Monday, March 31, 2014

CBS Midseason Pilot Review: Friends with Better Lives - Premieres March 31; Three's Company Returns to TV Land, That '70s Show Quietly Now on Nick at Nite

Friends with Better Lives

Friends with Better Lives - Mondays at 8:30PM ET/PT on CBS
Premieres Monday, March 31, 2014 at 9:00PM ET/PT


by Skees

As we come of age, we all think that we're the ones suffering, and it's our friends who have the better lives. So, naturally, that would be the premise of the latest sitcom on CBS, Friends with Better Lives. The series follows a married couple (Andi and Bobby), a divorced man (Will), a soon-to-be-engaged couple (Kate and Lowell), and the eternally obnoxious one who finds the flaws in everybody (Jules). So who really has the better life? That's what this CBS series tries to answer, in sitcom form.

Cast Details:
James Van Der Beek as Will Stokes 
Brooklyn Decker as Jules Talley 
Zoe Lister-Jones as Kate McLean 
Rick Donald as Lowell Peddit 
Majandra Delfino as Andi Lutz 
Kevin Connolly as Bobby Lutz 

James Van Der Beek (Will Stokes) is primarily known for playing the starring role in the teen drama Dawson's Creek. More recently, he was on ABC's Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. His first TV appearance came in 1993 on an episode of Clarissa Explains it All, and since Dawson's Creek ended, he has been cast in several unsold pilots, and has also played roles in many dramas such as Criminal Minds and One Tree Hill

Brooklyn Decker (Jules Talley) is primarily known as a swimsuit model, having appeared in many magazines including Sports Illustrated, but she has also made appearances in series such as Chuck, Ugly Betty, and New Girl. She is married to retired tennis player Andy Roddick.

Zoe Lister-Jones (Kate McLean) is possibly best known for her role of Lily on the series Whitney. She has also made guest appearances on three out of four series in the Law & Order franchise, as well as an episode of The Good Wife.

Rick Donald (Lowell Peddit) is an Australian actor who has made appearances on series such as House Husbands, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Underbelly, and Home and Away. This series marks his American television debut.

Majandra Delfino (Andi Lutz) is a Venezuelan-American actress who is best known for her role on the series Roswell. She got her start in Hollywood in the film Zeus and Roxanne, as well as appearing in the short-lived sitcom The Tony Danza Show, and has appeared in episodes of The Office and Boston Public.

Kevin Connolly (Bobby Lutz) is best known for his role of Eric on the HBO series Entourage. Before that, he was a regular on the series Unhappily Ever After. He has appeared in movies including The Notebook, Antwone Fisher, Secretariat, and will be reprising his TV role in the upcoming Entourage film.

Pilot Plot:

"Pilot" – airs Monday, March 31st, 2014 at 9PM ET/PT
Andi (Majandra Delfino) and Bobby (Kevin Connolly) are married and happily living on their own... well, sort of. They've also got to deal with parenting, and also Will (James Van Der Beek), who recently moved in after his own marital troubles. Bobby is about to throw a surprise party for Andi, but it is something that is going to end in disaster for almost everybody, except for Kate (Zoe Lister-Jones) and Lowell (Rick Donald).

Analysis:

In the 21 minutes of the episode that I watched, I mostly found myself confused by who the characters were and what their backstory was, which can be expected to some extent in a pilot... but that is also a solid indication that there is little, if anything, that is exciting about the characters or the series. The premise here is that we've got the married couple, the engaged couple, the one who is dating, and the one whose relationship just crashed. These are, ideally, all distinct characters that should have completely unique personalities. But everything just seemed to sort of mesh together into a horrible mess.

Like many pilots, a lot of things happened in the pilot. But in this pilot, maybe it was a bit too much. An engagement and a divorce happening within minutes of one another in the same house (all during a wedding anniversary celebration of another friend, to top it off) was a bit too much for the pilot. It would have been better to see the pre-engagement relationship play out a bit first, followed by a drawn out divorce. Now the series has already turned into two people dating and two couples married married (or one of them is at least close to it).

While the pilot did have some great actors in it, I felt that their potential was not utilized as fully as it could have been. While I was never a fan of Dawson's Creek, it cannot be denied that James Van Der Beek is a talented actor... but having him played the desperate divorced guy seemed out of place. It may have felt more natural for Kevin Connolly (another talented actor) to play that role, but instead, he was the happily married guy. Personally, I'm still seeing him as Eric from Entourage, or to go back even further, Ryan from Unhappily Ever After.

I can't say that I laughed at all during the entire episode. Of course, I'm always willing to give a sitcom the benefit of the doubt if it isn't a laugh-filled riot, because even some of the greatest sitcoms ever have good story telling with few laughs. The problem is, there wasn't a great story to be told here. The pilot attempted to focus on getting quick laughs, particularly related to some sexual content. But the problem is that a lot of sexual jokes are going to get their biggest laughs from a much younger audience than this series could ever hope to target.

Conclusion:

In all honesty, CBS probably doesn't have a hit on their hands with this series. I'm not sure what can be done about this series to make it a bit more watchable, as it honestly seems to show little promise. Of course, I've been wrong about these things before, but it mostly just feels like something CBS is using to fill the hole left by How I Met Your Mother, except there really isn't going to be anything good enough to fill that hole for the time being. Luckily for CBS, they have a mostly solid lineup, with a majority of their lineup already having been renewed for next season, and plenty of pilots in the works, which makes it unlikely that they'll turn back to this series in the fall. The real question, though, is will they continue to turn to this for an entire 13 episode run. The series will be given a very fair chance to capture an audience with what will probably be a solid lead-in for the debut, but what viewers decide beyond that is to be determined.

Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):

Watchability: 2/5
Funniness: 1/5
Overall: 2/5

Discuss the show after you watch it on Monday, March 31 at 9:00PM ET/PT on our message board.

Related Links:

  • CBS.com Official Site
  • TV.com
  • epguides.com
  • Internet Movie Database
  • Wikipedia
  • Friends with Better Lives Photo Gallery

    Preview:





  • Three's Company

    TV Land has picked-up the cable rights to Three's Company once again. The classic 70s/80s sitcom was not renewed by TV Land after its contract expired in August 2013, but now TV Land has made a deal to bring back the sitcom. It will join other recent returnees including The Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island. The John Ritter-led sitcom will begin starting this Saturday (April 5, 2014). It will air weekend mornings. Times will vary, but this coming Saturday it will air with a marathon block from 4:30am-2pm and Sunday from 4:30am-12pm. To make room for Three's Company, it seems TV Land will be removing The Golden Girls. Not to worry, as that will still air on the Viacom-owned network Logo. And as we mentioned, Three's Company is also returning in April on Antenna TV, so it's twice as nice for Three's Company this April. No foolin'. Stay with us for continued updates on TV Land and Three's Company!

    That '70s Show

    In other news, That '70s Show has quietly started on Nick at Nite a few weeks ago and it is airing every night from approx. 1:24-2:36am (2 episodes). George Lopez is now pushed to 2:36-4:57am, with Yes Dear rounding out the night from 4:57am-6am. Old Christine and My Wife & Kids are no longer airing on the network, but both can be found on other Viacom siblings (NickMom and BET, respectively). Hangin' with Mr. Cooper remains from 6-7am. Back to That '70s Show, with it now airing on Nick at Nite, it is still airing on TV Land as well. TV Land has not removed it and will continue to air it early mornings after 4am and on weekends after 2am. Stay with us for continued updates.

    Sunday, March 30, 2014

    Week 27 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

    2013-14 Week 27 TV Ratings (first four nights, Mon-Thu): 

    Households: #1. CBS 5.9/10 rating/share (+7% from first four nights Week 26); #2. ABC 4.7/8 (+2%); #3. NBC 4.4/7 (-8%); #4. Fox 3.5/6 (-5%); #5. The CW 1.1/2 (-8%)
    Total Viewers: #1. CBS 9.45 million (+9% from first four nights Week 26); #2. ABC 7.21 million (+3%); #3. NBC 6.93 million (-9%); #4. Fox 5.72 million (-4%); #5. The CW 1.69 million (-8%).
    Adults 18-49: #1. CBS 2.1/6 rating/share (+11% from first four nights Week 26); #2. NBC 1.9/6 (-10%); #3. ABC 1.7/5 (even); #4. Fox 1.6/5 (even) #5. The CW 0.6/2 (-14%)

    For previous week's final ratings, Week 26 (3/17/14-3/23/14) had CBS win the week in 18-49 with a 1.8 rating, followed by NBC's 1.6, ABC's 1.5 and Fox's 1.3. In total viewers, CBS lead this with 7.95 million, beating ABC which did 6.42 million, NBC followed closely with 6.34 million, and Fox trailed with 4.3 million.
    Season to-date (9/23/13-3/23/14) in 18-49, NBC is on top with a 3.0, over Fox's 2.7, CBS is next with a 2.4, and ABC at a 2.1. In total viewers, CBS is still on top with 10.81 million, then NBC is creeping in with 10.01, Fox is at 7.91 and ABC is at 7.45.

    Back to week 27, read our full night-by-night analysis followed by how the sitcoms did! GREAT showings are in BOLD. If they are in bold in both total viewers and 18-49, then it is very impressive:

    Week 27 (March 24-30) Analysis















    Last Sunday (Mar. 23)(Week 26)This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    60 MinutesCBS7:00PM11,306,00011,260,00046,0002.011.710.30741P
    America's Funniest VideosABC7:00PM6,870,0006,385,000485,0001.401.47(0.07)
    The Voice NBC7:00PM3,326,0005,181,000(1,855,000)0.781.41(0.63)REPEAT vs. 7-9P Special
    Bob's BurgersFox7:00PM2,450,0002,440,00010,0001.161.070.09
    American DadFox7:30PM2,700,0002,714,000(14,000)1.371.360.01
    The Amazing RaceCBS8:00PM8,705,0008,303,000402,0001.851.830.02841P
    Once Upon a TimeABC8:00PM6,911,0007,751,000(840,000)2.112.37(0.26)
    American Dream BuildersNBC8:00PM3,603,000
    3,603,0000.88
    0.88premiere
    The SimpsonsFox8:00PM3,983,0004,023,000(40,000)1.901.870.03
    Family GuyFox8:30PM4,379,0004,621,000(242,000)2.242.35(0.11)
    The Good WifeCBS9:00PM9,123,0008,432,000691,0001.371.320.05941P
    ResurrectionABC9:00PM9,511,00011,247,000(1,736,000)2.553.11(0.56)
    BelieveNBC9:00PM5,129,0006,566,000(1,437,000)1.201.47(0.27)
    Cosmos: SpacetimeFox9:00PM4,246,0004,951,000(705,000)1.701.95(0.25)
    The MentalistCBS10:00PM8,023,0008,646,000(623,000)1.271.30(0.03)1041P
    Revenge ABC10:00PM5,660,0006,239,000(579,000)1.541.68(0.14)
    CrisisNBC10:00PM5,135,0006,524,000(1,389,000)1.291.56(0.27)




















    Monday

    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    How I Met Your MotherCBS8:00PM9,036,0007,782,0001,254,0003.492.950.54
    Dancing with the StarsABC8:00PM14,648,00015,440,000(792,000)2.302.56(0.26)8-10P
    The VoiceNBC8:00PM12,847,00013,253,000(406,000)3.704.07(0.37)8-10P
    BonesFox8:00PM5,817,0005,626,000191,0001.411.410.00
    Star CrossedCW8:00PM879,0001,001,000(122,000)0.310.32(0.01)
    2 Broke GirlsCBS8:30PM7,397,0007,215,000182,0002.332.200.13
    Mike & MollyCBS9:00PM7,831,0007,704,000127,0002.041.840.20
    The FollowingFox9:00PM4,067,0003,950,000117,0001.381.380.00
    Tomorrow PeopleCW9:00PM784,0001,168,000(384,000)0.310.41(0.10)
    MomCBS9:30PM7,351,0007,050,000301,0001.901.780.12
    IntellgenceCBS10:00PM4,992,0005,297,000(305,000)1.131.070.06
    CastleABC10:00PM9,777,0009,990,000(213,000)1.761.81(0.05)
    The BlacklistNBC10:00PM10,799,00010,969,000(170,000)2.822.690.13










    Tuesday

    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    NCISCBS8:00PM17,520,00017,106,000414,0002.532.440.09
    Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.ABC8:00PM2,899,0004,087,000(1,188,000)0.771.47(0.70)REPEAT vs. Marvel Special
    The VoiceNBC8:00PM12,445,00013,289,000(844,000)3.363.60(0.24)
    GleeFox8:00PM2,684,0002,804,000(120,000)1.081.11(0.03)
    The 100CW8:00PM1,565,0001,534,00031,0000.540.67(0.13)REPEAT vs. Originals
    NCIS: LACBS9:00PM15,543,00014,210,0001,333,0002.442.270.17
    The GoldbergsABC9:00PM3,015,0004,737,000(1,722,000)0.881.66(0.78)REPEAT
    About a BoyNBC9:00PM7,414,0007,609,000(195,000)1.972.06(0.09)
    New GirlFox9:00PM2,493,0001,569,000924,0001.240.670.57vs. REPEAT
    SupernaturalCW9:00PM2,254,0001,862,000392,0001.010.850.16
    Trophy WifeABC9:30PM2,246,0003,218,000(972,000)0.681.03(0.35)REPEAT
    Growing Up FisherNBC9:30PM6,245,0006,596,000(351,000)1.681.79(0.11)
    Brooklyn Nine-NineFox9:30PM2,590,0002,499,00091,0001.261.120.14FINALE
    Person of InterestCBS10:00PM12,226,00010,937,0001,289,0002.001.700.30
    Mind GamesABC10:00PM2,061,0002,438,000(377,000)0.650.71(0.06)
    Chicago FireNBC10:00PM3,891,0006,956,000(3,065,000)0.961.87(0.91)REPEAT










    Wednesday
    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    Survivor Blood v WaterCBS8:00PM9,848,0009,460,000388,0002.322.49(0.17)
    The MiddleABC8:00PM7,284,0005,362,0001,922,0001.931.390.54vs. REPEAT
    SuburgatoryABC8:30PM5,245,0004,308,000937,0001.491.190.30vs. REPEAT
    Harry's South PoleNBC8:00PM3,707,0004,527,000(820,000)0.801.21(0.41)vs. Revolution
    American IdolFox8:00PM9,328,0009,830,000(502,000)2.162.25(0.09)8-10P
    ArrowCW8:00PM2,624,0002,418,000206,0000.900.820.08
    Criminal MindsCBS9:00PM7,189,00010,138,000(2,949,000)1.422.22(0.80)REPEAT
    Modern FamilyABC9:00PM10,090,0005,515,0004,575,0003.651.781.87vs. REPEAT
    Law & Order: SVUNBC9:00PM3,507,0005,823,000(2,316,000)0.851.54(0.69)REPEAT
    MixologyABC9:30PM4,851,0003,660,0001,191,0001.651.210.44
    The 100CW9:00PM2,275,0002,734,000(459,000)0.740.90(0.16)
    CSICBS10:00PM7,415,00010,202,000(2,787,000)1.221.95(0.73)REPEAT
    NashvilleABC10:00PM5,190,0002,538,0002,652,0001.290.640.65vs. REPEAT
    Chicago P.D.NBC10:00PM3,817,0005,741,000(1,924,000)0.871.41(0.54)REPEAT










    Thursday
    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    NCAA BasketballCBS7:00PM7,109,0003,790,0003,319,0002.050.971.08
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PM

    0

    0.00
    Once: WonderlandABC8:00PM3,349,0003,508,000(159,000)0.960.810.15
    Hollywood Game NightNBC8:00PM4,283,000
    4,283,0001.15
    1.15REPEAT
    CommunityNBC8:00PM
    3,321,000(3,321,000)
    1.06(1.06)
    Hell's KitchenFox8:00PM5,391,0005,345,00046,0001.861.760.10
    Vampire DiariesCW8:00PM1,732,0002,285,000(553,000)0.791.07(0.28)
    The MillersCBS8:30PM

    0

    0.00
    Parks & RecreationNBC8:30PM
    3,045,000(3,045,000)
    1.19(1.19)
    Two and a Half MenCBS9:00PM

    0

    0.00
    Grey's AnatomyABC9:00PM8,421,0008,091,000330,0002.612.430.18
    Hollywood Game NightNBC9:00PM3,691,0002,871,000820,0001.140.900.24REPEAT
    American IdolFox9:00PM7,980,0008,413,000(433,000)1.881.96(0.08)vs. 9-10P
    ReignCW9:00PM1,399,0001,608,000(209,000)0.550.67(0.12)
    NCAA BasketballCBS9:30PM7,234,0003,637,0003,597,0002.611.331.28
    The Crazy OnesCBS9:30PM

    0

    0.00
    Surviving JackFox9:30PM5,148,000
    5,148,0001.28
    1.28premiere
    ElementaryCBS10:00PM

    0

    0.00
    ScandalABC10:00PM9,015,0009,078,000(63,000)3.132.930.20
    ParenthoodNBC10:00PM4,398,0004,215,000183,0001.391.260.13










    Friday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    NCAA BasketballCBS7:00PM9,949,0004,278,0005,671,0002.901.331.57
    Undercover BossCBS8:00PM

    0

    0.00
    Last Man StandingABC8:00PM6,213,0004,493,0001,720,0001.300.870.43vs. REPEAT
    DatelineNBC8:00PM8,009,0007,619,000390,0001.401.390.018-10P vs. 8-9P
    RakeFox8:00PM1,889,0001,904,000(15,000)0.400.49(0.09)
    Whose Line Is It Anyway?CW8:00PM1,738,0001,743,000(5,000)0.500.58(0.08)
    The NeighborsABC8:30PM4,034,0003,669,000365,0001.000.900.10
    Whose Line Is It Anyway?CW8:30PM1,592,0001,738,000(146,000)0.500.59(0.09)REPEAT
    Hawaii Five-0CBS9:00PM

    0

    0.00
    Shark TankABC9:00PM5,022,0008,291,000(3,269,000)1.202.12(0.92)REPEAT
    GrimmNBC9:00PM
    5,711,000(5,711,000)
    1.55(1.55)
    Hart of DixieCW9:00PM1,099,0001,032,00067,0000.400.330.07
    EnlistedFox9:00PM1,363,0001,177,000186,0000.400.370.03vs. REPEAT
    NCAA BasketballCBS9:30PM10,243,0004,651,0005,592,0003.501.511.99
    Raising HopeFox9:30PM1,550,0001,375,000175,0000.500.430.07
    Blue BloodsCBS10:00PM

    0

    0.00
    20/20ABC10:00PM7,042,0008,508,000(1,466,000)1.301.77(0.47)
    HannibalNBC10:00PM3,646,0002,688,000958,0001.100.860.24










    Saturday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    ComedytimeCBS8:00PM2,651,000
    2,651,0000.60
    0.60REPEAT
    NCAA BasketballCBS8:00PM
    6,908,000(6,908,000)
    2.23(2.23)
    MixologyABC8:00PM1,332,000
    1,332,0000.30
    0.30REPEAT
    Marvel Studios SpecialABC8:00PM
    1,795,000(1,795,000)
    0.39(0.39)
    DatelineNBC8:00PM4,800,0005,354,000(554,000)0.800.85(0.05)8-10P
    Almost HumanFox8:00PM1,534,0001,370,000164,0000.400.320.08REPEAT
    ComedytimeCBS8:30PM2,495,000
    2,495,0000.60
    0.60REPEAT
    MixologyABC8:30PM1,111,000
    1,111,0000.20
    0.20REPEAT
    48 Hours MysteryCBS9:00PM2,599,000
    2,599,0000.60
    0.60
    20/20 SaturdayABC9:00PM2,311,0001,492,000819,0000.500.330.17vs. Nightline Prime
    The FollowingFox9:00PM1,006,0001,082,000(76,000)0.300.33(0.03)REPEAT
    48 Hours MysteryCBS10:00PM4,016,0003,283,000733,0000.800.94(0.14)vs. REPEAT
    Nightline PrimeABC10:00PM2,933,0003,949,000(1,016,000)0.600.72(0.12)vs. 20/20 Sat
    SNL(R) NBC10:00PM2,625,0003,864,000(1,239,000)0.700.74(0.04)REPEAT vs. Crisis(R)



    Sitcoms in green did excellent for the week, while yellow indicates OK showings and red is not good! This is sorted by adults 18-49:

    Week 27 (March 24-30) How the Sitcoms Did
    (Sun comedies are previous week and Fri/Sat are prelim ratings)
    Sorted by 18-49 Rtg
    TitleNetworkTimeDayTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes







    Modern FamilyABC9:00PMWed10,090,0003.65
    How I Met Your MotherCBS8:00PMMon9,036,0003.49
    2 Broke GirlsCBS8:30PMMon7,397,0002.33
    Family GuyFox8:30PMSun4,379,0002.24
    Mike & MollyCBS9:00PMMon7,831,0002.04
    About a BoyNBC9:00PMTues7,414,0001.97
    The MiddleABC8:00PMWed7,284,0001.93
    The SimpsonsFox8:00PMSun3,983,0001.90
    MomCBS9:30PMMon7,351,0001.90
    Growing Up FisherNBC9:30PMTues6,245,0001.68
    MixologyABC9:30PMWed4,851,0001.65
    SuburgatoryABC8:30PMWed5,245,0001.49
    American Dad!Fox7:30PMSun2,700,0001.37
    Last Man StandingABC8:00PMFri6,213,0001.3
    Surviving JackFox9:30PMThur5,148,0001.28premiere
    Brooklyn Nine-NineFox9:30PMTues2,590,0001.26finale
    New GirlFox9:00PMTues2,493,0001.24
    Bob's BurgersFox7:00PMSun2,450,0001.16
    The NeighborsABC8:30PMFri4,034,0001.0
    The GoldbergsABC9:00PMTues3,015,0000.88REPEAT
    Trophy WifeABC9:30PMTues2,246,0000.68REPEAT
    Comedytime (R) CBS8:00PMSat2,651,0000.6REPEAT
    Comedytime (R) CBS8:30PMSat2,495,0000.6REPEAT
    Raising HopeFox9:30PMFri1,550,0000.5
    EnlistedFox9:00PMFri1,363,0000.4
    MixologyABC8:00PMSat1,332,0000.3REPEAT
    MixologyABC8:30PMSat1,111,0000.2REPEAT
    Parks & RecreationNBC8:30PMThur

    preempted
    CommunityNBC8:00PMThur

    preempted
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PMThur

    preempted
    Two and a Half MenCBS9:00PMThur

    preempted
    The MillersCBS8:30PMThur

    preempted
    The Crazy OnesCBS9:30PMThur

    preempted
    The Mindy ProjectFox9:30PMTues

    preempted
    Animation DominationFox7:00PMSun

    preempted
    Animnation DominationFox7:30PMSun

    preempted
    DadsFox8:00PMTues

    completed
    Super Fun NightABC9:30PMWed

    completed
    Sean Saves the WorldNBC9:00PMThur

    canceled
    The Michael J. Fox ShowNBC9:30PMThur

    canceled
    We Are MenCBS8:30PMMon

    canceled
    Welcome to the FamilyNBC8:30PMThur

    canceled
    Back in the GameABC8:30PMWed

    canceled

    SOURCE: Nielsen Media Research


    Sitcoms Airing Tonight

    Monday, September 25

    Son of a Critch - "Particip-action" (The CW, 8:00PM ET/PT)
    Mark is forced to participate in the school's Sports Day; Fox fights for her mother's attention and attempts to break the school record for gold medals.

    Run the Burbs - "Li Xi" (The CW, 8:30PM ET/PT)
    As they celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Andrew worries about his parents' relationship; Camille pitches her business to Andrew's mother; the kids get into trouble with their business startup.

    Children Ruin Everything - "Dignity" (The CW, 9:00PM ET/PT)
    Following embarrassing run-ins with her boss and co-workers, Astrid feels on the back foot and disconnected from her younger co-workers; Astrid realizes her best move might be to attend a drink night with the rest of her team.

    American Dad! - "Productive Panic" (TBS, 10:00PM ET/PT)
    Francine becomes an overnight sensation when a famous art dealer discovers her homemade pottery.

    Breeders - "No Matter What: Part Two" (FX, 10:00PM ET/PT)
    Jackie's health is continuing to worsen; Paul helps out a distressed Luke but finds himself in more conflict with Ally; at Baby Jay's naming party, Ava declares her love, and Paul makes an offer that will take him and Ally back in time.

    Complete TV Listings


    Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 25)

    Monday, September 25

    • Eddie Murphy (The PJs) - Watch Eddie on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
    • D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place/Barry) - D'Arcy is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
    • Idris Elba (Turn Up Charlie) - Idris appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
    • Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) - Aubrey is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
    • Wilmer Valderrama (That '70s Show) - Wilmer appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
    • Woody Harrelson (Cheers) - Woody is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
    • Jon Lovitz (Mr. Box Office/NewsRadio/Foley Square) - Jon is a guest on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen on CBS between 12:37-1:37am.
    • Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) and Mark Consuelos (Alpha House/Hope & Faith) - E! News has interviews with Kelly and Mark at 11pm on E!.
    • Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Guys with Kids/Entourage) - Jamie-Lynn appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
    • Kerry Washington (Unprisoned) - Kerry talks about her new book Thicker than Water: A Memoir on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
    • Punkie Johnson (After Life) - Punkie talks about her podcast Love Thang with Punkie Johnson on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
    • Keke Palmer (Scream Queens/True Jackson, VP) - Keke talks about her Big Boss album and tour on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.


    New on DVD/Blu-ray (June-October)

    Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series Family Matters - The Complete Series Step by Step - The Complete Series ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition)

    06/13 - Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series
    06/13 - Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series
    07/18 - South Park - Seasons 21-25 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
    07/25 - The Neighborhood - Season Five
    07/25 - Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin - Season One
    07/25 - Superstore - The Complete Series
    08/22 - Back to Life - Season 1 / Season 2
    08/29 - Smiling Friends - Season 1 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
    09/05 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Sixth Season
    09/12 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Second Season
    09/12 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-6 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
    09/26 - Family Matters - The Complete Series
    09/26 - Step by Step - The Complete Series
    10/10 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Thirteen / The Complete Season Fourteen
    10/17 - ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition) (Shout! Factory Special Offers)
    10/17 - Night Court (2023) - The Complete First Season
    More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD Releases / DVD Reviews Archive / SitcomsOnline Digest


    Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

    09/25 - Laff Fall 2023 Schedule with Last Man Standing and Man with a Plan; Upload Returns October 20
    09/24 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 25, 2023)
    09/23 - SitcomsOnline Digest: An End on the Horizon for WGA Strike?; Hallmark Ready for Christmas
    09/22 - The Santa Clauses Season 2 Launches November 8; CBS Alters Fall Schedule
    09/21 - Penn & Teller: Fool Us Gets New Return Date; Netflix's Unicorn Academy Premieres November 2
    09/20 - Paramount+ Announces Colin from Accounts; The Really Loud House Gets Halloween Movie
    09/19 - The Simpsons Season 34 Streams October 11 on Disney+; Good Burger 2 Set for Holiday Season
    09/18 - Hulu's Huluween and Disney+'s Hallowstream Line-Up; Shining Vale Returns October 13 on STARZ
    09/17 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 18, 2023)
    09/16 - SitcomsOnline Digest: ABC Cancels Wonder Years Reboot; Byron Allen Makes $10 Billion Offer to Buy ABC
    09/15 - Antenna TV's Bewitched Halloween Marathon; Rewind TV's Sabrina the Teenage Witch-O-Ween Marathon
    09/14 - Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Cast; BUZZR Celebrates 40 Years of Press Your Luck
    09/13 - TBS Acquires Modern Family; The Frasier Awards on COZI TV
    09/12 - Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen Gets CBS Late Night Run; Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy Special
    09/11 - Matt Rife Gets Netflix Special; Star Trek Day and Kid Cudi Join Forces
    09/10 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 11, 2023)
    09/09 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner Bros. Television Suspends Deals with Top Creators; Fran Drescher Re-Elected President of SAG-AFTRA
    09/08 - CBS Announces Hosts of Game Show; New Goosebumps Premieres Friday the 13th This October on Disney+ and Hulu
    09/07 - MeTV Presents Svengoolie's Halloween BOOnanza!; The CW Moving Fall Comedies to Thursdays
    09/06 - CBS to Air NCIS: Sydney This Fall; Fox Makes Fall Change
    09/05 - TBS and TNT September Stunts Include Big Bang Theory Batman Day Marathon; Netflix UK Produced Series Updates
    09/04 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2023 Include Three's Company
    09/03 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 4, 2023)
    09/02 - SitcomsOnline Digest: No Third Season for How I Met Your Father; Spectrum Dispute with Disney Could Spell End of Cable
    09/01 - September Is Anniversary Month on Hulu; Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween Returns for Its 25th Anniversary
    08/31 - Max's Original Comedy Series Starstruck Season 3 and Our Flag Means Death Season 2 Premiere Dates; AXS TV Announces Fall Programming Lineup
    08/30 - The Partridge Family Coming to AXS TV Starting Oct. 2; CBS to Air A Tribute to Bob Barker Special Aug. 31, Marathon of Match Game Episodes to Air Sept. 2 on Game Show Network
    08/29 - Once Upon a Time Coming to Hulu; Young Love Launches on Max in September
    08/28 - Remembering TV Legend Bob Barker; Wolf Like Me Returns in October on Peacock
    08/27 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 28, 2023)
    08/26 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Frasier Reboot Date Set, With CBS Also Airing First Two Episodes; Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. Cancelled
    08/25 - Rick and Morty Returns October 15; Switch New Season Begins September 18 on Game Show Network