Sunday, January 03, 2016

Fox Mid-Season Pilot Review: Bordertown - Premieres Tonight (Jan. 3); Week 15 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

Bordertown

Bordertown - Sundays at 9:30PM ET/PT on Fox
Premieres Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 9:30PM ET/PT


by Skees

Over the past several years--and especially in the past few months, as a certain presidential candidate has jumped into the 2016 race--immigration on the border between the United States and Mexico has been a big political issue. Now, Family Guy executive producer Mark Hentemann has created a new animated comedy, with Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane by his side as executive producer, called Bordertown. It's a series about two radically different neighbors who live on the American the United States/Mexico border, one of them a family of lower-class Americans with a father who is deeply anti-immigration (and he even works as a border patrol officer) and the other a family of Mexican immigrants who've obtained American citizenship, and happen to be more successful in their new country than their new neighbors.

Cast Details:

Hank Azaria as Bud Buckwald
Alex Borstein as Janice and Bucky Buckwald
Missi Pyle as Gert Buckwald
Judah Friedlander as Sanford Buckwald
Nicholas Gonzalez as Ernesto Gonzalez, J.C. Gonzalez, and Barracuda
Jacqueline Pinol as Pepito Gonzalez
Efren Ramirez as Ruiz Gonzalez

Hank Azaria (Bud Buckwald) is best known for his voice roles on The Simpsons (he plays countless characters on there) as well as his starring roles in the 90s Fox series Herman's Head and the Showtime series Huff. Additionally, he has had many recurring roles, most notably in Mad About You and Friends, and he has a long list of movie credits.

Alex Borstein (Janice and Bucky Buckwald) had her first real claim to fame on the Fox series MADtv, but perhaps became better known from her role of Lois Griffin on Family Guy. She also has done some behind-the-scenes work on the Showtime series Shameless.

Missi Pyle (Gert Buckwald) has appeared in several movies, but has had TV roles in Two and a Half Men and The Exes. Most recently, she appeared in the TV Land series Jennifer Falls.

Judah Friedlander (Sanford Buckwald) is best known for his role of Frank in the series 30 Rock. He has also appeared in several movies such as American Splendor.

Nicholas Gonzalez (Ernesto Gonzalez, J.C. Gonzalez, and Barracuda) is best known for his role in the series Resurrection Blvd. He also had a role in Mental, and a recurring role in Melrose Place.

Jacqueline Pinol (Pepito Gonzalez) also appeared in the series Resurrection Blvd., as well as Ponderosa, Days of Our Lives, and Bosch.

Efren Ramirez (Ruiz Gonzalez) is very well known for his role of Pedro in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, as well as the short-lived Fox animated series of the same name. His other TV roles have been in episodes of Boston Public, Scrubs, and George Lopez, among others.

Pilot Plot:

The first two episodes were available for review.

"The Engagement" (Airs January 3 at 9:30PM ET)

Bud Buckwald's daughter is getting engaged, and that wouldn't be a huge problem, until he finds out who she is engaged to: J.C., the nephew of his neighbor Ernesto. But not all hope is lost for Bud, as a recent anti-immigration law was passed that may help him deport his problems to Mexico, even if it is only an accident.

"Borderwall" (Airs January 10 at 9:30PM ET)

Drug seizure money turns into funding for a giant wall on the border between the United States and Mexico, which seems to be a great idea to Bud on the surface. But as it turns out, a wall renders Bud's job as a border patrol officer to be unnecessary. With no job, Bud has to do whatever he can to make money, even if it means making money from smuggling in some immigrants on his own.

Analysis:

Who knew that a series like this would just so happen to land on TV at the most opportune time? The series was placed into development about two years ago, and here we are in January 2016 and the issue that the series focuses has actually become one of the most talked about issues in the country today. Unfortunately, that may be part of the problem the series will face. Had the series debuted when the topical issue wasn't talked about as much, the series wouldn't have a problem. But debuting in the middle of it all makes it come off as a niche series.

That doesn't necessarily mean all hope is lost for the series. From what I saw in the first two episodes, it really is a decent show, and the premise can be modified to make it more about the personalities of the characters than being all about immigration. Many people forget that back in 2005, American Dad! (another Seth MacFarlane produced animated comedy) debuted with the deeply political premise of being about a man who absolutely loved everything about George W. Bush's efforts in fighting the war on terrorism and his family (particularly his daughter) who didn't always agree with him. But once there was no George W. Bush in the White House, the series managed to persevere by turning it into a character driven series that hardly ever gets into political issues at all anymore. And it is still popular enough that it was recently for three more seasons on TBS.
 
The humor in the series was mostly not over the top, though there were a few over the top moments. It has more of a subdued Bob's Burgers type of humor about it rather than a Family Guy type of humor, which was a little surprising since this is another Seth MacFarlane product. But it's not a bad thing. The writing for the series is, to be perfectly honest, sort of so-so... but I've always felt like animated series are often able to compensate for sub-par writing with visual effects and gags that simply aren't physically possible for a standard sitcom, and this series compensates for that rather well.

One thing that surprised me was how the series was not exactly "over the top" on stereotypes, particularly considering that some of the same people behind Family Guy were behind this series. Sure, there were some stereotypes, but there was nothing (at least as far as I could tell) that seemed to be over-the-top offensive.

Conclusion:

This isn't really a bad show at all. The only concern that I have about it is that the premise of it is sort of a niche premise. It's a very political series about immigration from Mexicans, and while that may be a big political issue today (not to mention that the idea managed to get an unexpected attention thanks to a certain presidential candidate, which happened while the series was being developed), the series will have to either evolve quickly or fade off into the sunset quickly. Fortunately, I think it does have the potential to do more of the "evolving," and I'm hopeful that it does take advantage of that opportunity. It is nice to see that Fox isn't giving up on animated comedies (particularly after the Animation Domination High-Def failure and cancellation of the other Seth MacFarlane series). In particular, I'm happy to see that they are trying more animation on Sunday nights. While the live-action sitcoms they've been airing on Sunday nights are great series (and will even continue to air with a new one tonight), the mixing of these series into the Sunday night lineup has sort of taken away some of the appeal that the lineup had when it was all animated comedies. I'm sort of hopeful that this one can work out. I think it can for now, I'm just hopeful that it finds a way to move on when the main plot becomes less topical.

Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):

Watchability: 4/5
Funniness: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5

Discuss the show after you watch it on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 9:30PM ET/PT on our message board.

Related Links:


  • Fox.com Official Site
  • TV.com
  • epguides.com
  • Internet Movie Database
  • Wikipedia
  • Bordertown Photo Gallery

    Preview:





  • 2015-16 Week 15 TV Ratings (first three nights Mon-Wed): 

    Households: #1. CBS 4.01/7 rating/share (+11% in rating from first four nights week 14); #2. NBC  2.43/4 (+5%); #3. ABC 2.05/4 (-12%); #4. Fox 1.21/2 (+13%); #5. The CW 0.73/1 (+7%).
    Total Viewers: #1. CBS 6.351 million (+10% from first four nights week 14); #2. NBC 3.690 million (-4%); #3. ABC 3.303 million (-13%); #4. Fox 1.813 million (+8%); #5. The CW 1.231 million (+8%).
    Adults 18-49: #1. CBS 0.93/3 rating/share (even in rating from first four nights week 14); #2. ABC 0.77/3 (-14%); #3. NBC 0.73/3 (-16%); #4. Fox 0.50/2 (+2%); #5. The CW 0.36/1 (+13%).

    We have previous week's final ratings, Week 14 (12/21/15-12/27/15, LIVE+SD). NBC won the slow week in A18-49, thanks to Sunday Night Football of course, as NBC did a 1.42 rating.  Fox was #2 with a 0.96 rating, boosted by an NFL overrun. CBS was #3 with a 0.88 rating, while ABC was #4 with a 0.80 rating.  Among total viewers, CBS was #1 with 5.729 million, with NBC #2 at 5.338 million.  ABC was #3 with 3.553 million and Fox at #4 with just 3.105 million.

    For season to-date (9/21/15-12/30/15, LIVE+SD), NBC is #1 in A18-49 with a 2.27 rating, followed by CBS at #2 with a 1.81 rating. Fox at #3 with a 1.57 rating and ABC at #4 with a 1.44 rating. Among total viewers it is CBS #1 at 9.225 million, followed by NBC at #2 with 8.179 million, ABC #3 with 5.820 million and Fox #4 with 4.966 million.

    Back to week 15 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3), 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 15 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3) Analysis















    Last Sunday (Dec. 27)(Week 14)This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    60 MinutesCBS7:00PM10,544,00012,697,000 (2,153,000)1.362.72 (1.36)REPEAT
    America's Funniest VideosABC7:00PM4,427,000
    4,427,000 0.81
    0.81 REPEAT
    The Sound of MusicABC7:00PM
    4,758,000 (4,758,000)
    0.97 (0.97)
    Miss UniverseFox7:00PM
    5,620,000 (5,620,000)
    1.59 (1.59)
    The SimpsonsFox7:00PM

    -

    -
    Football Night in AmericaNBC7:30PM4,420,0002,298,000 2,122,000 1.320.66 0.66
    The OTFox7:46PM13,087,000
    13,087,000 4.31
    4.31
    Undercover BossCBS8:00PM7,889,0007,511,000 378,000 1.381.60 (0.22)
    The MuppetsABC8:00PM1,876,000
    1,876,000 0.44
    0.44 REPEAT
    Football Night in AmericaNBC8:00PM10,671,0009,645,000 1,026,000 3.273.17 0.10
    The SimpsonsFox8:00PM4,694,000
    4,694,000 1.83
    1.83 REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC8:30PM1,274,000
    1,274,000 0.34
    0.34 REPEAT
    Sunday Night FootballNBC8:30PM17,865,00018,113,000 (248,000)5.796.14 (0.35)831-1117P
    Brooklyn Nine-NineFox8:30PM2,653,000
    2,653,000 1.07
    1.07 REPEAT
    CSICBS9:00PM5,994,000
    5,994,000 0.90
    0.90 9-11P REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC9:00PM982,000
    982,000 0.32
    0.32 REPEAT
    Family GuyFox9:00PM2,357,000
    2,357,000 0.96
    0.96 REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC9:30PM955,000
    955,000 0.32
    0.32 REPEAT
    Last Man on EarthFox9:30PM1,720,000
    1,720,000 0.64
    0.64 REPEAT
    CSI: CyberCBS10:00PM
    6,176,000 (6,176,000)
    1.08 (1.08)
    Shark TankABC10:00PM1,924,000
    1,924,000 0.49
    0.49 REPEAT
    DatelineNBC10:00PM

    -

    -




















    Monday

    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    SupergirlCBS8:00PM5,196,000
    5,196,000 0.86
    0.86 REPEAT
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PM
    8,422,000 (8,422,000)
    1.67 (1.67)
    Charlie Brown New YearABC8:00PM4,851,000
    4,851,000 1.08
    1.08 REPEAT
    Great Xmas Light FightABC8:00PM
    5,636,000 (5,636,000)
    1.22 (1.22)
    SuperstoreNBC8:00PM3,395,0003,631,000 (236,000)0.850.78 0.07 REPEAT
    GothamFox8:00PM1,503,0001,594,000 (91,000)0.410.47 (0.06)REPEAT
    Penn & TellerCW8:00PM1,849,0001,631,000 218,000 0.520.53 (0.01)REPEAT
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:30PM
    8,514,000 (8,514,000)
    1.76 (1.76)
    TelenovelaNBC8:30PM2,344,0002,406,000 (62,000)0.610.60 0.01 REPEAT
    ScorpionCBS9:00PM6,448,0004,550,000 1,898,000 0.970.95 0.02 REPEAT vs. Supergirl(R)
    Rudolph's Shiny New YearABC9:00PM3,087,000
    3,087,000 0.74
    0.74 REPEAT
    SuperstoreNBC9:00PM2,622,000
    2,622,000 0.77
    0.77
    SNL XmasNBC9:00PM
    4,177,000 (4,177,000)
    1.26 (1.26)
    BonesFox9:00PM1,935,0001,911,000 24,000 0.460.43 0.03 REPEAT
    Penn & TellerCW9:00PM1,802,0001,557,000 245,000 0.500.45 0.05 REPEAT
    TelenovelaNBC9:30PM2,234,000
    2,234,000 0.61
    0.61
    NCIS: LACBS10:00PM6,003,0004,962,000 1,041,000 0.930.80 0.13 REPEAT vs. Scorpion(R)
    CastleABC10:00PM2,870,0004,462,000 (1,592,000)0.511.06 (0.55)REPEAT vs. Baking
    BlindspotNBC10:00PM1,829,000
    1,829,000 0.40
    0.40 REPEAT










    Tuesday

    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    NCISCBS8:00PM10,369,00010,801,000 (432,000)1.231.17 0.06 REPEAT
    Fresh off the BoatABC8:00PM3,739,0003,367,000 372,000 0.840.79 0.05 REPEAT
    Hollywood Game NightNBC8:00PM3,441,0003,496,000 (55,000)0.820.76 0.06 REPEAT
    New GirlFox8:00PM1,809,0002,081,000 (272,000)0.550.74 (0.19)REPEAT vs. Simpsons(R)
    The FlashCW8:00PM1,216,0001,378,000 (162,000)0.350.37 (0.02)REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC8:30PM1,940,0002,255,000 (315,000)0.500.60 (0.10)REPEAT
    GrandfatheredFox8:30PM1,675,0002,059,000 (384,000)0.500.69 (0.19)REPEAT vs. Ice Age Xmas(R)
    Kennedy Center HonorsCBS9:00PM7,550,000
    7,550,000 0.88
    0.88 9-11P
    NCIS: New OrleansCBS9:00PM
    8,199,000 (8,199,000)
    1.07 (1.07)
    Beyond the TankABC9:00PM2,337,000
    2,337,000 0.60
    0.60 REPEAT
    ABC News: The YearABC9:00PM
    4,148,000 (4,148,000)
    1.04 (1.04)
    Chicago MedNBC9:00PM4,586,0003,489,000 1,097,000 0.800.66 0.14 REPEAT
    New GirlFox9:00PM1,455,000
    1,455,000 0.48
    0.48 REPEAT
    Taraji & Terrence XmasFox9:00PM
    1,609,000 (1,609,000)
    0.46 (0.46)
    iZombieCW9:00PM753,000836,000 (83,000)0.210.25 (0.04)REPEAT
    The GrinderFox9:30PM1,349,000
    1,349,000 0.40
    0.40 REPEAT
    LimitlessCBS10:00PM
    4,450,000 (4,450,000)
    0.66 (0.66)
    Beyond the TankABC10:00PM2,229,000
    2,229,000 0.62
    0.62 REPEAT
    Chicago FireNBC10:00PM4,349,0003,606,000 743,000 0.730.64 0.09 REPEAT










    Wednesday
    This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    I Get That A LotCBS8:00PM4,979,0007,384,000 (2,405,000)1.031.08 (0.05)vs. Lucy Xmas
    The MiddleABC8:00PM5,068,0003,934,000 1,134,000 1.050.86 0.19 REPEAT
    Law & Order: SVUNBC8:00PM4,361,000
    4,361,000 0.74
    0.74 REPEAT
    How Grinch XmasNBC8:00PM
    4,899,000 (4,899,000)
    1.24 (1.24)
    EmpireFox8:00PM2,259,0001,877,000 382,000 0.620.55 0.07 REPEAT
    iHeart RadioCW8:00PM911,000
    911,000 0.31
    0.31 8-930P
    ArrowCW8:00PM
    1,145,000 (1,145,000)
    0.28 (0.28)
    The GoldbergsABC8:30PM4,126,0003,254,000 872,000 0.940.85 0.09 REPEAT
    How Murray XmasNBC8:30PM
    3,539,000 (3,539,000)
    0.90 (0.90)
    Code BlackCBS9:00PM4,096,0004,902,000 (806,000)0.690.70 (0.01)REPEAT vs. Five-0(R)
    Modern FamilyABC9:00PM4,543,0003,810,000 733,000 1.140.97 0.17 REPEAT
    Law & Order: SVUNBC9:00PM5,108,0005,017,000 91,000 0.921.15 (0.23)REPEAT vs. Adele(R)
    RosewoodFox9:00PM2,039,0001,810,000 229,000 0.510.42 0.09 REPEAT
    SupernaturalCW9:00PM
    861,000 (861,000)
    0.25 (0.25)
    black-ishABC9:30PM3,724,0003,225,000 499,000 0.940.78 0.16 REPEAT
    Whose Line Is It?CW9:30PM802,000
    802,000 0.25
    0.25 REPEAT
    Criminal MindsCBS10:00PM4,977,0004,951,000 26,000 0.910.88 0.03 REPEAT
    The GoldbergsABC10:00PM2,887,0002,724,000 163,000 0.720.70 0.02 REPEAT vs. Boat(R)
    black-ishABC10:30PM2,650,0002,559,000 91,000 0.680.64 0.04 REPEAT
    Chicago P.D.NBC10:00PM4,235,0003,531,000 704,000 0.730.64 0.09 REPEAT vs. Buble(R)










    Thursday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PM5,937,0005,338,000 599,000 1.001.00 - REPEAT
    New Year's Rockin' EveABC8:00PM8,207,000
    8,207,000 2.30
    2.30 8-10P
    Charlie Brown XmasABC8:00PM
    4,109,000 (4,109,000)
    1.01 (1.01)
    A Toast to 2015NBC8:00PM4,764,000
    4,764,000 1.00
    1.00 8-10P
    It's a Wonderful LifeNBC8:00PM
    3,805,000 (3,805,000)
    0.79 (0.79)
    Pitbull New Year's EveFox8:00PM2,601,0001,288,000 1,313,000 0.900.42 0.48 8-10P vs. Paley(R)
    iHeart Radio Music FestCW8:00PM847,000
    847,000 0.20
    0.20 8-10P REPEAT
    Mr. Magoo's XmasCW8:00PM
    905,000 (905,000)
    0.24 (0.24)
    The Vampire DiariesCW8:00PM

    -

    -
    Life In PiecesCBS8:30PM3,847,0003,669,000 178,000 0.700.70 - REPEAT
    Prep & Landing 2ABC8:30PM

    -

    -
    MomCBS9:00PM3,298,0003,641,000 (343,000)0.500.74 (0.24)REPEAT
    Charlie Brown 50thABC9:00PM
    2,784,000 (2,784,000)
    0.57 (0.57)
    Kelly Clarkson XmasNBC9:00PM

    -

    -
    World's FunniestFox9:00PM

    -

    -
    Whose Line Is ItCW9:00PM
    735,000 (735,000)
    0.20 (0.20)
    The OriginalsCW9:00PM

    -

    -
    2 Broke GirlsCBS9:30PM2,847,0003,096,000 (249,000)0.500.68 (0.18)REPEAT
    Whose Line Is ItCW9:30PM
    832,000 (832,000)
    0.22 (0.22)
    ElementaryCBS10:00PM2,839,0002,747,000 92,000 0.500.53 (0.03)REPEAT
    New Year's Rockin' EveABC10:00PM13,073,0002,288,000 10,785,000 3.900.50 3.40 vs. Light Fight(R)
    New Year's Eve Game NightNBC10:00PM3,754,000
    3,754,000 1.00
    1.00










    Friday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    NCISCBS8:00PM6,947,0005,203,000 1,744,000 0.800.77 0.03 REPEAT vs. Andy Griffith
    Last Man StandingABC8:00PM4,445,000
    4,445,000 0.90
    0.90 REPEAT
    CMA Country XmasABC8:00PM
    4,801,000 (4,801,000)
    1.05 (1.05)
    Caught on CameraNBC8:00PM3,842,000
    3,842,000 0.80
    0.80 REPEAT
    Truth Be ToldNBC8:00PM
    2,001,000 (2,001,000)
    0.47 (0.47)
    MasterChef JrFox8:00PM2,305,0001,747,000 558,000 0.700.53 0.17 REPEAT
    iHeart Radio Music FestCW8:00PM960,000
    960,000 0.30
    0.30 8-10P REPEAT
    Jingle Ball 2015CW8:00PM
    806,000 (806,000)
    0.31 (0.31)
    Dr. KenABC8:30PM3,487,000
    3,487,000 0.80
    0.80 REPEAT
    Truth Be ToldNBC8:30PM
    1,668,000 (1,668,000)
    0.41 (0.41)
    Hawaii Five-0CBS9:00PM5,870,0004,123,000 1,747,000 0.800.53 0.27 REPEAT vs. Blue(R)
    Shark TankABC9:00PM3,836,000
    3,836,000 0.90
    0.90 REPEAT
    DatelineNBC9:00PM4,789,0003,994,000 795,000 1.000.79 0.21 9-11P vs. Dolly(R)
    GrimmNBC9:00PM

    -

    -
    MasterChef JrFox9:00PM2,293,0001,318,000 975,000 0.700.35 0.35 REPEAT vs. American Country
    Whose Line Is It...CW9:30PM
    870,000 (870,000)
    0.32 (0.32)
    Blue BloodsCBS10:00PM5,590,0005,092,000 498,000 0.800.63 0.17 REPEAT
    20/20ABC10:00PM5,368,0003,659,000 1,709,000 1.100.82 0.28
    DatelineNBC10:00PM

    -

    -










    Saturday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
    TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
    Crimetime SaturdayCBS8:00PM3,720,0003,319,000 401,000 0.500.49 0.01 REPEAT
    GalavantABC8:00PM1,600,0003,451,000 (1,851,000)0.300.65 (0.35)REPEAT vs. AFV(R)
    Dateline MysteryNBC8:00PM4,900,000
    4,900,000 0.90
    0.90 8-10P
    The Sound of Music LiveNBC8:00PM
    1,536,000 (1,536,000)
    0.28 (0.28)
    GothamFox8:00PM920,0001,466,000 (546,000)0.300.31 (0.01)REPEAT vs. Bones(R)
    Crimetime SaturdayCBS9:00PM4,340,000
    4,340,000 0.60
    0.60 REPEAT
    48 Hours MysteryCBS9:00PM
    4,252,000 (4,252,000)
    0.58 (0.58)9-11P REPEAT
    GalavantABC9:00PM1,490,0003,345,000 (1,855,000)0.400.67 (0.27)REPEAT vs. AFV(R)
    RosewoodFox9:00PM1,020,0001,077,000 (57,000)0.300.24 0.06 REPEAT vs. Sleepy(R)
    48 Hours MysteryCBS10:00PM4,100,000
    4,100,000 0.70
    0.70
    20/20 SaturdayABC10:00PM2,810,0003,421,000 (611,000)0.600.65 (0.05)
    SNL(R) NBC10:00PM3,120,000
    3,120,000 0.80
    0.80 REPEAT


    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 15 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3) 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 SimpsonsFox8:00PMSun4,694,0001.83REPEAT
    Modern FamilyABC9:00PMWed4,543,0001.14REPEAT
    Brooklyn Nine-NineFox8:30PMSun2,653,0001.07REPEAT
    The MiddleABC8:00PMWed5,068,0001.05REPEAT
    The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PMThu5,937,0001.00REPEAT
    Family GuyFox9:00PMSun2,357,0000.96REPEAT
    The GoldbergsABC8:30PMWed4,126,0000.94REPEAT
    black-ishABC9:30PMWed3,724,0000.94REPEAT
    Last Man StandingABC8:00PMFri4,445,0000.9REPEAT
    SuperstoreNBC8:00PMMon3,395,0000.85REPEAT
    Fresh off the BoatABC8:00PMTue3,739,0000.84REPEAT
    Dr. KenABC8:30PMFri3,487,0000.8REPEAT
    SuperstoreNBC9:00PMMon2,622,0000.77
    The GoldbergsABC10:00PMWed2,887,0000.72REPEAT
    Life In PiecesCBS8:30PMThu3,847,0000.70REPEAT
    black-ishABC10:30PMWed2,650,0000.68REPEAT
    The Last Man on EarthFox9:30PMSun1,720,0000.64REPEAT
    TelenovelaNBC9:30PMMon2,234,0000.61
    TelenovelaNBC8:30PMMon2,344,0000.61REPEAT
    New GirlFox8:00PMTue1,809,0000.55REPEAT
    MomCBS9:00PMThu3,298,0000.50REPEAT
    2 Broke GirlsCBS9:30PMThu2,847,0000.50REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC8:30PMTue1,940,0000.50REPEAT
    GrandfatheredFox8:30PMTue1,675,0000.50REPEAT
    New GirlFox9:00PMTue1,455,0000.48REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC8:00PMSun1,876,0000.44REPEAT
    GalavantABC9:00PMSat1,490,0000.4REPEAT
    The GrinderFox9:30PMTue1,349,0000.40REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC8:30PMSun1,274,0000.34REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC9:00PMSun982,0000.32REPEAT
    The MuppetsABC9:30PMSun955,0000.32REPEAT
    GalavantABC8:00PMSat1,600,0000.3REPEAT
    UndatelableNBC8:00PMFri

    preempted
    Bob's BurgersFox7:30PMSun

    preempted
    The SimpsonsFox7:00PMSun

    preempted
    Truth Be ToldNBC8:30PMFri

    completed
    Significant MotherCW9:30PMMon

    completed
    Mike & MollyCBS8:30PMMon


    The Odd CoupleCBS8:30PMThu


    Angel from HellCBS9:30PMThu


    Uncle BuckABC8:30PMFri


    BordertownFox9:30PMSun

    prem 1/3
    The Guide to Surviving LifeFox8:30PMSun

    prem 1/3
    GalavantABC8:00PMSun

    prem 1/3

    SOURCE: Nielsen Media Research


    Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

    Sunday, December 22

    Bob's Burgers - "The Nightmare 2 Days Before Christmas" (Fox, 7:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    When the power goes out two days before Christmas, The Belchers must spend the holiday at Mr. Fischoeder's family's old hunting lodge.

    Krapopolis - "Krapocalypse" (Fox, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    Tyrannis is stuck in a time loop trying to save the city.

    The Simpsons - "The Man Who Flew Too Much" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT)
    The new and improved Pin Pals travel to Capital City for their first ever state bowling championship.

    Universal Basic Guys - "The Devil You Know" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT)
    Mark insists on teaching his son Darren how to throw a handmade boomerang that was gifted to Darren by his father; the two soon find themselves on a trek deep into the Jersey woods; David is the recipient of a sex doll that he swears he didn't order.

    The Great North - "The Lies Aquatic Adventure" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
    While Beef is away, the Tobin fishing boat goes missing; the Tobin siblings wildly speculate on what could have happened.

    Krapopolis - "National Lampoon's The Odyssey!" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    The family takes a vacation to Storgos for Shlub's mother's birthday.

    Bob Hearts Abishola - "Full-Frontal Dottie" (The CW, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
    Excited by her physical therapy progress, Dottie insists she is ready to return to MaxDot, much to Bob, Douglas and Christina's dismay.

    Complete TV Listings


    Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of December 16)

    Friday, December 20

    • 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.
    • Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters/HouseBroken/Catastrophe) - Sharon is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
    • Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock) - Dwayne appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
    • Colton Dunn (Superstore) and Diona Reasonover (Clipped) - Colton and Diona are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
    • Zachary Quinto (Big Mouth/So Notorious) - NBC's Today catches up with Zachary in the 9am hour.
    • Billy Eichner (Friends from College/Difficult People/Parks and Recreation) - Billy talks about Mufasa: The Lion King on NBC's Today in the 10am hour. He can also be heard on The Morning Mash Up on SiriusXM.
    • Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry talks about The Six Triple Eight on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am and on Sherri, so check your local listings.
    • James Marsden (30 Rock) and Ben Schwartz (The Afterparty/Space Force/Parks and Recreation) - James and Ben talk about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
    • Jamie Lee Curtis (The Sticky/Anything But Love/Operation Petticoat) - Jamie Lee chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
    • Whitney Cummings (Whitney) - Whitney talks about Max's Fast Friends on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
    • Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Access Daily with Mario & Kit has the best of Henry and Kit Hoover, so check your local listings.
    • Howie Mandel (Good Grief) - The Talk celebrates 15 seasons with a special finale episode; friend of the show Howie Mandel makes his 21st appearance on the show when he stops by one last time with a surprise for the hosts on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.


    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    Friends - The Complete Series (4K UHD) Young Sheldon - The Complete Series Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) Seinfeld - The Complete Series (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)

    More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


    Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

    12/21 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Creative Team Put in Place for Big Bang Theory Spinoff; Girls5eva Canceled at Netflix
    12/20 - Netflix Announces You and Sweet Magnolias Details; Tell Me Lies Renewed for Season 3 on Hulu
    12/19 - Apple TV+ Bad Monkey Renewed for Season 2; Norman Lear's Clean Slate Comedy to Premiere on Prime Video in February
    12/18 - Netflix Renews A Man on the Inside; Silo Gets 2 Season Renewal for Apple TV+
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    12/16 - Malcolm in the Middle to Return for 25th Anniversary; Game Show Network Holiday Schedule
    12/15 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of December 16, 2024)
    12/14 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Malcolm in the Middle Limited Reboot Headed to Disney+; King of the Hill Reboot Episode Titles Released
    12/13 - Antenna TV's Christmas and New Year's Holiday Schedule; Apple TV+ and Peanuts Holiday Specials
    12/12 - Harley Quinn Returns in January; Night Court Holiday Episode on NBC
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    12/09 - Jamie Foxx Returns on Tuesday on Netflix; Ilana Glazer Hulu Comedy Special
    12/08 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of December 9, 2024)
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    12/05 - Marlon Wayans to Guest Star on Poppa's House on CBS; Mo Returning to Netflix
    12/04 - STARZ Comedy Thriller Sweetpea Renewed for Season 2; Bel-Air to End After Next Season
    12/03 - Pluto TV Holiday Schedule; SNL December Hosts and Musical Performers
    12/02 - Scripps Networks (Laff, Bounce, ION) Holiday Schedule; First Look at Watson on CBS
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    11/30 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Desperate Housewives Creator Has Prequel Idea; Finale Date Set for The Talk
    11/29 - Abbott Elementary Aces the Test on Multi-Platform; Dancing with the Stars' Resurgence
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    11/27 - Henry Danger The Movie Premieres in January; Dexter: Original Sin Trailer
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    11/25 - Peacock's Laid Premieres December 19; Jon Hamm Drama Gets Season 2 Before Series Premiere
    11/24 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of November 25, 2024)
    11/23 - SitcomsOnline Digest: HBO Renews It's Florida, Man; Simpsons Voice Actor Announces Retirement
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