TV Jots

CBS Staple Shining In Its Ninth and Final Season

Often viewed as the bastard brethren of fellow CBS comedy Everybody Loves Raymond when that seminal series was still around, The King of Queens has still managed to consistently entertain its loyal viewers for going on nine solid years. Nowhere was this simple fact more apparent than during the show’s return to active broadcasting on December 6. The double episode that night garnered unexpectedly high ratings that elevated the sitcom to the top of the heap in both half-hour time periods, 8 to 8:30 and 8:30 to 9. Not to be outshone, lead actress Leah Remini is also sporting a fit new figure that should finally squelch all of the unnecessary chatter that started last season regarding her post-pregnancy weight. In tonight’s episode, “Ruff Goin’,” Doug (Kevin James) uses his customarily well-intentioned but ill-fated methods to try and get in good with the neighbors after they neglect to invite him and Carrie (Remini) to their block party. The result? He ends up adopting a dog that he no longer wants after realizing that dogs need love and, most importantly, care, too. The King of Queens is looking good all over, so catch it while it’s still here.