Kim Campbell

About the author: Kim Campbell is a staff writer for the Christian Science Monitor.

Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, people find watching reality TV too stressful and are therefore turning to sitcoms and comedies for entertainment. They are uneasy with the conflicts and unpleasant competition portrayed in reality shows and want to watch programs containing less anger and danger.

When Americans go home at night now, they are looking for comfort —especially in the form of their favorite TV shows.

Forget about new fall [2001] programs and reality series. The equivalent of tomato soup to viewers right now is the predictable haplessness of "Raymond" [a popular sitcom] and the question of paternity for Rachel's baby on "Friends" [a popular sitcom].

Uneasy with...