NEWSMAKERS
NEWSMAKERS
‘Big Bang Theory’ rules in comedy
NEW YORK
No one is coming close to challenging “The Big Bang Theory” when Americans turn on prime-time television in search of a few laughs.
The Nielsen company’s ratings last week illustrate the CBS comedy’s dominance. Nielsen said 15.2 million people watched “The Big Bang Theory” on Thursday, far above the second most-popular sitcom, ABC’s “Modern Family,” which had 8.4 million viewers.
The Chuck Lorre-created comedy about socially challenged brainiacs is headed toward some memorable episodes, with Jim Parsons’ character, Sheldon Cooper, about to consummate his romance with Amy, played by Mayim Bialik.
“The Big Bang Theory” is also the most-popular sitcom among viewers age 18 to 49.
For the week of Nov. 16-22, the top 10 shows, their networks and viewerships: NFL Football: Cincinnati at Arizona, NBC, 18.01 million; “NCIS,” CBS, 16.59 million; “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS, 15.19 million; “Sunday Night NFL Pregame Show,” NBC, 13.69 million; “The Walking Dead,” AMC, 13.22 million; “NCIS: New Orleans,” CBS, 13.01 million; “The OT,” Fox, 12.73 million; “Dancing With the Stars,” ABC, 12.35 million; NFL Football: Houston at Cincinnati, ESPN, 12.19 million; “Empire,” Fox, 11:34 million.
Court: Shepherd can’t undo surrogacy pact
PHILADELPHIA
A Pennsylvania appeals court has declared Sherri Shepherd legally responsible for a child born to a surrogate before she and her ex-husband divorced.
The actress has tried to have the surrogacy contract voided.
A lawyer for ex-husband Lamar Sally believes the ruling Monday means Shepherd must continue paying $4,100-a-month in child support. Sally is raising the 1-year-old boy in Los Angeles.
Shepherd had roles on several sitcoms and co-hosted ABC’s “The View” from 2007 to 2014.
Associated Press