What Happened To Sitcoms On Universal TV?

Universal TV is a general entertainment channel from NBCUniversal. It currently airs a mix of action and procedural shows. These include titles such as NCIS: Los Angeles, Law & Order: SVU, Transplant, and Murder in a Small Town.

From Sitcoms to Procedurals

In its earlier years, Universal TV used to feature comedic shows. Popular sitcoms like Two and a Half Men and Last Man Standing (both originally from CBS) were part of the line-up. 

 

Since 2018, the channel has shifted its focus. It moved away from comedy and began concentrating on procedural dramas, crime series, and thrillers. The new direction was described as focusing on “100% characters.”

Where Did the Sitcoms Go?

Most of the sitcoms that once aired on Universal TV were later picked up by other channels. Many ended up on M-Net or Comedy Central. At the time, both of these were premium channels (and one of them has continued as a premium offering). 

As a result, many viewers missed out on newer seasons of shows such as Young Sheldon, Will & Grace, and The Goldbergs. These audiences are still trying to catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to those series.

Why the Change Happened

Procedural dramas, crime shows, and thrillers performed better in ratings with linear television viewers than older sitcoms. This stronger performance was one of the main reasons for the shift.

The restructuring of Universal TV also happened for other reasons. Corporate changes led to greater alignment across international feeds. Viewing habits played a role too — more airtime was given to investigative and crime-based shows that audiences were watching regularly.

The Bigger Picture

The move away from sitcoms reflects a wider trend on many linear channels. Crime procedurals and character-driven thrillers often hold viewers’ attention more consistently than older-style comedies, especially in evening slots.  

For fans of sitcoms, the change meant that Universal TV no longer felt like a home for light entertainment. Those shows found new homes on other platforms, but not always on free-to-air or widely accessible channels.

Universal TV continues to focus on its current mix of action and procedural content. Whether sitcoms will ever return to the channel in a meaningful way remains unclear. For now, the channel’s identity is firmly tied to crime, drama, and character-focused storytelling.