One of the biggest syndication stories this year has been the end to the long dominance of “Seinfeld,” “Friends” and “Everybody Loves Raymond," which have remained the most popular syndicated sitcoms despite being off the air for years. This year two new off-network comedies, “Two and One Half Men" and "Family Guy," have become the first newly syndicated sitcoms to better the retired trio. “Men” and “Guy” are both consistently generating 4.0 household ratings. More importantly, they’ve renewed hope that newer comedies can actually do well in syndication after several years of misses like “My Wife and Kids” and “Scrubs.” That’s helping to build anticipation for “House of Payne,” the Tyler Perry show currently airing on TBS that will move to off-network distribution next year. Another successful show in syndication this year has been “TMZ,” the entertainment newsmagazine based on the gossip web site of the same name, which has drawn in a younger audience on stations that don’t traditionally air weeknight newsmagazines. Meanwhile, the year’s biggest syndication disappointment may be “Crosswords,” the last game show produced by the late Merv Griffin, which has seen disappointing ratings. Bill Carroll, vice president and director of programming for Katz Television Group, talks to Media Life about this year’s syndication successes, what to look for next year, and why Steve Wilkos is this year’s top new talker.
 
Which shows new to syndication have been a success this season?
 
The two breakout shows have to be “Two and Half Men” and “Family Guy,” both of which met or exceeded expectations and proved that off-net sitcoms can be successful. They’ve proved they can be highly rated when they go into syndication.
 

Are there any comedies that could have an impact on syndication next season?
 
I think the one show that has done extremely well for TBS is “House of Payne,” Tyler Perry’s basically first-run sitcom. That starts as a Monday through Friday strip in the fall of 2008. Right now it runs four episodes back-to-back, but it will be in syndication come next fall.
 
And then you’ve also got second cycles of a number of perennials: “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “That ‘70s Show,” and then maybe the little show that could, “The King of Queens.” That one has been the most consistent and maybe for some the most surprising success story.
 

What has “TMZ’s” impact been on the syndicated entertainment newsmagazines?
 
It’s ended up on non-traditional affiliates [that don’t usually carry newsmagazines]. In the top markets, it’s on the Fox stations. I think it’s given them an alternative to sitcoms.

I think the show has been the most successful of the new first-run shows this year in terms of ratings, and I think also it has found its voice in the sense that it’s very distinctive and it has the sensibilities to run on stations that usually run more niche programming, as opposed to traditional news.

It has an attitude, and I think most of the magazines out that are pure entertainment are more focused on things like movie openings and on-the-set at a TV show, whereas “TMZ” is covering the water cooler topics like the web site does.

Which new syndicated shows haven’t quite lived up to expectations?
 
Well, I think there were high hopes for “Crosswords,” but they faced the difficulty of launching a brand-new show. They went into a number of the largest markets in very challenged time periods. The hope was the show would do better than it’s done.

What’s your opinion of the long-term potential for “Crosswords?”
 
I think what they’re hoping to do is reposition it as a daytime alternative rather than having it run in the afternoon against the likes of “Oprah” and “Judge Judy” [as it is now]. That’s almost an impossible task.

If it were put in daytime slots I think there would certainly be possibilities, especially at a time when we’re seeing a reemergence of game shows, both in syndication and on the networks.
 

What new talk shows have the greatest potential for long-term growth? Why?
 
Well, I think you’re looking at “Steve Wilkos.”

It’s part of an overall lineup that usually includes its syndication mates “Jerry Springer” and “Maury.” I think within that environment it has been modestly successful, and it does have the potential of maintaining or growing.
 

Which new talk shows for next year look most promising?
 
I think right now there are three that are definite go's for next year: “Bonnie Hunt” in a talk show companion for “Ellen,” which will be produced by Warner; you have “The Doctors,” produced by CBS Distribution, but specifically by the “Dr. Phil” production team; and then you have Howie Mandel hosting a syndicated version of “Deal or No Deal,” which is coming from NBC Universal, though it’s not a talk show. Those three seem to be definite go's.

I would imagine Sony’s new judge show “Judge Karen” would be a part of some judge blocks. And then there’s the possibility of “Trivial Pursuit” as a game, and there are also some other court shows being talked about.
 
The thing about court shows is they’re successful on both traditional and non-traditional affiliates, and it works well in blocks, so you can do a couple of hours of it. And they’re relatively inexpensive to produce.
 

When we talked to you last season, you mentioned that “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” had the potential to bring back one-hour dramas to syndication. How has it fared, and will it lead to more?
 
I think it’s done okay.

I think there are some very good stories for the show but not enough consistent, across-the-board successes to warrant a turnaround in terms of dramatic hours. That isn’t to say we might not see some more, but I’m not aware of any that are on the immediate horizon, other than as weeklies.