And TMZ has learned, CBS honcho Les Moonves has already signed off and he will announce the show is coming back for Season 9.

And sources say the remaining cast -- including Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones -- will be coming back.

We're told Ashton spent time with creator and Executive Producer Chuck Lorre and the two got along great -- something that was essential for Lorre, who was at war with Charlie.

Ashton will NOT be playing the Charlie Harper character. He'll be playing someone new, who comes into "Men" Malibu house.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/05/13/ashton-kutcher-two-and-a-half-men-salary-chuck-lorre-les-moonves-cbs-warner-bros-jon-cryer-angus-t-jones/

...because right now, "TWO AND A HALF MEN" is to their Monday night schedule as "I LOVE LUCY" was in the '50s, "THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW" and "THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW" in the '60s, "HERE'S LUCY" and "M*A*S*H" in the '70s, "KATE & ALLIE" in the '80s, and "MURPHY BROWN" and "EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND" in the '90s. In other words, 9pm(et) on Mondays is the network's "linchpin", the keystone to their entire evening's schedule. If that half-hour is ruptured, or replaced with something less appealing {i.e. "THE BETTY WHITE SHOW", 1977-'78; "AfterMASH", 1983-'84}, CBS' advantage in ratings and ad revenue is jeopardized...and not just for Monday; the entire week could be affected as a result.

So that's why "TWO AND A HALF MEN" gets a ninth season. Whether it can still "hold itself together" after Charlie Sheen, is a "crapshoot".

:tv:

I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!!

Even with Ashton Kutcher as replacement, Season 9 will still be the last season. The Charlie Harper character will have to be written out, though...