Wednesday, April 04, 2018

IFC Renews Brockmire for Two Seasons; Remembering TV Legend Steven Bochco

Brockmire

IFC announced at a press conference that the critically acclaimed comedy series Brockmire has been picked up for two additional seasons. Season 2 of the series, starring Hank Azaria as Jim Brockmire and produced by Funny or Die, is set to premiere Wednesday, April 25 at 10PM. Tyrel Jackson Williams and Amanda Peet co-star. Seasons 3 and 4 are slated to air in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Brockmire follows Jim Brockmire, a famed major league baseball announcer who suffered a notorious public breakdown after stumbling upon his wife's infidelity - a breakdown so bad that "Brutal Brockmire" became a viral internet meme. Season 1 began a decade later, as Brockmire looked to reclaim his career, reputation, and love life. He eventually found happiness calling games for the Morristown Frackers, the underdog minor league baseball team, alongside his girlfriend Jules (Peet).

Originally premiering in April 2017, the show received critical praise from the start and was the highest-rated new series in IFC's history. Season 1 was the most time-shifted new original comedy on cable, drawing in 8.6 million total viewers in Nielsen live+7 ratings, and was one of the most social comedies on TV, consistently ranking in the top ten for social media interactions on premiere nights. Season 2 returns with Brockmire chasing an opportunity to call games in New Orleans, and leaving Jules behind in the process. He's now a top podcaster with his show "Brock Bottom," living with his co-dependent friend Charles (Williams)... and boozing harder than ever. Still trying to still reclaim his career as a top sportscaster, Brockmire cannot resist the sinful temptations of the Big Easy, while pining for the girl he left behind in Morristown, PA and struggling to find his purpose in life.


Steven Bochco

Television producer and writer Steven Bochco, who developed Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, Doogie Howser, M.D. and NYPD Blue, has died. He died peacefully in his sleep at his Pacific Palisades, California, home from cancer on April 1. Mr. Bochco was 74.

Bochco's television career began with Universal Pictures as a writer and story editor. Some of his early credits included The Name of the Game, Griff, The Invisible Man, Delvecchio, McMillan & Wife, Ironside and Columbo. He received two Emmy nominations for his work on Columbo in 1972 and 1973.

In 1978, he created the short-lived NBC detective drama Richie Brockelman, Private Eye with Stephen J. Cannell. He created the short-lived 1979-1980 CBS police drama Paris. The series was notable as the first series on which James Earl Jones played a lead role. It also starred Lee Chamberlain, Hank Garrett, Cecilia Hart, Jake Mitchell, Mike Warren and Frank Ramirez.

Bochco and Michael Kozoll created the NBC police drama Hill Street Blues in 1981. He also worked as a writer and producer on the series. The series aired for 7 seasons until 1987. It starred Daniel J. Travanti, Michael Conrad (1981-1984), Michael Warren, Charles Haid, Veronica Hamel, Bruce Wietz, Kiel Martin, Taurean Blacque, James Sikking, Joe Spano, Betty Thomas, Barbara Bosson (1981-1986) and Ed Marinaro (1981-1986). The show received a total of 98 Emmy nominations during its run. Bochco won 6 Emmy Awards for his work on the series: Outstanding Drama Series in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984 and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series in 1981 and 1982.

He created the NBC legal drama L.A. Law with Terry Louise Fisher in 1986. The series ran for 8 seasons until 1994. It starred Richard Dysart, Alan Rachins, Harry Hamlin (1986-1991), Susan Dey (1986-1992), Jill Eikenberry, Corbin Bernsen, Michael Tucker, Jimmy Smits (1986-1991), Michele Greene (1986-1991), Susan Ruttan (1986-1993), Larry Drake (1987-1994) and Blair Underwood (1987-1994). The series won 15 Emmy Awards throughout its run. Bochco won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series in 1987 and 1989 and for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series in 1987.

Bochco and Fisher created the ABC dramedy Hooperman in 1987. The series ran for 2 seasons and 42 episodes. It starred John Ritter, Debrah Farentino, Barbara Bosson, Clarence Felder, Sydney Walsh, Joseph Gian, Felton Perry, Alix Elias, Paul Linke (1988-1989) and Rod Gist (1988-1989).

He created the ABC sitcom/medical drama Doogie Howser, M.D. with David E. Kelley in 1989. The series ran for 4 seasons and 97 episodes. It starred Neil Patrick Harris, Max Casella, Belinda Montgomery, Lawrence Pressman, Mitchell Anderson (1989-1991), Kathryn Layng, Lisa Dean Ryan (1989-1992), Lucy Boryer (1989-1992), Markus Redmond (1990-1993) and James B. Sikking.

Bochco and David Milch created the gritty police drama NYPD Blue for ABC in 1993. The critically acclaimed series ran for 12 seasons until 2005. It starred Dennis Franz, David Caruso (1993-1994), James McDaniel (1993-2001), Nicholas Turturro (1993-2000), Gordon Clapp (1994-2005), Jimmy Smits (1994-1998), Kim Delaney (1995-2001), Bill Brochtrup (1999-2005), Henry Simmons (2000-2005), Charlotte Ross (2001-2004), Esai Morales (2001-2004), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (2001-2005) and Jacqueline Obradors (2001-2005). The series received 84 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning 20 of them. Bochco won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1995.

Some of his other created or produced series included Bay City Blues (1983), Cop Rock (1990), Civil Wars (1991-1993), Capitol Critters (1992), The Byrds of Paradise (1994), Public Morals (1996), Murder One (1995-1997), Brooklyn South (1997-1998), City of Angels (2000), Philly (2001-2002), Blind Justice (2005), Over There (2005), Commander in Chief (2005-2006), Raising the Bar (2008-2009) and Murder in the First (2014-2016).

Survivors include his wife Dayna Kalins; his children Jesse, Sean and Melissa; grandchildren Wes and Stevie Rae; and sister Joanna Frank. He was married to actress Barbara Bosson, who starred in Hill Street Blues, Hooperman and Murder One, from 1970 to 1997.

The Archive of American Television conducted an extensive interview with him on May 21 and September 12, 2002.

Mr. Bochco won 10 Emmy Awards during his legendary career. We thank him for the great series he created and the many hours of entertainment he brought us. He will be greatly missed.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, December 22

Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion Pt. 2

Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion Pt. 2 (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
CBS is gifting viewers an extra special holiday present this season, the brand-new EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND: 30TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION PT. 2,” airing Monday, Dec. 22, (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.*

This one-hour show gives viewers who loved the first special another opportunity to reminisce and revisit the laughter and joy from the original CBS series. The brand-new broadcast follows the success of EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND: 30TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION, which originally aired Monday, Nov. 24, with an encore presentation Friday, Nov. 28, garnering 10.08 million live plus 7-day multiplatform viewers across both broadcasts and streaming.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor Ray Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal, this fresh hour brings fans closer than ever to the original series, with exclusive stories and heartfelt memories shared by beloved cast members gathered together to honor one of TV’s most iconic sitcoms. Ray Romano and Phil Rosenthal share their thoughts on the magic of being back on set and reuniting with the cast. Additionally, viewers can enjoy never-before-seen content, outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Plus, guest stars, writers and producers will provide unique insights into the creation and legacy of this beloved series.

St. Denis Medical - "Get Me in the Pod, Brother" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Alex and Ron spar over the wisdom of open communication; Joyce brings in a body scanner that proves overly distracting.

The Paper - "I Love You" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
With Marv camped out in the newsroom while his office is painted, Ned and the staff find their unresolved attitudes toward authority bubbling up; Esmeralda and Ken plot a betrayal that leaks.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of December 22)

Monday, December 22

  • Kenan Thompson (Kenan/Kenan & Kel) - Watch Kenan on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Tony Shalhoub (We Are Men/Stark Raving Mad/Wings) - Tony appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Ron Funches (Loot/Powerless/Undateable) and Jeff Garcia (Mr. Box Office) - Ron and Jeff are guests on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Kate Hudson (Running Point) - Andy Cohen interviews Kate on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 9pm on Bravo. She also talks about Song Sung Blue on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Jamie Lee Curtis (The Sticky/Anything But Love/Operation Petticoat) - Jamie Lee talks about Ella McCay with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Simu Liu (Kim's Convenience) - Simu talks about The Copenhagen Test on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis at 7pm.
  • Hugh Jackman (Human Resources) - Hugh talks about Song Sung Blue on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Kyle Richards (Down to Earth) - Kyle gives Sherri a sneak peek at the 15th season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
  • Paul Rudd (The Shrink Next Door/Living with Yourself/Wild Oats) - Paul and Jack Black are telling Drew all about their hilarious adaptation of Anaconda on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Odessa A'zion (I Love LA/Fam) - Odessa tells Drew about her role in new movie Marty Supreme and hit series I Love LA on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Melissa Gilbert (Stand by Your Man) - Melissa is guest on New York Living on WPIX in New York at 10:10am.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray) Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - The Complete First Season (DVD) St. Denis Medical - Season One (Blu-ray) Happy's Place - Season One (Blu-ray) Two and a Half Men - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series (DVD)
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two (DVD)
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season (DVD)
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2 (DVD)
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)
10/07 - Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - The Complete First Season (DVD)
10/14 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
10/28 - St. Denis Medical - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/04 - Happy's Place - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/11 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/11 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fifteenth Season (DVD)
11/11 - Two and a Half Men - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/02 - Tom and Jerry - The Golden Era Anthology (1940-1958) (Blu-ray) (DVD)

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 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of December 22, 2025)
12/20 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Historical 19th Century Comedy in the Works at CBS; Bowen Yang Leaving Saturday Night Live After Tonight
12/19 - The Muppet Show 50th Anniversary Event in February on ABC & Disney+; Adult Swim Renews Haha, You Clowns for 2 More Seasons
12/18 - The Oscars Moving to YouTube in 2029; Celebs for Hollywood Squares Season 2
12/17 - MeTV Remembers Rob Reiner with Tribute Marathon; MGM+ to Make New The Magnificent Seven Series
12/16 - The Rob Reiner Story: A Hollywood Tragedy – ABC News Special; Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion Part 2 on CBS
12/15 - Remembering the Legendary Rob Reiner of All in the Family; Trailer for Netflix's His & Hers
12/14 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of December 15, 2025)
12/13 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner/Netflix Merger Gets Complicated; Steve Carell Comedy Rooster Coming to HBO Max in March
12/12 - Survival of the Thickest Final Season Guest Stars; Ted Season 2 Returns in March
12/11 - The Upshaws Final Season Premieres January 15; Mike Epps Gets 5th Netflix Special
12/10 - HBO's Rooster Premieres in March; Fox's Updated Winter 2026 Schedule
12/09 - 83rd Golden Globe Nominations; Paradise Returns on Hulu in February
12/08 - First Look at Bert Kreischer Netflix Comedy Free Bert; School Spirits Season 3
12/07 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of December 8, 2025)
12/06 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair; Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery
12/05 - FETV Acquires The Carol Burnett Show Uncut; Hey A.J.! Coming to Disney Jr.
12/04 - COZI TV Acquires The Jeff Foxworthy Show; Hulu Renews Chad Powers for Season 2
12/03 - MeTV January 2026 Schedule; Netflix's My Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman Season 6 Guests
12/02 - MeTV Acquires Charlie's Angels, Fantasy Island, Hart to Hart & Hawaii Five-O; Apple TV's The First Snow of Fraggle Rock Trailer
12/01 - MeTV to Announce Four New Shows; Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Draws 25 Million Viewers on NBC
11/30 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of December 1, 2025)
11/29 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at Scrubs Reboot; Mad Men Coming to HBO Max
11/28 - Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion Encores Tonight (11/28); Hulu's Smash Hit Renewed for Quick 4th Season
11/27 - 2025 Thanksgiving TV Marathons
11/26 - ABC's Scrubs First Teaser During Dancing with the Stars Finale; Eva Green Joins Wednesday Season 3
11/25 - COZI TV Acquires Malcolm & Eddie and The Steve Harvey Show; 53rd International Emmy® Awards Winners
11/24 - Antenna TV's All-You-Can Eat Wings for Thanksgiving Marathon; Rewind TV's Serving Up the Seavers with a Thanksgiving Day Growing Pains Marathon
11/23 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of November 24, 2025)
11/22 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Disney+ Offers New Simpsons Streaming Channel; Final Eight Unaired Episodes of Joey on YouTube
11/21 - HBO Renews Comedies The Chair Company and I Love LA; Kelly and Mark to Host International Emmy® Awards