Television

The writers strike is over, but the damage apparently is not.

During the past two weeks, network television has finally returned to a relatively full complement of scripted shows, but viewers seem to be in shorter supply, even for television's biggest hits. Shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives on ABC, CSI on CBS and House on Fox have come back with first-run episodes and recorded ratings among the lowest in their recent histories.

Grey's, for example, returned with as much fanfare as ABC could muster April 24 and posted its worst ratings ever on a regular Thursday night. That same night CSI posted its worst rating since its first season, when it ran on Fridays.

Then House, one of the most reliable dramas on television, returned Monday, and its ratings dropped by 22 percent from its average ratings last fall.

Did the strike by Hollywood writers, which shut down production for 14 weeks, drive viewers away to other entertainment options? Maybe.

A major concern for television executives is that some viewers may have lost (or abandoned) the thread of continuing story lines for some dramas, especially serialized or soapy ones.

In addition, the strike's length and the irregular schedule for bringing back network shows have confused viewers. "They haven't been aware the shows are on again," said Preston Beckman, chief scheduler for Fox. .

But every network has noticed that certain shows have been enjoying successful returns.

The CBS lineup of Monday comedies has returned impressively, especially the hit Two and a Half Men. NBC's comedy The Office also has performed at or near its best ratings of the season. And Fox's animated hit Family Guy returned Sunday with a strong performance.

The explanation for this success is simple, said David F. Poltrack, chief research officer for CBS. "Comedies don't have continuing story lines."

The New York Times

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