ION Television's 1st Upfront Presentation, Perfect Strangers, A-Team Coming Soon?; The CW Ends 'Gilmore Girls'

Thursday, May 03, 2007

ION Television's 1st Upfront Presentation, Perfect Strangers, A-Team Coming Soon?; The CW Ends 'Gilmore Girls'

ION Television had its first upfront presentation. They just released the press release to us and it is hot off the press! It doesn't go into detail on what shows and movies are coming actually, but the press release mentioned stars like Vicki Lawrence (Mama's Family), Tracey Gold (Growing Pains), and Bronson Pinchot (Perfect Strangers) were on hand at the presentation. While they didn't go ahead and mention any programming titles, it is safe to assume Perfect Strangers is coming to the network soon since Bronson was there! And maybe Growing Pains will return, since Tracey was there. The press release also mentioned The A-Team when touting its series, so maybe that is coming soon, too?
The press release states: The strength of classic programing series is demonstrated in strong audience growth – especially in adults ages 25-54, which experienced a 31 percent gain in Monday to Sunday primetime. And new programming deals are on the horizon. Stay tuned!
Hmmm new deals are on the horizon. Interesting. The press release didn't tell us whether the hours will expand from more than 6-11pm, but I think they will, they just haven't announced it yet.
The highlight of the upfront was of course the RHI deal, which will air Fri-Sun 7-11pm starting June 29. Explosive new programming partnership with RHI Entertainment, the award-winning producer and distributor of groundbreaking miniseries and movies for television. RHI's exciting lineup of programming for ION will include the creation of exclusive original programming as well as quality library titles & movies. The first of a promised 12 originals per year is Killer Wave, a political-thriller miniseries featuring a multi billion-dollar conspiracy that will have audiences at the edge of their seats.
Finally, the upfront included a sneak peek at ION’s partnership with Firebrand, a first-of-its-kind multi-platform experience that gives consumers interactive access to their favorite brands, products and promotions, set to launch in the fall airing weeknights from 11pm-12am. Firebrand programs only the best TV commercials as a reflection of pop culture in an environment rich with consumer touch points.
We will certainly have more news for you when we hear! Diagnosis Murder is also going to air Saturdays at 6PM, so an hour of expansion on Saturdays, as it was 7-11pm. This will start Saturday, May 26. For now, read the Upfront press release.

It looks like The CW's Gilmore Girls will end after its May 15 airing. The series will come to end with a proper series finale. The show started back in 2000 and was a high performer for The WB and still was one of the top shows on the new CW. The CW and Warner Bros. Television released this statement:
"Announcing the final season of Gilmore Girls is truly a sad moment for everyone at The CW and Warner Bros. Television," statement read. "This series helped define a network and created a fantastic, storybook world featuring some of television's most memorable, lovable characters."

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Tuesday, February 25

St. Denis Medical - "Some Famous Internet Guy" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When a famous musician's performance at the hospital is delayed, Joyce throws an impromptu talent show with the St. Denis staff; Alex attempts to connect with her daughter, Ella.

Night Court - "Abracadabra Alaka-Dan" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Harry's old magician's assistant appears in the courthouse and puts Dan and Abby in a tough position; Gurgs, Flobert and Julianne are determined to fire up Wyatt's lukewarm life.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of February 24)

Tuesday, February 25

Kate Hudson (Running Point) - Catch Kate on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC. She also talks about Running Point on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am. Kate, Drew Tarver and Scott MacArthur will be on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Jennifer Coolidge (2 Broke Girls/Joey) - Jennifer appears on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Nick Kroll (Big Mouth/The League/Cavemen) - Nick is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Britt Lower (Ghosted/Man Seeking Woman/Big Lake) - Britt appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Kumail Nanjiani (Bless the Harts/Silicon Valley) - Kumail is a guest on After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Wendi McLendon-Covey (St. Denis Medical/The Goldbergs/Rules of Engagement/Reno 911!) - Wendi appears on Comedy Central's The Daily Show at 11pm.
Jennifer Tilly (Out of Practice) - Jennifer stops by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 3:30am on Bravo.
Keanu Reeves (Swedish Dicks) and Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - E! News has interviews with Keanu and Chris at 11pm on E!.
Simu Liu (Kim's Convenience) - NBC's Today catches up with Simu in the 9am hour.
Jay Ellis (Running Point/Insecure/The Game) - Jay talks about Running Point on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
Chelsea Handler (Are You There, Chelsea?) - Chelsea talks about I'll Have What She's Having on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Brenda Song (Running Point/Dollface/Dads/The Suite Life on Deck/The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) - Brenda discusses Running Point on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Valerie and Drew are talking all things moisturizers and hydration with board certified dermatologist and TikTok sensation Dr. Shereene Idriss on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Phil Dunster (Surface) - Phil talks about the new season of Surface on Apple TV+ on Sherri, so check your local listings.