they find Sheen's substitute to be more of a safe replacement,'" reports the website. (C) Cover Media