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

Monday, November 25

The Neighborhood - "Welcome to the Commitment" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Marty and Courtney prepare for Daphne’s christening. Meanwhile, Malcolm is dating someone new and Tina is delighted to meet her.

Poppa's House - "Disciplinarian" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
When Junior and Nina’s son begins acting out, Poppa doles out parenting advice. Also, Poppa suspects Dr. Ivy Reed may be flirting with him.

What We Do in the Shadows - "P.I. Undercover: New York" (FX, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Colin and Nadja have a couples' night with an old friend, while Nandor and Laszlo battle the film crew that have invaded their neighborhood.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 25)

Monday, November 25

Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory/8 Simple Rules/Ladies Man) - Watch Kaley on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC. She also talks about Based on a True Story on NBC's Today some time between 7-9am and in the 10am hour.
John Krasinski (The Office) - John is a guest on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show/My Boys/The Ellen Show/Welcome to New York) - Jim stops by Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Allison Tolman (St. Denis Medical/Downward Dog) - Allison appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Vinny Thomas (Platonic) - Vinny is a guest on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Matt Rogers (No Good Deed/I Love That for You/Our Cartoon President) - NBC's Today catches up with Matt in the 9am hour.
Kylie Cantrall (Gabby Duran & the Unsittables) - Kylie discusses Disney's exciting Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Valerie is whipping up the perfect Thanksgiving side that's a must have for your table on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry tells Sherri about his latest children's book, Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole, on Sherri, so check your local listings.
Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock) - Dwayne talks about Moana 2 on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Christina Milian (Grandfathered) - Christina talks about Netflix's Meet Me Next Christmas on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
Jasmine Guy (A Different World) - Jasmine talks about BET's A Wesley South African Christmas on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
T.R. Knight (Charlie Lawrence) - T.R. talks about The Merchant of Venice on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:40am.