Tuesday, April 30, 2013
ABC Midseason Pilot Review: Family Tools - Premieres May 1; Episodic Reviews: New Girl - "Virgins" and The Mindy Project - "Triathlon" Airing Tonight on Fox
Family Tools - Wednesdays at 8:30PM ET/PT on ABC
Premieres Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 8:30PM ET/PT
by Pavan
Mixing family with business is never easy, and Jack Shea (Kyle Bornheimer) is about to learn that lesson the hard way. When Jack's father, Tony (J.K. Simmons), has a heart attack and is forced to hand over the keys to his beloved handyman business, Jack is eager to finally step up and make his father proud. Unfortunately Jack's past career efforts have been less than stellar, so everyone seems to be waiting for him to fail. His new job isn't made any easier by Tony's rebellious, troublemaking assistant, Darren (Edi Gathegi), and Darren's flirtatious sister, Stitch (Danielle Nicolet), who works at the local hardware store. But with the support of his Aunt Terry (Leah Remini) and his oddball yet endearing cousin Mason (Johnny Pemberton), Jack Shea may just find his true calling right at home.
Cast Details:
Kyle Bornheimer as Jack Shea
J.K. Simmons as Tony Shea
Edi Gathegi as Darren Poynton
Johnny Pemberton as Mason Baumgardner
Danielle Nicolet as Stitch Poynton
Leah Remini as Terry Baumgardner
Kyle Bornheimer (Jack Shea) made his television debut in 2008 as the hapless Sam Briggs in the critically-acclaimed CBS series, Worst Week. His performance in the lead role landed him rave reviews from critics across the country. TV Guide called Bornheimer the "biggest comic discovery of the new season," while Entertainment Weekly wrote "Bornheimer is the find of the fall season." His performance also earned him a spot on Entertainment Weekly's 2009 "Dream Emmy Ballot" list in the Best Lead Actor (Comedy) category. In 2010 he co-starred opposite Alyssa Milanp on the ABC sitcom Romantically Challenged. Bornheimer was a series regular in the NBC comedy series Perfect Couples in 2011. His other television credits include guest starring roles on The Office, Party Down and Breaking Bad. On the big screen, in 2010 Bornheimer starred opposite Kristen Bell, Odette Annable, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis and Betty White in the Disney feature You Again. His scene-stealing performance as Tim, a jilted ex-boyfriend, earned him positive reviews from critics, including USA Today and The Los Angeles Times, who noted "...it's Kyle Bornheimer... who makes the best impression. Most recently Bornheimer starred in the upcoming independent feature, Bachelorette, opposite Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher and James Marsden, and can now be seen as Katherine Heigl's estranged husband in The Wedding, with Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon and Amanda Seyfried.
J.K. Simmons (Tony Shea) has appeared in diverse projects spanning motion pictures, television and the stage on and off Broadway. He is known for playing the character J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi's Spider Man trilogy. Other motion picture credits include Hidalgo, The Ladykillers, The Mexican, Off the Map, For Love of the Game, The Gift, Thank You for Smoking, Rendition, Burn After Reading and, memorably, his portrayal of the off-beat but not deadbeat father, Mac McGuff, in the hit comedy Juno. Soon he will begin shooting the Steve Jobs biopic, Jobs, as well as Jason Reitman's latest film, Labor Day, both being released in 2013. On the small screen Simmons plays LAPD Assistant Chief Will Pope in TNT's hit series The Closer. He also played Vern Schillinger on HBO's acclaimed drama Oz, and had a recurring role as Dr. Emil Skoda on NBC's Law & Order. Most recently he recurred on TBS' new hit comedy Men at Work.
Edi Gathegi (Darren Poynton) has steadily increased his profile and quality body of work in recent years with roles on both the big and small screens. Initially recognized for his recurring role on Fox's hit television series House as Dr. Cole (AKA: "Big Love"), Gathegi went on to join the ensemble cast of the box office phenomenon Twilight, then reprised his role as Laurent in the 2009 sequel, The Twilight Saga: New Moon. He was last seen in Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class. Additionally, he made his Los Angeles stage debut top-lining Superior Donuts at the prestigious Geffen Playhouse, which garnered him an Ovation Award nomination. Gathegi's notable film credits include features Gone Baby Gone, directed by Ben Affleck, and more recently, the literary adaptation Atlas Shrugged. Previous television credits includes Nikita, CSI, CSI: Miami, Veronica Mars, Lincoln Heights, Red Widow and the critically acclaimed Life on Mars.
Johnny Pemberton (Mason Baumgardner) hails from Rochester, Minnesota. He hosted and wrote on the MTV series Megadrive. He can be seen in the hit feature film 21 Jump Street, the upcoming movies The Watch and This is 40, and in Armando Ianucci's Oscar-nominated film, In The Loop. He has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lopez Tonight, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the Sundance Channel and AdultSwim. .
Danielle Nicolet (Lisa "Stitch" Poynton) starred with Lucy Liu in the Lifetime miniseries Marry Me. She was a series regular on USA's Emmy-winning The Starter Wife, opposite Debra Messing. She also starred as a series regular on TNT's Heartland with Treat Williams. Nicolet started her TV career on NBC's 3rd Rock from the Sun.
Conclusion:
Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):
Watchability: 3.5/5
Funniness: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Discuss the show after you watch it on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 8:30PM ET/PT on our message board.
Related Links:
ABC.com Official Site
TV.com
epguides.com
Internet Movie Database
Wikipedia
Family Tools Photo Gallery
Preview:
On the next...New Girl:
By: Vincent
Fox's Tuesday adorkable sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel airs Tuesdays at 9:00pm and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 30). It's a flashback! In the episode airing tonight, "Virgins," Jess (Zooey Deschanel), Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), Winston (Lamorne Morris) and Cece (Hannah Simone) flashback to tell one another how each lost his/her virginity. The episode also features guest appearances by Dylan O'Brien, Dennis Farina and Brenda Song. When I first heard about this episode of New Girl during the show's PaleyFest panel a while back, I was actually a little worried about it. The show had done an episode revolving entirely around sex back in early Season 1 entitled "Bad in Bed", and that episode still stands as the show's weakest to date. The humor was far too broad and seemed to prioritize making the weirdest sex scene possible over good characterization, which made for an occasionally amusing but mostly unsatisfying viewing experience. Luckily, both New Girl and its characters have grown substantially since that episode, and "Virgins" is a much, much better effort from the show. The humor still goes a bit too broad for my tastes at times, but overall "Virgins" is an episode that's about these fantastic characters, their past, and where they stand today more than it is about weird sex.
One interesting aspect of "Virgins" is that it's told almost entirely in flashbacks, which is one of the most daring structural choices the show's made so far. It's a bit of a risk, but it winds up working really well - these characters are so rich and so full of history that it's really cool to see what they were like in the past and how that's affected who they are today. Plus, seeing things like "fat Schmidt" and Nick as a nerdy teenager are priceless visual gags made even better when you factor in Max Greenfield's and Jake Johnson's excellent performances. But for all of the fun that the flashbacks provide, the most interesting part of the episode may be the final few minutes, which offer a montage that demonstrates where the characters stand in their love lives now and how that ties back to who they were in the past. It's an incredibly well-done montage that seems to be setting us up for the final stretch of the season - and it demonstrates that no matter where these characters wind up by the season's end, they'll be in good hands, because they're on a show that quite obviously puts a lot of thought into consideration into each and every thing that happens to them B+
On the next...The Mindy Project:
By: Skees
Fox's Tuesday night comedy starring Mindy Kaling airs Tuesday nights at 9:30pm immediately following New Girl and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 30). In the episode airing tonight, "Triathlon," Danny’s (Chris Messina) ex-wife, Christina (guest star Chloe Sevigny), comes back to New York to confront him about an emotional letter he had written to her. However, Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) confesses that he had sent the letter, unbeknownst to Danny. Meanwhile, Mindy (Mindy Kaling) and the rest of the staff compete in a triathlon and go head-to-head with the Deslaurier midwives (guest stars Mark and Jay Duplass).
The episode begins with a visit from Danny's ex-wife Christina, which immediately leads to the firing of Morgan after he reveals that he was the one to woo Christina to his office... thanks to a letter that Danny wrote to her (but never sent). But even though Morgan is gone... and now working for a pair of midwives competing against the staff in a triathlon... Christina isn't going to go away and will do anything to make her feelings known to Danny. As for Mindy, she is training for the triathlon along with Casey (whom we first met in the episode "My Christian Boyfriend") when he makes a request to her that is a true test of faith. Hilarity ensues as she begins to consider his request by exploring the world of Christianity, complete with a Bible study group in her apartment and crashing a Sunday School class. But in the end, it all ties together when it is all about winning the triathlon, and in this one, there are quite a few winners.
In case the fans haven't caught on yet, we have another "relationships" episode (that seems to be what this whole series is all about). But I think that this one has a pleasant twist, as it isn't just about Mindy and her relationships, but also about Danny and his ex-wife. Of course, just because it isn't all about Mindy and her relationships doesn't mean that they weren't able to work one of those stories in there... but even that story was rather nice (and more down to earth than many have been on this series), with a story about love in spite of religious differences, sort of like a Bridget Loves Bernie story (of course, dating between religions isn't nearly as big of a deal today as it was in the early '70s). The ending to this episode was a bit predictable, but I found that everything wrapped up rather nicely in this episode. B+
J.K. Simmons as Tony Shea
Edi Gathegi as Darren Poynton
Johnny Pemberton as Mason Baumgardner
Danielle Nicolet as Stitch Poynton
Leah Remini as Terry Baumgardner
Kyle Bornheimer (Jack Shea) made his television debut in 2008 as the hapless Sam Briggs in the critically-acclaimed CBS series, Worst Week. His performance in the lead role landed him rave reviews from critics across the country. TV Guide called Bornheimer the "biggest comic discovery of the new season," while Entertainment Weekly wrote "Bornheimer is the find of the fall season." His performance also earned him a spot on Entertainment Weekly's 2009 "Dream Emmy Ballot" list in the Best Lead Actor (Comedy) category. In 2010 he co-starred opposite Alyssa Milanp on the ABC sitcom Romantically Challenged. Bornheimer was a series regular in the NBC comedy series Perfect Couples in 2011. His other television credits include guest starring roles on The Office, Party Down and Breaking Bad. On the big screen, in 2010 Bornheimer starred opposite Kristen Bell, Odette Annable, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis and Betty White in the Disney feature You Again. His scene-stealing performance as Tim, a jilted ex-boyfriend, earned him positive reviews from critics, including USA Today and The Los Angeles Times, who noted "...it's Kyle Bornheimer... who makes the best impression. Most recently Bornheimer starred in the upcoming independent feature, Bachelorette, opposite Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher and James Marsden, and can now be seen as Katherine Heigl's estranged husband in The Wedding, with Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon and Amanda Seyfried.
J.K. Simmons (Tony Shea) has appeared in diverse projects spanning motion pictures, television and the stage on and off Broadway. He is known for playing the character J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi's Spider Man trilogy. Other motion picture credits include Hidalgo, The Ladykillers, The Mexican, Off the Map, For Love of the Game, The Gift, Thank You for Smoking, Rendition, Burn After Reading and, memorably, his portrayal of the off-beat but not deadbeat father, Mac McGuff, in the hit comedy Juno. Soon he will begin shooting the Steve Jobs biopic, Jobs, as well as Jason Reitman's latest film, Labor Day, both being released in 2013. On the small screen Simmons plays LAPD Assistant Chief Will Pope in TNT's hit series The Closer. He also played Vern Schillinger on HBO's acclaimed drama Oz, and had a recurring role as Dr. Emil Skoda on NBC's Law & Order. Most recently he recurred on TBS' new hit comedy Men at Work.
Edi Gathegi (Darren Poynton) has steadily increased his profile and quality body of work in recent years with roles on both the big and small screens. Initially recognized for his recurring role on Fox's hit television series House as Dr. Cole (AKA: "Big Love"), Gathegi went on to join the ensemble cast of the box office phenomenon Twilight, then reprised his role as Laurent in the 2009 sequel, The Twilight Saga: New Moon. He was last seen in Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class. Additionally, he made his Los Angeles stage debut top-lining Superior Donuts at the prestigious Geffen Playhouse, which garnered him an Ovation Award nomination. Gathegi's notable film credits include features Gone Baby Gone, directed by Ben Affleck, and more recently, the literary adaptation Atlas Shrugged. Previous television credits includes Nikita, CSI, CSI: Miami, Veronica Mars, Lincoln Heights, Red Widow and the critically acclaimed Life on Mars.
Johnny Pemberton (Mason Baumgardner) hails from Rochester, Minnesota. He hosted and wrote on the MTV series Megadrive. He can be seen in the hit feature film 21 Jump Street, the upcoming movies The Watch and This is 40, and in Armando Ianucci's Oscar-nominated film, In The Loop. He has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lopez Tonight, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the Sundance Channel and AdultSwim. .
Danielle Nicolet (Lisa "Stitch" Poynton) starred with Lucy Liu in the Lifetime miniseries Marry Me. She was a series regular on USA's Emmy-winning The Starter Wife, opposite Debra Messing. She also starred as a series regular on TNT's Heartland with Treat Williams. Nicolet started her TV career on NBC's 3rd Rock from the Sun.
Leah Remini (Terry Baumgardner) was made her first television appearance on the ABC '80s sitcom Head of the Class, and she landed her first starring role shortly thereafter on the ABC series Living Dolls (a spin-off of ABC's Who's the Boss?, where she also appeared), as well as recurring roles on Saved by the Bell. Remini went on to guest star on hit shows such as Friends and landed recurring roles in Cheers (as Rhea Perlman's daughter) and Evening Shade. In addition she has had numerous guest spots, including on the hit drama NYPD Blue, followed by a starring role in the comedy Fired Up. Remini went on to star in the hit series The King of Queens, which enjoyed a successful nine-year run. She established her character, Carrie Heffernan, as a modern and iconic take on the adoring and adorable blue-collar housewife. The King of Queens completed its final season in 2007 and continues to enjoy a huge following in both domestic and global syndication. While filming The King of Queens, Remini starred in the film Old School. Following The King of Queens, Remini pursued her ambitions in the daytime/talk show genre, culminating in the launch of the panel/ensemble series The Talk for CBS.
Pilot Plot:
"Pilot" (airs Wednesday, May 1 at 8:30PM ET/PT)
In the pilot episode for the series, mixing family with business is never easy, and Jack Shea is about to learn that lesson the hard way. When Jack's father, Tony, has a heart attack and is forced to hand over the keys to his beloved handyman business, Jack's eager to finally step up and make his father proud. Unfortunately Jack's past career efforts have been less than stellar, so everyone seems to be waiting for him to fail. His new job isn't made any easier by Tony's rebellious, troublemaking assistant, Darren, and Darren's flirtatious sister, Stitch, who works at the local hardware store. But with the support of his Aunt Terry and his oddball yet endearing cousin Mason, Jack Shea may just find his true calling right at home.
Guest starring Lee Weaver as Ellis Poynton, Adam Arkin as Mr. Baynor, Jo Koy as Berrick, Rob Locke as Niko, Amazon Eve as tall client lady, Matt Orduna as Clarence and Eve Sigall as woman.
"Pilot" was written by Bobby Bowman and directed by Michael Fresco.
Analysis:
After watching the pilot, I can't help but think of Home Improvement. While that show was more of a traditional family comedy, this show is more centered on the workplace. The duo of Jack and Darren remind me of a younger version of Tim and Al from Tool Time (the show within Home Improvement). On this series, there is no show, but we have a real life handyman business. We get to see the fun antics of someone who really doesn't know how to be a handyman, as he is handed (no pun intended) the family business because his father just had a heart attack. Jack Shea, played by Kyle Bornheimer, is the star of this show and he once again delivers in anything he does. I loved him on Worst Week and he shined in traditional comedy on the short-lived Romantically Challenged. Just about everything I have seen him in, whether it is the small screen or big screen, the guy steals the show. He brings the physical comedy and he has a likeness factor that you can't resist. This show definitely is a broad comedy that fits the ABC Comedy Wednesday mold well. It's cartoonish and wacky, but it still brings the laughs.
I mentioned Darren, played by Edi Gathegi. He seems like a guy who doesn't listen to orders but in reality he is very loyal. He was very loyal especially to Jack's dad as an assistant and now Jack has to gain his trust. Darren is having a little fun at Jack's expense. It's going to be fun to watch Jack and Darren do their thing on this series for sure, because they will mess up and it will be interesting to see them get out of it. To add a little romantic flavor, Darren has a hot sister, Lisa (aka "Stitch), that Jack happens to like (well, we know she likes him). Living in the Shea household are Jack's dad Tony and Jack's aunt Terry and her young son Mason. It took me a little bit to figure out that Tony and Terry were brother and sister. I don't buy Leah Remini as that old, but she is definitely playing a much younger sibling. I mean she can pass as Jack's older sister even. Her son Mason on the show is quite a goofball. He doesn't have much substance in the pilot, but I can see him evolving.
"Pilot" (airs Wednesday, May 1 at 8:30PM ET/PT)
In the pilot episode for the series, mixing family with business is never easy, and Jack Shea is about to learn that lesson the hard way. When Jack's father, Tony, has a heart attack and is forced to hand over the keys to his beloved handyman business, Jack's eager to finally step up and make his father proud. Unfortunately Jack's past career efforts have been less than stellar, so everyone seems to be waiting for him to fail. His new job isn't made any easier by Tony's rebellious, troublemaking assistant, Darren, and Darren's flirtatious sister, Stitch, who works at the local hardware store. But with the support of his Aunt Terry and his oddball yet endearing cousin Mason, Jack Shea may just find his true calling right at home.
Guest starring Lee Weaver as Ellis Poynton, Adam Arkin as Mr. Baynor, Jo Koy as Berrick, Rob Locke as Niko, Amazon Eve as tall client lady, Matt Orduna as Clarence and Eve Sigall as woman.
"Pilot" was written by Bobby Bowman and directed by Michael Fresco.
Analysis:
After watching the pilot, I can't help but think of Home Improvement. While that show was more of a traditional family comedy, this show is more centered on the workplace. The duo of Jack and Darren remind me of a younger version of Tim and Al from Tool Time (the show within Home Improvement). On this series, there is no show, but we have a real life handyman business. We get to see the fun antics of someone who really doesn't know how to be a handyman, as he is handed (no pun intended) the family business because his father just had a heart attack. Jack Shea, played by Kyle Bornheimer, is the star of this show and he once again delivers in anything he does. I loved him on Worst Week and he shined in traditional comedy on the short-lived Romantically Challenged. Just about everything I have seen him in, whether it is the small screen or big screen, the guy steals the show. He brings the physical comedy and he has a likeness factor that you can't resist. This show definitely is a broad comedy that fits the ABC Comedy Wednesday mold well. It's cartoonish and wacky, but it still brings the laughs.
I mentioned Darren, played by Edi Gathegi. He seems like a guy who doesn't listen to orders but in reality he is very loyal. He was very loyal especially to Jack's dad as an assistant and now Jack has to gain his trust. Darren is having a little fun at Jack's expense. It's going to be fun to watch Jack and Darren do their thing on this series for sure, because they will mess up and it will be interesting to see them get out of it. To add a little romantic flavor, Darren has a hot sister, Lisa (aka "Stitch), that Jack happens to like (well, we know she likes him). Living in the Shea household are Jack's dad Tony and Jack's aunt Terry and her young son Mason. It took me a little bit to figure out that Tony and Terry were brother and sister. I don't buy Leah Remini as that old, but she is definitely playing a much younger sibling. I mean she can pass as Jack's older sister even. Her son Mason on the show is quite a goofball. He doesn't have much substance in the pilot, but I can see him evolving.
The bread and butter of the pilot were Jack and Darren. They are good together and throw in a little of his dad Tony, and we have some great comedic fun. Without giving too much away, we have a lot of laughs and physical comedy, especially from the great Kyle Bornheimer. He might be this generation's John Ritter or Dick Van Dyke. We need good physical comedy on TV. I hope he gets to shine and showcase his talents finally on a show that lasts more than a season. All of his shows so far sadly haven't lasted more than a season. This is the broadest attempt yet, so it could work, if not Bornheimer has been getting a lot of film roles and of course has done well in those, too.
Conclusion:
Even though the pilot isn't perfect by any means, it's still fun and very watchable. It sets-up the series very well and we get a lot of information about the characters and that's what a pilot should do. Now we can sit back and relax and watch the show after we got all of that out of the way. It might be a good fit in between ABC's two biggest comedies The Middle and Modern Family (which are both broad). The cast is very good and hopefully they are utilized to their skills. Leah Remini so far hasn't had much to do, but I'm sure that will change. I've seen next week's episode as well, which we will talk about next Wednesday at noon, and it still centers on Jack and Darren. That's good though because they make this show and are a comedic duo.
Family Tools isn't going to win any awards or anything but it should find an audience. It's debuting a little late into the season, but if it does well these four weeks (not sure if ABC is planning on airing it in the summer), it could make a case to air in this timeslot in the fall (if not, airing after Tim Allen on Fridays would be perfect - Tim, meet the new Tool Man). Quality wise, it's not bad and is harmless fun. It's for all audiences of family comedies and even workplace comedies. To me, it's just as good as How To Live With Your Parents, which debuted last month. That series was another good attempt at a broad comedy and it has done well so far. This series is based on a British comedy and most of the time when we base a comedy off of a British show, it works. After watching Bornheimer, you're going to feel like getting up and fixing something. I'll tell you this, Mr. Jiffy Fix will not be needed to fix this show. It just has to keep on doing what it is doing and let Bornheimer shine. Sample not one, but more than one episode. [See you next week with our review of the second episode.]
Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):
Watchability: 3.5/5
Funniness: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Discuss the show after you watch it on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 8:30PM ET/PT on our message board.
Related Links:
Preview:
On the next...New Girl:
By: Vincent
Fox's Tuesday adorkable sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel airs Tuesdays at 9:00pm and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 30). It's a flashback! In the episode airing tonight, "Virgins," Jess (Zooey Deschanel), Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), Winston (Lamorne Morris) and Cece (Hannah Simone) flashback to tell one another how each lost his/her virginity. The episode also features guest appearances by Dylan O'Brien, Dennis Farina and Brenda Song. When I first heard about this episode of New Girl during the show's PaleyFest panel a while back, I was actually a little worried about it. The show had done an episode revolving entirely around sex back in early Season 1 entitled "Bad in Bed", and that episode still stands as the show's weakest to date. The humor was far too broad and seemed to prioritize making the weirdest sex scene possible over good characterization, which made for an occasionally amusing but mostly unsatisfying viewing experience. Luckily, both New Girl and its characters have grown substantially since that episode, and "Virgins" is a much, much better effort from the show. The humor still goes a bit too broad for my tastes at times, but overall "Virgins" is an episode that's about these fantastic characters, their past, and where they stand today more than it is about weird sex.
One interesting aspect of "Virgins" is that it's told almost entirely in flashbacks, which is one of the most daring structural choices the show's made so far. It's a bit of a risk, but it winds up working really well - these characters are so rich and so full of history that it's really cool to see what they were like in the past and how that's affected who they are today. Plus, seeing things like "fat Schmidt" and Nick as a nerdy teenager are priceless visual gags made even better when you factor in Max Greenfield's and Jake Johnson's excellent performances. But for all of the fun that the flashbacks provide, the most interesting part of the episode may be the final few minutes, which offer a montage that demonstrates where the characters stand in their love lives now and how that ties back to who they were in the past. It's an incredibly well-done montage that seems to be setting us up for the final stretch of the season - and it demonstrates that no matter where these characters wind up by the season's end, they'll be in good hands, because they're on a show that quite obviously puts a lot of thought into consideration into each and every thing that happens to them B+
On the next...The Mindy Project:
By: Skees
Fox's Tuesday night comedy starring Mindy Kaling airs Tuesday nights at 9:30pm immediately following New Girl and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 30). In the episode airing tonight, "Triathlon," Danny’s (Chris Messina) ex-wife, Christina (guest star Chloe Sevigny), comes back to New York to confront him about an emotional letter he had written to her. However, Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) confesses that he had sent the letter, unbeknownst to Danny. Meanwhile, Mindy (Mindy Kaling) and the rest of the staff compete in a triathlon and go head-to-head with the Deslaurier midwives (guest stars Mark and Jay Duplass).
The episode begins with a visit from Danny's ex-wife Christina, which immediately leads to the firing of Morgan after he reveals that he was the one to woo Christina to his office... thanks to a letter that Danny wrote to her (but never sent). But even though Morgan is gone... and now working for a pair of midwives competing against the staff in a triathlon... Christina isn't going to go away and will do anything to make her feelings known to Danny. As for Mindy, she is training for the triathlon along with Casey (whom we first met in the episode "My Christian Boyfriend") when he makes a request to her that is a true test of faith. Hilarity ensues as she begins to consider his request by exploring the world of Christianity, complete with a Bible study group in her apartment and crashing a Sunday School class. But in the end, it all ties together when it is all about winning the triathlon, and in this one, there are quite a few winners.
In case the fans haven't caught on yet, we have another "relationships" episode (that seems to be what this whole series is all about). But I think that this one has a pleasant twist, as it isn't just about Mindy and her relationships, but also about Danny and his ex-wife. Of course, just because it isn't all about Mindy and her relationships doesn't mean that they weren't able to work one of those stories in there... but even that story was rather nice (and more down to earth than many have been on this series), with a story about love in spite of religious differences, sort of like a Bridget Loves Bernie story (of course, dating between religions isn't nearly as big of a deal today as it was in the early '70s). The ending to this episode was a bit predictable, but I found that everything wrapped up rather nicely in this episode. B+
Monday, April 29, 2013
Cloo Classics Brings '70s Sitcoms on Mondays; CBS Renews Two and a Half Men for Season 11, Plus Pick Ups for NBC and CW
Cloo (formerly known as Sleuth) is bringing back Cloo Classics and airing them as a weekly block. Effective today (Monday, April 29), Cloo will be airing sitcoms and MacGyver every Monday. They announced the change last Friday (April 19), but we wanted to get you more information first before we announced it. Happy Days is airing 6am-7am ET and 12pm-1pm ET, replacing Charlie's Angels. Then Laverne & Shirley is added 7am-8am ET and 11am-12pm ET, also replacing Charlie's Angels. From 8-9am ET, The Odd Couple will air leading into Taxi from 9-10am ET. And the final sitcom will be Mork & Mindy from 10am-11am ET. All of this is replacing Charlie's Angels. Then the rest of the day is MacGyver Mondays with an extension from 1pm-6am ET (it was only airing 11pm-6am ET before), replacing Charlie's Angels and Monk. Yes, this means Charlie's Angels will not be airing regularly anymore on Cloo, but you can still watch it on sister network Universal HD. This isn't the last we'll see the Angels on Cloo, though, because there is a 24-hour marathon scheduled for Saturday, June 22 starting at 6am.
Back to the Cloo Classics comedies, all of these have aired in marathon blocks before but now they will be airing regularly on Mondays. One sitcom that they have aired before is missing though: Get Smart. Not to worry, in late June Cloo will be airing Get Smart Friday mornings at 6:00am & 6:30am beginning June 21, replacing an hour of Monk. The rest of the week from 6-7am will also be sitcoms replacing Monk. Tuesdays will have Laverne & Shirley beginning June 18 from 6-7am. Wednesdays will have Taxi beginning June 19 from 6-7am. And Thursdays will have The Odd Couple beginning June 20 from 6-7am. Mondays will of course be the Cloo Classics block as we mentioned. The block will be preempted on May 27 and June 10 though for previously scheduled marathons of Royal Pains and Burn Notice. On Saturdays from 6-7am we still have the random airings of 'Til Death, if you're wondering. That's all we have right now, stay with us for continued updates and enjoy Cloo Classics every Monday with your favorite '70s sitcoms and MacGyver!
CBS has picked-up an 11th season of Two and a Half Men. CBS officially announced it via Twitter on Friday. The return of this sitcom will be at least the 19th series coming back to CBS next season (2013-14), joining the final season of How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly, NCIS, NCIS: LA, CSI, Person of Interest, Elementary, Hawaii Five-0, The Mentalist, Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, The Amazing Race, Survivor, Undercover Boss, 48 Hours Mystery and 60 Minutes. The fate of series like Criminal Minds, Rules of Engagement, Golden Boy, Vegas and CSI: NY are still up in the air. Maybe one or two of those will return, as Criminal Minds is probably the most likely one to return. Back to Two and a Half Men, no word if this is the final season or not, but all three stars will return but Angus T. Jones will be moved to recurring. At NBC, they have announced the renewal of five key drama series for the 2013-14 season: Revolution, Chicago Fire, Parenthood, Grimm and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. All have been given full 22-episode orders. The fate of everything else is still to be determined, including comedies Parks & Recreation and Community, while long running comedies The Office and 30 Rock have been ended. Meanwhile, The CW Network has given early pickups to three additional dramas for next season, including the first new series order of the season with The Originals,a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, which was introduced during last week's episode. The network also gave advance orders for the second season of Beauty and the Beast and the third season of Hart of Dixie. The CW already picked-up Arrow, The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural back in February for 2013-14. Series that are still in limbo for The CW include Nikita, The Carrie Diaries and America's Next Top Model (though season 20 is scheduled for summer for the latter), while 90210 is canceled.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Week 31 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did
2012-13 Week 31 TV Ratings (first four nights, Mon-Thu):
Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new from 7-11pm. All-new episodes of AFV, Once Upon a Time, Revenge and Red Widow air! Once should do well and we have a big Revenge episode. I think it will be a second place finish for ABC, but 10pm could be troublesome. NBC devotes the night to The Voice repeats from 7-9pm, which will struggle a bit then a new Celebrity Apprentice: All-Stars from 9-11. NBC will likely finish in third. CBS has 60 Minutes at 7, followed by new episodes of Amazing Race, season finale of The Good Wife & The Mentalist, which will likely be a fourth place finish since it skews old. Fox's animation block is all-new from 7:30-10pm, and could be enough to win the night. Family Guy should top the night over Once, Amazing Race and Revenge.
As for the week (week 31), Fox will take the week in 18-49 over CBS I think because of the consistent performance on Saturday and tonight. CBS will likely be in second in 18-49, followed by NBC and ABC. For total viewers, CBS will remain first. ABC will be second over Fox, followed by NBC in a competitive fourth. As for the coming week (week 32), it's the first full week of May sweep, so now game is on and we'll know who is strong or not. Highlights include season finales for Fox Monday tomorrow night and the Tuesday premiere of Grimm on NBC at 10pm opposite the highly anticipated interview with Amanda Knox on ABC. The series premiere of Family Tools on ABC Wednesday at 8:30pm. On Thursday we have season finales of Wife Swap on ABC and Parks & Recreation on NBC, while on Friday its the finale of Happy Endings on ABC from 8-9pm and Cops on Fox next Saturday.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as How To Live With Your Parents, The Office) or just plain terrible (such as Parks & Recreation, Community).
Households: N/A
Total Viewers: N/A.
Adults 18-49: N/A
Total Viewers: N/A.
Adults 18-49: N/A
Week 31 (April 22-28) Analysis: May sweeps has started since Thursday and that means we're down to the final month of 2012-13 TV season. Mon-Wed of this week was filled with many repeats, but now since Thursday we're all-new the rest of the month to close the season. We don't have final network averages for Thursday yet, but we have final program averages below. We can project, through the first four night network averages, CBS is in first in HH/total viewers but Fox on top in adults 18-49. For second place in 18-49, it's a battle between NBC and CBS, with ABC trailing. In HH/viewers, CBS has the lead over ABC, with Fox, edging fourth place NBC, we can project. When the week is done, it should be Fox with the 18-49 win. CBS will edge NBC for second. ABC will be fourth still with repeats airing primarily. CBS will take total viewers for sure. More on that later. As for the previous week, week 30, Fox took home first in adults 18-49 with a 1.89 rating, compared to a 1.84 for second place NBC, with CBS right behind with a 1.77. ABC was in repeats for many of their big hits and had to settle for a 1.43. Among total viewers, it was of course CBS on top easily over second place ABC. Fox and NBC battled for third, with Fox with the edge in total viewers but NBC had the edge in HH rating.
Monday had NBC win easily over ABC and Fox. But first, ABC started with a two-hour Dancing with the Stars from 8-10pm and did 13.77 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is back down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Then Castle was all-new at 10 and did 11.76 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, up three tenths in 18-49 week-to-week for a first place finish. For NBC, they had the two-hour The Voice from 8-10pm that did 14.15 million and a 4.9 18-49 rating, which is down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week's season high. At 10pm, NBC aired Revolution and did 5.88 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, for a series low and down a full point in 18-49 from previous week's NBC News special. Not good news. CBS was in repeats primarily, with a repeat of How I Met Your Mother starting it off with 4.16 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. At 8:30pm, Rules of Engagement was all-new actually and did 5.11 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week for a series low. At 9, a repeat of the falling 2 Broke Girls did 5.12 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, not good. At 9:30pm, a repeat of Mike & Molly also was lower than normal with 5.29 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. CBS needs some life on this night next season. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was a repeat and did 5.21 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. Fox aired a new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 7.06 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, the penultimate episode of new drama The Following at 9pm did 7.04 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week's series low. Season finale is tomorrow night. The CW aired a new Oh Sit! at 8 and did 0.86 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's season premiere. At 9, 90210 was new and did 0.49 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, horrible but actually up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's return.
On Tuesday, CBS took the night as a Voice-fueled NBC wasn't enough for NBC. On CBS, NCIS was new at 8 and did 17.33 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which is good but below normal again. At 9pm, a new NCIS: Los Angeles did 14.22 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, showing strong retention from its lead-in. At 10pm, week nine of Golden Boy in this slot did 7.94 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week and couldn't even win its hour. On ABC, at 8pm the sixth week of Splash did 4.87 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. Go Nicole Eggert! At 9pm, Dancing with the Stars: The Results did 12.65 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week, as we said goodbye to Victor Cruz. A new Body of Proof aired at 10pm and did 9.35 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which was up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week, winning the hour. It deserves a chance to return next again again, perhaps in mid-season on like a Friday or Saturday. Would benefit ABC Studios for syndication, too. NBC aired the Tuesday The Voice from 8-9pm and did 12.78 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, easily #1 in the time period but down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Tuesday high. At 9pm, a two-hour showing of Eva Longoria-produced reality show Ready for Love only did 2.86 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is horrible and down a tenth in 18-49 from its previous week. It is now pulled and no idea if the remaining episodes will air yet. Fox started with Hell's Kitchen at 8 and did 4.83 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week as this is a good option against the NBC juggernaut. At 9pm, New Girl was a repeat again and did 2.36 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's encore. At 9:30pm, a repeat of The Mindy Project did 1.81 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 week-to-week The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie and did 1.1 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, again down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A repeat of America's Next Top Model at 9 did 0.67 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Wednesday it was Fox with the win over CBS thanks to American Idol, as it airs two-hours every Wednesday and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with a new Survivor: Caramoan at 8 doing 10.31 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week for another season high. Now the competition returns, so it might be steady or go down. Criminal Minds was a repeat at 9 and did 5.9 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week and below what it usually can do for a repeat. At 10pm, CSI was also a repeat and did 7.76 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, built on its lead-in and up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Elementary repeat in the hour. That old faithful can beat the newbie anyway. ABC kicked off the night with a repeat of The Middle doing 4.76 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. A special 8:30pm repeat of Modern Family was next doing 4.38 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating. Look for new series Family Tools in this timeslot this Wednesday at 8:30pm. Our review will be posted on Tuesday. At 9pm, a repeat of Modern Family at its normal time did the best of the block with 5.35 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. The fourth episode of How To Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) followed at 9:30pm with 4.81 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week. A little concerning, but it has four weeks of new episodes of Modern as lead-in beginning this week. Look for our review of this week's episode on Wednesday...Sarah Chalke in lingerie! At 10pm, Nashville was a repeat and did 2.97 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. New episodes return this Wednesday! On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 12.46 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week despite the many repeats in competition. Onto NBC a new Dateline started it off at 8pm with 5.57 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which was up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a new episode that did 7.35 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, as that is fool's gold since its main competition was in repeats. At 10pm, Chicago Fire was a repeat and did 3.99 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. The CW aired a new episode of its hit Arrow and did 3.1 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 2.38 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, as usual - solid and younger-skewing.
On Thursday, it was CBS with the win to start off May sweeps, but they were below normal. Starting with ABC, a new Wife Swap aired and did 3.42 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week, as its season finale is this Thursday. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was all-new and did 8.24 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, good enough to win its hour. The nine-year old series still has legs, mustering a sophomore drama on CBS and slumping shows on Fox and NBC. At 10pm, ABC aired an all-new episode of TV's #1 show at 10pm Scandal doing 7.9 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, tying a series high in adults 18-49. Wow...this show could explode even more next season and perhaps the season finale this year will be over a 3 easily. CBS at 8pm had a new The Big Bang Theory did the best of course with 15.05 million and a 4.5 18-49 rating, easily winning its timeslot and #1 scripted series of the week (but not #1 program, as The Voice took that). Two and a Half Men followed with a new episode at 8:30pm with 11.32 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which is a season low. At 9, Person of Interest was new at 9pm and did 13.22 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, as it couldn't top the hour with a stronger lead-in. It's just an older skewing series and CBS needs to move it to lower-profile slot like Tuesdays at 10. At 10pm, Elementary was new and did 10.07 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, as it can't even compete with Scandal anymore. Fox had American Idol from 8-9pm and did 11.4 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which was again down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Glee was new at 9 and did 5.24 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, again down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. It's getting crushed when it has competition. NBC mostly aired new episodes of its comedies, as a new Community did 2.33 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week tying its low. A special rerun of The Office at 8:30pm did just 1.84 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week. At 9pm, a new episode of The Office did only 3.25 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which is below normal and only on par in 18-49 with previous week's Parks & Rec in the timeslot. At 9:30pm, a new episode of Parks & Recreation aired and did 2.59 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, NBC aired week four of new drama Hannibal doing just 2.4 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week for a series low. People were giving it props when it went up but those people don't know what they're talking about since it was up against zero new programming. Now it finally faced new shows and dropped like a rock. It is Friday-bound if anything next season. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and was all-new doing 2.24 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, as that is below average for this series but on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was also new and did 1.24 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. It was picked-up for a second season, but I bet it will be on the move to another night.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but we have prelim ratings. On Friday, CBS barely took the night but ABC had the top show as usual. At 8pm, Undercover Boss on CBS easily won its hour over second place Kitchen Nightmare on Fox. NBC's Fashion Star and ABC's Happy Endings were way behind. At 9pm, Friday's #1 show was new and of course that is ABC's Shark Tank and it crushed the competition. Grimm was a distant second for NBC, followed by Vegas on CBS and Fox's Touch was way behind. At 10pm, CBS drama Blue Bloods edged out a low-rated win over newsmags 20/20 on ABC and Rock Center with Brian Williams on NBC (which was a distant third).
Saturday had Fox win the night with NASCAR coverage. ABC, NBC, and CBS were all low. Fox preempted Cops and a repeat of The Following. NBC settled for a new Smash at 8pm that was dead last, well it tied a CBS special on Floyd Mayweather. ABC's third week of new game show Bet On Your Baby did second at 8pm. At 9pm, a repeat of The Voice was tied for second and a repeat of SNL at 10 grew from it but NBC was still second place. From 9-11pm, ABC aired the movie Over the Hedge and was tied for second at 9 and was third at 10. CBS took the 10pm hour with 48 Hours and was tied for second at 9 with a repeat of Criminal Minds.
Monday had NBC win easily over ABC and Fox. But first, ABC started with a two-hour Dancing with the Stars from 8-10pm and did 13.77 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is back down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Then Castle was all-new at 10 and did 11.76 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, up three tenths in 18-49 week-to-week for a first place finish. For NBC, they had the two-hour The Voice from 8-10pm that did 14.15 million and a 4.9 18-49 rating, which is down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week's season high. At 10pm, NBC aired Revolution and did 5.88 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, for a series low and down a full point in 18-49 from previous week's NBC News special. Not good news. CBS was in repeats primarily, with a repeat of How I Met Your Mother starting it off with 4.16 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. At 8:30pm, Rules of Engagement was all-new actually and did 5.11 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week for a series low. At 9, a repeat of the falling 2 Broke Girls did 5.12 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, not good. At 9:30pm, a repeat of Mike & Molly also was lower than normal with 5.29 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. CBS needs some life on this night next season. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was a repeat and did 5.21 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. Fox aired a new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 7.06 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, the penultimate episode of new drama The Following at 9pm did 7.04 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week's series low. Season finale is tomorrow night. The CW aired a new Oh Sit! at 8 and did 0.86 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's season premiere. At 9, 90210 was new and did 0.49 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, horrible but actually up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's return.
On Tuesday, CBS took the night as a Voice-fueled NBC wasn't enough for NBC. On CBS, NCIS was new at 8 and did 17.33 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which is good but below normal again. At 9pm, a new NCIS: Los Angeles did 14.22 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, showing strong retention from its lead-in. At 10pm, week nine of Golden Boy in this slot did 7.94 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week and couldn't even win its hour. On ABC, at 8pm the sixth week of Splash did 4.87 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. Go Nicole Eggert! At 9pm, Dancing with the Stars: The Results did 12.65 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week, as we said goodbye to Victor Cruz. A new Body of Proof aired at 10pm and did 9.35 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which was up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week, winning the hour. It deserves a chance to return next again again, perhaps in mid-season on like a Friday or Saturday. Would benefit ABC Studios for syndication, too. NBC aired the Tuesday The Voice from 8-9pm and did 12.78 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, easily #1 in the time period but down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Tuesday high. At 9pm, a two-hour showing of Eva Longoria-produced reality show Ready for Love only did 2.86 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is horrible and down a tenth in 18-49 from its previous week. It is now pulled and no idea if the remaining episodes will air yet. Fox started with Hell's Kitchen at 8 and did 4.83 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week as this is a good option against the NBC juggernaut. At 9pm, New Girl was a repeat again and did 2.36 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's encore. At 9:30pm, a repeat of The Mindy Project did 1.81 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 week-to-week The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie and did 1.1 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, again down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A repeat of America's Next Top Model at 9 did 0.67 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Wednesday it was Fox with the win over CBS thanks to American Idol, as it airs two-hours every Wednesday and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with a new Survivor: Caramoan at 8 doing 10.31 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week for another season high. Now the competition returns, so it might be steady or go down. Criminal Minds was a repeat at 9 and did 5.9 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week and below what it usually can do for a repeat. At 10pm, CSI was also a repeat and did 7.76 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, built on its lead-in and up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Elementary repeat in the hour. That old faithful can beat the newbie anyway. ABC kicked off the night with a repeat of The Middle doing 4.76 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. A special 8:30pm repeat of Modern Family was next doing 4.38 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating. Look for new series Family Tools in this timeslot this Wednesday at 8:30pm. Our review will be posted on Tuesday. At 9pm, a repeat of Modern Family at its normal time did the best of the block with 5.35 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. The fourth episode of How To Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) followed at 9:30pm with 4.81 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week. A little concerning, but it has four weeks of new episodes of Modern as lead-in beginning this week. Look for our review of this week's episode on Wednesday...Sarah Chalke in lingerie! At 10pm, Nashville was a repeat and did 2.97 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. New episodes return this Wednesday! On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 12.46 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week despite the many repeats in competition. Onto NBC a new Dateline started it off at 8pm with 5.57 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which was up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a new episode that did 7.35 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, as that is fool's gold since its main competition was in repeats. At 10pm, Chicago Fire was a repeat and did 3.99 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. The CW aired a new episode of its hit Arrow and did 3.1 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 2.38 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, as usual - solid and younger-skewing.
On Thursday, it was CBS with the win to start off May sweeps, but they were below normal. Starting with ABC, a new Wife Swap aired and did 3.42 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week, as its season finale is this Thursday. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was all-new and did 8.24 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, good enough to win its hour. The nine-year old series still has legs, mustering a sophomore drama on CBS and slumping shows on Fox and NBC. At 10pm, ABC aired an all-new episode of TV's #1 show at 10pm Scandal doing 7.9 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, tying a series high in adults 18-49. Wow...this show could explode even more next season and perhaps the season finale this year will be over a 3 easily. CBS at 8pm had a new The Big Bang Theory did the best of course with 15.05 million and a 4.5 18-49 rating, easily winning its timeslot and #1 scripted series of the week (but not #1 program, as The Voice took that). Two and a Half Men followed with a new episode at 8:30pm with 11.32 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which is a season low. At 9, Person of Interest was new at 9pm and did 13.22 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, as it couldn't top the hour with a stronger lead-in. It's just an older skewing series and CBS needs to move it to lower-profile slot like Tuesdays at 10. At 10pm, Elementary was new and did 10.07 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, as it can't even compete with Scandal anymore. Fox had American Idol from 8-9pm and did 11.4 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which was again down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Glee was new at 9 and did 5.24 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, again down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. It's getting crushed when it has competition. NBC mostly aired new episodes of its comedies, as a new Community did 2.33 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week tying its low. A special rerun of The Office at 8:30pm did just 1.84 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week. At 9pm, a new episode of The Office did only 3.25 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which is below normal and only on par in 18-49 with previous week's Parks & Rec in the timeslot. At 9:30pm, a new episode of Parks & Recreation aired and did 2.59 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, NBC aired week four of new drama Hannibal doing just 2.4 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week for a series low. People were giving it props when it went up but those people don't know what they're talking about since it was up against zero new programming. Now it finally faced new shows and dropped like a rock. It is Friday-bound if anything next season. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and was all-new doing 2.24 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, as that is below average for this series but on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was also new and did 1.24 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. It was picked-up for a second season, but I bet it will be on the move to another night.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but we have prelim ratings. On Friday, CBS barely took the night but ABC had the top show as usual. At 8pm, Undercover Boss on CBS easily won its hour over second place Kitchen Nightmare on Fox. NBC's Fashion Star and ABC's Happy Endings were way behind. At 9pm, Friday's #1 show was new and of course that is ABC's Shark Tank and it crushed the competition. Grimm was a distant second for NBC, followed by Vegas on CBS and Fox's Touch was way behind. At 10pm, CBS drama Blue Bloods edged out a low-rated win over newsmags 20/20 on ABC and Rock Center with Brian Williams on NBC (which was a distant third).
Saturday had Fox win the night with NASCAR coverage. ABC, NBC, and CBS were all low. Fox preempted Cops and a repeat of The Following. NBC settled for a new Smash at 8pm that was dead last, well it tied a CBS special on Floyd Mayweather. ABC's third week of new game show Bet On Your Baby did second at 8pm. At 9pm, a repeat of The Voice was tied for second and a repeat of SNL at 10 grew from it but NBC was still second place. From 9-11pm, ABC aired the movie Over the Hedge and was tied for second at 9 and was third at 10. CBS took the 10pm hour with 48 Hours and was tied for second at 9 with a repeat of Criminal Minds.
Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new from 7-11pm. All-new episodes of AFV, Once Upon a Time, Revenge and Red Widow air! Once should do well and we have a big Revenge episode. I think it will be a second place finish for ABC, but 10pm could be troublesome. NBC devotes the night to The Voice repeats from 7-9pm, which will struggle a bit then a new Celebrity Apprentice: All-Stars from 9-11. NBC will likely finish in third. CBS has 60 Minutes at 7, followed by new episodes of Amazing Race, season finale of The Good Wife & The Mentalist, which will likely be a fourth place finish since it skews old. Fox's animation block is all-new from 7:30-10pm, and could be enough to win the night. Family Guy should top the night over Once, Amazing Race and Revenge.
As for the week (week 31), Fox will take the week in 18-49 over CBS I think because of the consistent performance on Saturday and tonight. CBS will likely be in second in 18-49, followed by NBC and ABC. For total viewers, CBS will remain first. ABC will be second over Fox, followed by NBC in a competitive fourth. As for the coming week (week 32), it's the first full week of May sweep, so now game is on and we'll know who is strong or not. Highlights include season finales for Fox Monday tomorrow night and the Tuesday premiere of Grimm on NBC at 10pm opposite the highly anticipated interview with Amanda Knox on ABC. The series premiere of Family Tools on ABC Wednesday at 8:30pm. On Thursday we have season finales of Wife Swap on ABC and Parks & Recreation on NBC, while on Friday its the finale of Happy Endings on ABC from 8-9pm and Cops on Fox next Saturday.
Week 31 How the Sitcoms Did
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for Week 30 -- April 15-21)
- The Simpsons (Fox) - A repeat at 8 did 3.67 million and a 1.57 18-49 rating, which was almost close to the new airing's ratings from the previous week.
- The Cleveland Show (Fox) - Its normal time of 7:30pm was new and did 2.02 million and a 0.88 18-49 rating, down like three tenths in 18-49 from previous week's 1.2 18-49 rtg.
- Bob's Burgers (Fox) 2 airings - The 8:30 airing was new and did 3.74 million and a 1.72 18-49 rating, up like a tenth in 18-49 from previous week despite the lead-in being a repeat. Good sign. A repeat at 7pm did only 1.56 million and just a 0.61 18-49 rating, down around a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A repeat at 9 did 4.07 million and a 1.84 18-49 rating, which was still the best of the block.
- American Dad! (Fox) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 3.81 million and a 1.77 18-49 rating, which is down around three tenths in 18-49 from previous week.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A repeat averaged 4.16 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is below normal.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - A new showing did 5.11 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week for a series low, though it followed a repeat.
- 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A repeat struggled with 5.12 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, which is below normal.
- Mike & Molly (CBS) - At 9:30pm, a repeat of this show built on its lead-in in total viewers with 5.29 million but just a 1.3 18-49 rating. CBS Monday is struggling in 2013.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- New Girl (Fox) - A repeat did 2.36 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
- The Mindy Project (Fox) - A repeat of this show did only 1.81 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, but on par in 18-49 with previous week.
- The Middle (ABC) - A repeat posted 4.76 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is OK.
- Family Tools (ABC) - Series premiere is this Wednesday at 8:30|7:30c!
- Modern Family (ABC) 2 airings - A repeat at 9 did 5.35 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. A special repeat leading in at 8:30pm did 4.38 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating.
- How To Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) (ABC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 4.81 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week, but this episode followed a repeat again. Now the next four weeks it will follow new episodes, and if it can do a 2.5+, it will be back next season in this timeslot.
Thursday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - A new episode at 8pm posted 15.05 million and a 4.5 18-49 rating, which is excellent as usual but a bit below normal.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A new episode followed with 11.32 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which is below normal as well and a season low.
- Community (NBC) - A new episode did just 2.33 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. I don't think NBC will bring it back. Perhaps Comedy Central?
- The Office (NBC) 2 airings - A special repeat at 8:30pm did just 1.84 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. The 9pm airing was all-new, but it did forgetful 3.25 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, as this show is limping towards the finish.
- Parks & Recreation (NBC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 2.59 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, not good at all...down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Heck, even lower than what it was doing at 8:30pm.
- Happy Endings (ABC) 2 episodes - An all-new episode at 8pm struggled with just a prelim 2.22 million and a prelim 0.5 18-49 rating for a series low. A second episode did a bit better in 18-49 but did just a prelim 1.8 million and a prelim 0.6 18-49 rating. If ABC passes, I hope USA or TBS or anyone picks it up. It's such a good show.
- None.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as How To Live With Your Parents, The Office) or just plain terrible (such as Parks & Recreation, Community).
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Digital Digest: New Dick Van Dyke Blu-rays; The Roman Holidays on DVD; Dr. Kildare - The Complete First Season DVD Review
Welcome to Digital Digest! On this last weekend of April, we've got exactly what the doctor ordered with our review of Dr. Kildare - The Complete First Season, and of course all of our regular features. Let's get started!
DIGITAL NEWS
Image has long ago released The Dick Van Dyke Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray), but for those wanting the series in smaller chunks, another season is on the way on July 2 as they release The Dick Van Dyke Show - Season Four (Blu-ray). We anticipate that this release will be identical to the fourth season as seen on the release of the complete series, of course.
Warner Archive brought a rare Hanna-Barbera gem out of the archives this week with their release of The Roman Holidays - The Complete Series. The two-disc set contains all 13 episodes of the animated series. For those unfamiliar with the series, it is an animated series all about tackling family life circa AD 63. Augustus “Gus” Holiday (Dave Willock) is the man of the clan, lovely and level-headed spouse Laurie (Shirley Mitchell) keeps things on an even keel while teen-age trouble maker Happius (Stanley Livingston) and child prodigy Precocia (Pamelyn Ferdin) threaten to break the Pax Familia.
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (April 30) isn't a big day for releases, but it brings a pair of releases of two seasons of a hit NBC series from the past to Blu-ray with Warner Home Video's releases of Friends - The Complete First Season (Blu-ray) and Friends - The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray).
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Blog DVD Review: Dr. Kildare - The Complete First Season (Warner Archive, $49.95)
by skees53
The doctor is in, as Dr. Kildare debuts on DVD with Dr. Kildare - The Complete First Season. But Dr. James Kildare (Richard Chamberlain) was not like many other TV doctors at the time, in that he wasn't an accomplished physician. Instead, much like those on the sitcom Scrubs, Dr. Kildare was an intern... but a very gifted intern. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Leonard Gillespie (Raymond Massey), Dr. Kildare managed to turn medicine into not only his job, but in fact a very special gift and talent. The medical drama debuted on NBC in 1961 and lasted until 1966, and was a pioneer for all medical dramas seen on TV past and present.
The series begins with "Twenty-Four Hours," where Dr. Kildare is determined to do the best work possible to get a residency under Dr. Gillespie. Kildare has to prevent a smallpox epidemic in "Immunity." The family of a taxicab driver threatens to sue for malpractice in "Admitting Service." In "The Lonely Ones," Kildare is upset over the death of a homeless person in the E.R. Kildare goes from doctor to patient after a little accident in the hospital in "The Patient." A patient is in a coma in "For the Living," and there appears to be little chance that he'll come back... but his wife isn't going to hear it.
A modern day Scrooge hits the hospital in "Season to be Jolly." In "Johnny Temple," Kildare and Gillespie struggle with trying to figure out what to do with a mentally disturbed teenager. A hospital administrator fires a city appointee in "The Administrator." In "Oh My Daughter," Gillespie tries to figure out why his daughter reacts the way that she does to the news of her pregnancy. There is a food poisoning outbreak in "The Search," and it is a race against time. In "The Bronc Buster," Kildare has to help his rowdy cousin adjust to urban life. A critically ill patient will only continue to suffer if she doesn't get the proper care in "The Witch Doctor."
Kildare is on duty in obstetrics in "Solomon's Choice." A nun can't stay out of the affairs of other patients when she is admitted for gallstones in "A Very Present Help." In "The Horn of Plenty," Kildare refuses to give preferential treatment to a wealthy patient... even while under pressure to do so from others. There is a race to find a cure for a rare blood disease in "Something of Importance." In "The Road to the Heart," a deaf boy's mother isn't too interested in hearing about something that may restore her son's hearing. The set ends with "The Eleventh Hour," which is an episode that actually never aired as part of the series originally even though it was intended to, and instead aired as a pilot on its own the following season.
The episodes are invariably around 50:15. Exact runtimes are as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "Twenty-Four Hours" (50:16)
2. "Immunity" (50:11)
3. "Shining Image" (50:15)
4. "Winter Harvest" (50:15)
Disc 2:
5. "A Million Dollar Property" (50:13)
6. "Admitting Service" (50:12)
7. "The Lonely Ones" (50:13)
8. "Holiday Weekend" (50:10)
Disc 3:
9. "The Patient" (50:16)
10. "For the Living" (50:15)
11. "Second Chance" (50:14)
12. "Hit and Run" (50:15)
Disc 4:
13. "Season to be Jolly" (50:14)
14. "Johnny Temple" (50:13)
15. "My Brother, the Doctor" (50:15)
16. "The Administrator" (50:14)
Disc 5:
17. "Oh, My Daughter" (50:15)
The series begins with "Twenty-Four Hours," where Dr. Kildare is determined to do the best work possible to get a residency under Dr. Gillespie. Kildare has to prevent a smallpox epidemic in "Immunity." The family of a taxicab driver threatens to sue for malpractice in "Admitting Service." In "The Lonely Ones," Kildare is upset over the death of a homeless person in the E.R. Kildare goes from doctor to patient after a little accident in the hospital in "The Patient." A patient is in a coma in "For the Living," and there appears to be little chance that he'll come back... but his wife isn't going to hear it.
A modern day Scrooge hits the hospital in "Season to be Jolly." In "Johnny Temple," Kildare and Gillespie struggle with trying to figure out what to do with a mentally disturbed teenager. A hospital administrator fires a city appointee in "The Administrator." In "Oh My Daughter," Gillespie tries to figure out why his daughter reacts the way that she does to the news of her pregnancy. There is a food poisoning outbreak in "The Search," and it is a race against time. In "The Bronc Buster," Kildare has to help his rowdy cousin adjust to urban life. A critically ill patient will only continue to suffer if she doesn't get the proper care in "The Witch Doctor."
Kildare is on duty in obstetrics in "Solomon's Choice." A nun can't stay out of the affairs of other patients when she is admitted for gallstones in "A Very Present Help." In "The Horn of Plenty," Kildare refuses to give preferential treatment to a wealthy patient... even while under pressure to do so from others. There is a race to find a cure for a rare blood disease in "Something of Importance." In "The Road to the Heart," a deaf boy's mother isn't too interested in hearing about something that may restore her son's hearing. The set ends with "The Eleventh Hour," which is an episode that actually never aired as part of the series originally even though it was intended to, and instead aired as a pilot on its own the following season.
The episodes are invariably around 50:15. Exact runtimes are as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "Twenty-Four Hours" (50:16)
2. "Immunity" (50:11)
3. "Shining Image" (50:15)
4. "Winter Harvest" (50:15)
Disc 2:
5. "A Million Dollar Property" (50:13)
6. "Admitting Service" (50:12)
7. "The Lonely Ones" (50:13)
8. "Holiday Weekend" (50:10)
Disc 3:
9. "The Patient" (50:16)
10. "For the Living" (50:15)
11. "Second Chance" (50:14)
12. "Hit and Run" (50:15)
Disc 4:
13. "Season to be Jolly" (50:14)
14. "Johnny Temple" (50:13)
15. "My Brother, the Doctor" (50:15)
16. "The Administrator" (50:14)
Disc 5:
17. "Oh, My Daughter" (50:15)
18. "The Search" (50:14)
19. "The Glory Hunter" (50:15)
20. "The Dragon" (50:13)
Disc 6:
21. "The Stepping Stone" (50:13)
22. "The Bronc-Buster" (50:14)
23. "The Witch Doctor" (50:14)
24. "The Roaring Boy-O" (50:14)
Disc 7:
25. "Solomon's Choice" (50:11)
26. "A Very Present Help" (50:12)
27. "One for the Road" (50:12)
28. "The Horn of Plenty" (50:17)
Disc 8:
29. "The Chemistry of Anger" (50:13)
30. "Something of Importance" (50:12)
31. "A Distant Thunder" (50:15)
32. "The Road to the Heart" (50:06)
Disc 9:
33. "Operation: Lazarus" (50:14)
34. "The Eleventh Hour" (50:44)
The set comes packaged in two Viva cases, with the first one containing the first five discs (Part One) and the second containing the remaining four discs (Part Two). The artwork is exactly the same on both cases, with a large photo of Dr. Kildare on the cover and the series title along the left-hand side of the case. There are some episode snapshots on the back, along with a description of the entire season. Inside, the only thing you'll find are the discs, all of which have the same artwork that is seen on the cover.
The menus on the set are (not surprisingly) designed exactly like the cover art... but at least it looks professional, unlike what some other studios have a tendency to do on DVDs lately. From the main menu, options include Play All and a list of episodes. Once an episode is selected, it plays immediately. Chapters are placed throughout each episode.
I wasn't sure what to expect for the video and audio quality on this set, but what we actually get in terms of video and audio quality is simply amazing... this is one of the best looking series I've seen on DVD, which says a lot for a series that is 41 years old. The video is mostly crystal clear, with only minimal grain and debris, and the audio is plenty loud and clear. Unfortunately, though, the episodes are neither closed-captioned not subtitled.
There are no special features on this set, unless one counts the episode "The Eleventh Hour" (which was later retooled to serve as a pilot for that series) as a special feature. Technically, the episode never actually aired in this form, but it was intended to air in the first season.
It is important for us to note that this is a release from Warner Archive, and that it cannot be purchased in stores. Furthermore, while the set will eventually be a manufacture-on-demand product, Warner Archive is currently selling "pressed" versions of the set to meet consumer demand, so we'd suggest that fans get in on this before it moves to a DVD-R version! In any event, this is an excellent release of an excellent series, and there is nothing to complain about here at all. Although I didn't have an opportunity to watch many episodes of the series prior to this review (there are so many, and they're so long), I was very impressed with what I did see, and I can't wait to get through the rest of this set. This was my first time watching the series, but it truly did meet my expectations, and has actually made me more curious than ever about other early medical dramas. It certainly is no Grey's Anatomy (which may be a good or bad thing depending upon your perspective), but it is solid classic TV at its best.
(4/5 stars)
To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Warner Archive
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Dr. Kildare on TV.com19. "The Glory Hunter" (50:15)
20. "The Dragon" (50:13)
Disc 6:
21. "The Stepping Stone" (50:13)
22. "The Bronc-Buster" (50:14)
23. "The Witch Doctor" (50:14)
24. "The Roaring Boy-O" (50:14)
Disc 7:
25. "Solomon's Choice" (50:11)
26. "A Very Present Help" (50:12)
27. "One for the Road" (50:12)
28. "The Horn of Plenty" (50:17)
Disc 8:
29. "The Chemistry of Anger" (50:13)
30. "Something of Importance" (50:12)
31. "A Distant Thunder" (50:15)
32. "The Road to the Heart" (50:06)
Disc 9:
33. "Operation: Lazarus" (50:14)
34. "The Eleventh Hour" (50:44)
The set comes packaged in two Viva cases, with the first one containing the first five discs (Part One) and the second containing the remaining four discs (Part Two). The artwork is exactly the same on both cases, with a large photo of Dr. Kildare on the cover and the series title along the left-hand side of the case. There are some episode snapshots on the back, along with a description of the entire season. Inside, the only thing you'll find are the discs, all of which have the same artwork that is seen on the cover.
The menus on the set are (not surprisingly) designed exactly like the cover art... but at least it looks professional, unlike what some other studios have a tendency to do on DVDs lately. From the main menu, options include Play All and a list of episodes. Once an episode is selected, it plays immediately. Chapters are placed throughout each episode.
I wasn't sure what to expect for the video and audio quality on this set, but what we actually get in terms of video and audio quality is simply amazing... this is one of the best looking series I've seen on DVD, which says a lot for a series that is 41 years old. The video is mostly crystal clear, with only minimal grain and debris, and the audio is plenty loud and clear. Unfortunately, though, the episodes are neither closed-captioned not subtitled.
There are no special features on this set, unless one counts the episode "The Eleventh Hour" (which was later retooled to serve as a pilot for that series) as a special feature. Technically, the episode never actually aired in this form, but it was intended to air in the first season.
It is important for us to note that this is a release from Warner Archive, and that it cannot be purchased in stores. Furthermore, while the set will eventually be a manufacture-on-demand product, Warner Archive is currently selling "pressed" versions of the set to meet consumer demand, so we'd suggest that fans get in on this before it moves to a DVD-R version! In any event, this is an excellent release of an excellent series, and there is nothing to complain about here at all. Although I didn't have an opportunity to watch many episodes of the series prior to this review (there are so many, and they're so long), I was very impressed with what I did see, and I can't wait to get through the rest of this set. This was my first time watching the series, but it truly did meet my expectations, and has actually made me more curious than ever about other early medical dramas. It certainly is no Grey's Anatomy (which may be a good or bad thing depending upon your perspective), but it is solid classic TV at its best.
(4/5 stars)To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Warner Archive
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Charlie Sheen (Twitter), "Actor, Producer, Winner "
Claim to Fame: Carlos Irwin Estevez... or as he is better known, Charlie Sheen... was born with the acting gene, as his father Martin Sheen was already starting an acting career before Charlie was born. Charlie Sheen got his start in the 1984 film Red Dawn, and went on to find plenty of success in the film industry. But in the year 2000, while his father was playing the president on the NBC drama, The West Wing, Charlie Sheen found his first sitcom role working in the mayor's office in the ABC sitcom Spin City, replacing Michael J. Fox. Later, Sheen went on to one of his biggest roles ever on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, a role that didn't exactly end very well (we'll spare the details, because hopefully everybody knows by now). Currently, Sheen is on his third sitcom attempt with FX's Anger Management, a series that mirrors his life in many ways.
Why You Should Follow Him: Why shouldn't you follow him? He's winning. We'll be the first to admit that Charlie Sheen is perhaps the most unorthodox person we've ever used for our Follow Me, and that he isn't exactly the friendly guy that readily and frequently interacts with his fans as many of our choices have been. But he is by all means a sitcom legend, currently in his third starring role in a sitcom, and is a funny guy (even when he doesn't exactly intend to be). At the time of our inclusion of Mr. Sheen, we can say that he seems to be relatively stable, and we hope that things stay that way. Regardless, he managed to rise to the top of the Twitterverse two years ago following his spat with Chuck Lorre, and is perhaps one of the biggest celebrities on Twitter with his nearly 10 million followers.
Pick of the Tweets: "tune in tonight & check out my favorite ex-wife on Anger Management FX @9p She rocks. She's smoking hot. Come on guys it's @DeniseRICHARDS!" (April 4, 2013)
That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Hallmark Channel Removes Happy Days for Dramas; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 29, 2013)
In a last minute scheduling maneuver, The Hallmark Channel is dropping Happy Days from its line-up effective Monday (April 29, 2013). The classic sitcom was airing weekdays in a block from 2-5pm. Replacing the cool-amundo sitcom will be the return of two popular dramas: The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie. The dramas will air weekdays from 2-5pm with The Waltons at 2pm and Little House getting back-to-back hours at 3pm & 4pm. No word yet if and when Happy Days will return, but it is not on the current line-up now. Enjoy its last day (for now?) today. No other schedule changes will be made, which means series like The Brady Bunch (weekdays 5-8pm) will remain. Groovy. If our memory is correct, The Waltons will be airing for the first time since being removed in October while Little House hasn't aired on Hallmark since the end of December, which was a result of the addition of Happy Days/Brady Bunch in January. Stay with us for continued updates and we hope The Fonz and team are back soon, but you can still watch Happy Days on INSP and The Hub at least.
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of April 29-May 3, 2013, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, April 29, 2013
- Leah Remini (Family Tools/The King of Queens) - Watch Leah on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC. Family Tools premieres on ABC on Wednesday, May 1 at 8:30PM ET/PT.
- Brad Garrett (How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life)/'Til Death/Everybody Loves Raymond) - Brad visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Jim O'Heir (Parks and Recreation) - Jim stops by The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Marilu Henner (Taxi) - Marilu guest co-hosts Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
- Jenny McCarthy (Two and a Half Men/Jenny) - Jenny guest co-hosts The View Monday-Wednesday on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Tyler James Williams (Go On/Everybody Hates Chris) - Tyler talks about his about starring in Tyler Perry's new film, Peeples, on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations.
- Gabourey Sidibe (The Big C) - Catch Gabourey on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Kyle Bornheimer (Family Tools/Worst Week/Romantically Challenged) - Kyle joins the Chew Crew on The Chew on ABC at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- Melissa Joan Hart (Melissa & Joey/Sabrina, the Teenage Witch) - Melissa is a guest on The Ricki Lake Show, so check your local listings.
- Sherri Shepherd (Less Than Perfect/Sherri) - Sherri will be on ABC's Good Morning America in the 8am hour.
- Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan) - Watch Kathy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Michael Ian Black (Ed) - Michael appears on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Sarah Chalke (How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life)/Scrubs/Roseanne) - Sarah is part of the guest panel on Chelsea Lately on E! at 11pm.
- Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) - Jim drops by LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
- Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire) - Hilary visits NBC's Today between 9-10am. She will also be on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Sally Kellerman (M*A*S*H) - Sally chats on Joy Behar: Say Anything! at 9pm on Current.
- Sherri Shepherd (Less Than Perfect/Sherri) - Sherri is a guest on The Dr. Oz Show, so check your local listings.
- Patricia Heaton (The Middle/Back to You/Everybody Loves Raymond) - Patricia guest co-hosts The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Kyle Bornheimer (Family Tools/Worst Week/Romantically Challenged) - Kyle appears on ABC's Good Morning America between 7-9am.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine/Seinfeld) - Watch Julia on Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Bob Saget (How I Met Your Mother/Full House) - Bob stops by Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Brooke Shields (Suddenly Susan) - Brooke heats up the kitchen with Mario and braised beef short ribs with snow peas and oyster mushroom salad on The Chew on ABC at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- Craig Robinson (The Office) - Craig appears on NBC's Today between 7-9am.
- Jackée Harry (The First Family/227/Sister, Sister) - Jackée and other guests discuss breasts on The Ricki Lake Show, so check your local listings.
- Angela Kinsey (The Office) - Catch Angela on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Friends Coming to TV Land in June With 5-Night Marathon Event; Episodic Review: Community - "Basic Human Anatomy" Airing Tonight on NBC
Friends is coming to TV Land in June! The hit 1994-2004 sitcom starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer is about group of friends in Manhattan. The series currently airs on sister network Nick at Nite every night from 11pm-1am, and it will continue to air on that network as well. Both Viacom networks will share the series with TBS, which has the morning/afternoon rights. TV Land will launch Friends with a five-night marathon event on Friday, June 14 through Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 7pm-6am ET/PT each night. The hit comedy will also air Wednesday, June 19 from 9-10pm leading into the return of Hot in Cleveland at 10pm, as it airs it live episode! The Exes and The Soul Man season premieres will follow from 10:30-11:30pm. Friends will settle into its regular schedule beginning on Monday, June 24, airing all night every Monday from 7pm-6am, along with a late night Tuesday night airing from 4:30-6am and Wednesdays in primetime from 9-10pm leading into Hot in Cleveland every Wednesday night this summer. The sitcom performs well in the ratings on sister network Nick at Nite and it will now try to do the same for two or three nights a week on TV Land. No other schedule changes will be really made for TV Land in June besides the addition of Friends. In other stunts, TV Land will present a 24-hour Hot in Cleveland marathon to get ready for the second half of season four, with the marathon event starting at 12 midnight on Friday, June 7 through midnight on Saturday, June 8. 24-hours of Betty! Anyway, stay with us for continued updates on Friends on TV Land because we'll always be there for you!
Watch a video preview of Friends coming to TV Land:
On the next...Community:
By: Vincent
NBC's Thursday night comedy that stars Joel McHale airs Thursdays at 8|7c and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 25). In the episode airing tonight, "Basic Human Anatomy," when Annie (Alison Brie) and Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) learn that Leonard (Richard Erdman) is actually holding the spot as the class valedictorian, they join forces to bring him down. Meanwhile, Troy (Donald Glover) and Abed (Danny Pudi) reminisce about one of their favorite body switching films and when they inadvertently re-enact a critical scene, things start becoming a little funky at Greendale.
Watching Community has been kind of hard this season. Not because it's been bad - it's felt slightly off at times, but remains a very enjoyable show - but because, after the firing of creator Dan Harmon, it's hard to objectively look at an episode and not wonder how Dan Harmon would've done it. No matter how talented the cast and remaining writers are, Harmon had such a distinct vision for the show that there was no way the show could've matched what it was under his control. That's why Community tends to be most enjoyable these days when it's not trying any big concepts and is just letting you hang out with the characters - you don't have to worry if the concept could've been better under Harmon, you just get the spend some time with a bunch of characters that are still among the best on television.
Having said all of that, tonight's Community - which, notably, was written by Jim Rash, who plays Dean Pelton - is one of the better ones of its current season, and it's one that many would consider a "concept" episode, paying tribute to the movie Freaky Friday. (Though, considering this is a show that turned its entire cast into Muppets two weeks ago, it's not all that big of a concept for Community standards). And yet, it isn't the concept that makes it such a strong episode - it's the small, intimate character moments make is such a stand-out. One of the things that Community has moved away from a bit without Harmon is its darker, emotional side - the side that wasn't afraid to take its characters out to a bar and put all of their serious flaws on display, or to give one of its characters a mental breakdown in its Christmas episode. This episode doesn't go quite that deep, but the emotion here feels more real than it's been in most of this season. Additionally, this episode just feels more comfortable than most of the season has - it doesn't feel like it's trying far too hard to re-create the Harmon years, which makes everything flow a bit more naturally. There's still some issues here and there - the Dean plot felt a bit over-the-top (a little ironic, considering he wrote the episode), the dialogue still feels a little stilted, and the show still isn't quite as funny as it was in years past. But other than that, this episode was really enjoyable to watch - and most importantly, it didn't make me stop and wonder if Dan Harmon could've done it better. B+
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
D.L. Hughley, Michael Ian Black Head to TBS to Host; Remembering Allan Arbus of M*A*S*H, MeTV Network Pays Tribute
Comedians D.L. Hughley and Michael Ian Black have signed on to host the TBS original series Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host, the first game show in which two hosts duel to deceive contestants. The project was originally slated for ABC in 2010 (hosted by Bill Engvall and Mo Rocca). Slated to premiere in late 2013 on TBS, Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host comes to TBS from Mark Burnett's One Three Media and the London-based Monkey. Burnett (The Voice, Shark Tank) and Monkey founders Will MacDonald and David Granger (Made in Chelsea, Make My Day) serve as executive producers. In Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host, Hughley and Black will each present the single contestant with a bizarre and seemingly implausible fact, one of which is true, the other of which is not. The contestant must then choose the true fact to be rewarded in the game. The players who prove themselves to be super-human lie detectors will go home with a pocketful of cash.
D.L. Hughley was mostly recently seen on the 16th season of the ABC hit show Dancing with the Stars, alongside partner Cheryl Burke. As an actor, Hughley has starred in the popular 1998-2002 ABC/UPN sitcom The Hughleys, which he also produced, and the Aaron Sorkin drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Michael Ian Black appeared on several television show before landing the role of Phil Stubbs, the quirky bowling alley manager on NBC's Ed. He followed that with two Comedy Central series: Stella, co-created with Michael Showalter and David Wain, and Michael and Michael Have Issues. Black has since co-starred on the series Reaper, Backwash and Burning Love. This is the second TBS show that we just mentioned that will feature a host, as last week we mentioned Theo Von hosting Deal with It from Howie Mandel. Stay with us for a premiere date and further updates on Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host.
Character actor Allan Arbus, best known for his recurring role as the psychiatrist Major Sidney Freedman in M*A*S*H, has died. He died on April 19 at his home in Los Angeles from complications of congestive heart failure. Mr. Arbus was 95.
Arbus appeared as the sarcastic psychiatrist Major Sidney Freedman in a dozen episodes of M*A*S*H. He first guest starred in the season two episode, "Radar's Report." The character was originally called Milton Freedman. His final appearance was in the series finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen." Arbus was the only non-regular cast member to be interviewed in the M*A*S*H 30th Anniversary Special, which aired on Fox on May 17, 2002. In 2009, he appeared at the 7th Annual TV Land Awards where M*A*S*H received the Impact Award.
He had recurring roles in several other television series. In 1979, he played Mitch Hannigan, the owner of the Playland Cafe, in the short-lived CBS sitcom Working Stiffs, which starred Jim Belushi and Michael Keaton. He appeared as Goodman in the 1981 NBC drama The Gangster Chronicles. In 1984, he played Boris Elliot in the CBS sitcom The Four Seasons. His character was a successful attorney and friend of Danny Zimmer (Jack Weston). Barbara Babcock played his wife Lorraine Elliot.
Other comedy guest appearances included Here Come the Brides, The Odd Couple, Karen, The Tony Randall Show, Taxi, Duet, Stat, Brooklyn Bridge and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Some of his many other television appearances included Hawaii Five-0, Wonder Woman, The Rockford Files, Starsky & Hutch, Quincy, M.E.,, L.A. Law, Matlock, Hunter, Law & Order, In the Heat of the Night, NYPD Blue and Judging Amy. Arbus' film credits included Greaser's Palace, Scream, Pretty Peggy, W.C. Fields and Me, Coffy, Damien: Omen II and Crossroads.
Survivors include his wife Mariclare Costello and three daughters - Amy, Doon and Arin. Sidney Freedman was a very funny and likable character. He gave this memorable quote in two episodes: "Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice: Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." His appearances were always a treat. Mr. Arbus will be greatly missed. Goodbye, farewell and amen.
What are your favorite Sidney Freedman scenes and quotes? Discuss them on our M*A*S*H message board.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
New Digital Subchannel from Sony Called getTV Launching in Fall 2013; Final Season of Futurama Begins in June on Comedy Central
The digital subchannel space is now more crowded. We told you about Movies! launching on Fox owned networks digital subchannels later this spring (late May), now we have another movie-themed network, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks announced plans to launch getTV, a new US digital broadcast television network airing classic movies, in the fall of 2013. The third wholly owned Sony-branded channel in the US, getTV will premier on the digital subchannels of Univision Television Group owned television stations. SPT is in active discussions with other stations groups in advance of launch. getTV will bring viewers the best movies from Hollywood's golden era. Programming will be primarily from the Sony Pictures library, featuring more than 3,500 films, including 12 Best Picture Academy Award® winners. A sampling of movies from the library include: Lawrence of Arabia, It Happened One Night, and The Bridge on the River Kwai. getTV will be carried on the digital subchannels on Univision Television Group owned television stations in 24 markets, including 17 of the top 20 DMAs. These DMAs account for 44% of all US television households, representing more than 50 million homes.
getTV will join the new Movies! and existing networks which air classic TV and/or movies like Antenna TV, MeTV, ThisTV, Bounce TV, Cozi TV and RTV in this space. We'll have more on this network soon, but it doesn't appear it will be newsworthy for us since there will be no sitcoms or TV series like on Antenna TV, MeTV, ThisTV, Cozi TV and RTV. But of course stay with us for continued updates on this network and all of those other ones as well.
Futurama rockets into space for the (second) final time as the Emmy(R) Award-winning series will conclude its long history with this summer's all-new season. The thirteen-episode summer run will premiere on Comedy Central with back-to-back episodes on Wednesday, June 19 at 10:00pm with the emotional series finale scheduled for Wednesday, September 4. Special guest stars for the final season include Larry Bird, Dan Castellaneta, Sarah Silverman, George Takei, Adam West and Burt Ward. The show's entire original voice cast will be returning. Including the yet-to-air season, this will bring the total number of episodes in Futurama's storied history to 140. Comedy Central will celebrate the final season of Futurama with a host of bonus content on cc.com including weekly episode previews, highlights and photo galleries featuring concept artwork from the upcoming episodes. The site also contains clips from the entire library of Futurama episodes and features exclusive interviews with the show's cast, as well as with Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, plus a "making of an episode" mini-documentary. Later this month, Comedy Central will begin its summer-long celebration of the final season with the launch of "Countdown to Futurama" on Facebook, where its fan base has grown from one million "likes" prior to its 2010 resurrection on Comedy Central to over 26 million "likes" today, making it one of the top television pages on Facebook. The "Countdown" celebration will feature new and exclusive content daily, including clips, episode stills, character designs and more. In addition, the celebration will extend to the Comedy Central Tumblr which will offer a "Futurama Fanarama" feature spotlighting fan tributes to the series and its final season. The series first aired on Fox from 1999-2003 and then was brought back in 2007 with four direct-to-DVD movies that subsequently aired as 30-minute episodes on Comedy Central. Based on their success, Comedy Central ordered new seasons of the series which made a triumphant return to television in June 2010. Over the course of its storied run, Futurama has earned six Emmy(R) Awards--including two Outstanding Animated Program, seven Annie Awards, two Environmental Media Awards and two Writer's Guild of America Awards.
Monday, April 22, 2013
MTV2 Adds Smart Guy, Living Single; MeTV Network Adds 7 More Affiliates, Win a Trip to Cancun, T-Shirts from MeTV!
Last month we mentioned that MTV2 has acquired '90s comedy Living Single, but now we have more details and when it is airing! It will quietly premiere next Saturday night/Sunday morning (April 27-28) from 4-8am. That is not its regular slot, as the sitcom will regularly air Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights from 1am-3am beginning on April 29. It will replace Everybody Hates Chris, which was airing on those days from 1-4am. Chris will still air on weekends, while the 3-4am hour on those nights will now be The P.J.'s. As for Living Single, it will follow Martin, which airs 11pm-1am on those nights. Living Single will also air Sunday mornings around 9-11am following The Wayans Bros., but there is no set schedule.
The second addition to the schedule is brand new and was not previously announced. MTV2 has acquired the rights to the Tahj Mowry sitcom Smart Guy. The sitcom launched on April 13 and is airing every Saturday morning from 8am-12pm. Yes, that sounds a little familiar because GMC has been airing in on Saturdays as well from 9am-12pm and will continue to do so. For a show that lasted just three seasons in the late '90s, this show sure does get around, as it also has been seen in the past on Disney, BET and Centric. Back to Living Single, yes it will continue to air on TV One as well. We're not sure when TV One loses rights and if MTV2 will have exclusive rights or not yet. Stay with us for continued updates on the sitcoms coming to MTV2, BET and Centric.
The MeTV Network is getting even more affiliates! The MeTV Network has signed seven new affiliation agreements with stations in these markets: Nashville (DMA #29); Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Michigan (DMA #38); Rockford, Illinois (DMA #135); Monroe, Louisiana (DMA #137); Sioux City, Iowa(DMA #147); Bismarck-Minot, North Dakota(DMA #151); and Bluefield-Beckley, West Virginia (DMA #156). These new affiliates bring MeTV to 147 markets; the network now clears a whopping 89% of the country. Word Broadcasting-owned WJDE-Nashville will launch on June 1, 2013 and will be seen on channel 31.1. Christian Faith Broadcast-owned WLLA-Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek will launch on July 4, 2013 and will be seen on channel 64.2. Quincy-owned WREX-Rockford launched on April 4, 2013 and can already be seen on channel 13.3. Sonrise Communications-owned KWMS-Monroe launched on April 1, 2013 and can already be seen on channel 18.1. Quincy-owned KTIV-Sioux City will launch on July 1, 2013 and will be seen on channel 4.3. Hoak Media-owned KFYR-Bismarck-Minot will launch on May 1, 2013 and will be seen on channel 5.2. Quincy-owned WVVA-Bluefield-Beckley launched on April 4, 2013 and is seen on channel 6.3. So, now in addition to being available in all top ten television markets, the network can be found in 28 of the top 30 markets in the U.S., with the addition of Nashville. In other MeTV news, watch The MeTV Sunday Showcase (Sundays 3-7pm ET) on Sunday, April 28 at 3pm ET/2pm CT to see if you can catch the connection between the showcase episodes in that day's lineup of seemingly unrelated shows. If you know how each show is related to the others, you could be a winner! Log on to MeTVNetwork.com after you say "ah ha!" and give them your best guess! From all eligible entries, they will randomly select 100 winners to receive a MeTV t-shirt and one lucky grand prize winner will get to spend five days and four nights at the fabulous Hard Rock Cancun all inclusive resort! The shows airing will be an episode each of: Get Smart, The Odd Couple, The Mod Squad, The Wild Wild West, and The Untouchables. The grand prize is sponsored by FunJet Vacations and New Lenox Travel in New Lenox, Illinois
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Week 30 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did; Episodic Review: Bob's Burgers - "The Kids Run The Restaurant" Airing Tonight on Fox
2012-13 Week 30 TV Ratings (first four nights, Mon-Thu):
Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new from 7-11pm. The regular AFV and Once Upon a Time, but Revenge and Red Widow are preempted for the new Hallmark Hall of Fame: Remember Sunday starring Zachary Levi and Alexis Bleidel. Once should do well. I think it will be a third place finish for ABC. NBC devotes the night to The Voice repeats from 7-9pm, which will struggle a bit then a new Celebrity Apprentice: All-Stars from 9-11. NBC will likely finish in second. CBS has 60 Minutes at 7, followed by new episodes of Amazing Race, The Good Wife & The Mentalist, which will likely be a fourth place finish since it skews old. Fox's animation block is half all-new from 7:30-10pm, and still could take this slow night.
As for the week (week 30), Fox will take the week in 18-49 over NBC I think because of the consistent performance on Saturday and tonight. NBC will likely be in second in 18-49, followed by CBS and ABC. For total viewers, CBS will remain first. ABC could be second over Fox, followed by NBC in a competitive fourth. As for the coming week (week 31), May sweeps starts on Thursday and we are down to the final four weeks of the season. How fast was that? Upfronts are just around the corner!
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, How To Live With Your Parents, were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as 2 Broke Girls, Suburgatoryl) or just plain terrible (such as Mindy Project, Community).
On the next...Bob's Burgers:
By: Vincent
Fox's Sunday Animation Domination comedy with the Belcher family airs Sunday nights at 8:30|7:30c and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 21). Things get dicey (and bloody, and semi-illegal, and Kevin Kline shows up) tonight! In the episode airing tonight, "The Kids Run The Restaurant," Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) realizes that giving Linda (John Roberts) a heart-shaped pancake for the moBob (H. Jon Benjamin) cuts his finger and faints at the sight of his own blood. So, Linda (John Roberts) brings him to the hospital and leaves the kids home alone. Not ones to waste a golden opportunity, Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) transform the basement of the restaurant into a makeshift casino. But they get more than they bargained for when landlord Mr. Fischoeder (guest voice Kevin Kline) stops by and catches them in action.
Over the past year, Bob's Burgers has become a true breath of fresh air on Fox's Animation Domination line-up. While the majority of the shows on the line-up have a somewhat mean-spirited tendency to them, Bob's takes a completely different approach - it's a loving, joyful celebration of its characters and their strange quirks. And when I say strange quirks, I mean really strange quirks - the Belchers, particularly the kids, are some of the most off-beat characters on television right now. Each of them has a completely unique persona that's really unlike any other character you'll find on TV, but instead of turning their oddball tendencies into the butt of jokes like...say, Family Guy would, the show totally embraces its characters' weirdness, which makes for a really warm and just all-around fun viewing experience.
Tonight's episode, "The Kids Run the Restaurant," is a great showcase for all of this. While Bob's a great straight man character and Linda's an excellent foil for him, most of the show's energy comes from their three insane children, and this episode sets them loose and allows all of their persona's to really shine. We get to see Louise's hyper-precociousness, Tina's all-around weirdness, and Gene's...well, we just get to see Gene being Gene, which always promises to be a weird and wonderful time. We get to watch them take over a restaurant and eventually open a (literally) underground casino, which would probably be a funny plot with just about any half-decent sitcom - but with the oddballs that are the Belcher children, it's a seriously hysterical time. Coupled with an equally funny subplot about Linda and Bob taking a trip to the emergency room that brings out the best in those characters, and you have a really entertaining outing from a show that's quietly become one of the best comedies on TV. A-
Households: #1. CBS 5.4/8.6 (rating/share); #2. ABC 4.9/7.8; #3. Fox 4.9/7.6; #4. NBC 4.2/6.7; #5. The CW 0.8/1.3
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 8.59 million; #2. Fox 7.98 million; #3. ABC 7.54 million; #4. NBC 6.75 million; #5. The CW 1.26 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. Fox 2.4/6.7 (rating/share); #2. NBC 2.3/6.6; #3. CBS 2.0/5.6; #4. ABC 1.6/4.5; #5. The CW 0.5/1.3
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 8.59 million; #2. Fox 7.98 million; #3. ABC 7.54 million; #4. NBC 6.75 million; #5. The CW 1.26 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. Fox 2.4/6.7 (rating/share); #2. NBC 2.3/6.6; #3. CBS 2.0/5.6; #4. ABC 1.6/4.5; #5. The CW 0.5/1.3
Week 30 (April 15-21) Analysis: In a bit of a slow week, with many repeats, Fox has the edge right now in 18-49. Through the final first four night network averages, CBS is in first in HH/total viewers but Fox in on top by a hare in adults 18-49. For second place in 18-49, NBC has the advantage over CBS, with ABC trailing. In HH/viewers, CBS has the lead over ABC and Fox, while NBC trails in fourth. When the week is done, it could be Fox or NBC with the 18-49 win, but it will be close since CBS is not that far behind either. ABC will be fourth still with repeats airing primarily. CBS will take total viewers for sure. More on that later. As for the previous week, week 29, CBS was first in adults 18-49 with a 2.4 rating, compared to a 1.9 for second place Fox, with NBC right behind with a 1.7. ABC was in repeats for many of their big hits and had to settle for a 1.3. Among total viewers, it was of course CBS on top easily over second place Fox. ABC was right behind and NBC had to settle for a close fourth.
Monday had NBC win easily over ABC and CBS. But first, ABC started with a two-hour Dancing with the Stars from 8-10pm and did 13.4 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which is back up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Then Castle was all-new at 10 and did 10.18 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, good for second place. For NBC, they had the two-hour The Voice from 8-10pm that did 14.45 million and a 5.2 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week for another season high. It has done very well so far. At 10pm, NBC preempted Revolution for an NBC News Special on "Terror in Boston" and did 8.83 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, eight tenths better in 18-49 than previous week's Revolution. CBS returned its regular line-up, with a new How I Met Your Mother starting it off with 6.58 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, which is below normal. At 8:30pm, Rules of Engagement was all-new too and did 6.11 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, as it has struggled a bit this season. At 9, a new episode of the falling 2 Broke Girls did 7.54 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, for a series low. Not good news and to make it worse, it's another repeat tomorrow. At 9:30pm, a new Mike & Molly also was lower than normal with 7.76 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, also a series low. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was new and did 7.65 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, for a third place in its slot. Fox aired a new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 6.65 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating. At 9pm, week thirteen of new drama The Following at 9pm did 6.36 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for a new series low. A little concerning, but still OK even with all of this live competition. The CW aired the season premiere of Oh Sit! at 8 and did 0.94 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week's The Carrie Diaries finale. Still not good. At 9, 90210 returned and did 0.55 million and a 0.2 18-49 rating, horrible and on par in 18-49 with previous week's repeat in the slot. Ouch!
On Tuesday, CBS big dramas were in repeats, so Voice-fueled NBC took the night again despite a new series tanking more. On CBS, NCIS: Los Angeles aired at a special time for a repeat and did 9.39 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is lower than what the parent series would have done. At 9pm, a repeat of NCIS aired at a special time and did 12.61 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, good showing for a repeat. At 10pm, week eight of Golden Boy in this slot did 8.07 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week and good enough to win the hour. On ABC, at 8pm the fifth week of Splash did 5.22 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A bit concerning, as the NBC and Fox reality series are taking its audience. At 9pm, Dancing with the Stars: The Results did 12.73 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week and tying the previous night's performance show. A new Body of Proof aired at 10pm and did 8.94 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which was on par in 18-49 with previous week once again. This show does decent in total viewers, so it has a chance of returning, but on a lower viewed night like Friday or Saturday. NBC aired the Tuesday The Voice from 8-9pm and did 14.15 million and a 4.6 18-49 rating, easily #1 in the time period and up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Unbelievable. At 9pm, a two-hour showing of Eva Longoria-produced reality show Ready for Love only did 3.2 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is horrible and down three tenths in 18-49 from its premiere the previous week. After this Tuesday it has been pulled, ouch. Fox started with Hell's Kitchen at 8 and did 4.77 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as this is a good option against the NBC juggernaut. At 9pm, New Girl was a repeat and did 2.27 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is OK. At 9:30pm, a repeat of The Mindy Project did 1.82 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie and did 1.3 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A repeat of America's Next Top Model at 9 did 0.59 million and a 0.2 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week.
Wednesday it was Fox with the win over CBS and ABC again thanks to American Idol, as it airs two-hours every Wednesday and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with a new Survivor: Caramoan at 8 doing 9.99 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for season high. Criminal Minds was a repeat at 9 and did 6.88 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is below what it usually can do. At 10pm, CSI was preempted for a repeat of Elementary and did 6.41 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, as that is below what CSI would do in repeats. ABC kicked off the night with the two-episode finale of Suburgatory, as The Middle was preempted. The first half hour did doing 5.33 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's The Middle, but that is expected. At 8:30pm the Suburgatory season finale did 5.45 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Great episodes. At 9pm, a repeat of Modern Family did the best of the block with 6.43 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, as that is good for repeats. The third (and best) episode of How To Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) followed at 9:30pm with a solid 6.06 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week but that was with a new lead-in. Holding on 100% to its lead-in is great news. At 10pm, Nashville was a repeat and did 2.89 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating. New episodes return May 1! On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 12.71 million and a 3.4 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week thanks to many repeats in competition. Onto NBC a new Dateline started it off at 8pm with 5.01 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which was on par in 18-49 with previous week. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a repeat that did 4.49 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, Chicago Fire was a repeat and did 3.54 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's Hannibal encore. The CW aired a repeat of new hit Arrow and did 1.58 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9pm, a repeat of Supernatural did 1.42 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
On Thursday, it was Fox with the win as CBS and ABC were in repeats again (primarily). Starting with ABC, a new Wife Swap aired and did 4.63 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, again up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was a repeat and did 4.02 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, ABC aired a repeat of TV's #1 show at 10pm Scandal doing 3.31 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. New episodes return this Thursday for both ABC dramas! CBS aired repeats, as at 8pm The Big Bang Theory repeat did the best of course with 11.43 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Amazing. Two and a Half Men followed with a repeat at 8:30pm with a good outing with 8.79 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, up a solid four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9, Person of Interest was preempted at 9pm for more comedy repeats. A repeat of The Big Bang Theory at 9pm did 10.89 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, skewing younger than it did at 8pm. Hmm, tempting to move here next season? At 9:30, a repeat of 2 Broke Girls did 7.71 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, nearly beating its Monday performance, which was new. At 10pm, Elementary was preempted for a repeat of Person of Interest that did 8.63 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Elementary in the slot but down two tenths in 18-49 from its own repeat the previous week at 9pm. So perhaps it should be a 9pm show next season, maybe Tuesdays? Fox had American Idol from 8-9pm and did 12.42 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, which was down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Glee was new at 9 and did 6.14 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. NBC mostly aired new episodes of its comedies, as a new Community did 3.13 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Look for our review of this week's episode on Thursday at noon. A special rerun of The Office at 8:30pm did 2.24 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a special all-new Parks & Recreation aired instead of The Office and did only 3.35 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 to that series. At 9:30pm, another new episode of Parks & Recreation aired and did a similar 3.34 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, not bad. At 10pm, NBC aired week three of new drama Hannibal doing 3.51 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Already dropping against repeats and could be worse this week against two of the top 10pm shows. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and was all-new doing 2.14 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, as that is below average for this series. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was also new and did 1.59 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but Friday ratings were washed out due to breaking news coverage of the manhunt for the Boston marathon bombers. NBC lead the way in the preliminaries, followed by ABC. Regular programming resumed in the 10pm hour for NBC and ABC, but that was news coverage (20/20 and Rock Center with Brian Williams).
Saturday had Fox win the night with UFC coverage. ABC, NBC, and CBS were all low. Fox preempted Cops and a repeat of The Following. NBC settled for a new Smash at 8pm that was dead last. At 9pm, a repeat of The Voice was tied for second and a repeat of SNL at 10 grew from it for second place. ABC aired week two of new game show Bet On Your Baby which was in second place at 8pm, while a two-hour repeat of Castle was tied for second at 9 and third at 10. CBS took the 10pm hour with 48 Hours, but struggled with Vegas earlier in the night at 8 for third place and The Mentalist was tied for second at 9 with ABC and NBC.
Monday had NBC win easily over ABC and CBS. But first, ABC started with a two-hour Dancing with the Stars from 8-10pm and did 13.4 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which is back up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Then Castle was all-new at 10 and did 10.18 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, good for second place. For NBC, they had the two-hour The Voice from 8-10pm that did 14.45 million and a 5.2 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week for another season high. It has done very well so far. At 10pm, NBC preempted Revolution for an NBC News Special on "Terror in Boston" and did 8.83 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, eight tenths better in 18-49 than previous week's Revolution. CBS returned its regular line-up, with a new How I Met Your Mother starting it off with 6.58 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, which is below normal. At 8:30pm, Rules of Engagement was all-new too and did 6.11 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, as it has struggled a bit this season. At 9, a new episode of the falling 2 Broke Girls did 7.54 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, for a series low. Not good news and to make it worse, it's another repeat tomorrow. At 9:30pm, a new Mike & Molly also was lower than normal with 7.76 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, also a series low. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was new and did 7.65 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, for a third place in its slot. Fox aired a new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 6.65 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating. At 9pm, week thirteen of new drama The Following at 9pm did 6.36 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for a new series low. A little concerning, but still OK even with all of this live competition. The CW aired the season premiere of Oh Sit! at 8 and did 0.94 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week's The Carrie Diaries finale. Still not good. At 9, 90210 returned and did 0.55 million and a 0.2 18-49 rating, horrible and on par in 18-49 with previous week's repeat in the slot. Ouch!
On Tuesday, CBS big dramas were in repeats, so Voice-fueled NBC took the night again despite a new series tanking more. On CBS, NCIS: Los Angeles aired at a special time for a repeat and did 9.39 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is lower than what the parent series would have done. At 9pm, a repeat of NCIS aired at a special time and did 12.61 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, good showing for a repeat. At 10pm, week eight of Golden Boy in this slot did 8.07 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week and good enough to win the hour. On ABC, at 8pm the fifth week of Splash did 5.22 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A bit concerning, as the NBC and Fox reality series are taking its audience. At 9pm, Dancing with the Stars: The Results did 12.73 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week and tying the previous night's performance show. A new Body of Proof aired at 10pm and did 8.94 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which was on par in 18-49 with previous week once again. This show does decent in total viewers, so it has a chance of returning, but on a lower viewed night like Friday or Saturday. NBC aired the Tuesday The Voice from 8-9pm and did 14.15 million and a 4.6 18-49 rating, easily #1 in the time period and up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Unbelievable. At 9pm, a two-hour showing of Eva Longoria-produced reality show Ready for Love only did 3.2 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is horrible and down three tenths in 18-49 from its premiere the previous week. After this Tuesday it has been pulled, ouch. Fox started with Hell's Kitchen at 8 and did 4.77 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as this is a good option against the NBC juggernaut. At 9pm, New Girl was a repeat and did 2.27 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is OK. At 9:30pm, a repeat of The Mindy Project did 1.82 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie and did 1.3 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A repeat of America's Next Top Model at 9 did 0.59 million and a 0.2 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week.
Wednesday it was Fox with the win over CBS and ABC again thanks to American Idol, as it airs two-hours every Wednesday and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with a new Survivor: Caramoan at 8 doing 9.99 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for season high. Criminal Minds was a repeat at 9 and did 6.88 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is below what it usually can do. At 10pm, CSI was preempted for a repeat of Elementary and did 6.41 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, as that is below what CSI would do in repeats. ABC kicked off the night with the two-episode finale of Suburgatory, as The Middle was preempted. The first half hour did doing 5.33 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's The Middle, but that is expected. At 8:30pm the Suburgatory season finale did 5.45 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Great episodes. At 9pm, a repeat of Modern Family did the best of the block with 6.43 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, as that is good for repeats. The third (and best) episode of How To Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) followed at 9:30pm with a solid 6.06 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week but that was with a new lead-in. Holding on 100% to its lead-in is great news. At 10pm, Nashville was a repeat and did 2.89 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating. New episodes return May 1! On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 12.71 million and a 3.4 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week thanks to many repeats in competition. Onto NBC a new Dateline started it off at 8pm with 5.01 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which was on par in 18-49 with previous week. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a repeat that did 4.49 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, Chicago Fire was a repeat and did 3.54 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's Hannibal encore. The CW aired a repeat of new hit Arrow and did 1.58 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9pm, a repeat of Supernatural did 1.42 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
On Thursday, it was Fox with the win as CBS and ABC were in repeats again (primarily). Starting with ABC, a new Wife Swap aired and did 4.63 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, again up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was a repeat and did 4.02 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, ABC aired a repeat of TV's #1 show at 10pm Scandal doing 3.31 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. New episodes return this Thursday for both ABC dramas! CBS aired repeats, as at 8pm The Big Bang Theory repeat did the best of course with 11.43 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Amazing. Two and a Half Men followed with a repeat at 8:30pm with a good outing with 8.79 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, up a solid four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9, Person of Interest was preempted at 9pm for more comedy repeats. A repeat of The Big Bang Theory at 9pm did 10.89 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, skewing younger than it did at 8pm. Hmm, tempting to move here next season? At 9:30, a repeat of 2 Broke Girls did 7.71 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, nearly beating its Monday performance, which was new. At 10pm, Elementary was preempted for a repeat of Person of Interest that did 8.63 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Elementary in the slot but down two tenths in 18-49 from its own repeat the previous week at 9pm. So perhaps it should be a 9pm show next season, maybe Tuesdays? Fox had American Idol from 8-9pm and did 12.42 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, which was down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Glee was new at 9 and did 6.14 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. NBC mostly aired new episodes of its comedies, as a new Community did 3.13 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Look for our review of this week's episode on Thursday at noon. A special rerun of The Office at 8:30pm did 2.24 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a special all-new Parks & Recreation aired instead of The Office and did only 3.35 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 to that series. At 9:30pm, another new episode of Parks & Recreation aired and did a similar 3.34 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, not bad. At 10pm, NBC aired week three of new drama Hannibal doing 3.51 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Already dropping against repeats and could be worse this week against two of the top 10pm shows. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and was all-new doing 2.14 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, as that is below average for this series. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was also new and did 1.59 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but Friday ratings were washed out due to breaking news coverage of the manhunt for the Boston marathon bombers. NBC lead the way in the preliminaries, followed by ABC. Regular programming resumed in the 10pm hour for NBC and ABC, but that was news coverage (20/20 and Rock Center with Brian Williams).
Saturday had Fox win the night with UFC coverage. ABC, NBC, and CBS were all low. Fox preempted Cops and a repeat of The Following. NBC settled for a new Smash at 8pm that was dead last. At 9pm, a repeat of The Voice was tied for second and a repeat of SNL at 10 grew from it for second place. ABC aired week two of new game show Bet On Your Baby which was in second place at 8pm, while a two-hour repeat of Castle was tied for second at 9 and third at 10. CBS took the 10pm hour with 48 Hours, but struggled with Vegas earlier in the night at 8 for third place and The Mentalist was tied for second at 9 with ABC and NBC.
Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new from 7-11pm. The regular AFV and Once Upon a Time, but Revenge and Red Widow are preempted for the new Hallmark Hall of Fame: Remember Sunday starring Zachary Levi and Alexis Bleidel. Once should do well. I think it will be a third place finish for ABC. NBC devotes the night to The Voice repeats from 7-9pm, which will struggle a bit then a new Celebrity Apprentice: All-Stars from 9-11. NBC will likely finish in second. CBS has 60 Minutes at 7, followed by new episodes of Amazing Race, The Good Wife & The Mentalist, which will likely be a fourth place finish since it skews old. Fox's animation block is half all-new from 7:30-10pm, and still could take this slow night.
As for the week (week 30), Fox will take the week in 18-49 over NBC I think because of the consistent performance on Saturday and tonight. NBC will likely be in second in 18-49, followed by CBS and ABC. For total viewers, CBS will remain first. ABC could be second over Fox, followed by NBC in a competitive fourth. As for the coming week (week 31), May sweeps starts on Thursday and we are down to the final four weeks of the season. How fast was that? Upfronts are just around the corner!
Week 30 How the Sitcoms Did
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for Week 29 -- April 8-14)
- The Simpsons (Fox) - A new episode at 8 did 4.11 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, which seems below normal.
- The Cleveland Show (Fox) - Its normal time of 7:30pm was new and did 2.5 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, as this show might be the odd-man out soon.
- Bob's Burgers (Fox) 2 airings - The 8:30 airing was new and did 3.45 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, losing some steam from its lead-in but still not too bad. Look for our review of tonight's episode below! A repeat at 7pm did only 1.68 million and just a 0.7 18-49 rating, but on par in 18-49 with previous week.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A brand new showing at 9 did 5.02 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating, which was up the best of the block by far and #1 for the night (excluding the Master's overrun).
- American Dad! (Fox) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 4.23 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is decent.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A new episode averaged a 6.58 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, which is below normal but best of the block actually.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - A new showing did 6.11 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which could be better.
- 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A new episode struggled with only 7.54 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating for series lows. Not impressive this week.
- Mike & Molly (CBS) - At 9:30pm, the show built on its lead-in in total viewers with 7.76 million but just a 2.2 18-49 rating. Series lows as well.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- New Girl (Fox) - A repeat did 2.27 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is OK for this series in repeats.
- The Mindy Project (Fox) - A repeat of this show did 1.82 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, not good but expected.
- The Middle (ABC) - preempted.
- Suburgatory (ABC) 2 episodes - A special all-new episode at a special time of 8pm did 5.33 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, which is OK. The season finale followed at 8:30pm and did 5.45 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. It'll be back I think next season, so nothing to worry much about.
- Modern Family (ABC) - A repeat at 9 did 6.43 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, which is solid for a repeat. New episodes return May 1.
- How To Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) (ABC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 6.06 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, yes it is down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week, but this episode followed a repeat...and it held on 100% to that. So, it's good news.
Thursday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) 2 airings - A repeat at 8pm posted 11.43 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, which is excellent for a repeat and up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A repeat at a special time of 9pm skewed younger with 10.89 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating. Wow.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A repeat episode followed with 8.79 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is solid for a repeat and up an impressive four tenths in 18-49 from previous week.
- 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A special repeat at 9:30pm did 7.71 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating. Good and nearly beat its new airing on Monday, as the power of a good lead-in (and limited competition) helps.
- Community (NBC) - A new episode did just 3.13 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, but it was up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. I don't think NBC will bring it back. Perhaps Comedy Central?
- The Office (NBC) - A special repeat at 8:30pm did just 2.24 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating. The 9pm airing was preempted
- Parks & Recreation (NBC) 2 episodes - A new episode at a special time of 9pm did just 3.35 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week;s episode of The Office in the slot. Now the series has regularly moved back to 9:30pm, and it did 3.34 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating. Not good but not terrible either, it would be in the OK column.
- Happy Endings (ABC) - preempted for breaking news.
- None.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, How To Live With Your Parents, were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as 2 Broke Girls, Suburgatoryl) or just plain terrible (such as Mindy Project, Community).
On the next...Bob's Burgers:
By: Vincent
Fox's Sunday Animation Domination comedy with the Belcher family airs Sunday nights at 8:30|7:30c and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (April 21). Things get dicey (and bloody, and semi-illegal, and Kevin Kline shows up) tonight! In the episode airing tonight, "The Kids Run The Restaurant," Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) realizes that giving Linda (John Roberts) a heart-shaped pancake for the moBob (H. Jon Benjamin) cuts his finger and faints at the sight of his own blood. So, Linda (John Roberts) brings him to the hospital and leaves the kids home alone. Not ones to waste a golden opportunity, Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) transform the basement of the restaurant into a makeshift casino. But they get more than they bargained for when landlord Mr. Fischoeder (guest voice Kevin Kline) stops by and catches them in action.
Over the past year, Bob's Burgers has become a true breath of fresh air on Fox's Animation Domination line-up. While the majority of the shows on the line-up have a somewhat mean-spirited tendency to them, Bob's takes a completely different approach - it's a loving, joyful celebration of its characters and their strange quirks. And when I say strange quirks, I mean really strange quirks - the Belchers, particularly the kids, are some of the most off-beat characters on television right now. Each of them has a completely unique persona that's really unlike any other character you'll find on TV, but instead of turning their oddball tendencies into the butt of jokes like...say, Family Guy would, the show totally embraces its characters' weirdness, which makes for a really warm and just all-around fun viewing experience.
Tonight's episode, "The Kids Run the Restaurant," is a great showcase for all of this. While Bob's a great straight man character and Linda's an excellent foil for him, most of the show's energy comes from their three insane children, and this episode sets them loose and allows all of their persona's to really shine. We get to see Louise's hyper-precociousness, Tina's all-around weirdness, and Gene's...well, we just get to see Gene being Gene, which always promises to be a weird and wonderful time. We get to watch them take over a restaurant and eventually open a (literally) underground casino, which would probably be a funny plot with just about any half-decent sitcom - but with the oddballs that are the Belcher children, it's a seriously hysterical time. Coupled with an equally funny subplot about Linda and Bob taking a trip to the emergency room that brings out the best in those characters, and you have a really entertaining outing from a show that's quietly become one of the best comedies on TV. A-
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Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Monday, December 23
The Neighborhood - "Welcome to the Vote" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dave gathers everyone for a lengthy ballot-palooza party to discuss the merits of every candidate and prop on each of their election ballots. Also, Gemma is determined to run a tight ship as their local precinct captain when polls open at Walcott Academy.
Poppa's House - "Sleepover" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Dr. Ivy Reed joins Poppa’s family for dinner, she begins scrutinizing Nina and Junior’s relationship for potential catastrophe. Junior spends the night at his dad’s house while Nina and Ivy devise a plan over a bottle of wine.
Bob Hearts Abishola - "Black Ice" (The CW, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
On Valentine's Day, when it comes to showing affection, Bob and Abishola have to find a way to meet each other in the middle.
Bob Hearts Abishola - "Where's Your Other Wives, Tunde?" (The CW, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dottie, Auntie Olu and Uncle Tunde must find a way to reconcile when they're forced to eat dinner together; Bob and Abishola have differing opinions on the progress of their relationship.
The Conners - "Rage Against the Machine" (The CW, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Dan gets injured while covering D.J.'s vending machine route, the decision to sue the company could cost D.J. his job; Jackie is appalled when Becky seeks life coaching from her nemesis.
The Conners - "Smoking Penguins and Santa on Santa Action" (The CW, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dan is disappointed when everyone but Becky forgets about his birthday; Darlene faces another issue; Dan excludes Jackie from the family Christmas Santa photo for mistreating Louise.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of December 23)
Monday, December 23
- John Mulaney (Mulaney) - Watch John on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Linda Cardellini (No Good Deed/Dead to Me/Guys Like Us) - Linda is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Sabrina Carpenter (Girl Meets World) - Sabrina appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Nathan Lane (Only Murders in the Building/Modern Family/Charlie Lawrence/Encore! Encore!/One of the Boys) - Nathan is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Rosemarie DeWitt (United States of Tara) - Rosemarie appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Brandon Kyle Goodman (Human Resources) - Brandon is a guest on After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
- Ilana Glazer (Broad City) - Ilana appears on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Megan Hilty (Sean Saves the World) - Megan appears on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
- James Van Der Beek (Friends with Better Lives/Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23) - James chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Tony Shalhoub (We Are Men/Stark Raving Mad/Wings) - NBC's Today has The 70 Club with Tony in the 9am hour.
- Jennifer Love Hewitt (Shaky Ground) - Jennifer talks about Lifetime's The Holiday Junkie on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
- Alexa PenaVega (Ruby & the Rockits) - Alexa talks about Great American Family's Love at the Kettle on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
09/10 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-7
09/10 - The Ropers - The Complete Series (VEI)
09/10 - Ted - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/17 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - Video Scrapbook
09/17 - Top Cat - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/24 - Friends - The Complete Series (4K UHD)
09/24 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Seventh Season (DVD) / The Complete Series (DVD) (Blu-ray)
10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/05 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/12 - The King of Queens - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (2024 Release)
11/19 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fourteenth Season
11/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 4 (Blu-ray)
12/03 - Angel (1960-1961) - The Complete Series, Volume 1
12/17 - Seinfeld - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (4K UHD)
02/04 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
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