TV Sweeps: We're Lookin' For Laughs

So the first results from the first post-strike ratings sweeps period are in, and in addition to the obvious (yes, everyone but me is watching American Idol), it looks as though comedies are showing the most strength -- and outperforming some big-buzz dramas, like House. (Though that isn't necessarily the case in the download world.) Ratings are down for soaps, crime shows and reality TV, but half-hour comedies are strong. Including The Office, which I think has pushed the envelope in terms of its dark tone lately from beyond the expected level of pathos and meanness into drug addiction, and outright cruel. And how 'bout How I Met Your Mother, which is, Variety reports, the highest-rated scripted program in the 8:30 slot on any network, any night. I'll say that one more time: Mother rules 8:30, no matter what the night or network. And it's a big hit online as well. -- Stephanie Reid-Simons, Unbox TV Freak