Gays on Prime Time

GAYS ON PRIME TIME From 'Will and Grace' to 'ER,' gay themes and characters change the TV landscape In a recent episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" on the WB, two of Buffy's pals share a meaningful kiss at an emotional moment. Some viewers may not have thought twice about it. But this nonpublicized kiss between two women is one sign that things have changed in the four years since the protests over the "…

…to see better ratings," says CBS spokesman Chris Ender. Many observers say the popularity of shows with gay themes is not because of a fascination with gay life, but because several of the latest ones are well written. "I hope that if we get on television that people don't say, 'Oh it's that gay show,' " says Richman of his potential sitcom. "I hope they say, 'It's that great show. It's that funny show.'"