Current television programs create an image of modern woman that is vastly different from the real modern woman as she is reflected in social statistics. Today's average woman can be described as follows: 30 years old, possibly single, employed outside the home, independent and self reliant, sophisticated in tastes and expectations, and concerned about a youthful, healthy appearance for career reasons. Prime time television women are similar to this description in age, single status, and career orientation. However, while the television woman speaks about individualism and appears modern, her attitudes and values are actually safely old fashioned and conservative. Analysis of several current comedy series demonstrates that strong fathers outnumber strong mothers in decision making, women are the cooks and homemakers, female inexperience and social ineptitude are highlighted, women seek fulfillment through winning a husband, and often the plots are concerned with competition between women for the same man. (MAI)