Syndication Box

News and notes from the world of syndication today:

-Media Life reports that TMZ, the top freshman strip in syndication, is drawing more men than the other fluff-entertainment programs. 41.8 percent of its audience was men, and among the men 18-34 demo, the program pulled a 0.9 rating. Perhaps the reason this show is doing well among men because TMZ isn't wasting time hyping a female-targeted movie or TV show from Hollywood and it doesn't take itself too seriously. You go, TMZ.

- The complete list of ratings for syndicated off-network programs (with barter only) were listed in Marc Berman's Programming Insider today, and it shows that Everybody Loves Raymond returning to number one this week, after losing it last week to Family Guy, which dropped to number two. Observations:

- Two and a Half Men is ranked fourth with a 3.4.

- The King of Queens tied Friends with a 2.8.

- Biggest surprise: George Lopez with a 2.2 (This sitcom even makes According to Jim funny by comparison.)

- Also with a 2.2, is the surprisingly potent Sex and the City, which is in its third season in syndication.

- Despite recently premiering on FX, Malcolm in the Middle nabbed a 1.4, down 30 percent from last year, which is considered a disappointment. A sitcom's overall numbers in syndication usually go up when it's added to a cable network's lineup. Some stations (like KPLR in St. Louis), have downgraded Malcolm to overnight time periods.

- South Park ranked near the bottom with a 0.8 rating, tied with Half & Half. Siberian time slots in major markets (New York, Philadelphia) aren't helping.