SitcomsOnline Digest: Dynasty Reboot in the Works?; NBC Picks Up (and Promptly Shelves) Sitcom from Superstore Trio

Saturday, October 01, 2016

SitcomsOnline Digest: Dynasty Reboot in the Works?; NBC Picks Up (and Promptly Shelves) Sitcom from Superstore Trio

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's been a very busy news week this week with so much news that we couldn't even feature it all, and we're not even talking about the presidential election (though we do have some news of upcoming Saturday Night Live parodies and ratings news that is relevant to us). We aren't going to tell you to watch any decades old VHS tapes that aren't so family friendly here, but we do have some suggestions for new DVDs of some family friendly classic series from the 50s and 60s that will be coming out on Tuesday. Additionally, we're hearing about another reboot of an 80s classic, news of a new sitcom that NBC both bought and quickly decided nix (both within a period of days), and news of the death of an iconic soap opera creator. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Reboots are everywhere, and now the latest rumor floating around is that the 80s primetime soap Dynasty could be getting that treatment on The CW. (Hollywood Reporter)
NBC bought a new sitcom this week Mail Order Family, but before we could even report that, we now know that the entire project has been scrapped due to backlash over concerns that the series promotes racial stereotypes and human trafficking. (Vulture)
Saturday Night Live returns for a new season tonight (and not a moment too soon), and after struggling with getting the "perfect" Donald Trump past season, they are bringing in a new (but very recognizable) face to fill the role this season thanks to a suggestion from Tina Fey: Alec Baldwin. (USA Today)
The first presidential debate this week broke all viewership records for presidential debates, with 85 million tuning in (and that doesn't even count people watching it online). (CNNMoney)
Agnes Nixon, creator of the soap operas All My Children, One Life to Live, and Loving, died this week at age 93. (New York Times)
In what seems to be a change from many recent new fall seasons in the past, networks (and fans) appear to be satisfied with many of the new series this fall, which has led ABC to give two of their new ones, Speechless and Designated Survivor, full season orders. (SitcomsOnline)
Meanwhile, NBC is giving a full season to their critically acclaimed series, This is Us. (SitcomsOnline)

TUESDAY (OCTOBER 4) HOME MEDIA RELEASES

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01H3KUHOI/ref/nosim/happydaysonline5-20

The Andy Griffith Show - Christmas Special (DVD, $14.99): The classic (and oddly enough for a series that lasted as long as it did, only) Christmas episode of the iconic sitcom arrives in color in this DVD, which also includes a colorized version of "The Pickle Story." Both episodes are also presented in their original black and white as well.
I Love Lucy - Superstar Special #1 (DVD, $14.99): Two classic episodes of this series, "L.A. at Last" and "Lucy and Superman," arrive on DVD in this release in colorized form. Both episodes are also presented in their original black and white as well.
Perry Mason - The Complete Series (DVD, $179.98): It's almost unbelievable that this series is coming out as a complete series, but it is, with all 271 episodes on 72 discs.

FOLLOW ME

Who to Follow: Ben Feldman (Twitter), "scared of social media"

Claim to Fame: We've been on a theme of featuring some of the stars of the new sitcoms from this season lately, but we're cheating (a little) this week by featuring the star of a returning sitcom, although to be fair, it was a sitcom that debuted mid-season last year and probably gained more attention over the summer through online streaming, to the point where it is almost new to people this fall. We're talking about NBC's Superstore, and Ben Feldman. His first sitcom role came in 2006 on the sitcom Living With Fran, which even if you don't remember it, it starred Fran Drescher and actually lasted two half seasons on The CW. From there, he went on to the series Drop Dead Diva, and also did a few other things on the side. Now, of course, he is one of the stars on the NBC series Superstore,

Pick of the Tweets: "Woke ⬆️ on✈️ & #superstore was on-woman next 2 me watching, looks VERY excited Me:Good show😉 Her:Ur awake! Can I get by I really have to pee" (September 25, 2016)

Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Wednesday, October 5

The Conners - "Driving, Dating and Deceit" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Mark is anxious to get his driver’s license when a job opportunity presents itself across town. Darlene attempts to teach him to drive, but her frantic energy sends him running to Ben for help. Meanwhile, Harris meets a new guy online, whom Becky recognizes from her past.

The Golbergs - "Jenkintown After Dark" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Despite promising to keep distance from Brea so they can each establish themselves at college, Adam calls her, sending Beverly into a tailspin. Meanwhile, Joanne lands a coveted job at a posh Philly law firm and Barry takes full advantage of the perks of her new gig, blinding him from the reality of the situation.

Abbott Elementary - "Story Samurai" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
A traveling storytelling troupe Jacob used to be in visits Abbott Elementary for a day of education and entertainment. Jacob can’t wait to share this part of his past with his colleagues; but when he realizes they think the performers are corny, Janine does her best to help him embrace his nerdy side. Meanwhile, Melissa struggles with the new normal of her combined second and third grade class.

Home Economics - "Sushi for Twelve, $482 Plus Delivery" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
With a house full of Hayworths, nothing is off limits for discussion – including Tom and Marina’s lives in, and out, of the bedroom. Connor’s patience as host is running thin so as a thank you, Sarah and Denise strategize a creative way to show their appreciation.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 3)

Wednesday, October 5

Kevin Nealon (Man with a Plan/Weeds/Hiller and Diller/Champs) - Watch Kevin on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) - Kelly appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Fred Armisen (Los Espookys/Forever/Final Space), Ana Fabrega (Los Espookys) and Julio Torres (Los Espookys) - Fred, Ana and Julio are guests on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood/The Last O.G./The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric appears on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Lena Dunham (Girls) - Lena is a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Jennifer Tilly (Out of Practice) - Jennifer appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City) - Lea is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
Kal Penn (Sunnyside/Deadbeat/We Are Men/How I Met Your Mother) - Kal discusses his impressive journey from former White House staffer and actor to author, and why he chose to share details about his engagement to his fiancé, Josh, in his book, You Can't Be Serious, on Tamron Hall, so check your local istings.
Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts/White Famous) - Utkarsh talks about Ghosts on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Wendell Pierce (The Odd Couple/The Michael J. Fox Show/The Weber/The Brian Benben Show/The Gregory Hines Show) - Wendell talks about Death of a Salesman on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Tamera Mowry-Housley (Sister, Sister/Roommates) - Tamera talks about You Should Sit Down For This on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.