Channel Island: Networks look to midseason reinforcements

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During the next month, the broadcast networks are rolling out at least 10 new midseason series. NBC unveiled its epic drama ‘Kings’ last week. Two new ABC sitcoms are coming, ‘Better Off Ted’ this week and ‘In the Motherhood’ next. And Fox has a variety show with the Ozzy Osbourne clan, which given their erratic history could result in either spontaneous brilliance or spontaneous combustion.

Is there a hit somewhere in this bunch? The networks could sure use one.

The good news for broadcasters is that, with the exception of Fox, they’re faring a lot better than they did during the first three months of last year, when they were all bogged down by the effects of the writers strike that ended in February. Ratings have rebounded from the depressing lows of winter 2008. Fox -- the only network down compared with last year -- is leading among young adults, with CBS tops among all viewers.

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-- Scott Collins

(Photo: Jay Harrington costars with Portia De Rossi in the new sitcom ‘Better Off Ted.’ Credit: ABC)