While critics are busy debating the quality of Tuesday night's television appearance by Britney Spears, the ratings suggest a triumph for the CBS network.

According to press reports, "Monday’s episode of How I Met Your Mother featuring the pop star earned the CBS comedy its highest rating ever - netting a 4.5 preliminary rating among adults 18-49."

The 4.5 preliminary rating means about 10.6 million eyeballs tuned in to watch the Gimme More singer in action, making HIMYM the fourth-highest-rated show of the evening.

In the episode, Brit played "a receptionist at a dermatologist’s office who develops a crush on a patient played by Josh Radnor."

Gossip Girls

To watch video interviews of critics offering their opinions on Britney’s performance - Click Here! Enjoy the pictures of Britney out to eat at Dominick's in celebration of her TV appearance (March 24).