LOS ANGELES - Charlie Sheen is back at work, despite having been arrested over the Christmas holidays after an alleged domestic-violence incident with his wife. "Two and a Half Men" creator Chuck Lorre said Saturday that the previous night's taping resulted in "one of our strongest episodes."

"Charlie is the consummate pro," he said at the TV Critics Press Association winter tour, which kicked off this weekend. "He always shows up and delivers."

CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said Sheen's arrest is having "no impact" on the network.

"It's business as usual," she said. "This is a very personal and private matter for Charlie."

Sheen, who has yet to be charged, was arrested Dec. 25 in Aspen, Colo., on suspicion of domestic violence and other charges. Sheen's wife, Brooke, told police he put a knife to her throat, an accusation the actor denies.

Tassler also reported that "Three Rivers" has officially been canceled.

Others mingling with critics on Saturday included former Minnesotan Diablo Cody, Edie Falco, Oliver Stone, the cast of "The Vampire Diaries" and more than 200 participants from past seasons of "Survivor," which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this winter.

NEAL JUSTIN

SANTA ANA, CALIF. - A California Appeals Court has ruled in favor of octuplets mother Nadya Suleman, denying a call for an independent guardian to monitor her children's finances.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana called the petition an "unprecedented, meritless effort by a stranger" and directed an Orange County probate court to vacate its order for an investigation into family finances.

Paul Petersen, an advocate for children in the entertainment industry and child actor on "The Donna Reed Show," argued that Suleman's children were vulnerable and that an independent guardian should be appointed.

The Appeals Court said the probate judge erred because Petersen failed to show that Suleman was engaging in financial misconduct.

She gave birth to octuplets last Jan. 26. The medical curiosity of their delivery turned to public outrage.

ASSOCIATED PRESS