USA's Pricey 'Modern Family' Bet Shows Signs of Life

"There's still a pessimism," cautions one ad buyer, even as ratings for the $1.8 million-an-episode syndication gamble rise 62 percent over its September launch. This story first appeared in the Dec. 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. The race for comedy success is proving to be a slow but steady one for USA. Entering its 11th week in heavy rotation, Modern Family repeats are boasting double-digit ratings gains and new highs among targeted audiences. USA's first bid to broaden its dram...