Anatomy of a hit: “George Lopez” ABC’s groundbreaking sitcom and the comic creator behind it celebrate reaching 100 episodes.

“When the 100th episode of “George Lopez” airs tonight on ABC, it will mark more than just the beginning of the show’s life in syndication. It will be the first time that any broadcast network comedy with a mostly Latino cast has ever reached the century mark. Despite little promotion, modest ratings and multiple scheduling changes — including airing opposite Fox’s ratings behemoth “American Idol” — “Lopez” has found and connected with its valuable audience for four seasons.

In fact, even though ABC, Warner Bros. Television and George Lopez himself set out to create a sitcom with a sensibility that would appeal to a wide swathe of viewers, media buyers are keenly aware of its particular popularity with Hispanics. “Lopez,” along with “Freddie,” the Wednesday night comedy that follows it and stars Freddie Prinze Jr., are the top two English-language series with Hispanic viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.”

Stumble it! | |