Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Nick at Nite to Launch New Sitcom, More See Dad Run Episodes; Episodic Review: Raising Hope - "Modern Wedding" and New Girl - "Cooler" Airing Tonight on Fox

After five successful seasons on the groundbreaking series iCarly, Jerry Trainor steps into his first starring and producing role on Nick at Nite's brand-new live-action family sitcom, Wendell & Vinnie, premiering Sunday, Feb. 17, at 8pm ET/PT. A multi-camera scripted half-hour, the series follows 30-year-old Vinnie Bassett (Trainor) living the life of a carefree bachelor, when he suddenly becomes the legal guardian of his precocious, wise-beyond-his-years nephew, Wendell (Buddy Handleson, Shake It Up) forming a hysterical odd-couple family dynamic. Nicole Sullivan (The King of Queens, MadTV) also stars as Vinnie's older unlucky-in-love sister, Wilma, with Haley Strode (Gangster Squad) as Vinnie's newly divorced neighbor and love interest, Taryn. The series will air regularly on Sundays at 8pm (ET/PT) followed by the Scott Baio original comedy, See Dad Run at its new time of 8:30pm, which returns with all-new episodes to finish off its 20-episode first season. So far 9 episodes of See Dad Run have aired and also another batch of 20 episodes have been ordered for a second season.

Wendell & Vinnie was also ordered for 20 episodes and follows Vinnie Bassett, proprietor of a pop culture memorabilia store who only takes breaks to read comic books and play video games. His bachelor life comes to a halt when he assumes guardianship of his incredibly intelligent and mature nephew, Wendell. They soon find that 12-year-old Wendell may be just the parent Vinnie needs. This season will find lighthearted Vinnie helping socially awkward Wendell - and vice versa - including Vinnie navigating through PTA politics to help Wendell build a school garden, a sleepover that goes awry when Vinnie becomes the center of attention and Wendell sent to detention after he helps Vinnie get closer to his vice principal. Wendell & Vinnie will also feature special guest appearances by Dan Castellaneta (The Simpsons), Robin Givens (Head of the Class, House of Payne) and Willie Garson (Sex and the City). In support of the Feb. 17 premiere, NickatNite.com has launched its Wendell & Vinnie show site, which includes trailers, character information, sneak peek photo galleries and message boards as well as a "Are You A Wendell or a Vinnie?" quiz. Full episodes will also be made available after each premiere. Beginning Feb. 18, Wendell & Vinnie episodes will be available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Xbox Video, Vudu, PlayStation Store and Samsung Media Hub. Viewers can keep up with the show on Twitter by following the Nick@Nite handle at @nickatnitetv and by liking the Wendell & Vinnie Facebook page.



On the next...Raising Hope:
By: Todd

Fox's Tuesday sitcom starring Martha Plimpton airs Tuesday nights at 8:00pm and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (Jan. 29). In the episode airing tonight, "Modern Wedding," the wedding day is finally here and Sabrina's mom has hired the camera crew from Modern Family to capture the whole blessed event. But a series of catastrophes threatens to ruin the day, including a battle between Maw Maw and Reverend Bob (guest star Leslie Jordan). So Burt and Virginia scramble to save the ceremony and keep Jimmy and Sabrina in ignorant, matrimonial bliss.

It's the event three years in the making - Jimmy and Sabrina's wedding! Sabrina's mom thinks she will be married three or four times, so she decides to hire the Modern Family camera crew to record it. Things then go horribly wrong. Their wedding invitations are sent to an incorrect address. Virginia and Burt try to get them their marriage license as a gift. The cake is too large to fit in Jimmy and Sabrina's car. Maw Maw and Reverend Bob argue their past history. The wedding gets delayed when Reverend Bob refuses to perform the ceremony. A surprise guest from past episodes also makes a visit to the wedding.

Tonight's episode is one of the highlights of the season. It's filmed in the same style of a Modern Family episode. They have a similar opening sequence and font used in the credits. The characters talk to the cameras in a mock-documentary style. There's even a voiceover that sounds like Ed O'Neill. It's just a hilarious episode that pays homage to Modern Family. Like most episodes of the series, it has a great mix of outrageous comedy and heartwarming scenes. B+

A second episode will follow at 8:30pm. In "Yo Zappa Do, Part 1," as a wedding gift, Barney offers to fly Jimmy and Sabrina to Los Angeles for a taping of "Yo Zappa Do," Hope's favorite show. But due to Jimmy's fear of flying, the entire family embarks on a road trip instead. Meanwhile, Burt and Virginia agree to take in Ricardo (guest star Wilmer Valderrama) as a house guest, but he soon wears out his welcome.

Raising Hope is the most underrated and funniest sitcom that more people should be watching. They have quietly put together three solid seasons. I was a big fan of creator Greg Garcia's earlier series My Name Is Earl. Raising Hope has many of the same qualities. They have an excellent cast, quirky comedy, hilarious storylines, flashback scenes and guest stars galore. Virginia and Burt are a hilarious TV couple. The show performed respectably in the ratings the first two seasons, but it has struggled this season. Only around 4 million viewers have tuned in weekly. They would benefit by airing after Glee or another popular Fox show. Despite the low ratings, they were picked up for two additional episodes for season three, upping their total to 24. It wouldn't be shocking to see Fox bring the show back for a fourth season. A big syndication deal is likely coming soon.



On the next...New Girl:
By: Todd

Fox's Tuesday adorkable sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel airs Tuesday nights at 9:00pm and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (Jan. 29). And Schmidt happens! In the episode airing tonight, "Cooler," the loft dynamics change forever! Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Winston (Lamorne Morris) go out on a "bro's night" and leave Jess (Zooey Deschanel) by herself in the loft. When her imagination gets the better of her, the guys are forced to return home, but not without some additional company – Holly (guest star Brooklyn Decker), a beautiful woman over whom Nick and Schmidt get highly competitive; and tough-as-nails Daisy (new recurring guest star Brenda Song), who helps Winston get back his mojo. An impromptu game of "Sexy True American" gets out of control, leading to a surprising development in Jess' relationship with one of her roommates.

Tonight's episode main storyline deals with Nick and Schmidt fighting over a stunning woman named Holly (Brooklyn Decker) that they meet at a bar. Winston strikes out with Holly, but he does meet Daisy (Brenda Song from The Suite Life on Deck). Song will be appearing in multiple episodes as Winston's love interest. She is quite different from his last girlfriend, Shelby. The third storyline involves Jess being left alone in the loft and trying to entertain herself by doing things like finishing a marathon. The drinking game "True American," which was featured in the first season, returns with a sexy new twist. Overall, this isn't one of the most consistently funny or strongest episodes of the season. It does feature a couple of beautiful guest stars in Brookyln Decker (as a brunette) and Brenda Song. The major development happens at the end of the episode between two of the characters. Tune in to see the big event that should set the tone for the rest of the season. B-

New Girl is having a decent sophomore season. The ratings have taken quite a dip from the first season. They are missing Glee as a lead-in and haven't been helped by the low-rated sitcoms airing around them. It would be hard to top their first season when they received five Emmy nominations and were on many people's list of top new TV shows of 2012, but they are still producing some quality and entertaining episodes. The show has been kept fresh and funny. Many guest stars have been brought in for single appearances or recurring roles, such as Carla Gugino and Olivia Munn. The adorkable Zooey Deschanel and company are certainly worth watching on Fox's Tuesday night of comedies.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Monday, December 4

American Dad! - "The Pink Sphinx Holds Her Hearts on the Turn" (TBS, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Francine enters the strange and dangerous world of poker to learn how to hide her true feelings from Steve and Hayley.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of December 4)

Monday, December 4

  • Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond) - Watch Ray on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Sebastian Maniscalco (Bookie) - Sebastian appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Sarah Paulson (Leap of Faith) - Sarah is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Gabriel Iglesias (Mr. Iglesias/Cristela), John Witherspoon (The First Family/The Tracy Morgan Show/The Wayans Bros.) and Thea Vidale (Thea) - Gabriel, John (RIP) and Thea are guests on repeats of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen on CBS between 12:37-1:37am.
  • Rachel Bloom (Upload) - Rachel appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Kenan Thompson (Kenan/Kenan & Kel) - Kenan talks about When I Was Your Age on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
  • Kate Flannery (The Office) - Kate tells Sherri all about A Swingin’ Little Christmas, her holiday concert with Jane Lynch, on Sherri, so check your local listings.
  • Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry discusses his new memoir Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
  • Bellamy Young (The Other Black Girl) - Bellamy appears on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
  • Marilu Henner (Taxi/Evening Shade) - Marilu is a guest on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:15am.


New on DVD/Blu-ray (September-December)

Family Matters - The Complete Series Step by Step - The Complete Series ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition) Leave it to Beaver - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) The Odd Couple - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

09/05 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Sixth Season
09/12 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Second Season
09/12 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-6 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/26 - Family Matters - The Complete Series
09/26 - Step by Step - The Complete Series
10/10 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Thirteen / The Complete Season Fourteen
10/17 - ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition) (Shout! Factory Special Offers)
10/17 - Night Court (2023) - The Complete First Season
11/07 - South Park - The Complete Twenty-Sixth Season (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/14 - Leave it to Beaver - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/05 - Father Knows Best - The Complete Series
12/05 - The Odd Couple - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/12 - The Dick Van Dyke Show - The Complete Series
12/12 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
12/12 - That Girl - The Complete Series
12/19 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Official Restored Complete Series

That Girl - The Complete Series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Official Restored Complete Series

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