Seeso Orders Johnny Carson Comedy; NBC Gets Some Common Sense

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Seeso Orders Johnny Carson Comedy; NBC Gets Some Common Sense

Seeso announced the greenlighting of There's...Johnny!, an eight episode comedy series set behind the scenes at The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The coming of age story, set in 1970s Los Angeles, when The Tonight Show first moved from New York to Burbank, is written by Paul Reiser and David Steven Simon, and Executive Produced by Reiser, Simon and David Gordon Green, who also will be directing. The Seeso Original Series follows the lives and challenges of Andy, a wide-eyed 19-year-old Nebraskan who stumbles his way into a job at The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Joy, a young Talent Coordinator on the show, as they both try to find their way and prove themselves in this period of cultural and political upheaval. The show will touch on major historical events of the time, including the Vietnam War, Nixon, and the strengthening counter-culture, as well the show's status as one of the most popular and important cultural institution of its day.

Produced in conjunction with the Carson Estate, the show has on board Executive Producer Jeff Sotzing, Carson's nephew, who, like the lead character, also started "a little lower than the mailroom" at that time, and today runs the Carson Estate. The series will premiere in 2017, 55 years after Carson's first appearance in The Tonight Show, and 25 years after his last show. With unprecedented access to the full Carson archives, the comedy will intertwine live action with authentic footage of Johnny and his guests on screen. The series will focus on the people behind the scenes of the legendary late-night show, while Johnny will be portrayed as a looming presence.

NBC

NBC has ordered six episodes of the new half-hour alternative comedy series Common Sense, where real people from all walks of life offer their honest opinions on the week's news and buzzworthy events - unfiltered, completely real, and very funny. Each week a cast of reoccurring characters will express their opinions on the most talked about news of that week. Duos made up of friends, colleagues or family members - will walk through their hilarious thought process and inspired understanding of what's happening in the world. Filmed in real time and giving everyday people a chance to sound off on their opinions with a primetime show and national audience as a microphone, this innovative format delivers topical news and water cooler moments of the week in a smart and clever way. We transport viewers to workplaces, coffee shops, restaurants, gyms and bars all over the country to hear real people's take on the week's news - from the big headlines to the random local stories.

Common Sense offers a fresh and entertainingly unique way of delivering the news in a smart and witty way, with comedy, satire and heart, all while celebrating the diversity of America and providing a compelling understanding of what's happening in the world and how we all feel about it. The format was originally developed by Studio Lambert for the BBC, who will be launching a British version of the show early next year.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Tuesday, July 27

The Goldbergs - "Couple Off" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Barry and Joanne crash Erica and Geoff’s peaceful weekend camping trip, they end up in a competition to see who is the better couple, causing some unexpected shifts in relationships. After learning that Brea thinks Adam has an easy, privileged life, Adam seeks to prove her wrong by getting a job but quickly learns she might be right.

Home Economics - "Mermaid Taffeta Wedding Dress, $1,999" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Hayworth family is invited to the wedding of longtime family friend Spags. When Connor enlists Tom’s help to write and re-write a wedding toast, things take an unexpected turn between the brothers. Sarah realizes Denise is upset they never had a real wedding, while Marina meticulously plans her drinking schedule for a night out without the kids.

The Conners - "Promotions, Podcasts and Magic Tea" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Darlene earns a promotion at Wellman Plastics, while Ben decides on a new career path. Meanwhile, Jackie tries an herbal tea leading to an emotional revelation.

black-ish - "Our Wedding Dre" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Pops and Ruby are getting re-married! And Dre’s intimate wedding plans go awry when Pops’ brother, Uncle Norman, shows up unexpectedly for the festivities. Meanwhile, Ruby refuses Bow’s offer to help with preparations until an unanticipated situation gives her an opening to save the big day.

Miracle Workers - "Oregon Trail: Hunting Party" (TBS, 10:30PM ET/PT)
Ezekiel signs up for a buffalo hunting expedition to prove his manhood. Meanwhile, Benny teaches Prudence how to be a bandit.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of July 26)

Tuesday, July 27

Anthony Anderson (black-ish/Guys with Kids/All About the Andersons) - Anthony guest hosts a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock) - Dwayne appears on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Jake Johnson (Hoops/New Girl) - Jake will be on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
Kym Whitley (Young & Hungry/Animal Practice/Sparks) - Kym is a guest on a repeat of The Real, so check your local listings.
Megan Fox (Hope & Faith) - Megan appears on a repeat of The Kelly Clarkson Show, so check your local listings.
Ron Funches (Final Space/Powerless/Undateable) - Ron is a guest on a repeat of The Kelly Clarkson Show, so check your local listings.
Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken/Community) - Ken appears on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Laura Benanti (The Detour/Go On) - Laura talks about HBO Max's Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020, a special based on the social media movement she started giving students whose spring musicals were cancelled due to the pandemic the opportunity to perform, on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Abigail Breslin (Scream Queens) - Abigail talks about Stillwater on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
D.L. Hughley (The Hughleys) - D.L. talks about ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.