President to Visit Two and a Half Men

Two big questions surround Season 3 of CBS' Two and a Half Men, premiering Sept. 19: Can America's No. 1 sitcom hold on to its title? And what on earth brings the president of the United States (albeit a fictional one) into the Harper men's lives? With regards to the former query, the Men at least have the comfort zone of pursuing that goal in the time slot in which everybody loved Raymond. But still, cast members must feel some pressure to rule the ratings, right?

"I don't," says Jon Cryer, who plays verbally harangued brother to Charlie Sheen on the series. "It's been a great working experience so far, and we have no reason to expect that to change — unless [executive producer] Chuck [Lorre] goes off the deep end.

"There is nothing we can do about the expectations," Cryer continues, "so we're just going to keep doing the same show. We feel like we're just scratching the surface, and have so many more things we want to do."

Chief on that list is scheduling a visit from a certain beloved commander-in-chief. That is, Martin Sheen, father to Charlie and president of America on The West Wing. Previous attempts to have the veteran actor hang with the Men were waylaid by his schedule and other commitments (as leader of the free world and all). But now that West Wing's Jed Bartlet is on his way out of office, Sheen is available.

"We're thrilled to have him," says son Charlie, "and I think it's going to be something really special [when he guest-stars]. It's just sad that he's coming because he has a little more free time this season!"