Sunday, March 01, 2015

Fox Midseason Pilot Review: The Last Man on Earth - Premieres Tonight; Week 23 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

The Last Man on Earth

The Last Man on Earth - Sundays at 9:30PM ET/PT on Fox
Premieres on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 9:00PM ET/PT


by Skees

Phil Miller is a little lonely, and as bad as that may seem, you haven't met anybody as lonely as Phil Miller. A virus has seemingly spread across the planet, leaving Phil as the last man on Earth... maybe. But he hopes that he is wrong, and is out on an RV trip around the world to prove himself wrong. But after making that long trip, he comes home empty-handed and is ready to give up on it all... until he makes a discovery that will change his life forever.

Cast Details:

Note: The cast members listed are are those credited for the first three episodes.

Will Forte as Phil Miller
Kristen Schaal as Carol Pilbasian

Will Forte (Phil Miller) is best known for his role on Saturday Night Live, where he was a cast member from 2002 until 2010. Outside of that, he has mostly done voice work on television, including roles in Clone High, Sit Down, Shut Up, Allen Gregory, and The Cleveland Show, among many others. He has also appeared in movies such as Beerfest, Baby Mama, and most notably, MacGruber.

Kristen Schaal (Carol Pilbasian) is best known for her roles of Mel on the series Flight of the Conchords and Hazel on 30 Rock. She is also the voice of Louise on another Sunday night series on Fox, Bob's Burgers. She has had guest roles in several series, including Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother, Wilfred, and Glee.

Pilot Plot:

"Alive in Tucson" (Airs March 1 at 9:00PM ET)

Phil Miller is lost... very lost. As it turns out, everybody that he knows in the whole world is gone after a virus infects almost everybody, and he is trying his best to find somebody (just anybody) else who survived the disaster by traveling the country in his RV. After not succeeding, he tries to make it the best he can, and after he a while, he comes to what he thinks is the best possible solution for him... or maybe not.

"Elephant in the Room" (Airs March 1 at 9:30PM ET)

It initially seems that things get a little better for Phil when he determines that he is not alone in the world, but now that he has met Carol, he has run into new problems. The biggest of those problems is Carol, who is perhaps making him more miserable than he would be if he were alone. But they're the last two (maybe?) people on earth, and there is only one way for society to survive, and that will take something a bit more than constant bickering from the last two people on earth.

"Raisinballs and Wedding Bells" (Airs March 8 at 9:30PM ET)

Being the last two (for now, anyway) people on earth has caused Phil and Carol to have to consider what their future holds, and decisions that must be made. The problem is that Carol is ready to make those decisions and Phil would rather start a few fires.

Analysis:

First, it should be clear that the title of the series is somewhat misleading (and that is a good thing). It suggests that it is a series that stars one person who is all alone in the world. Throughout most of the pilot, that was true, and it seemed to set up the basis for a series that wasn't going to go anywhere at all. But once Phil encountered Carol, the dynamics of the pilot changed significantly, for the better. Until that time, though, the pilot really did drag on, and not exactly in a good way.

Fortunately, the first development in the series, Phil's discovery of Carol, finally made the series have some meaning. Phil is just a guy trying to improvise and survive in the world by any means necessary, with those means including using the swimming pool as his toilet (with a hole cut out on the diving board). Carol, on the other hand, is the typical Kristen Schaal type of character who is more than just a little borderline crazy, but perhaps a little beyond that border, particularly with her insistence upon maintaining all of the rules of society even when society is not there, all the way from obeying all of the traffic laws to abstaining from premarital sex.

Another rare thing about this series, at least in comparison to most sitcoms on broadcast TV these days, is that it is actually funny. There are a lot of great sitcoms out there that are well-written and do have some funny moments, but it has become increasingly rare to find a sitcom that goes out of its way to be funny in the modern era. This one does. A lot of the laughs in the pilot is thanks to Kristen Schaal, who seemingly never disappoints with the way that she portrays her characters.

Something else that I enjoyed (though it is something that could be dangerous to the possibility of the series succeeding) is how none of the episodes seem to be self-contained. Nothing is resolved in 30 minutes, and by the end of each episode, it seems that a whole new problem (often related to the original problem) has popped up.

However, being on broadcast television is the major pitfall of this series. It isn't the type of series that is going to work with broadcast television audiences. There are two reasons for this, one being that it is by no mean a "real world" sitcom like every other successful sitcom on the major networks, and the other being that it is a serial sitcom, where you almost need to captivate the audience at the pilot (because the guy who starts watching with episode 5 will already be lost). It really had the feeling of the type of show that FX or FXX should be airing, not something on Fox, and certainly not something on the Fox Sunday night lineup.

Conclusion:

The pilot started off very slow and at first I thought there was no way that I was going to like the series. After all, you can't make a series work with just a single cast member, and most of the pilot seemed to suggest that was what the series would be like. But as the pilot progressed, it really did become something that I think that I'll enjoy seeing... at least for as long as it lasts.

The serial nature of this show could be a little problematic as well. There have been a few successful serial sitcoms on the broadcast networks in recent years, but none of them have shown a reliance upon knowing what has happened in previous episodes in the way that this series does. It makes me wonder how new viewers will be able to catch up when watching the series for the first time.

I sort of hope that this can be successful and that I am wrong about my prediction that this series will be quickly shelved, but it is hard to imagine any way in which this will realistically work on a major broadcast network. I could see this series running for a month or two, but if they can't sell a mainstream broadcast audience on this series and do so quickly, I can't see any way for it to succeed.

Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):

Watchability: 4/5
Funniness: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Discuss the show after you watch it on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 9:00PM ET/PT on our message board.

Related Links:

  • Fox.com Official Site
  • TV.com
  • epguides.com
  • Internet Movie Database
  • Wikipedia
  • The Last Man on Earth Photo Gallery


  • Preview:





    2014-15 Week 23 TV Ratings (first four nights Mon-Thu): 

    Households: #1. CBS 6.18/10 rating/share (-9% in rating from first four nights week 22); #2. NBC 5.29/9 (+60%); #3. ABC 4.58/8 (even); #4. Fox 4.16/7 (+1%); #5. The CW 0.87/1 (-27%)
    Total Viewers: #1. CBS 10.081 million (-7% from first four nights week 22); #2. NBC 8.650 million (+66%); #3. ABC 7.085 million (even); #4. Fox 6.966 million (+1%); #5. The CW 1.353 million (-31%).
    Adults 18-49: #1. NBC 2.24/7 rating/share (+75% in rating from first four nights week 22); #2. Fox 2.21/7 (even); #3. ABC 2.09/6 (even); #4. CBS 2.03/6 (+1%) #5. The CW 0.41/1 (-47%)

    We have the final ratings for Week 22 (2/16/15-2/22/15 LIVE+SD). Among Adults 18-49, ABC won the week with a 3.00 rating, thanks to the Academy Awards. Fox followed with a distant 1.50 rating. Then we had CBS at 1.47, while NBC trailed with a 1.16.  For Total Viewers, ABC was first as well with 10.635 million, followed by CBS with 8.769 million, then it was NBC's 4.841 million and Fox trailed with 4.553 million.

    For season to-date (9/22/14-2/26/15 LIVE+SD), among Adults 18-49 we have NBC on top with a 2.34 rating, followed by CBS with a 1.92, Fox is third with a 1.70 and ABC creeping up with a 1.67.  In Total Viewers, it is CBS on top with 9.818 million, then NBC with 8.267 million, ABC is next with 6.495 million and Fox with 5.263 million.

    Back to week 23 (Feb. 23-Mar 1), 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 23 (Feb. 23-Mar 1) Analysis















    Last Sunday (Feb. 22)(Week 22)This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    60 MinutesCBS7:25PM6,375,00010,460,000(4,085,000)0.781.19(0.41)725-856P
    Oscars Red Carpet LiveABC7:00PM12,940,000
    12,940,000 2.69
    2.69
    America's Funniest VideosABC7:00PM
    6,590,000(6,590,000)
    1.43(1.43)
    Dateline ClassicNBC7:00PM5,395,00011,320,000(5,925,000)0.883.04(2.16)REPEAT vs. SNL Red Carp
    Bob's BurgersFox7:00PM2,010,0001,139,000871,000 0.750.380.37 REPEAT vs. Mulaney
    Oscars Red Carpet LiveABC7:30PM16,927,000
    16,927,000 4.07
    4.07
    The SimpsonsFox7:30PM2,224,0001,458,000766,000 0.980.580.40 REPEAT
    CBS MovieCBS8:00PM3,233,000
    3,233,000 0.59
    0.59 856-1126P
    Undercover BossCBS8:00PM
    6,455,000(6,455,000)
    0.93(0.93)
    Oscars Red Carpet LiveABC8:00PM23,815,000
    23,815,000 6.35
    6.35
    The Bachelor SpecialABC8:00PM
    5,672,000(5,672,000)
    1.48(1.48)
    Chicago FireNBC8:00PM2,396,000
    2,396,000 0.44
    0.44 REPEAT
    SNL 40th AnniversaryNBC8:00PM
    23,136,000(23,136,000)
    7.83(7.83)
    The SimpsonsFox8:00PM2,933,0002,674,000259,000 1.241.120.12 REPEAT
    Oscars 2015ABC8:30PM37,257,000
    37,257,000 10.98
    10.98 830-1148P
    Brooklyn Nine-NineFox8:30PM1,739,0002,079,000(340,000)0.780.91(0.13)REPEAT
    CSICBS9:00PM
    7,116,000(7,116,000)
    1.12(1.12)
    The BachelorABC9:00PM
    6,045,000(6,045,000)
    1.55(1.55)
    Law & Order: SVUNBC9:00PM2,436,000
    2,436,000 0.53
    0.53 REPEAT
    Family GuyFox9:00PM1,939,0002,508,000(569,000)0.851.17(0.32)REPEAT
    Bob's BurgersFox9:30PM1,930,0002,010,000(80,000)0.870.90(0.03)REPEAT
    CSICBS10:00PM
    7,119,000(7,119,000)
    1.08(1.08)
    Shark TankABC10:00PM

    -

    -
    Chicago P.D.NBC10:00PM2,783,000
    2,783,000 0.65
    0.65 REPEAT




















    Monday

    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    2 Broke GirlsCBS8:00PM8,466,0008,741,000(275,000)2.092.17(0.08)
    The BachelorABC8:00PM8,973,0008,969,0004,000 2.612.550.06 8-10P
    The VoiceNBC8:00PM13,968,0006,098,0007,870,000 4.061.662.40 PREMIERE 8-10P vs. Apprentice
    GothamFox8:00PM6,528,0006,189,000339,000 2.252.130.12
    World Dog AwardsCW8:00PM1,257,000
    1,257,000 0.33
    0.33 REPEAT 8-10P
    The OriginalsCW8:00PM
    1,441,000(1,441,000)
    0.64(0.64)
    Mike & MollyCBS8:30PM8,915,0009,315,000(400,000)2.032.20(0.17)
    ScorpionCBS9:00PM10,693,000
    10,693,000 2.11
    2.11
    Grammy Stevie Wonder SpecialCBS9:00PM
    7,586,000(7,586,000)
    1.45(1.45)
    Sleepy HollowFox9:00PM4,352,0004,473,000(121,000)1.431.43-
    Jane the VirginCW9:00PM
    1,306,000(1,306,000)
    0.56(0.56)
    NCIS LACBS10:00PM9,832,000
    9,832,000 1.63
    1.63
    CastleABC10:00PM7,608,0008,469,000(861,000)1.621.62-
    Night ShiftNBC10:00PM5,523,0004,470,0001,053,000 1.470.970.50 PREMIERE vs. State of Affairs










    Tuesday

    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    NCISCBS8:00PM17,383,00018,058,000(675,000)2.312.58(0.27)
    Fresh off the BoatABC8:00PM5,748,0006,168,000(420,000)1.841.87(0.03)
    The VoiceNBC8:00PM14,061,000
    14,061,000 3.90
    3.90 PREMIERE 8-10P
    Parks & RecreationNBC8:00PM
    2,937,000(2,937,000)
    1.17(1.17)
    MasterChef JuniorFox8:00PM4,826,0005,484,000(658,000)1.581.82(0.24)
    TV's Hottest CommercialsCW8:00PM1,252,0004,013,000(2,761,000)0.321.48(1.16)vs. Flash
    Repeat After MeABC8:30PM3,854,0004,357,000(503,000)1.271.38(0.11)
    Parks & RecreationNBC8:30PM
    2,474,000(2,474,000)
    1.09(1.09)
    NCIS: New OrleansCBS9:00PM13,708,00014,703,000(995,000)1.892.03(0.14)
    Marvel's Agent CarterABC9:00PM4,024,0004,154,000(130,000)1.321.40(0.08)FINALE
    Marry MeNBC9:00PM
    2,084,000(2,084,000)
    0.78(0.78)
    New GirlFox9:00PM2,847,0003,082,000(235,000)1.351.39(0.04)
    FlashCW9:00PM1,039,0002,090,000(1,051,000)0.290.85(0.56)REPEAT vs. Supernat'l
    About A BoyNBC9:30PM
    2,408,000(2,408,000)
    0.69(0.69)
    Mindy ProjectFox9:30PM2,280,0002,474,000(194,000)1.091.070.02
    Person of InterestCBS10:00PM9,633,0009,171,000462,000 1.671.550.12
    ForeverABC10:00PM4,656,0003,056,0001,600,000 1.040.760.28 vs. Oscar Countd'n
    Parks & RecreationNBC10:00PM4,149,0006,527,000(2,378,000)1.651.380.27 FINALE vs. Chicago Fire










    Wednesday
    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    SurvivorCBS8:00PM10,044,00010,101,000(57,000)2.391.281.11 PREMIERE 8-930 vs. Mentalist 8-10P
    The MiddleABC8:00PM7,467,0007,703,000(236,000)2.032.24(0.21)
    Mysteries of LauraNBC8:00PM7,630,0005,861,0001,769,000 1.361.100.26
    American IdolFox8:00PM10,380,00010,699,000(319,000)2.722.80(0.08)
    ArrowCW8:00PM3,071,0002,912,000159,000 1.101.17(0.07)
    The GoldbergsABC8:30PM7,635,0006,843,000792,000 2.542.200.34
    Criminal MindsCBS9:00PM

    -

    -
    Modern FamilyABC9:00PM9,324,0008,800,000524,000 3.443.050.39
    Law & Order: SVUNBC9:00PM7,722,0006,445,0001,277,000 1.561.57(0.01)
    EmpireFox9:00PM13,900,00013,019,000881,000 5.415.170.24
    The HundredCW9:00PM1,545,0001,420,000125,000 0.480.50(0.02)
    Amazing RaceCBS9:30PM6,163,000
    6,163,000 1.48
    1.48 PREMIERE 930-11p
    black-ishABC9:30PM6,626,0006,397,000229,000 2.252.160.09
    StalkerCBS10:00PM
    6,737,000(6,737,000)
    1.15(1.15)
    NashvilleABC10:00PM4,861,0004,723,000138,000 1.341.260.08
    Chicago P.D.NBC10:00PM7,434,0007,077,000357,000 1.531.67(0.14)










    Thursday
    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PM16,671,00017,489,000(818,000)4.544.510.03
    Grey's AnatomyABC8:00PM7,555,0008,128,000(573,000)2.192.49(0.30)
    SlapNBC8:00PM3,673,0003,964,000(291,000)0.710.83(0.12)
    American IdolFox8:00PM9,431,0008,981,000450,000 2.172.110.06
    The Vampire DiariesCW8:00PM728,0001,413,000(685,000)0.250.66(0.41)REPEAT
    The Odd CoupleCBS8:30PM11,080,00013,573,000(2,493,000)2.783.08(0.30)
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS9:00PM9,040,000
    9,040,000 2.21
    2.21 REPEAT
    Two and a Half MenCBS9:00PM
    13,515,000(13,515,000)
    3.18(3.18)
    How To Get Away w/MurderABC9:00PM8,986,000
    8,986,000 2.84
    2.84 FINALE 9-11P
    ScandalABC9:00PM
    9,624,000(9,624,000)
    3.27(3.27)
    BlacklistNBC9:00PM8,010,0007,713,000297,000 1.861.720.14
    BackstromFox9:00PM3,805,0003,541,000264,000 0.950.95-
    SupernaturalCW9:00PM677,0001,032,000(355,000)0.210.39(0.18)REPEAT vs. Reign
    MomCBS9:30PM8,302,000
    8,302,000 2.10
    2.10
    Victoria's Secret SwimCBS10:00PM4,068,0008,215,000(4,147,000)0.991.49(0.50)vs. Elementary
    How To Get Away w/MurderABC10:00PM
    8,856,000(8,856,000)
    2.85(2.85)
    AllegianceNBC10:00PM3,525,0003,320,000205,000 0.770.88(0.11)










    Friday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    The Amazing RaceCBS8:00PM6,148,0007,926,000(1,778,000)1.101.29(0.19)vs. Boss
    Last Man StandingABC8:00PM7,250,0006,579,000671,000 1.401.270.13
    Night ShiftNBC8:00PM3,004,000
    3,004,000 0.50
    0.50 REPEAT
    SNL 40th AnniversaryNBC8:00PM
    5,119,000(5,119,000)
    1.55(1.55)
    World's Funniest FallsFox8:00PM2,836,0002,557,000279,000 0.800.84(0.04)
    Hart of DixieCW8:00PM1,189,0001,210,000(21,000)0.400.41(0.01)
    CristelaABC8:30PM5,674,0005,051,000623,000 1.000.920.08
    Hawaii Five-0CBS9:00PM9,467,00010,655,000(1,188,000)1.101.44(0.34)
    Shark TankABC9:00PM5,912,0008,434,000(2,522,000)1.202.17(0.97)REPEAT
    DatelingNBC9:00PM6,190,000
    6,190,000 1.20
    1.20 9-11P
    GrimmNBC9:00PM

    -

    -
    GleeFox9:00PM1,674,0001,864,000(190,000)0.600.62(0.02)
    Whose Line Is It?CW9:00PM881,000965,000(84,000)0.300.32(0.02)
    Whose Line Is It?CW9:30PM862,0001,174,000(312,000)0.400.41(0.01)
    Blue BloodsCBS10:00PM7,784,00011,604,000(3,820,000)0.701.49(0.79)REPEAT
    20/20ABC10:00PM5,899,0007,083,000(1,184,000)1.301.58(0.28)
    DatelineNBC10:00PM

    -

    -










    Saturday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    Crimetime SaturdayCBS8:00PM4,220,0004,116,000104,000 0.500.51(0.01)
    Jimmy Kimmel After OscarsABC8:00PM2,320,000
    2,320,000 0.40
    0.40 REPEAT
    Countdown to OscarABC8:00PM
    2,900,000(2,900,000)
    0.44(0.44)
    NHL HockeyNBC8:00PM1,550,000
    1,550,000 0.50
    0.50 8-11P
    Dateline MysteryNBC8:00PM
    5,748,000(5,748,000)
    1.00(1.00)
    BackstromFox8:00PM1,620,0001,331,000289,000 0.300.38(0.08)REPEAT
    ABC MovieABC8:30PM
    1,753,000(1,753,000)
    0.48(0.48)
    48 Hours MysteryCBS9:00PM4,980,0004,407,000573,000 0.700.630.07 REPEAT vs. Crimetime(R)
    Shaina Twain SpecialABC9:00PM1,130,000
    1,130,000 0.30
    0.30
    Sleepy HollowFox9:00PM1,130,0001,022,000108,000 0.300.250.05 REPEAT vs. NASCAR special
    48 Hours MysteryCBS10:00PM5,650,0005,272,000378,000 0.900.840.06
    ForeverABC10:00PM2,080,000
    2,080,000 0.40
    0.40 REPEAT
    SNL(R) NBC10:00PM
    4,277,000(4,277,000)
    0.99(0.99)


    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 23 (Feb. 23-Mar 1) How the Sitcoms Did
    (Sun comedies are previous week and Fri/Sat are prelim ratings)
    Sorted by 18-49 Rtg
    TitleNetworkTimeDayTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes







    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PMThu16,671,0004.54
    Modern FamilyABC9:00PMWed9,324,0003.44
    The Odd CoupleCBS8:30PMThu11,080,0002.78
    The GoldbergsABC8:30PMWed7,635,0002.54
    black-ishABC9:30PMWed6,626,0002.25
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS9:00PMThu9,040,0002.21REPEAT
    MomCBS9:30PMThu8,302,0002.10
    2 Broke GirlsCBS8:00PMMon8,466,0002.09
    The MiddleABC8:00PMWed7,467,0002.03
    Mike & MollyCBS8:30PMMon8,915,0002.03
    Fresh off the BoatABC8:00PMTue5,748,0001.84
    Parks & RecreationNBC10:00PMTue4,149,0001.65FINALE
    Last Man StandingABC8:00PMFri7,250,0001.4
    New GirlFox9:00PMTue2,847,0001.35
    The SimpsonsFox8:00PMSun2,933,0001.24REPEAT
    The Mindy ProjectFox9:30PMTue2,280,0001.09
    CristelaABC8:30PMFri5,674,0001.0
    Animation DominationFox7:30PMSun2,224,0000.98REPEAT
    Bob's BurgersFox9:30PMSun1,930,0000.87REPEAT
    Family GuyFox9:00PMSun1,939,0000.85REPEAT
    Brooklyn Nine-NineFox8:30PMSun1,739,0000.78REPEAT
    Bob's BurgersFox7:00PMSun2,010,0000.75REPEAT
    Two and a Half MenCBS9:00PMThu

    completed
    Parks & RecreationNBC8:30PMTue

    preempted
    Marry MeNBC9:00PMTue

    preempted
    About a BoyNBC9:30PMTue

    preempted
    MulaneyFox7:00PMSun

    preempted
    Fresh off the BoatABC8:30PMTue

    preempted
    The McCarthysCBS9:30PMThu

    preempted
    black-ishABC10:30PMWed

    preempted
    Mike & MollyCBS10:39PMTue

    preempted
    GalavantABC8:00PMSun

    completed
    Bad JudgeNBC9:00PMThu

    canceled
    A to ZNBC9:30PMThu

    canceled
    The Last Man on EarthFox9:30PMSun

    premieres 3/1
    One Big HappyNBC9:30PMTue

    premieres 3/17
    Weird LonersFox9:30PMTue

    premieres 3/31
    The MillersCBS8:30PMMon

    canceled
    SelfieABC8:00PMTue

    canceled
    Manhattan Love StoryABC8:30PMTue

    canceled
    American Dad!Fox9:30PMSun

    completed

    SOURCE: Nielsen Media Research


    Sitcoms Airing Tonight

    Sunday, May 28

    The Conners - "Possums, Pregnancy and Patriarchy" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    Harris makes a big announcement. Meanwhile, Ben is overwhelmed with family responsibilities.

    The Conners - "Hiding In and Moving Out" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    Harris takes her anger out on Darlene. Elsewhere, Dan and Louise spend an entire day in bed together.

    The Conners - "The Contra Hearings and the Midnight Gambler" (ABC, 10:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    Mark fights for a spot in the Lanford High chamber orchestra. Elsewhere, Jackie puts a lottery machine in the Lunch Box.

    The Conners - "Road Trip and Guilt Trip" (ABC, 10:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    Dan and Jackie take a road trip to a hardware wholesaler in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Darlene heads out of town and leaves behind a plethora of to-do notes for Becky and Ben.

    Complete TV Listings


    Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 22)

    Friday, May 26

    • Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) - Watch Jason on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
    • Ali Wong (Big Mouth/American Housewife/Are You There, Chelsea?) - Ali is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
    • Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
    • Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies) - Tom is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
    • Sebastian Maniscalco (How to Be a Bookie) - Sebastian talks about his new film About My Father on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
    • Issa Rae (Insecure) - Issa is a guest on The Jennifer Hudson Show, so check your local listings.
    • Bill Bellamy (Mr. Box Office/Men, Women & Dogs/Cousin Skeeter) - Bill appears on The Jennifer Hudson Show, so check your local listings.
    • Ming-Na Wen (The Single Guy) and BD Wong (All-American Girl) - Ming-Na and BD talk about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
    • Hailee Steinfeld (Dickinson) - Hailee and actor Shameik Moore sit down together to talk about their new film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, in theaters on June 2 on Sherri, so check your local listings.
    • Leslie Odom Jr. (Love in the Time of Corona/Big Dady) and Nicolette Robinson (Love in the Time of Corona/Perfect Couples) - Leslie and Nicolette chat with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
    • Daniel Wu (American Born Chinese) - Daniel talks about American Born Chinese on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
    • Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim) - Kimberly is a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, so check your local listings.


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

    Growing Pains - The Complete Series Cheers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Twelve Gimme a Break! - The Complete Series (VEI) Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (VEI)

    01/03 - Andy Richter Controls the Universe - The Complete Series (2023 Release)
    01/27 - Master of None - Season Three / The Complete Series
    02/21 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Nine / The Complete Season Ten
    02/28 - Growing Pains - The Complete Series
    03/28 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
    04/04 - South Park - The Complete Twenty-Fifth Season (Blu-ray) (DVD)
    04/18 - Blondie - The Complete 1957 Television Series (Blu-ray)
    04/25 - Cheers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
    05/23 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Eleven / The Complete Season Twelve
    05/23 - Go On - The Complete Series
    05/23 - Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (Universal)
    05/29 - Gimme a Break! - The Complete Series (VEI)
    05/29 - Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (VEI)
    05/30 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
    06/13 - Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series
    06/13 - Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series
    More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD Releases / DVD Reviews Archive / SitcomsOnline Digest


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