CBS Puts Up Fresh Funny In Post-Strike Comedy Block

CBS has beaten other networks to debut the first post-strike new episodes of scripted shows.

Back Monday night are the comedies The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother and Two and a Half Men. All three have been new-ep-free since November.

Though the networks have been relentlessly promoting the returns of fresh sitcoms, few expect that audiences will bounce back to previous levels right out of the gate, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Viewers who made do with DVRs, reality programming, internet fare and other entertainment options may not show Charlie Sheen the love. “There will be a ratings fall-off due to the continued growth of DVRs,” predicts Brad Adgate, senior vp at Horizon Media. “And perhaps the strike may have altered viewing patterns and will cause the networks to lose some share points, similar to what occurs during the summer.”

The comedies need lots of eyeballs. Mother is on the bubble for renewal, though an appearance by Britney Spears on next week’s ep will likely boost the car-wreck-watching demo. Big Bang, new just last fall, went off air just as it was pulling ratings. Several other new shows are not returning until fall (NBC’s Chuck and ABC’s Pushing Daisies).

The CBS comedy block will face ABC’s top-rated Dancing With the Stars. Other CBS returning scripted shows on tap for new week: CSI: Miami and Cold Case.