Casting for New ABC Family Sitcom Pilot; Fox Orders 4th Cycle of Bob's Burgers

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Casting for New ABC Family Sitcom Pilot; Fox Orders 4th Cycle of Bob's Burgers

Ryan Sypek (Wildfire) and Kate Lang Johnson (Persons Unknown) have been cast in the lead roles of the ABC Family sitcom pilot Phys Ed. The pilot is a half-hour multi-camera comedy about a high school's star jock, Ed (Sypek), who returns to teach at his former alma mater only to find that, even though he's changed, nothing else really has. Johnson will play Janie, a teacher at the school who was ignored by Ed in high school and is now the object of his affections.

The pilot is written and-executive produced by David H. Steinberg (American Pie 2). It is produced by Prodco, Inc. Ryan Sypek is an ABC Family alum, having starred in the network's first original scripted series Wildfire. Now should Phys Ed get picked-up to series, we will let you know...but for now this is just a pilot. This piece of casting follows the casting of a drama pilot, as ABC Family has cast Denise Richards (Two and a Half Men) to star in drama series pilot Socio, as Karen Ryder. Also cast is Kimberly Quinn as Tess. They join the previously announced Avan Jogia as Danny, Maddie Hasson as Jo and Kylie Bunbury as Lacey in the project. The pilot is currently in preproduction. The pilot follows Danny Ryder (Jogia), who has returned to town after serving five years in custody for murdering his aunt when he was 11. Admitting his guilt, but stubbornly refusing to discuss his motive, Danny returns to a hostile reception and a media firestorm. Ostracized by his peers, Danny reconnects with his former best friends Jo (Hasson) and Lacey (Bunbury), who are still struggling to put the past behind them. But when another student is murdered, suspicion falls on Danny and the question remains: Is Danny a serial slayer, a "socio," or is he a victim with a shocking secret?
Richards will portray Karen Ryder, Danny's perfectly coiffed mother who once ruled the town's social scene but who now struggles to put on a brave face with her son returning home under a cloud of scandal and shame. Quinn portrays Jo's mother, Tess, who tries to give Danny the benefit of the doubt and clashes with her husband over his harsh attitude towards the teen.

Bob's Burgers

Fox has ordered a fourth season of 22 all-new episodes of the Emmy-nominated animated comedy Bob's Burgers. The series is currently in its third season, but there are episodes from the second season still airing this season, as only 9 aired last season. So this fourth season cycle order will probably not get to air for another year or two. Bob's Burgers recently was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program as well as for a 2012 Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Animated Series.

This season, Bob's Burgers also serves up holiday cheer with the series' first-ever Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes. In the upcoming Thanksgiving episode, Bob's eccentric landlord, Mr. Fischoeder (guest voice Kevin Kline), invites the Belchers for an unusual Thanksgiving dinner to impress a former flame. In the Christmas episode, Zach Galifianakis guest-voices as a man who is infatuated with a mannequin, and believes he used to be a mannequin himself. Other guest voices this season include Jon Hamm, Jeffrey Tambor, Aziz Ansari, Bill Hader and Sarah and Laura Silverman. Bob's Burgers follows a third-generation restaurateur as he runs his own burger joint with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, condiments and sides, but only a few thoughts on customer service and business management. Despite his greasy counters, lousy location and occasionally spotty service, Bob is convinced his burgers speak for themselves. The animated series features the voice talents of H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, April 6

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Gemma Johnson's Day Off" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Gemma reaches her limit at work, and when a car issue forces her to slow down, an unexpected break helps her rethink what she really wants next. Meanwhile, Marty and Malcolm’s plans are thrown off course when unexpected opportunities arise, and Dave embraces a new career path.

The Neighorhood - "A Farewell Special" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
CBS presents The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special, an Entertainment Tonight production, airing Monday, April 6 (8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier and filmed on location on The Neighborhood's stages, the special celebrates the acclaimed CBS comedy's final season, honoring eight seasons, 156 episodes, and eight unforgettable years of laughter, heart and community, leading up to the series finale on May 11.

This celebratory event features exclusive new interviews with the cast reflecting on their journey, revisiting early days on set, and looking back at the show's evolution and cultural impact. From its heartfelt exploration of friendship and family to its comedic take on life in a changing community, The Neighborhood has become a beloved part of CBS' comedy legacy.

The special includes never-before-seen footage and archival interviews from the ET Vault, offering fans a nostalgic look at the series' most iconic moments and the relationships built along the way. Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the emotional final days of production, including the cast and crew's last table read, intimate moments from the final tapings, and heartfelt goodbyes.

Additionally, The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special brings audiences inside the cast's final wrap party, capturing the laughter, speeches, memories, and surprises that marked the end of an era. To cap off the evening, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming series finale, with the cast and producers sharing what viewers can expect as the Butlers and Johnsons say farewell to the neighborhood they've called home for nearly a decade.

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to New Horizons" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Dave’s silent auction wins lead to a classical concert outing with Gemma and the Butlers that quickly goes off the rails. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s ghostwriting gig takes a surprising turn when Tina encourages him to dive into reality TV for inspiration – sparking an unexpected obsession.

St. Denis Medical - "We Make Time" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When a doctor becomes a patient, his co-workers rally around him, whether he likes it or not; Matt and Serena need to talk.

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins - "The Loyalty Swamp" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Tobin's past comes back to haunt him; Reggie and Brina struggle to set a wedding date.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 6)

Monday, April 6

Jason Segel (Shrinking/How I Met Your Mother/Undeclared) - Watch Jason on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary/Emeril) - Lisa appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Keanu Reaves (Swedish Dicks) - Keanu is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS. He also talks about Outcome on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
Melissa Gilbert (Stand by Your Man) - ABC's Good Morning America has George Stephanopoulos' exclusive interview with Melissa sometime between 7-9am.
Laurie Metcalf (Big Mistakes/The Conners/Roseanne/The McCarthys/The Norm Show) - Laurie talks about Big Mistakes on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Mindy Kaling (Running Point/The Mindy Project/The Office) - Mindy talks about Mindy's Book Studio on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry and Rebecca King-Crews make an exclusive announcement on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am. Terry will also be on in the 9am hour.
Sterling K. Brown (Starved) and Ryan Michelle Bathe (First Wives Club/Retired at 35) - Sterling and his wife Ryan Michelle tell Sherri about the highly anticipated new season of Paradise now streaming on Hulu & Disney+ on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
Amanda Peet (Brockmire/Togetherness/Bent) - Amanda talks season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors and her new film Fantasy Life on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.