Of syndication and second chances

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Syndication gives fans a chance to see more of their favorite shows, and it's also a way to attract potential new fans. Most shows in syndication are still on the air, so if people see them often enough that way -- when airings can top half a dozen episodes on a given night -- there's a chance they'll start watching new episodes as they premiere.

In fact, according to a Jan. 10 Hollywood Reporter story, "The Big Bang Theory" executive producer Steve Molaro said he believes TBS' repeats of the show (16-18 a week) are part of the reason why it's still posting record numbers six seasons in. Its most recent episode earned the biggest ratings to date with 20 million viewers, and it has overtaken "Modern Family" as the No. 1 primetime comedy.