‘Home,’ ‘Mad’ Going Head To Head

Mon., Sept. 21, 1998

New York Daily News

Tuesday nights, TV’s two longest-running live-action entertainment programs head into what most likely will be their last seasons, directly opposite each other at 8.

ABC’s “Home Improvement” and NBC’s “Mad About You,” former powerhouses that got their starts in 1991 and 1992, respectively, will be saying farewell at a time many critics describe as well past their peaks. Ironically, it’s also a time when the main stars on each series have become the highest-paid performers on TV.

“Home Improvement’s” Tim Allen rakes in $1.25 million an episode, while “Mad About You’s” Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt each are set to earn $1 million apiece per show.

Unfortunately for both shows, the Tuesday 8 p.m. slot is stacking up to be one of the most competitive times in network television.

“Home Improvement,” once TV’s top show, finished No. 10 overall last season. While still formidable, it was the show’s worst ranking ever. “Mad About You” ranked No. 27, down from No. 24 the previous year.

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