Tuning In

No laughing matter

TV viewers apparently aren’t in the mood for laughs.

Last week’s ratings were dominated by drama and reality, with comedy series at a low ebb.

Just two sitcoms placed among the 30 most-watched programs — CBS’ “Two and a Half Men” and the network’s “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which ends its run next month — reports Associated Press, citing data from Nielsen Media Research.

ABC’s “According to Jim” was No. 40, with roughly one-third of the viewers “American Idol” routinely gets. Meanwhile, several other ABC comedies — “Hope & Faith,” “George Lopez” and “Jake in Progress” — were among that network’s lowest-rated offerings.

The news was equally grim for NBC. Once the gold standard, its Thursday comedies finished even lower, with “Will & Grace” placing 45th and “Joey” coming in at No. 55.

With the final months of the TV season looming, it was another dominant week for CBS, which averaged 12.5 million viewers per show. Fox was second with 9.2 million viewers and won among the key 18-to-49-year-old demographic that advertisers prize. ABC had 8.7 million, NBC 8.4 million, the WB 3.3 million, UPN 3.2 million and Pax TV 590,000.

For the week of April 18 through 24, the top five shows, their networks and viewerships were: “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS, 27 million; “American Idol” (Tuesday), Fox, 24.1 million; “Desperate Housewives,” ABC, 23.9 million; “American Idol” (Wednesday), Fox, 22.7 million; and “CSI: Miami,” CBS, 20.1 million.

’Idol’ expose

ABC’s “Primetime Live” is saving a potentially damaging expose of Fox TV’s “American Idol” for the start of the May sweeps.

The special will include what the network calls “explosive” allegations about the hit TV talent contest, Associated Press reports. The hourlong “Primetime Live” report by show anchor John Quinones is scheduled for May 4 at 10 p.m.

An ABC News spokesman in New York wouldn’t divulge details, nor would Fox return a call from AP seeking comment about the pending program.

Now in its fourth season, “American Idol” — one of TV’s top-rated programs — gives singers a record deal and a shot at stardom.

Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul winnow down the field in the early rounds, with viewers then deciding on the finalists and eventual winner. Past “Idol” winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino all have established successful careers, as has Clay Aiken, the runner-up from the show’s second season in 2003.

While ratings have remained strong, fans have consistently grumbled about overloaded phone systems that have made it tough for some viewers to cast votes.

“American Idol” also has been shadowed by contestants who were bounced after they failed to disclose personal information, among them Frenchie Davis, a former Howard University student who posed seminude for an adult Web site before her “Idol” appearance in 2003. She currently has a featured role in Broadway’s long-running musical “Rent.”

Corey Clark, also a member of the 2003 cast, was dropped from the show after producers learned about a past arrest. He reportedly is trying to sell a tell-all book about his experiences on the hit program.

’ER’s’ glory days

“ER” fans disenchanted by the current season, or those who pine for the original cast can catch up with some old medical friends this week.

“ER: The Complete Third Season” is out on DVD, with original cast members George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Julianna Margulies, Noah Wyle and Eriq La Salle. This six-disc set includes all 22 episodes plus the usual array of bonus features. The NBC series, created in 1994 by author Michael Crichton, follows the drama within County General Hospital in Chicago.

Other series out this week on DVD include two CBS favorites, “The Waltons: The Complete Second Season” (from 1973) and “Survivor: The Australian Outback — The Complete Season” (from 2001). Also on DVD: A&E’s “Airline: The Complete Original Season” (from 2004).

Ray hits the links

Ray Romano doesn’t leave “Everybody Loves Raymond” until next month, but he already has his next gig lined up.

The comic actor will co-star with pal Kevin James (“The King of Queens”) in an HBO special on golf, Associated Press reports. The two CBS sitcom stars will try to make the cut at the annual pro-amateur golf tournament at Pebble Beach, Calif., in a behind-the-scenes special debuting June 18.

“We all dream of playing center field for the New York Yankees in the World Series,” Mr. Romano said. “Most people will never get that opportunity, yet for one day, if you make the cut at Pebble Beach, you can play in the final round of a major professional event.”

HBO cameras caught every shank along the way. However, it’s unlikely that golf pros such as Phil Mickelson — who won the tournament when it took place in February — were threatened by the star competition.

“As an amateur golfer, it’s the greatest experience because, even when you hook a ball into the other fairway, you get to apologize to guys like Freddy Couples,” Mr. James said.

Compiled by Christian Toto from staff and wire reports.