SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Happy New Year from all of us at SitcomsOnline.com! Welcome to our eighth annual Sitcoms on DVD and Blu-ray Preview, where we look at what is on the horizon for 2013. We also have our wish list of sitcoms that we hope to see on DVD this year.

FX's Anger Management will be making its debut on DVD and Blu-ray on January 8. Other new releases include Enlightened, The Goode Family and Veep. Returning favorites include Cougar Town, Episodes, Family Matters, House of Payne, Nurse Jackie and Weeds. Read our weekly Digital Digest for all the latest news and rumors on upcoming releases.

The links below go to Amazon.com where you can pre-order these titles at some nice discounts. We are an affiliate of Amazon.com and receive a commission for each sale. Please consider ordering through our links. Thanks for your support!

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2013 SITCOMS ON DVD PREVIEW

January 2013:

01/01 - I Dream of Jeannie...Fifteen Years Later

Sony opens the year with the MOD (manufactured on demand) release of the 1985 television reunion movie I Dream of Jeannie...Fifteen Years Later. The iconic TV character returns in an all-new movie. Now married with a son (played by Mackenzie Astin), Jeannie and Major Nelson get into a fight when he decides to take one more space mission. Add to that the return of her dastardly sister and Jeannie must work up some new magic to make everything all right. Barbara Eden, Bill Daily and Hayden Rorke reprised their roles from the original series. Wayne Rogers (Trapper John, M.D.) played the role of Tony Nelson. Larry Hagman was unavailable or unwilling to return to the two television reunion movies. Hopefully 1991's I Still Dream of Jeannie will be available at some point.

01/08 - Anger Management - Season One (Blu-ray)

Award-winning actor Charlie Sheen makes his return to series television in the new sitcom, Anger Management. Sheen stars as "Charlie," a non-traditional therapist specializing in anger management. He has a successful private practice, holding sessions with his group of primary patient regulars each week, as well as performing pro bono counseling for an inmate group at a state prison. Charlie thrives on the chaos in his life while still battling his own anger issues. His life is complicated by his relationships with his own therapist/best friend (Selma Blair), an ex-wife whose positive outlook but poor choices in men frustrates Charlie (Shawnee Smith), and their 13-year-old daughter who has OCD (Daniela Bobadilla).

All 10 episodes of the first season are included on the 2-disc sets. Special features include Anger Mismanagement (Gags), "Charlie's Baby" (new interview with Charlie Sheen) and "Behind the Couch" (Meet Charlie's patients on set with the therapy group).

01/08 - Enlightened - The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)

40-year-old Amy Jellicoe has a dramatic transformation inspiring her to adopt a new attitude of inner peace and healing. Unfortunately, her new enlightened outlook is unwelcome and even threatening to her co-workers and loved ones. A unique blend of comedy and drama, Enlightened stars Academy Award and Emmy nominee Laura Dern, who won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for her performance. Dern also executive produces the series along with Mike White, who co-stars, writes and directs. Enlightened: The Complete First Season, releases on Blu-ray ($49.99), DVD ($39.98) and Digital Download on January 8, 2013.

During its debut, the show was praised by critics as "the most interesting and ambitious series of the fall season" (The Los Angeles Times) and "a gorgeously filmed, perfectly written and flawlessly performed masterpiece" (E! Online). The DVD and BD copies both include "Inside the Episodes" summaries and four audio commentaries with cast and crew including Dern, White and Diane Ladd.

01/08 - Episodes - The Complete First and Second Seasons

Showtime previously released Episodes - The First Season on DVD on June 12, 2012. This new 2-disc set will contain the first full two seasons and have a total running time of 459 minutes. Biographies and a photo gallery will be included. No word yet on whether the second season will be released as an individual set.

Husband and wife writing team Sean and Beverly can't wait to bring their successful British television series across the pond to make it big in America. But in true Hollywood fashion, it quickly becomes a laughable, cliched sitcom - starring none other than Matt LeBlanc. Matt not only messes with their beloved show, he rocks the foundation of their relationship. So now, even if they survive the absurdity of show business, will their marriage survive Matt LeBlanc? Don't miss a single episode of Episodes on DVD!

01/08 - The Goode Family - The Complete Series

The Goode Family: The Complete Series, from Executive Producers Mike Judge (King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-head, Office Space) and John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky (King of the Hill, Blades of Glory), will finally be made available on DVD when Shout! Factory releases all 13 episodes in a 2-Disc set on January 8. Special features include commentaries and interviews with cast and crew, unaired scripts, and original promos.

Meet Gerald and Helen Goode, a couple who live by the motto WWAGD (What Would Al Gore Do?). Gerald, a college administrator, and Helen, a community activist, are determined to obliterate their carbon footprint on the planet: They’re zealous vegans, they drive a hybrid, and they recycle everything possible. Even the family dog, Che, is vegan. In the words of Helen, all the Goodes want to do is buy organic apples and call minorities by their politically correct names. But despite their best efforts, something always goes haywire with their plans. With standards always changing, no matter how hard you try to be good, it’s virtually impossible these days . . . especially for the Goode family.

A hilarious skewering of our better natures, The Goode Family stars Mike Judge, Nancy Carell (The Office), Linda Cardellini (Freaks And Geeks) and Brian Doyle-Murray (Get A Life) with special guest stars Kevin Nealon, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Richter, Johnny Knoxville, Laraine Newman, Julia Sweeney, Dax Shepard and more!

01/08 - Hearts Afire - The Complete Series

Image Entertainment previously released all three seasons on DVD in 2005 and 2006. Mill Creek Entertainment's new release will include all 54 episodes in a 7-disc set at a MSRP of only $29.98. Special features are the same and include bloopers/outtakes and the unaired final episode.

America's funnyman John Ritter and Night Court's Markie Post ignite the screen with blazing humor and steamy chemistry!

Frustrations and sparks fly in Washington D.C. when Award-Winning comedian John Ritter (John Hartman), a strict conservative, hires Markie Post (Georgie Anne Lahti), a free spirited journalist, as his father's press secretary. Their mismatched political views lead to arguments...and attraction! Known as one of the best series of the '90s, Hearts Afire combines cutting edge comedy and colorful characters to create an unforgettable political farce!

After their flaming fling in Washington, Seasons 2 & 3 bring new twists to the series. John and Georgie Anne pack up and move to a small Southern town, John's boyhood home. The newlywed couple soon finds out that quirky characters and fiscal frustrations are not only in Washington!

Starring Award-Winning Actors John Ritter and Billy Bob Thorton, Markie Post, George Gaynes and Ed Asner. From the creators of Designing Women, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and Harry Thomason; aired on CBS from 1992-1995.

01/08 - 3rd Rock from the Sun - Season 5 (Mill Creek) / Season 6 (Mill Creek)

Mill Creek wraps up their re-releases with the final two seasons of the series. Both are 3-disc sets and have a MSRP of only $9.98.

Calling all Earth dwellers! The Solomon's mission to investigate human behavior continues in the hysterical 5th season of 3rd Rock from the Sun! Award-Winning actor John Lithgow stars as Dick Solomon, The High Commander of a group of aliens who turn everyday events into out of this world hilarity! Experience the unusual happenings of Dick and the gang as they share the joys of childbirth, attend an interactive murder mystery and recover from a car crash all while trying to learn about Earth's customs and population. Kathy Bates, Laurie Metcalf and William Shatner are amongst some of the guest stars who add to the ridiculous riot of Season 5!

Then, join Dick and the rest of his crew as they conclude their Earth mission with more laughs and hilarious human encounters! The final season of 3rd Rock from the Sun includes Tommy's journey to college, Sally's new profession as a weather girl, Harry hangs with the Amish and The Big Giant Head issues a shocking final order you don't want to miss! Join the star studded cast of John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jane Curtin, Simbi Khali, Elmarie Wendel and Wayne Knight - along with such guest stars as Megan Mullally, John Cleese, Richard Belzer, Darrell Hammond, Tracy Morgan, Ana Gasteyer, Elaine Stritch and Elvis Costello as they leave their unforgettable legacy of superior comedy!

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February 2013:

02/05 - Cougar Town - The Complete Third Season

Jules Cobb and her hilarious circle of friends are back for more laughs in the fabulous third season of television's hit comedy, Cougar Town. Courteney Cox stars in this brilliant series about a divorced mom facing the hysterical challenges and rewards of life's next chapter. Wedding bells are ringing! Jules and Grayson are excited to tie the knot, but friends, finances and past relationships threaten to derail their big day. Emotions get even hotter when Travis sets his sights on Laurie, and Bobby tries to take his relationship with Angie to the next level. Plus, Jules throws a memorial service for her beloved Big Carl.

Lionsgate releases all 15 episodes in a 2-disc set. Special features will include featurettes, deleted scenes and outtakes. Lionsgate is also re-releasing The Complete First Season and The Complete Second Season with the same content and packaging on the same day.

02/12 - Family Matters - The Complete Third Season

Get your geek on with Steve Urkel the ultimate nerd and annoying neighbor of Carl and Harriette Winslow and their multigenerational Chicago clan. Urkel's irrepressible spirit not-so-smooth moves and undying love for Laura Winslow cause the family constant aggravation and occasional delight. And whether he's building a jet pack playing the lead in the "Romeo & Juliet" school play or joining Carl's poker night the Urkman's got what it takes to turn any situation into memorable family fun. What was hilarious and heartwarming then is classic comedy now in all 25 Season Three episodes of Family Matters!

02/12 - Nurse Jackie - Season Four (Blu-ray)

Out of excuses. Out of tricks. Out of control. Showtime's hit series about a drug-addicted nurse in a New York City hospital, Nurse Jackie - Season Four, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton, a strong-willed and brilliant - but very flawed - emergency room nurse. This season, Jackie comes to realize that both karma and sobriety can be a bitch. In addition to finally confronting her addiction, Jackie's street smarts and sardonic wit are tested even further by an ambitious new hospital administrator (Bobby Cannavale), determined to run a tight ship and keep Jackie in line. Also stars Eve Best, Peter Facinelli, Paul Schulze, Merritt Wever, and Anna Deavere Smith.

Lionsgate is releasing a 3-disc DVD set and 2-disc Blu-ray set. Special features are expected to include cast & crew commentaries, gag reel, "Cruz Control" Featurette: Bobby and Jake Cannavale Rock Season 4, and "On the Floor at All Saints" Featurette: Includes interviews with the nurses of All Saints.

02/12 - Weeds - Season Eight (Blu-ray)

The eighth and final season of this critically acclaimed series is more hilarious and addictive than ever! Includes the complete Season 8 with all 13 episodes, loaded with special features! The last time we saw Nancy and the Botwins, it was through the scope of a hit man's rifle. Nancy had sprung from the joint and gone to New York City, where she made a fresh start doing what she does best: selling pot and making enemies. Now, everyone's wondering who put out the hit...and who got smoked.

Special features will include cast & crew commentaries, The Wrap Up! - Q&A with creator Jenji Kohan and producers Roberto Benabib & Matthew Salsberg, "Clippin' the Buds" Featurette - interviews by cast and experts: an upbeat, humorous and educational piece, "Everyday Advice from Guru Doug" - Guru Doug takes us through a live class and a Gag Reel (Blu-ray Exclusive).

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March 2013:

03/05 - Tyler Perry's House of Payne - Volume 10

Includes 20 episodes (episodes 193-212) of the hilarious and heartfelt series! Gather the whole family together for the most hilarious and heartwarming season of Tyler Perry's House of Payne ever! The tenth volume of this uplifting comedy hit finds Pops & Ella still praying for peace and quiet, but being answered with three generations of family - all in one house - that simply won't empty the nest. Fortunately, along the way they've discovered that by having a little faith and a lot of patience, everything always works out exactly as it's intended - with love and laughter!

03/12 - The Return of The Beverly Hillbillies

MPI Home Video is releasing The Return of The Beverly Hillibllies as a standard DVD release. It's been previously available as a MOD release.

The Return of The Beverly Hillbillies is the 1981 reunion TV movie starring original cast members Buddy Ebsen, Donna Douglas and Nancy Kulp as well as Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink in Hogan's Heroes), Imogene Coca (Your Show of Shows) as Granny's Maw and Heather Locklear with Ray Young assuming the role of Jethro. Also appearing are original series guest performers Charles Lane, King Donovan and Linda Kaye Henning. DVD includes new intro by Linda along with original cast commercials from the 1960s.

03/12 - Petticoat Junction - Return to Hooterville: 50th Anniversary Collection

MPI told TVShowsOnDVD.com that "Petticoat Junction 50th Anniversary Tribute is a collection that includes never-before-seen and behind-the-scenes material from the archive of series creator Paul Henning, in additional to vintage promotional TV appearances by stars Bea Benaderet and Linda Kaye Henning, cast commercials and The History of Hooterville documentary containing interviews with original series actors and production personnel. Also Bea Benaderet on Lucille Ball's radio show Let's Talk To Lucy."

03/26 - Veep - The Complete First Season (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

Former Senator Selina Meyer was a charismatic leader and rising star in her party with her eye on the White House...then she became Vice President. Emmy Award winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld) stars in Veep, the new HBO comedy series created by Oscar nominee Armando Iannucci (In the Loop). Veep follows the whirlwind day-to-day existence of Vice President Meyer as she puts out political fires, juggles a busy public schedule and demanding private life, and defends the president's interests, even as she tries to improve her dysfunctional relationship with the chief executive. The ensemble cast also stars Tony Hale (Arrested Development), Anna Chlumsky (In the Loop), Matt Walsh (Hung), Reid Scott (My Boys), Timothy Simons (Days Together) and Sufe Bradshaw (Overnight). The 3-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo will have a MSRP of $49.99. The 2-disc DVD version will have a MSRP of $39.98. Special features on both releases include 12 audio commentaries by the cast and crew, outtakes and deleted scenes, 2 featurettes ("The Making of Veep," and "Veep: Misspoke"), and a "Veep: Obesity" PSA.

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Other Sitcoms Expected on DVD in 2013:

Modern Family - Amazon is taking pre-orders already being taken for The Complete Fourth Season on DVD and Blu-ray.
The Office - Amazon is taking pre-orders for the ninth and final season on DVD and Blu-ray.
Parks and Recreation - Amazon is taking pre-orders for the fifth season on DVD.
30 Rock - Amazon is taking pre-orders for seventh and final season.
Rob - The short-lived 2012 CBS sitcom, starring Rob Schneider and Cheech Marin, is expected to be available as a MOD release. Amazon is taking pre-orders for Rob - The DVD Edition.

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Special thanks to the fine folks at TVShowsOnDVD.com for the artwork and information in compiling this preview. Thanks also to our own Skees for our weekly Digital Digest. Preview compiled by Todd.

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2013 Predictions and Wish List:

These are my 2013 predictions and wish list. Some of them probably have slim to no chance of ever being available, but I still have them on my wish list. None of these titles have been officially announced.

Some current shows that I expect to see more seasons of or debut on DVD include: The Big Bang Theory, Community, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Game, Go On, Happily Divorced, Happy Endings, Hot in Cleveland, How I Met Your Mother, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Last Man Standing, The League, Malibu Country, Melissa & Joey, The Middle, Mike & Molly, New Girl, The Neighbors, The New Normal, Raising Hope, Rules of Engagement, Suburgatory, Two and a Half Men, 2 Broke Girls, Up All Night, Whitney and Wilfred.

Classic Shows Predictions and Wish List:

According to Jim - Seasons 3-5 were released in 2011. Could we see the final 3 seasons released in 2013?
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - A fundraising project by Sam Nelson to get the show restored and complete on DVD raised over $32,000.
Alice - As we reported in the November 3 Digital Digest, the third season of the classic series is already in the works for a DVD release sometime in 2013.
Archie Bunker's Place - A complete series boxed set would be nice to go along with All in the Family - The Complete Series.
Becker - The fourth season was released on July 3, 2012. That was the first release since January 2010.
Benson - Season Two was finally released on April 3. Hopefully more seasons will be released in 2013.
Blossom - I'm surprised that it hasn't been available as a Shout! Factory Select title like Mr. Belvedere. Seasons 1-2 were released way back in January 2009. Mill Creek released a "best of" set in October 2010.
The Bob Newhart Show - As we reported in the August 25 Digital Digest, 20th Century Fox is in talks about bringing seasons 5 and 6 out. The Complete Fifth and Sixth Seasons have been available for pre-order on Amazon.com for over a year . Will they finally be released in 2013?
Brooklyn Bridge - There were rumors of a release in 2010 by the show's creator Gary David Goldberg, but it never materialized.
California Dreams - Only Season 5 remains to be released.
Coach - Season 4 was released in March, 2011. Maybe we will see another season this year.
The Courtship of Eddie's Father - Season 2 was released on October 16. Only Season 3 is left to complete the series.
Dave's World - The Third Season was released on July 24. Only Season 4 is left complete the series.
Diff'rent Strokes - Shout! Factory picked up the rights to and released the third and fourth seasons in 2012. Hopefully they will release two more seasons in 2013.
8 Simple Rules - We are still waiting for the third and final season.
Eight Is Enough - The first two seasons were released in 2012.
The Facts of Life - Seasons 4 and 5 were released in 2010. Shout! Factory is releasing many lesser known series, so it has to be a rights issue between them and Sony. Diff'rent Strokes was released in 2012, so maybe that was a good sign.
Family Ties - Season 5 was released way back in March 2009. This series appears to be stalled, but let's hope CBS DVD/Paramount has some interest in releasing the rest of the series. All seasons are available for purchase digitally from iTunes. You can also stream them on Netflix.
Fish - Shout! Factory included the first season in the Barney Miller - The Complete Series release. It would be great to see the second season as well.
George Lopez - It remains a big draw on cable, but only Seasons 1-2 have been released on DVD.
Growing Pains - The second season and two reunion movies were released in 2011, but then there were no releases in 2013. Hopefully Warner Home Video will e to show us that smile again.
Happy Days - A Fan Favorites set was released in March. We're still waiting for the fifth season.
Hazel - 2012 was a banner year for Hazel. Three seasons were released. Only the fifth season is left to complete the series.
Hey Dude - Two seasons were released in 2012. Only seasons four and five are left to complete the series.
The Hogan Family - Music clearance issues seem to be the reason for no DVD releases at this point.
Hope & Faith - Season 1 was released several years ago, but we are still waiting on Seasons 2-3 from Lionsgate.
I'm Dickens...He's Fenster - We're still waiting for the second volume of this lost gem.
It's Your Move - It would make an ideal 3-disc set from Shout! Factory. A cult classic that would be a popular release.
Laverne & Shirley - The Fourth Season was finally released on April 10. There are still many seasons to go.
Less Than Perfect - Season 1 was released in September 2010. Hopefully this underrated series will have more seasons available in 2013. Watch Sara Rue on Malibu Country until that happens.
Mad About You - Seasons 6-7 are still needed to complete the series.
Mama's Family - I'm surprised we haven't seen anything beyond the first season. I think the show has the same level of popularity as Alice, which is apparently a big seller for Warner Archive.
Mr. Belvedere - We're just waiting on Seasons 5-6 to complete the series.
Mister Ed - Season 5 was released as a Shout! Select title in 2011. Only Season 6 remains to complete the series.
Mork & Mindy - Mork calling CBS DVD... come in CBS DVD... We only need the fourth season to complete the series.
My Three Sons - Only Seasons 1-2 have been released. Unfortunately, many CBS DVD/Paramount series have been stalled for years.
My Two Dads - Only the third season remains to be released to complete the series. RIP Don Grady.
My Wife and Kids - Only Seasons 1-2 have been released.
Night Court - The first seven seasons have been released. Only seasons eight and nine are left. As we mentioned in the September 8 Digital Digest, Warner Archive has stated: "Hoping to have the whole series out within the next year or so."
Out of This World - Volume 1 was released in Germany in November 2011. Will we see a U.S. release at some point?
Parker Lewis Can't Lose - Seasons 1 and 2 have been released. We're just waiting on the third season to complete the series.
Perfect Strangers - We're still waiting for the third season. We desperately need more Balki!
The Phil Silvers Show/Sgt. Bilko - It's another stalled CBS DVD/Paramount series.
Please Don't Eat the Daisies - As we reported in the October 6 Digital Digest, Warner Archive hopes to bring it to DVD once some music issues are cleared and the episodes are remastered.
Rhoda - There were three seasons released in 2010. It's frustrating to be missing only one season to complete the series.
Silver Spoons - It would make a great Shout! Factory Select title.
Small Wonder - Seasons 1-2 have been released. Seasons 3-4 are still needed to complete the series.
Welcome Back, Kotter - Sad that we lost two of the Sweathogs (Robert Hegyes and Ron Palillo) in 2012. It would be great to see these episodes again.
Webster - Season Four was released on January 17. There was also a 20 Timeless Episodes release on October 9. There are only two seasons left to be released. RIP Alex Karras.
The Wonder Years - The first season had only six episodes. It could be given a trial run. Music licensing rights are a major issue, but hopefully a company like Shout! Factory could work on this set. It has been the #1 most requested unreleased show at TVShowsonDVD.com by a wide margin for many years. While we wait for the DVD, you can watch it on Netflix and Amazon.com .

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What are your predictions for 2013? Which new releases are you most excited about? What are your most wanted unreleased sitcoms? Post your comments on our Facebook page.