SitcomsOnline Digest: Reboots of Norman Lear Classics?; That '70s Show Complete Series Blu-ray in the Works

Saturday, August 08, 2015

SitcomsOnline Digest: Reboots of Norman Lear Classics?; That '70s Show Complete Series Blu-ray in the Works

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's been a somewhat busy news week (one of the few where we've actually had to limit what we can cover), but we're hear with even more news about potential reboots of classic sitcoms, the unpleasant things about the relationship between John Stamos and the Olsen twins, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Reboots are all the rage these days, but even we are surprised that there is even talk of rebooting One Day at a Time and Good Times, though these still have a long process to go through before they become a reality (if they even do). (The Interrobang)
Every week, it seems, there are new updates on something related to Full House or John Stamos. This time, we learn a bit more about the relationship that John Stamos had with the Olsen twins, and is it turns out, it wasn't very pleasant. (Entertainment Weekly)
Andrew Ridings, who has most recently appeared in The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has been cast in the starring role as Hayden Fox's son in NBC's upcoming Coach reboot. (Deadline)
Sometimes in sitcoms, characters (particularly children) age a little faster than usual. Now Modern Family is getting into the aging children by recasting the role of Joe. (Deadline)
Not only is Tracy Morgan recovering from the car accident he was in a little over a year ago, but it now appears that the FXX comedy that was in development before his accident may be rescued, with Morgan in the starring role. (Deadline)
John Stewart's final episode of The Daily Show did well in the ratings, but it was only the second largest audience for the series, with the largest audience coming for a 2008 episode featuring an interview with Barack Obama. (USA Today)
I Dream of Jeannie is celebrating 50 years this year, and Antenna TV is giving it a special marathon next month. (SitcomsOnline)

HOME MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

TVShowsOnDVD.com uncovered a bit of a pleasant surprise for fans of Blu-ray sitcoms this week, as they found a preorder listing for That '70s Show - The Complete Series on Blu-ray. It looks as if it will be released November 3.
It looks like Warner Archive is eager to just complete George Lopez as quickly as possible, with George Lopez - The Complete Fifth Season scheduled for August 18. It is also worth noting that the Warner Archive releases, unlike the earlier seasons which were released by Warner Home Video, include the original theme song.

AUGUST 4 HOME MEDIA RELEASES

The Jeffersons - Season Eight (DVD, $24.97): For those who missed out on the complete series, Shout! has this release.
Maude - The Complete Second Season (DVD, $24.97): For those who missed out on the complete series, Shout! has this release.
2 Broke Girls - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD, $24.98): Getting a bit of a head start on the releases of the previous season of shows returning for a new season, Warner Home Video brings fans this release.
The Jeff Foxworthy Show - The Complete Series (DVD, $14.98): Sony previously released the entire series of this short-lived sitcom, and now Mill Creek is getting in on re-releasing it.

FOLLOW ME

Who to Follow: Tracy Morgan (Twitter), "This is really Tracy Morgan"

Claim to Fame: Unlike many actors, Tracy Morgan's life did not start out so simple. His family life was not so great, and he was selling drugs after he dropped out of high school. But he was also trying comedy, and that really seemed to work for him. He eventually ended up with a recurring role on the sitcom Martin, before landing a regular role on Saturday Night Live. He eventually left Saturday Night Live to do his own sitcom, The Tracy Morgan Show. Unfortunately, that series was a dud, but it wasn't much later after that when he landed a starring role on 30 Rock. He was involved in a serious car accident last year, but is now recovering, and could be making a comeback to television soon.

Pick of the Tweets: "I am honored to be getting a walk of fame star. I hope they put me next to my biological father Charlton Heston from Planet of the Apes!" (June 23, 2015)

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Thursday, March 12

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - "A Big Birthday and Tequila Shots" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Mandy struggles to celebrate Georgie’s 21st birthday after hitting a rough patch in her career.

Ghosts - "St. Hetty’s Day 2: The Help" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
A St. Patrick’s Day staffing emergency gives Hetty the chance to step into an unlikely role at the restaurant as she regains her once-a-year ability to be seen and heard by the living. Meanwhile, Kyle returns to watch over the ghosts and finds himself caught in an amusing supernatural dynamic.

Animal Control - "Squirrels and Fat Cats" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Frank uncovers Emily and Shred's secret romance during a break-in at city supply; Victoria and Patel confront his daughter's school bully.

Going Dutch - "Tinker, Tailor, Colonel, Spy" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Rick takes a sabbatical from the CIA and returns to the base, hoping to rekindle his strained relationship with Capt. Maggie; paranoia runs high when a mole is suspected to be operating inside the base.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of March 9)

Thursday, March 12

Will Forte (The Four Seasons/HouseBroken/MacGruber/The Last Man on Earth/The Cleveland Show) - Catch Will on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Minnie Driver (Emily in Paris/Speechless/About a Boy) - Minnie is a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws/The New Adventures of Old Christine/Wanda at Large) - Wanda appears on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Robert Smigel (Let's Be Real) - Robert stops by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Kristin Chenoweth (Stumble/Trial & Error/Kristin) - Kristin is a guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Jennifer Tilly (Out of Practice) - Andy Cohen interviews Jennifer on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 10pm on Bravo.
Nathan Lane (Mid-Century Modern/Only Murders in the Building/Modern Family/Charlie Lawrence/Encore! Encore!/One of the Boys) - Nathan talks about Broadway's Death of a Salesman with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Ariana DeBose (Schmigadoon!) - Ariana joins Tamron to talk about her fashion evolution and her role in the all-star cast of the new series Scarpetta on Tamron Hall, so check your local listings.
Lauren Graham (The Z-Suite/M.Y.O.B./Conrad Bloom/Townies/Good Company) - Lauren talks about Reminders of Him on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Cafe Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - NBC's Today catches up with Valerie in the 10am hour.
Phil Rosenthal (Creator of Everybody Loves Raymond) - Phil and Lily Rosenthal join Drew for a taste test of weird foods and talk about their children's book Just Try It! Someplace New! (A Phil & Lil Book) on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.