i Network Renamed ION Television; ABC Swaps 'Knights' & 'Jim' on Wednesdays

Friday, January 26, 2007

i Network Renamed ION Television; ABC Swaps 'Knights' & 'Jim' on Wednesdays

i Network, which airs classic series such as Mama's Family and Growing Pains, will now be known as ION Television effective this Monday (Jan. 29), to be consistent with the company's corporate brand identity (ION Media). This move reflects the energy and vision behind the network's plans to expand its programming and viewership.
The network's new contemporary look and logo will be prominently featured on-air through a consumer-oriented promotional campaign over the next few months. Tagged "ION Television: Television in Motion," the on-air campaign will kick off with a series of promotions and image spots, as well a new on-screen network bug logo. The viewer campaign will launch on Monday, January 29th with "What's Your ION?," a web-based promotion that invites viewers to submit creative photos of themselves donning the new ION logo to be featured on the network's website, www.ionline.tv, and also on-air.
ION has seen significant gains in its primetime ratings this season, due in large part to its strategy to introduce popular movies and classic TV favorites through multiple content deals with its current partners, including Warner Bros., Sony, CBS Television and NBC Universal. View the full press release here.

I think this is a big step in expanding the hours to more than just 6-11pm. I think we will be seeing the hours expand very soon (clearly says it is expanding in the press release), maybe in the coming months. Let's hope we see shows like Perfect Strangers, Silver Spoons, Wonder Years, Diff'rent Strokes, and some other favorites not being aired currently, very soon!
We will of course keep you posted on anything ION Television (aka: i Network, aka PAX Television).

In order to strengthen the flow of the ABC Wednesday night line-up, effective this Wednesday (January 31), The Knights of Prosperity will move to 8:30 PM ET/PT and According to Jim will move to 9:00 PM ET/PT until further notice. George Lopez will remain at 8:00PM and In Case of Emergency at 9:30PM.
Also, for those of you who missed the second episode of The Knights of Prosperity that aired on January 10 due to President Bush's speech messing up the timing, ABC will re-air this episode this Tuesday (Jan. 30) at 9:30 PM, after the finale of Big Day.
On the first Wednesday of February Sweep (Feb. 7), According to Jim & In Case of Emergency will be pre-empted during the 9:00PM hour for a Lost Survivor Guide clip show hosted by the producers, which will lead into the return of Lost at 10:00PM! Can't wait!

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Wednesday, July 2

Shifting Gears - "Restoration" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt, the widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, is confronted with his most unexpected and challenging project yet when his estranged daughter, Riley, and her adolescent children come crashing back into his life.

Shifting Gears - "Accommodations" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt joins Riley at Carter’s high school open house, where he’s unsettled to learn about the “accommodations” made for his grandson’s anxiety. Meanwhile, Riley reconnects with Caitlin, a former classmate, and sets her up with Gabriel.

Shifting Gears - "Grief" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Riley discovers a closet filled with her late mother’s clothes, she insists Matt hasn’t processed her death and urges him to see a grief counselor. Meanwhile, Gabriel faces a crisis of confidence when he’s put in charge of the shop for a day.

Shifting Gears - "Valentine's" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A Valentine’s Day visit to his late wife’s grave sparks an unexpected connection for Matt in an unlikely place. Meanwhile, Riley is thrust into the spotlight for a promotional video at the dance studio.

Tyler Perry's House of Payne - "Protector in Chief" (BET, 9:00PM ET/PT)
House of Payne is the hilarious comedy about Retired fire chief Curtis Payne and his lovely wife Ella.

Tyler Perry's Assisted Living - "Speed Demons" (BET, 9:30PM ET/PT)
After losing his job, Jeremy decides to move to the backwoods of Georgia to help his grandfather, who has purchased a rundown home for the elderly.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of June 30)

Wednesday, July 2

Will Arnett (Murderville/Arrested Development/Flaked/The Millers/Up All Night/Running Wilde), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) and Sean Hayes (Will & Grace/The Millers/Sean Saves the World) - Watch Will, Jason and Sean on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Monica Barbaro (FUBAR) - Monica appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Owen Thiele (Overcompensating), Amita Rao (Deli Boys) and Malik Elassal (Adults) - Owen, Amita and Malik are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Glen Powell (Scream Queens) - NBC's Today catches up with Glen in the 10am hour.
Casey Wilson (The Righteous Gemstones/Black Monday/The Hotwives/Marry Me/Happy Endings) - Casey talks about The Great American Baking Show on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time) - The Drew Barrymore Show has a repeat their skincare show and Drew and Valerie Bertinelli are talking all things moisturizers and hydration with board certified dermatologist and TikTok sensation Dr. Shereene Idriss.
Joe Manganiello (How I Met Your Mother) - Joe talks about Netflix's Nonnas on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.