More old sitcoms are being watched

Fans of television comedy are stuck in a time warp.

TV viewers are watching more sitcoms each week than they did a decade ago, a new study concluded. Unfortunately for broadcast networks, they’re tuning in to “Friends,” “Seinfeld” and “Everybody Loves Raymond” reruns more than anything new on the air.

Only two sitcoms rank among Nielsen Media Research’s top 20 programs this season: CBS’ “Two and a Half Men” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” the latter with only three episodes aired.

Yet the average household is tuning in 4.84 hours worth of sitcoms each week this season, according to a report by ad buyers Magna Global. During the 1993-94 season, it was 3.78 hours. Twelve seasons ago, more than half of that comedy viewing (56%) came in prime time on the big broadcast networks. Only 13% of this season’s sitcom watching fits that category.

Where are viewers going? Nick at Nite delivers a prime-time lineup with “Roseanne” and “The Cosby Show.” TBS is all comedy, with “Seinfeld,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Friends” and “Sex and the City.” Many of the same comedies are sold in syndication, often competing strongly with Jay Leno and David Letterman late at night.