Ray Romano: I’ll Be Surprised If Network Comedies Work at 10 O'Clock

NBC and ABC have yet to launch their new 10 p.m. comedy blocks, but they already have a critic from the comedy world: Ray Romano.

During Thursday's Television Critics Association panel for his TNT drama Men of a Certain Age, Romano expressed doubt about whether half-hour comedies can work so late in the evening.

NBC adds third Thursday night comedy hour; unveils midseason prime-time schedule

"I think they got their work cut out for them," the former Everybody Loves Raymond star and executive producer said. "It's hard to get people to watch our show at 10 p.m. and it's geared to adults."

In order to make room for the returning Parks and Recreation and new series Perfect Couples, NBC will move 30 Rock to 10/9c and Outsourced to 10:30/9:30c beginning Thursday, Jan. 20. ABC will follow on April 13, when it launches new series Happy Endings at 10/9c, followed by repeats of Modern Family at 10:30/9:30c.

Until now, the 10 p.m. timeslot on the networks has been home to hour-long dramas like Law & Orderand The Mentalist. NBC first began experimenting with that hour last year by scheduling The Jay Leno Showand reality series like The Marriage Ref and The Apprentice at 10.

"If it's a more adult-skewed sitcom then maybe," Romano said. "I would be surprised if that works."

What do you think of the late comedy hour? Will you tune in?