• by June 11, 2001

The vast majority of weekday TV shows in broadcast syndication suffered year-to-year national household ratings declines during the recently concluded May ratings sweep, which ran April 26 through May 23.

Year-to-year, off-network sitcoms generally posted weak performances. Court and talk shows were mostly down, with four veteran programs dipping by more than 20%. Relationship and game shows were mixed.

The top magazine shows were among those to hold up the best.

Researchers said that at least two elements contributed to syndication's rough going in May.

One is the fact that HUT levels (households using televisions) were down 2% Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., compared to the same time frame last year.

In addition, cable's competitive draw on audiences was stronger this year, as cable penetration is up in the United States over last year.

"Seinfeld" and "The Drew Carey Show" repeats were among the hardest-hit off-network sitcoms, according to Nielsen.

"Seinfeld," which changed stations in at least 13 major markets when it began its second syndication cycle earlier this year, dropped the most in its category vs. May 2000.

Reruns of the show about nothing dropped 24% from a second-place finish last year to third among off-network sitcoms this May, posting a 4.1 national household rating.

In addition to switching stations in some markets, "Seinfeld" is also one of the older off-net sitcoms in the top tier. It's been in syndication since September 1995.

"Drew Carey," in its second syndication season, dropped 23% from last year, to a fourth place 3.1 rating.

Fellow sophomore off-network comedy "3rd Rock From the Sun" dipped 12% to a fifth-place 2.9.

Leading the off-network sitcoms was "Friends" (5.3), which dipped 7% year-to-year to 5.3. Skein has been in syndication since September 1998.

"Frasier," a syndie player since September 1997, was the only show in the top tier of the batch to hold steady. It was even with last year, at 4.9.

Year-to-year loss was the modus operandi among the gavelers.

Leader "Judge Judy" (5.7) was down 12%, followed by "Judge Joe" (3.3), down 11%.

Sophomore syndie series "Divorce Court" (2.6) was third, down 10%, followed by fellow soph "Judge Mathis" (2.0), off 9%.

The court shows competed in a more crowded category this May than during last year. In May 2000, six court shows were airing; this May there were 11. At least four will not be returning this fall.

In talk, three of the 11 vets avoided year-to-year losses: "Live! With Regis & Kelly," "Montel Williams" and "Queen Latifah."

"Oprah" (5.9) led the way, but dipped 8% year-to-year. "Live!" was next, up 3% to 3.7, followed by "Jerry Springer," down 8% to 3.5.

"Maury" broke from last year's tie with "Rosie O'Donnell" for fourth to take fourth alone, dipping 8% to 3.3.

"Montel" was next, flat at 3.0, followed by "Rosie," which moved down 22% to sixth among talkers with a 2.9.

In the relationship battle, sophomore "Blind Date" moved up 11% to 2.1, while "Change of Heart," which suffered some preemptions, faded by 14% to 1.8.

"Hollywood Squares" was down the most among the gamers, dipping 21% to a third-place 3.3, behind "Wheel of Fortune" (down 8% to 9.2) and "Jeopardy" (down 7% to 7.8).

The standout performer in the game category was sophomore "Family Feud," which bucked the trend by moving up 14% to fourth place (2.5).

"Entertainment Tonight" led the mags for the 43rd straight ratings sweep, edging down 3% to 5.7.

"Extra" was second, down 6% to 3.1, followed by "Inside Edition," up 4% to 2.9.

"Access Hollywood" also was up 4%, to 2.5.

- Reuters/Variety