Has one 30-minute move saved CBS’ ‘2 Broke Girls’?

A few weeks ago, we were more than concerned about the downward direction that a certain series in “2 Broke Girls” was taking on CBS. This was a comedy that at one point, appeared to be destined to be the heir apparent to “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Two and a Half Men” as the standout hit. Not only was it going to be a symbol to the strength of this network for continuing to find breakout hit after breakout hit, but there was a shot that it could be the “Laverne & Shirley” of our time: A silly comedy showing that women can have more fun on TV than men.

But somehow, things changed over time and early this season, it felt like “2 Broke Girls” was barely a step above the line that CBS needs to even keep a show on the air, but with just one move, the network may have pushed it back in the right direction. while numbers tend to ebb and flow somewhat, a 2.7 in the 18-49 demographic this time of year is great, especially when it marks a pretty steady growth from earlier in the season. Personally, we see there being a few reasons for the sudden upswing:

1. “How I Met Your Mother” as a lead-in. For whatever reason, these two shows tend to balance one another well when it comes to their strengths and weaknesses. “2 Broke Girls” holds the audience better than anything else in that spot.

2. The quality of the show has actually gone up this season so far, and the proof comes in that some would rather watch this than either Monday Night Football, “The Voice” knockouts, “Dancing with the Stars,” or the World Series.

3. Just the time itself. Rather than sacrificing a full 9:00 p.m. show, folks can check this out live at 8:30 when they may just be getting home from work late and don’t want to jump into something halfway.

With this move we wonder what happens when “Mike & Molly” takes over the 8:00 p.m. spot? CBS is really banking on Melissa McCarthy still being a big star to make up the difference.

Photo: CBS