Sunday night CTV premiered the original movie "Mayerthorpe," and Canadian audiences watched in record numbers.

According to a press release from CTV, almost 3 million Canadian viewers tuned in to watch the special presentation, which aired on Sunday, February 10.

The numbers were confirmed Monday by BBM Nielsen Media Research.

Up against the Grammy Awards, which scored 1.65 million viewers, "Mayerthorpe" came in at number two for the night when it peaked at 1.5 million audience members.

"Mayerthorpe" explores the story behind criminal James Roszko, who ambushed and murdered four RCMP officers on his farm near Mayerthorpe, AB.

Producers of "Mayerthorpe" worked with family members of the slain officers, and they provided input to ensure the film was both accurate and respectful.

The film starred Gemini Award-winning actor Henry Czerny ("The Tudors") and Brian Markinson ("Charlie Wilson's War").

The broadcast followed a poll released the same week by CTV and The Strategic Counsel indicating that nationally, three in four people surveyed believe the Canadian justice system is too lenient on repeat offenders, with a full 50 percent saying the justice system is "much too lenient."

Mayerthorpe was developed and produced by SEVEN24 Films and Slanted Wheel Entertainment in association with CTV.