SitcomsOnline Digest: The Big Bang Theory Gets LEGO Treatment; Viacom Cable Networks Undergoing Changes

Saturday, February 11, 2017

SitcomsOnline Digest: The Big Bang Theory Gets LEGO Treatment; Viacom Cable Networks Undergoing Changes

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It hasn't been a busy news week, but we did get to see The Big Bang Theory (in LEGO form), we're (already) hearing of a potential reboot of American Idol, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

In case you've ever wondered what that cast of The Big Bang Theory would look like in LEGO form, we now have an answer. (Deadline)
There are lots of changes going on at Viacom's cable networks, including rebranding Spike as Paramount Network (something that was once proposed and abandoned for the now defunct UPN) and an uncertain future for TV Land. (Hollywood Reporter)
When the American Idol "finale" aired last year, it was pretty obvious that wasn't the end of the road for that series, and now it appears NBC might be interested in reviving it already. (Billboard)
After 13 seasons and several changes in format and host (including the infamous Pat O'Brien), the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine The Insider is finally coming to an end. (Deadline)
Bob Costas is "passing the torch" (so to speak) as the primary host of the Olympics on NBC, beginning with the 2018 winter games. (ESPN)
Netflix has a busy slate of original programming in the works. (SitcomsOnline)

TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 7) HOME MEDIA RELEASES

Beavis and Butt-head - The Complete Collection

Beavis and Butt-head - The Complete Collection (DVD, $45.98): While the name of the collection is misleading (it isn't really complete as it only includes all of the previously released DVDs, which still excluded a significant portion of the original series), you can get most of the best cartoon shorts of the classic MTV cartoon and many extras in this release.

FOLLOW ME

Who to Follow: Randall Park (Twitter), "Defunct Mall in Ohio"

Claim to Fame: Obviously, we're not actually featuring a dead mall as our "Follow Me" this week (although that description of who he is did inspire us to look up this former mall near Cleveland, OH, which has an interesting story), but this Randall Park is a person, who plays Louis Huang in ABC's Fresh Off the Boat. He was born to Korean immigrant parents in 1974, and made his screen debut in 2003, with guest roles on several TV series. Fresh Off the Boat, though, is his first (and probably not last) sitcom starring role.

Pick of the Tweets: "TONIGHT! An all new ep of #ChildrensHospital at 11pm on #adultswim! For once, I get to act without a wig! (pic)" (March 4, 2016)

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Wednesday, July 2

Shifting Gears - "Restoration" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt, the widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, is confronted with his most unexpected and challenging project yet when his estranged daughter, Riley, and her adolescent children come crashing back into his life.

Shifting Gears - "Accommodations" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt joins Riley at Carter’s high school open house, where he’s unsettled to learn about the “accommodations” made for his grandson’s anxiety. Meanwhile, Riley reconnects with Caitlin, a former classmate, and sets her up with Gabriel.

Shifting Gears - "Grief" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Riley discovers a closet filled with her late mother’s clothes, she insists Matt hasn’t processed her death and urges him to see a grief counselor. Meanwhile, Gabriel faces a crisis of confidence when he’s put in charge of the shop for a day.

Shifting Gears - "Valentine's" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A Valentine’s Day visit to his late wife’s grave sparks an unexpected connection for Matt in an unlikely place. Meanwhile, Riley is thrust into the spotlight for a promotional video at the dance studio.

Tyler Perry's House of Payne - "Protector in Chief" (BET, 9:00PM ET/PT)
House of Payne is the hilarious comedy about Retired fire chief Curtis Payne and his lovely wife Ella.

Tyler Perry's Assisted Living - "Speed Demons" (BET, 9:30PM ET/PT)
After losing his job, Jeremy decides to move to the backwoods of Georgia to help his grandfather, who has purchased a rundown home for the elderly.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of June 30)

Wednesday, July 2

Will Arnett (Murderville/Arrested Development/Flaked/The Millers/Up All Night/Running Wilde), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) and Sean Hayes (Will & Grace/The Millers/Sean Saves the World) - Watch Will, Jason and Sean on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Monica Barbaro (FUBAR) - Monica appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Owen Thiele (Overcompensating), Amita Rao (Deli Boys) and Malik Elassal (Adults) - Owen, Amita and Malik are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Glen Powell (Scream Queens) - NBC's Today catches up with Glen in the 10am hour.
Casey Wilson (The Righteous Gemstones/Black Monday/The Hotwives/Marry Me/Happy Endings) - Casey talks about The Great American Baking Show on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time) - The Drew Barrymore Show has a repeat their skincare show and Drew and Valerie Bertinelli are talking all things moisturizers and hydration with board certified dermatologist and TikTok sensation Dr. Shereene Idriss.
Joe Manganiello (How I Met Your Mother) - Joe talks about Netflix's Nonnas on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.