The five leading US networks are taking a new tack for the upcoming 2013/2014 season.

After a fairly lackluster year, CBS, Fox, ABC, NBC and CW have decided to keep only 10 of their new series going. And to fill up all the vacant timeslots, they will rely more upon comedies and short-run drama series.

Of the 52 series picked up to enhance the fall lineups, 22 are angling for TV viewers' funny bones. With the exception of CW, which won't be programming any comedies, the American networks are putting a lot of their money on laughs for the next TV season.

In view of the success of The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Modern Family and New Girl, sitcoms will be written larger next season, especially after the networks lost The Office and 30 Rock this year and will soon be bidding farewell to How I Met Your Mother.

To fill the gap, the networks are investing in a total of 15 different family comedies. CBS has picked up The Crazy Ones, The Millers and Mom.

Fox is counting on Dads, Surviving Jack, Enlisted and Gavin & Stacey to boost its ratings.

NBC is banking on The Michael J. Fox Show, About a Boy, Sean Saves the World, The Family Guide and Welcome to the Family.

And ABC has paid dearly for Trophy Wife, The Goldbergs and Back in the Game.