SitcomsOnline Digest: Spike TV Prepares to Rebrand as Paramount Network; Netflix Continues to Evolve

Saturday, April 01, 2017

SitcomsOnline Digest: Spike TV Prepares to Rebrand as Paramount Network; Netflix Continues to Evolve

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning more about Spike TV's 2018 rebranding as Paramount Network, some popular shows are leaving Netflix, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Spike TV is rebranding as Paramount Network next year, and with it comes some new original programming, including some that was previously planned for TV Land. (Variety)
The cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunited this week and took what seemed to be a touching cast reunion photo, but that reunion was overshadowed by Janet Hubert (the original Aunt Viv, who was not part of that reunion) returning to Facebook to do what she spends plenty of time doing: to slam the cast, and to call Alfonso Ribiero a few names that we won't repeat here (but you can read them in the article). (Entertainment Weekly)
Several popular TV series that were added to Netflix back in 2010 (when streaming TV series was relatively new) are leaving Netflix, and it looks as if this may be the true beginning of Netflix moving much more into original programming and further away from older TV series. (Vox)
On the surface, it may seem inconsequential that the FCC has auctioned off blocks of airwaves currently used for TV broadcasting to other interests, but in reality, it means that there will be less room for broadcast diginets such as Antenna TV, This TV, or MeTV. While those three would be strong candidates for survival, there are dozens of others out there that probably will not survive, at least not as broadcast networks. (Deadline)
The late night talk show wars have taken a surprising shift in recent months, with Stephen Colbert overtaking Jimmy Fallon in total viewers (though Fallon still holds the edge in viewers age 18-49). (Variety)
The Mindy Project will end after the sixth season, which begins in September. (SitcomsOnline)

TUESDAY (APRIL 4) HOME MEDIA RELEASES

Diff'rent Strokes - The Complete Fifth Season

Diff'rent Strokes - The Complete Fifth Season (DVD, $19.97): The series has been stalled on DVD for years, and it seemed to be abandoned, but Shout! Factory has returned the series to DVD with this release.

FOLLOW ME

Who to Follow: Adam Pally (Twitter)

Claim to Fame:Adam Pally was born in New York and knew he wanted to act early on. He got his first role in 2011 on the ABC series Happy Endings, where he played Max Blum. As soon as that ended, he was able to immediately hop over to The Mindy Project, where he played another regular role, as Dr. Prentice. As we mentioned today, that series is also coming to an end soon, but he is safe for now, because he now stars as Dan Chambers in Fox's new series, Making History.

Pick of the Tweets: "Y'all like the early 90's? I didn't but now I dooooooooo and you will tooooooo (pic)" (March 26, 2017)

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, November 25

The Neighborhood - "Welcome to the Commitment" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Marty and Courtney prepare for Daphne’s christening. Meanwhile, Malcolm is dating someone new and Tina is delighted to meet her.

Poppa's House - "Disciplinarian" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
When Junior and Nina’s son begins acting out, Poppa doles out parenting advice. Also, Poppa suspects Dr. Ivy Reed may be flirting with him.

What We Do in the Shadows - "P.I. Undercover: New York" (FX, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Colin and Nadja have a couples' night with an old friend, while Nandor and Laszlo battle the film crew that have invaded their neighborhood.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 25)

Monday, November 25

Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory/8 Simple Rules/Ladies Man) - Watch Kaley on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC. She also talks about Based on a True Story on NBC's Today some time between 7-9am and in the 10am hour.
John Krasinski (The Office) - John is a guest on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show/My Boys/The Ellen Show/Welcome to New York) - Jim stops by Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Allison Tolman (St. Denis Medical/Downward Dog) - Allison appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Vinny Thomas (Platonic) - Vinny is a guest on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Matt Rogers (No Good Deed/I Love That for You/Our Cartoon President) - NBC's Today catches up with Matt in the 9am hour.
Kylie Cantrall (Gabby Duran & the Unsittables) - Kylie discusses Disney's exciting Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Valerie is whipping up the perfect Thanksgiving side that's a must have for your table on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry tells Sherri about his latest children's book, Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole, on Sherri, so check your local listings.
Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock) - Dwayne talks about Moana 2 on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Christina Milian (Grandfathered) - Christina talks about Netflix's Meet Me Next Christmas on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
Jasmine Guy (A Different World) - Jasmine talks about BET's A Wesley South African Christmas on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
T.R. Knight (Charlie Lawrence) - T.R. talks about The Merchant of Venice on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:40am.