Saturday, June 30, 2018
SitcomsOnline Digest: John Goodman Lands Role on HBO Televangelist Comedy; More Alice DVDs from Warner Archive
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- While we don't exactly know how The Conners (or whatever it will be called) will work out, John Goodman has landed another series on HBO, The Righteous Gemstones, a comedy about a dysfunctional televangelist dynasty. (Consequence of Sound)
- For those who remember that NBC had a sitcom called Champions this past season... and they did... it won't be returning for a second season, though it is possible it may be picked up elsewhere. (Variety)
- During the upfront last month, Fox never said whether Ghosted was renewed or cancelled, but it's probably not a surprise that it was officially cancelled this week. (Deadline)
- Jerry Seinfeld had some things to say about Roseanne this week, and oddly, he says that he has never seen a comedian destroy their career by just saying one thing, which makes us wonder if he was just being sarcastic or if he is forgetting about his own co-star, Michael Richards. (Deadline)
- Season five of BoJack Horseman will debut on September 14 on Netflix. (Pitchfork)
- Jimmy Fallon has been known for trying to stay somewhat politically neutral, but that has changed lately when it comes to Donald Trump, and this week he teamed up with his competition to produce an opening sketch about Trump that aired on both his show and Stephen Colbert's Late Show. (People)
HOME MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
- Warner Archive is moving ahead with Alice, as Alice - The Complete Seventh Season will arrive as a MOD release on July 10.
HOME MEDIA RELEASES (JULY 3)
- New Girl - The Final Season (DVD, $19.98): The final season of the Fox comedy arrives on DVD in this release.
WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 30 - JULY 6)
- Believe it or not, Syfy will not be continuing their tradition of airing Twilight Zone on the Fourth of July, but if you have Decades, they will be continuing that tradition on Wednesday.
- Meanwhile, this weekend, the Decades binge is Tarzan.
- The tenth season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee debuts Friday on Netflix.
- Adult Swim debuts a new series, Mostly 4 Millennials, on Monday.
- If you're in the Christmas spirit, Hallmark Mysteries and Movies started their Gold Crown Christmas Week yesterday, and although it is called a "week," it will actually continue through July 15.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Fri-Yay: Will Roseanne Spin-off The Conners Succeed?; Fox Fall 2018 Premiere Dates
by Vincent
This week, it was announced that ABC was going forward with a spin-off of Roseanne entitled The Conners. The series will take Roseanne's 8pm Tuesday timeslot, and while details on the exact direction of the series are sparse, one thing is for certain: it will not involve Roseanne in any way, and her character will be written or killed off in a turn of events that ABC execs described as "sudden." Whether The Conners will essentially be "Roseanne without Roseanne" or a different type of series entirely isn't clear, but given that the writing team and cast sans Roseanne appears to be identical to what would've been Roseanne Season 11, it's reasonable to expect the new series will pick up where Roseanne left off. The spin-off has been picked up for 10 episodes and could receive an extension if it performs adequately.
It will be interesting to see how the public responds to The Conners, and whether it will continue to see ratings as impressive as Roseanne's 10th season did this past spring. I'm going to guess there will once again be a lot of upfront public interest in the series, but as deplorable as Barr's recent comments might be, it's really hard for me to imagine the world of the Conners without Roseanne Conner. That said, the cast is incredibly talented and the characters are all solid and interesting, and while Roseanne's 10th season had a lot of flaws, it did a lot of interesting things with the Conners and examining how they would fit into 2010s America. I could see The Conners eventually developing into an astute working class sitcom without the baggage that Roseanne Barr brings to it. But part of me does wonder if maybe it's best if we all just left Roseanne in our rear view mirror. The Roseanne debacle has proved that sometimes, shows are better off left in the past, and that the present can taint our memories of shows that we once loved. It's possible The Conners will revive some of the bad taste left by the unfortunate ending to the Roseanne revival, but it's also possible it will be salt on the wound, and pulling a great show out of all of the uncertainty and turmoil of the post-Season 10 Roseanne going-ons is going to be an uphill battle. I'd love for The Conners to prove me wrong, but I'm fearing that it's going to be another example of a TV network messing up something that should've been left alone to begin with.
Fox has set the 2018-19 fall premiere dates for its new and returning series, which includes the return of Last Man Standing and new comedies The Cool Kids and Rel. Hit drama 9-1-1, featuring new cast member Jennifer Love Hewitt, returns with a two-night season premiere: Night One airs immediately following the NFL on Fox doubleheader on Sunday, Sept. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/live in all time zones); Night Two airs Monday, Sept. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), in its regular time period, following the season premiere of The Resident (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 25, The Gifted (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Lethal Weapon (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), featuring new cast member Seann William Scott, air.
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Empire (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Star (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) return.
Thursday Night Football, with NFL Hall of Famers Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Michael Strahan headlining the pregame show, debuts Sept. 27 (7:30 PM-CC ET live/4:30 PM-CC PT live).
On Friday, Sept. 28, the return of Last Man Standing, starring Tim Allen (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), and new comedy The Cool Kids, starring comedy veterans David Alan Grier, Martin Mull, Vicki Lawrence and Leslie Jordan (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) premiere, followed by the season premiere of Hell's Kitchen (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), which, in a new twist, pits veteran contestants against rookies.
New multi-cam comedy Rel launches with a special preview immediately following the NFL on Fox doubleheader, Sunday Sept. 9 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/live in all time zones). On Sunday, Sept. 30, following the season premieres of The Simpsons (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), Bob's Burgers (8:30-9:00 PM, in its new regular time period) and Family Guy (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), Rel makes its time period premiere at 9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Piper Perabo Cast in Netflix Comedy Series; GLOW Returns for Season 2 on Netflix June 29
Netflix has announced that Piper Perabo (Covert Affairs, Looper) and JJ Feild (Turn, The Romanoffs), as well as newcomer Frankie Hervey, have been cast in the upcoming original comedy series Turn Up Charlie, which went into production earlier this month in London. They join the previously announced Idris Elba, who co-created and executive-produces the series in which he will also star.
Turn Up Charlie centers on Charlie (Elba), a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor who is given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friend's problem-child daughter.
Gary Reich and Tristram Shapeero will also serve as executive producers. The series will be co-produced by Brown Eyed Boy Productions and Green Door Pictures for Netflix. Eight 30-minute episodes have been ordered. Stay with us for updates on a launch date.
It's time to get your GLOW on again. The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling are back in town. GLOW Season 2 launches globally on Netflix June 29.
Season 2 follows the women of GLOW as they become local celebrities, confronting the good, the bad, and the ugly realities of their newfound fame. As Ruth and Debbie settle into the day-to-day of making a season of TV together, they confront lingering issues at the heart of their friendship. Sam is still Sam, but now he has a teenage daughter living with him and twenty episodes to churn out. The wrestling is harder, the stakes are higher, and the hair is even bigger.
Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the 80s, GLOW tells the fictional story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in 1980s Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women's wrestling. In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin) a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby, only to be sucked back into work when her picture perfect life is not what it seems. And at the wheel is Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a washed-up, B-movie director who now must lead this group of women on the journey to wrestling stardom.
View the Season 2 trailer:
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
MTV's Fear Factor Returns with Celebs; Lori Loughlin Rules Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
MTV's Fear Factor returns with celebrity episodes on Tuesday, July 17 at 10PM ET with a two-hour premiere. Hosted by Ludacris, the series will include ten, one-hour celebrity episodes filled with new stunts inspired by urban legends, popular scary movies and viral videos from today's cultural zeitgeist. The celebrity contestants will confront their fears, be pushed beyond their comfort zones and take action against some of their biggest stressors. Episodes include:
Hip Hop Battle: Tyga, Lil' Yachty, Kodie Shane and Chanel West Coast; Hip Hop Sibling: Ayo and Teo, Rae Sremmurd; MTV Star Battle: Terrence J, Romeo Miller, Cara Maria, Chris 'C.T.' Tamburello, Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley; Thrill Seeker Throwdown: The Dolan Twins, Jake Miller, Chris Pontius and Bam Margera; Reality TV Royal Rumble: Abi-Maria Gomes, Sierra Dawn Thomas, Cody Calafiore, Zach Rance, Brendon Villegas, Rachel Reilly and Caleb Reynolds; For the Love of Fear: Corinne Olympios, Rachel Lindsay, Vanessa Grimaldi, Alexis Waters and Danielle Maltby; Breaking The Internet: KWAY, La La, Tyler Oakley, JC Caylen and SSSniper Wolf; Battle of The Bands: Misterwives; The Shoredown: Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Paul "Pauly D" Delvecchio,"Deena Nicole Cortese, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Jeremiah Buoni, Nilsa Prowant, Aimee Hall and Kirk Medas; Music Star ShowDown: Timeflies, Bea Miller and Drake Bell.
Following the success of last year's programming event, Lori Loughlin is back as Jennifer Shannon the curious sleuth with a knack of discovering not only garage sale treasures but foul play. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries unravels four new original Garage Sale Mysteries every Sunday in August starring Lori Loughlin (When Calls the Heart, Fuller House), Sarah Strange (Men in Trees, Life as We Know It), Steve Bacic (When Calls the Heart), Eva Bourne (When Calls the Heart) and Kevin O'Grady (You Me Her). Hallmark Movies & Mysteries premiered four new original Garage Sale Mysteries movies in August 2017, making the network the number one ad-supported cable network across the four Sundays.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Gloria Estefan Joins One Day at a Time; Netflix Gets Serious with Comedy Stars
This is it! Gloria Estefan is (finally!) coming to Netflix's One Day at a Time. Get on your feet for Gloria Estefan! Netflix announced Monday that the Grammy Award-winning performer will guest-star in an episode of One Day at a Time's much-anticipated third season. Estefan -- who is also the voice behind the series' theme song, a Cuban-tinged cover of the original comedy's opener -- will play Mirtha, Lydia's (Rita Moreno) baby sister and arch-nemesis. A reimagining of the iconic Norman Lear's classic sitcom, One Day at a Time is an hilarious and heartfelt comedy that follows three generations of a Cuban-American family navigating the ups and downs of life. A newly-single mom and military veteran journeys through the triumphs and tribulations that come with raising two strong-willed, mega-millennial children, all the while enlisting the "help" of her old-school mother and her building manager-turned-invaluable confidant. Through an contemporary lens, One Day at a Time offers a glimpse at what life looks like, in good times and bad -- and how those around you somehow make it all worthwhile.
One Day at a Time stars Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, Stephen Tobolowsky, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez and Marcel Ruiz. Norman Lear executive produces, with Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce executive producing and co-showrunning. Brent Miller also executive-produces. One Day at a Time is produced by Sony Television Productions for Netflix.
Three stars known for comedies are about to get serious for a serious topic. Toni Collette (United States of Tara), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie) and Kaitlyn Dever (Last Man Standing) have been cast in Unbelievable, a limited series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning article by The Marshall Project and ProPublica, An Unbelievable Story of Rape. Collette and Wever will play detectives whose lives become intertwined in their mutual pursuit of a possible serial rapist. Lisa Cholodenko is set to direct the first three episodes. Eight total episodes have been ordered of this limited series. The series tells the true story of Marie, a teenager who was charged with lying about having been raped, and the two female detectives who followed a twisting path to arrive at the truth. Katie Couric is among the producers.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Lifetime Orders TV Movies, Including One with Alyssa Milano; Dear White People Gets 3rd Season
Lifetime has greenlit three feature movies based on novels by international best-selling author Jane Green for 2019. From executive producers Kim Raver (Grey's Anatomy), Manu Boyer (To Whom It May Concern) and Jane Green, the first film in the series, Tempting Fate, will star Alyssa Milano (Charmed, Mistresses) and has begun production in Vancouver. Tempting Fate will also mark Raver's directorial debut with Boyer from a script written by Jennifer Maisel (Lost Boy).
Based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, Tempting Fate follows the story of mother-of two Gabby (Milano) whose picture perfect marriage to Elliott (Steve Kazee, Shameless) is jeopardized when she meets Matt (Zane Holtz, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series), a handsome younger man who seemingly ignites a fire and desire within her. What begins as a business opportunity soon develops into an emotional affair leading Gabby to eventually succumb to Matt's unrelenting attraction and attention, never foreseeing the life-changing consequences that lie ahead. Milano recently appeared in the comedy series, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later and next up, she stars in the Netflix comedy-drama TV series Insatiable. Milano has spent more than 30 years in the public eye on such enduring series as Who's the Boss?, Melrose Place, Mistresses and Charmed. This is her third Lifetime movie (following 2008's Wisegal and 2010's Sundays at Tiffany's).
As for the other two films: To Have and to Hold centers on Alice who still can't believe her high school crush, the dashing, wealthy and successful Joe Chambers, would choose to marry her and willingly allows him to mold her into his ideal socialite wife. Despite Alice's best efforts to be the woman of Joe's dreams, he can't help but be unfaithful to her. When Joe's indiscretions impact his career, Alice's life is further turned upside down. Alice unexpectedly finds herself falling for her best friend's boyfriend and begins to wonder if her fairy tale ending could exist after all. In Family Pictures, Sylvie and Maggie are two strangers living on opposite coasts, leading very similar lives with husbands that travel for work too much and daughters about to leave the nest. But when their daughters befriend each other on college tour, they soon discover a shocking secret that threatens to tear both families apart.
This message is being delivered to you by The Order of X, here with an update on Vol. 3 of Netflix's acclaimed comedy series, Dear White People.
Set against the backdrop of a predominantly white Ivy League university where racial tensions bubble just below the surface, Dear White People is a send-up of the now post "post-racial" America that weaves together a universal story of finding one's own identity and forging a wholly unique path. The satirical series -- based on the acclaimed 2014 film by the same name - continues to follow a group of Winchester University students of color as they navigate a diverse landscape of social injustice, cultural bias, political correctness (or lack thereof) and activism in the millennial age. Through an absurdist lens, Dear White People utilizes biting irony, self-deprecation and sometimes brutal honesty to hold up a mirror to the issues plaguing society today, all the while leading with laughter.
Dear White People stars Logan Browning (Sam), Brandon P. Bell (Troy), Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton, John Patrick Amedori, Ashley Blaine Featherson and Marque Richardson.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of June 25, 2018)
For the week of June 25-29, 2018, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVRs (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, June 25
- Tiffany Haddish (The Last O.G./The Carmichael Show) - Watch Tiffany on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Lil Rel Howery (The Carmichael Show) - Lil Rel visits Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC. He will also be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Jason Sudeikis (Son of Zorn/The Last Man on Earth/The Cleveland Show) - Jason appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) - Thomas is a guest on a repeat of Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Betty Gilpin (GLOW/Nurse Jackie) - Betty speaks about GLOW on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Eric stops by Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt/30 Rock) - Jane will be on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
- Hank Azaria (Brockmire/The Simpsons/Free Agents) - Hank cooks with Michael Symon on a repeat of ABC's The Chew at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- John Michael Higgins (Great News/Happily Divorced/Kath & Kim) - John talks about his new game show America Says on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
- Nick Kroll (The League/Cavemen) - Catch Nick on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) - Kumail is a guest on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Jenny Slate (Married/Parks and Recreation/Bob's Burgers) - Jenny appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Thomas Lennon (The Odd Couple/Sean Saves the World/Reno 911!) - Thomas appears on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
- John Krasinski (A Quiet Place) - John stops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- The Cast of Will & Grace - Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, Eric McCormack and Sean Hayes are guests on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
- Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother/Stark Raving Mad/Doogie Howser, M.D.) - Neil visits Access Live, so check your local listings.
- David Duchovny (Californication) - David gives the scoop on his latest album on a repeat of Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
- Colin Ferguson (You're the Worst/Coupling/Then Came You) - Colin guest co-hosts Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
- Nick Kroll (The League/Cavemen), Erica Ash (Survivor's Remorse), Lil Rey Howery (The Carmichael Show) and J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm/The Millers/'Til Death) - Nick, Erica, Lil Rel and J.B. talk about Uncle Drew on the BUILD Series at 12pm.
- Amber Tamblyn (Two and a Half Men) - Amber is a guest on the BUILD Series at 4pm and on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Paul Rudd (Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later/Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp/Friends/Wild Oats) - Watch Paul on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken/Community) - Ken is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Helen Hunt (Mad About You/It Takes Two) - Helen appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) - Ben is a guest on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Amber Tamblyn (Two and a Half Men) - Amber chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Bradley Whitford (Happyish/Trophy Wife) - Bradley stops by The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- The Cast of Dear White People - Cast members from Dear White People are guests on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
- Amanda Seales (Insecure/My Brother and Me) - Amanda appears on a repeat of The Real, so check your local listings.
- Nick Kroll (The League/Cavemen), Erica Ash (Survivor's Remorse) and Lil Rey Howery (The Carmichael Show) - Nick, Erica and Lil Rel talk about Uncle Drew on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City) - Lea talks about The Year of Spectacular Men on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
- Chris Lowell (GLOW) - Chris talks about GLOW on the BUILD Series at 5pm.
- John Michael Higgins (Great News/Happily Divorced/Kath & Kim) - John talks about America Says on BUILD Brunch at 11am.
- J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm/The Millers/'Til Death) - J.B. will be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Rob Reiner (All in the Family) - Catch Rob on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
- Eric Andre (Man Seeking Woman/2 Broke Girls/Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23) - Eric drops by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Paul Rudd (Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later/Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp/Friends/Wild Oats) - Paul appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC. He will also be on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- David Duchovny (Californication) - David is a guest on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Henry Winkler (Happy Days/Monty/Out of Practice) - Henry appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Timothy Olyphant (Santa Clarita Diet) - Timothy is a guest on a repeat of Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- January Jones (The Last Man on Earth) - January appears on a repeat of Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Patricia Clarkson (Davis Rules) - Patricia stops by Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.
- Elizabeth Perkins (How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)/Weeds/Battery Park) - Elizabeth is a guest on Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo. She will also be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Jussie Smollett (On Our Own) - Jussie appears on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Ali Wentworth (Nightcap) - Ali is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Laura Prepon (That '70s Show/Are You There, Chelsea?) - Laura does some healthy cooking with Kelly and Ryan on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Adam DeVine (Workaholics/Modern Family) - Adam appears on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
- Rita Moreno (One Day at a Time/Happily Divorced/9 to 5) - Rita is a guest on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings. She will also be on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
- Cedric the Entertainer (The Last O.G./The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric appears on a repeat of Steve, so check your local listings.
- Hayley Orrantia (The Goldbergs) - Hayley is a guest on a repeat of Steve, so check your local listings.
- Melissa Peterman (Baby Daddy/Working Class/Reba) - Melissa guest co-hosts Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Jada Pinkett Smith (A Different World) - Jada talks about Red Table Talk on on Couch Surfing on PeopleTV at 8am.
- Tori Spelling (Mystery Girls/So Notorious) - Tori appears on Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Martin Short (Mulaney/The Martin Short Show) - Watch Martin on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Alicia Silverstone (American Woman) - Alicia is a guest on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Ed Helms (The Office) - Ed appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth) - Will is a guest on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- John Stamos (Grandfathered/Jake in Progress/Full House) - John visits The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Anna Camp (The Mindy Project) - Anna guest co-hosts The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Jason Sudeikis (Son of Zorn/The Last Man on Earth/The Cleveland Show) - Jason is a guest on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
- Ali Wong (American Houswife/Are You There, Chelsea?) - Ali appears on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local lisitngs.
- Ed Alonzo (Saved by the Bell) - Ed is a guest on Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Melissa Peterman (Baby Daddy/Working Class/Reba) - Melissa guest co-hosts Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place) and Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) - Selena and Andy talk about Hotel Transylvania 3 on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Elizabeth Perkins (How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)/Weeds/Battery Park) - Elizabeth talks about Sharp Objects on the BUILD Series at 12pm.
- Kimiko Glenn (Liza on Demand) - Kimiko talks about Liza on Demand on the BUILD Series at 1pm.
All listings are subject to change. Visit our blog and main site for daily updated listings. Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Sunday feature! We do listen!
Sitcoms Airing This Week
Sunday, June 24
The Simpsons - "Gone Boy" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The town puts together a search party after Bart goes missing; Sideshow Bob tries to force his whereabouts out of Millhouse.
Bob's Burgers - "Something Old, Something New, Something Bob Caters for You" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
As Bob wonders about the worth of working in the restaurant business, a couple who fell in love at the restaurant asks the Belchers to cater their wedding; when things don't go as planned, Linda tries to save the day.
Family Guy - "Foxx in the Men House" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Peter befriends the coolest guy ever and dumps Quagmire, Joe, and Cleveland.
Ghosted - "The Article" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
An article is published revealing The Bureau Underground to the public; Merv asks Leroy to interrogate his co-workers to find out who leaked the information; Ava gets closer to solving the mystery of who bugged the office.
Monday, June 25
Mom - "Eight Cats and the Hat Show" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Christy is blindsided by a surprising offer from her boyfriend, Patrick (Steven Weber). Also, Bonnie struggles to be the stable one in her relationship after Adam experiences a devastating loss.
Man with a Plan - "Adam Gets Neighborly" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Adam and Andi try to get back in their neighbors’ good graces after no one shows up to their potluck. Sherri Shepherd and Tim Meadows guest star as Joy and Rudy Randall, the Burns’ new neighbors.
Andi Mack - "A Walker to Remember" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Andi and Walker realize how much they have in common when they spend the day together; Buffy steps up to lead the team in T.J.'s place when he is sidelined.
Tuesday, June 26
The Middle - "Vive Le Hecks" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Axl returns home from his summer trip to Europe, sporting a man-bun and embracing a new, chill European outlook on life. Mike just wants him to clean up and look for a job, but Frankie thinks Axl will do this on his own and asks Mike to give him a little breathing room. Meanwhile, because Sue worked the entire summer at Spudsy’s and missed out on having any fun, she decides to cram in a whole summer of fun in two days before going back to college; Brick makes the decision to break up with Cindy because he doesn’t want to be tied down in a relationship when he’s about to embark on the revelry of his “big sophomore year”; and Frankie desperately tries to come up with an item for a time capsule that’s being buried under the Orson cow that will make the town remember the Hecks when it’s opened in 100 years.
The Middle - "Please Don't Feed the Hecks" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After Frankie gives neighbor Nancy Donahue an old scarf that is just sitting around gathering dust, Nancy returns the favor by baking her a delicious apple pie. Believing she’s stumbled upon a way to get free and tasty meals, Frankie makes it her mission to find miscellaneous items around the house to give to her in exchange for some culinary delights. Meanwhile, Sue and Lexie prepare to move back into their college apartment but find that it’s been sublet to a man who refuses to leave; and Axl’s new job as the school bus driver gives him a chance to see how Brick’s high school sophomore year is treating him, and he discovers that Mike has refused to speak to Brick’s class on Career Exploration Day.
black-ish - "Mother Nature" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Bow is feeling overwhelmed after the birth of DeVante and learns she is suffering from postpartum depression. Dre urges her to get help and stands by her side while she works through it. Meanwhile, the kids babyproof the house in an effort to help their parents out.
black-ish - "Please Don't Feed the Animals" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Bow keeps in touch with Dre’s incarcerated godbrother, Omar, but when they find out he is being released from prison, Omar’s future sparks debate. Meanwhile, Ruby lets it slip to the kids that she’s been to jail and they push her to tell them more secrets from her past.
Younger - "The Talented Mr. Ridley" (TV Land, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Liza takes a chance on a charming journalist, both professionally and personally. Diana steps outside her comfort zone.
Teachers - "Leggo My Preggo" (TV Land, 10:34PM ET/PT)
Mrs. Adler has had it with everyone having an opinion about her pregnancy. Ms. Watson joins a makeup pyramid scheme, and Ms. Bennigan gets caught in the middle of disputing custody parents.
Wednesday, June 27
The Goldbergs - "The Opportunity of a Lifetime" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Barry gets the chance to throw the first pitch at a Philadelphia Phillies game and believes this is his chance to play professionally, but it’s anything but. Meanwhile, Erica makes an important decision about her future in college.
The Goldbergs - "Weird Science" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Beverly and Murray move Erica into college where her roommate is also named Erica. Later, Beverly has a hard time letting go and ends up sleeping over in the dorm, much to Erica’s dismay. Meanwhile, Adam tries to give Barry the perfect girlfriend, even trying to build one like in the movie “Weird Science,” as he embarks into his senior year.
Modern Family - "No Small Feet" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Claire lands a big opportunity for Pritchett’s Closets, Jay expects a little validation for his contribution; and Pam’s ex-boyfriend Bo (James Van Der Beek) shows up and Mitchell sees this as the perfect opportunity to get Pam out of the house. Meanwhile, Luke and Alex stumble upon a successful online business that finally gets them on their feet.
American Housewife - "The Venue" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Katie enlists Angela’s legal help to convince Chloe Brown Mueller (Jessica St. Clair) to sign off on the venue for the Spring Gala, but Angela ends up cozying up to Chloe instead.
Young & Hungry - "Young & Communication" (Freeform, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Josh pretends to join a swim club to get some ``me'' time, but Gabi learns of his ruse.
Young & Hungry - "Young & Handsy" (Freeform, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Elliot and Yolanda go to extreme lengths to land tickets to a Bruno Mars concert.
Thursday, June 28
The Big Bang Theory - "The Reclusive Potential" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A brilliant but reclusive scientist, Doctor Wolcott (Peter MacNicol), invites Sheldon to his cabin in the middle of nowhere, and Leonard, Raj and Howard go along for the trip. Also, Penny and Bernadette improvise after Amy doesn’t like the tame bachelorette party they planned for her.
The Big Bang Theory - "The Tesla Recoil" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Sheldon’s comic book store experiences changes when writer Neil Gaiman puts Stuart’s store on the map. Also, Koothrappali takes credit for Penny’s astronomical discovery.
Marlon - "Keepin' It 100" (NBC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Marlon (Marlon Wayans) decides to buy the house he has been renting since the separation. While prepping for the sale Marlon and Ashley (Essence Atkins) decide that they no longer have to follow the politics of marriage and tell white lies to keep each other happy. They can be totally honest with each other... "Keep It 100." Yvette (Bresha Webb) and Stevie (Diallo Riddle) get involved and the plan eventually backfires when they realize you can be too honest. They all agree to keep it a balmy "77" with a slight breeze.
Marlon - "Man Code" (NBC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Marlon (Marlon Wayans) and Stevie (Diallo Riddle) see Yvette’s (Bresha Webb) fiancé, Demetrius, cheating on her and they disagree whether or not they should tell her. Marlon refuses, claiming they can’t break the “man code.” Ashley (Essence Atkins) deals with Yvette’s new relationship by turning to numerous hobbies. Yvette discovers what is going on and breaks up with Demetrius after he and Marlon get into a fight at her engagement party.
American Woman - "The Cost of Living" (Paramount Network, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Jessica's big break comes as Bonnie struggles with her new routine as a single mother; Diana gets set up on a date; Kathleen and Greg work through their issues.
Friday, June 29
none scheduled
Saturday, June 30
Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn - "Quadcodile Dundee" (Nickelodeon, 8:00PM ET/PT)
The quads are taught a lesson by Tom and Anne when they are forced to wait in line like everyone else when Isaiah Thomas comes to the store to sign his new shoes.
Sunday, July 1
The Simpsons - "Hee-Haw Land" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Simpsons go to a STEM conference; Lisa falls for a crooning jazz pianist; Bart discovers he has an affinity for chemistry.
Bob's Burgers - "The Silence of the Louise" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Mr. Frond's therapy dolls are mysteriously attacked; Louise teams up with Millie to help solve the case; Teddy decides to get into the inspirational poster business.
Family Guy - "Petey IV" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Vladimir Putin visits Quahog after Peter writes to him about discovering an alternate ending in the Russian version of one of his favorite films; Brian gets a job at a suicide hotline center and attempts romance with a co-worker.
Bob's Burgers - "Y Tu Ga-Ga Tambien" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When a new playground game is introduced, the school's social hierarchy is turned upside-down; Linda fills in for the local library storyteller and pulls out all the stops to perfect her storyteller persona.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
SitcomsOnline Digest: Roseanne Without Roseanne is Official; Is a Revival of The Nanny in the Works?
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- We’ve known that ABC has been kicking the tires on it for almost a month now, and now it is official: there will be a spinoff of the reboot of Roseanne, featuring all of the cast except for Roseanne Barr herself. (NPR)
- Now this is a reboot that might work and would certainly not end with the star doing something controversial: Fran Drescher says a revival of The Nanny could be happening. (The Wrap)
- For years, the mostly left-wing entertainment division of Fox and the mostly right-wing news division of Fox have been able to co-exist, but it seems that tensions have reached a boiling point this week and creative talents in the entertainment division (including Modern Family co-creator Steve Levitan and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane) are speaking out, with Levitan going so far as to announce that he will leave the studio following the conclusion of Modern Family. (Hollywood Reporter)
- It looks as if the CW reboot of Dynasty is going to have to go in a different direction than the original Dynasty went, as the actress who plays Cristal in the reboot will not be returning for the second season. (Deadline)
- It just barely made it to a second season, but a third won’t be happening, as NBC has decided time is up for Timeless. (CNN)
- 3rd Rock from the Sun will debut July 16 on Laff. (SitcomsOnline)
HOME MEDIA RELEASES (JUNE 26)
- Last Man Standing - The Complete Fifth Season (DVD, $29.95) and Last Man Standing - The Complete Sixth Season (DVD, $29.99): We are still a few months away from this series returning for new episodes on Fox, but if you want to catch up with the last two ABC seasons, these MOD releases are coming on Tuesday.
- The Mick - The Complete First Season (DVD, $29.95) and The Mick - The Complete Second Season (DVD, $29.95): Unlike Last Man Standing, this won't be coming back to Fox in the fall, but you can catch all of the episodes of this show in this pair of releases.
WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 23 - JUNE 29)
- A new version of Double Dare, a Nickelodeon favorite from the past, will be coming to Nickelodeon on Monday, and although he won't have the same role he originally had, original host Marc Summers will be involved.
- You know that the middle of summer has arrived when CBS starts resorting to a reality show about people living in a house together, and that show (Big Brother) returns for an astonishing 20th season on Wednesday.
- A new season of GLOW will arrive on Netflix on Friday.
- The binge on Decades this weekend is taking a slightly different approach, and you can catch every episode of Bridget Loves Bernie (twice even) as well as Square Pegs this weekend.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Fri-Yay: Shows to Catch Up on This Summer; The Conners Coming to ABC Tuesdays This Fall
by Vincent
Summer has always been known as a slow time for the TV world, and although the advent of streaming has offset that somewhat, it still remains true in the broadcast and cable television world. When discussing TV sitcoms, there isn't a whole lot to look forward to if you've already finished the recent seasons of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Arrested Development. Granted, there are a few promising comedies debuting their new seasons this summer, which I'll get to in the coming weeks. But here's a list of shows that have been quietly killing it all year and are able to easily be streamed so you can catch up before they debut their new seasons in the fall or the winter.
One Day at a Time (Netflix original) - If you liked the way the Roseanne reboot focused on blue collar problems and economic struggles, then you need to check out the revamped One Day at a Time, which tackles many of the same issues flawlessly and without the baggage of Roseanne Barr's real-life persona. One Day at a Time re-imagines the 1970s sitcom for a 2010s audience, with a Cuban-American family at the helm. The performances of everyone in the cast, from veteran actors Rita Moreno and Justina Malachado to newcomer Isabella Gomez, kills it, and the show's portrayal of real struggles Americans face from financial struggles, mental illness and sexuality are portrayed incredibly.
Bob's Burgers (Fox, entire series available to stream on Hulu) - Bob's Burgers may be TV's most consistent series. Going into its ninth season, the tale of the Belchers has never missed a beat in being heartwarming, funny, and incredibly entertaining - it remains just as strong now as it was in its peak. Rumor has it that a movie is in the works for the series, so now is a good time to catch up with all of the show's delightful antics. But you don't even need that as an excuse - I guarantee this show's spunky sense of humor and big heart will brighten your day, and it's perfect for a summer afternoon binge session.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix original) - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt hasn't always been the most consistent series, but its heights have been fantastic, and the show's recent fourth season (or first half of it, anyway) may be the show's finest yet. Kimmy Schmidt deals with some dark subject matter but never feels overbearing, and manages to treat its characters rather serious trials and tribulations with the respect they deserve.
The Good Place (NBC, Season 1 available on Netflix, Season 2 coming soon) - The Good Place is my personal pick for best show on TV right now. It's funny, thoughtful and suspenseful - it satisfies every TV itch, from incredibly stories to amazing jokes to top-notch acting and writing. The show is entering its third season on NBC, and its pitch-perfect and surprising first season is available to binge on Netflix. The wildly inventive and original second season should also be available soon, so you'll have the opportunity to join the conversation when the series returns this fall.
Detroiters (available to stream via Comedy Central's website) - I'll write more in depth about the series next week, but Comedy Central's Detroiters is one of the most underrated shows on TV right now. Its outlandish sense of humor is weird, wild and funny and kind of unlike anything I've seen on TV before. The second season premiered this week, but you owe it to yourself to catch up with the first season, which had some of the most left-field jokes I've ever seen on a TV show before.
The Conners (working title), a spinoff of the groundbreaking family comedy Roseanne, has been greenlit to series with an order of 10 episodes for fall 2018. After a sudden turn of events, the Conners are forced to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before. This iconic family - Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. - grapples with parenthood, dating, an unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging and in-laws in working-class America. Through it all, the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns - with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails. The series, featuring John Goodman ("Dan"), Laurie Metcalf ("Jackie"), Sara Gilbert ("Darlene"), Lecy Goranson ("Becky") and Michael Fishman ("D.J.") as their beloved Conner characters, is set to air Tuesdays from 8:00-8:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Additional cast members and a premiere date will be announced later. Roseanne Barr will have no financial or creative involvement in the new series.
Tom Werner will executive produce, along with Sara Gilbert, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, Bruce Rasmussen and Tony Hernandez. Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan and Bruce Rasmussen are also writers. The series is from Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment. When ABC announced that they were canceling Roseanne thanks to Roseanne Barr's cruel comments, we suggested that they kill her off and retitle the series...and it looks like that is what is happening! The Hogan Family all over again?
Thursday, June 21, 2018
3rd Rock from the Sun Launches on Laff in July; The CW Fall 2018 Premiere Dates
Laff will begin 3rd Rock from the Sun starting Monday, July 16, 2018. It will air weeknights from 5-7pm, as Night Court will move to 1-3pm. 3rd Rock from the Sun joins Home Improvement on Laff, which was just added this month. Laff's new schedule will include Grounded for Life from 8-9am, Grace Under Fire from 9-10am, three-hours of Spin City from 10am-1pm, and two-hour blocks each of Night Court and The Drew Carey Show from 1pm-5pm, all starting July 16. 3rd Rock airs from 5-7pm into That '70s Show and Home Improvement in primetime from 7-11pm. Late nights will have more That '70s Show from 11pm-1am, then an hour each of Grace Under Fire, The Drew Carey Show and more Grace from 1am-4am. Weekends will remain the same as it is now, so 3rd Rock will not air weekends. Cybill is the only show on weekends that doesn't air on weekdays, and will continue to air from 6am-8am on Saturday mornings. We previously announced the acquisition of 3rd Rock, but now we have a premiere date and timings.
The CW Network has revealed the premiere dates for its new six-night primetime schedule starting this October, plus the time period switch for Arrow and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on Monday nights. On Tuesday, October 9, The CW's highest rated series The Flash races back into action (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the second season of the new hit Black Lightning (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The red-hot Riverdale returns for its third season Wednesday, October 10 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the debut of the inspiring new series All American (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT).
Thursday nights once again kick off with Supernatural, which is back for season 14 starting October 11 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT). For two weeks, Supernatural will provide a lead-in to encore telecasts of The CW's new series All American on October 11 and Charmed on October 18, before the debut of the new series Legacies, set in the world of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, on October 25 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). On Friday, October 12, the delicious drama of Dynasty (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT) is back for season two, paired with the final season of the critically acclaimed Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT).
The CW's new Sunday primetime line-up features the heroic return of Supergirl (8:00-9:00PM ET/PT) teamed up with the bewitching new series Charmed (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT), and premieres October 14. The CW will be switching time periods for its two high-octane action and adventure Monday series, with Arrow now leading off the night premiering October 15 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), and DC's Legends of Tomorrow moving an hour later, making its season four premiere on October 22 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT). This is a time period change for both shows from what was previously announced in May. The CW's Fall season officially kicks off with the exclusive telecast of the iHeartRadio Music Festival, airing over two nights Sunday, October 7 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT) and Monday, October 8 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT).
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
NBC Fall 2018 Premiere Dates; Season 4 of Bounce Sitcom Premieres July 2
NBC has announced premiere dates for its 2018-19 fall schedule, which includes Sunday Night Football, This Is Us, the launch of Oscar winner Robert Zemeckis' new drama, Manifest, The Voice, Tuesday night's new Ryan Eggold-starrer New Amsterdam, the new season of Will & Grace, and the third season of Mike Schur's mind-bending comedy The Good Place. The network begins its new season Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with a two-hour telecast of the Blind Auditions for season 15 of The Voice, which features coaches Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. The Voice will immediately be followed at 10 p.m. by the premiere of Manifest, an emotionally rich, unexpected mystery journey that is jump-started following a turbulent but seemingly routine flight.
This Is Us makes its highly anticipated season three return on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. immediately following The Voice. At 10 p.m. is the premiere of New Amsterdam, which stars Ryan Eggold as hospital medical director Dr. Max Goodwin, who sets out to tear up bureaucracy, provide exceptional care to patients and return the hospital to the glory that put it on the map. Wednesday, Sept. 26 launches the all-Chicago lineup as Chicago Med begins its fourth season at 8 p.m., Chicago Fire starts its seventh season at 9 p.m. and the evening concludes at 10 p.m. with the sixth season premiere of Chicago P.D. Mike Schur's award-winning comedy The Good Place will begin its third season with an hourlong episode on Thursday, Sept. 27 beginning at 8 p.m., leading into the two-hour premiere of Law & Order: SVU, which begins its 20th season on a new night.
The following Thursday, Oct. 4, will see the return of comedy favorites Superstore at 8 p.m. and Will & Grace at 9 p.m., with I Feel Bad launching at 9:30 p.m. Finally, Blindspot, starring Sullivan Stapleton and Jaimie Alexander, begins its fourth season at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 and Midnight, Texas starts season two at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26.
Bounce is set to kick off Season Four of its hit original comedy series In The Cut on Monday, July 2 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, with new episodes every Monday night this summer. Coming off its highly-rated third season, In The Cut stars Dorien Wilson (The Parkers, Dream On) as Jay Weaver, an accomplished entrepreneur and barbershop owner who is kept on his toes by Cheryl, played by Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show, The First Family), the co-owner of the beauty salon next door and his love interest-turned-fiancee. Ken Lawson (The Parkers) returns as Jay's thirty-something illegitimate son from a short-lived fling now in on the family business, as does John Marshall Jones (The Smart Guy) as fellow barber and pal Smitty. Among this season's storylines: Marriage planning, pressures of single life, love triangles, hilarious barbershop/beauty shop camaraderie and much more. Guest stars will include Dorion Renaud, Michael Jai White, Kyla Pratt, Emmanuel Hudson, Angie Stone, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Vanessa Simmons, Flex Alexander, Milan Christopher and more.
In 2017, the season three double-episode premiere of In The Cut ranked as Tuesday night's #1 sitcom vs. all ad-supported cable programming in its time period in Households, Persons 18-49, P25-54 and Total Viewers among Bounce's target audience of African Americans. This series was created by Bentley Kyle Evans and is produced by Evans and partner Trenten Gumbs, both of whom produce the Bounce TV hit original series Family Time.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The History of Comedy Returns to CNN; Showtime Gets First Late Night Talk Show
The critically-acclaimed CNN Original Series The History of Comedy returns for a second season on Sunday, July 15, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). From executive producers Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner (Hazy Mills) with Emmy Award winners Mark Herzog and Christopher G. Cowen (Herzog & Company), and showrunner Stephen J. Morrison, the six-part docuseries examines what makes people laugh and how comedy has affected the social and political landscape throughout history.
The History of Comedy uses archival footage punctuated by contemporary interviews with comedy legends, scholars and current stars including Sean Hayes, Judd Apatow, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Mo'Nique, Conan O'Brien, Tim Allen, Billy Eichner, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kenny and Keith Lucas, Mike Myers, W. Kamau Bell, Marc Maron, Whitney Cummings, Jim Jefferies, Rachel Bloom, Jim Gaffigan, Sinbad, Catherine O'Hara and many more. The series returns with an episode about sexual humor and how it pushes the limits of both comfort and political correctness. Additional episodes, airing Sunday nights at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), will explore comedy duos/teams, comedy in animation, sketch comedy, family-friendly comedy and comedy legends gone too soon.
SHOWTIME has ordered a weekly half-hour late-night series starring Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, scheduled for premiere in 2019. The first ever weekly late-night talk show on SHOWTIME will feature popular TV and podcast personalities Desus and Mero, speaking highly off the cuff and chatting with guests at the intersection of pop culture, sports, music, politics and more. Longtime acquaintances Desus (Daniel Baker) and Mero (Joel Martinez) reconnected online in the early days of Twitter, where they unleashed their potent personalities and found themselves kindred spirits. That led to a groundbreaking podcast that the rising stars turned into the weeknight talk show Desus and Mero, developing a feverish following. Bringing a distinct voice to late night, Desus and Mero talk spontaneously about anything and everything - including the toughest topics - but laughs are first and foremost on their agenda. The comedians have also appeared in Uncommon Sense, Joking Off and Guy Code, while continuing to host the Bodega Boys podcast. Produced by SHOWTIME in New York, the show will be executive produced by Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, and Victor Lopez.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Showtime Gets Don Cheadle Comedy; HBO Special Directed by Jerrod Carmichael Coming Soon
SHOWTIME has ordered the comedy series Black Monday, starring and executive produced by Emmy(R) nominated and Golden Globe(R) winning actor Don Cheadle - returning to SHOWTIME after a five-season run as star and executive producer of House of Lies - with two-time Tony Award(R) nominee and Grammy(R) winner Andrew Rannells (Girls) and Regina Hall (Girls Trip) also leading the cast. The series was created by David Caspe (Happy Endings) and Jordan Cahan (My Best Friend's Girl), who will serve as executive producers and showrunners. Emmy nominees Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (Preacher, Superbad), who will also executive produce, directed the pilot. With an 10-episode order, Black Monday, a co-production between SHOWTIME and Sony Pictures Television Studios, will premiere in 2019.
Black Monday takes us back to October 19, 1987 - aka Black Monday, the worst stock market crash in the history of Wall Street. To this day, no one knows who caused it ... until now. It's the story of how a group of outsiders took on the blue-blood, old-boys club of Wall Street and ended up crashing the world's largest financial system, a Lamborghini limousine, Don Henley's birthday party and the glass ceiling. The comedy also stars Paul Scheer (The League), Yassir Lester (Making History), Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway) and Eugene Cordero (Kong: Skull Island), with recurring guest star Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) and guest stars Ken Marino (Wet Hot American Summer) and Kurt Braunohler (Bunk).
HBO has wrapped production on a special starring comedians Drew Michael and Suki Waterhouse, with Jerrod Carmichael directing. Shot in Los Angeles last month, the special will debut on the network later this year. Drew Michael has written for Saturday Night Live and guest starred on sitcom The Carmichael Show. He recorded a stand-up special for the cable series The Half Hour, as well as stand-up albums "Lovely" and "Funny to Death." Suki Waterhouse stars in the upcoming feature Assassination Nation, and was most recently seen in The Bad Batch. Jerrod Carmichael has headlined two stand-up specials on HBO; Jerrod Carmichael: Love At The Store, and Jerrod Carmichael: 8.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of June 18, 2018)
For the week of June 18-22, 2018, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVRs (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, June 18
- Jermaine Fowler (Superior Donuts) - Watch Jermaine on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Alison Brie (GLOW/Community) - Alison appears on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family/The Class) - Jesse visits Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Louie Anderson (Baskets/Life with Louie/The Louie Show) - Louie stops by Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Vanessa Bell Calloway (Rhythm & Blues) - Vanessa is a guest on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
- America Ferrera (Superstore) - America appears on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
- Bianca Lawson (Goode Behavior/Saved by the Bell: The New Class) - Bianca is a guest on a repeat of The Real, so check your local listings.
- Heather Dubrow (Stark Raving Mad) - Heather drops by Steve, so check your local listings.
- Melissa Peterman (Baby Daddy/Working Class/Reba) - Melissa guest co-hosts Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show/My Boys/Welcome to New York) - Jim talks about Hotel Transylvania 3 on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Craig T. Nelson (Coach) - Craig cooks with Clinton Kelly on ABC's The Chew at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- Katie O'Brien and Katy Colloton (Teachers) - Katie and Katy talk about Teachers on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
- Martin Short (Mulaney/The Martin Short Show) - Catch Martin on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Whoopi Goldberg (Whoopi/Bagdad Cafe) - Whoopi is a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
- Michael Ian Black (The Jim Gaffigan Show/Ed) - Michael stops by Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Tracy Morgan (The Last O.G./30 Rock/The Tracy Morgan Show) - Michael visits LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Sarah Jessica Parker (Divorce/Sex and the City/Square Pegs) - Sarah appears on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Jennifer Lawrence (The Bill Engvall Show) - The Ellen DeGeneres Show has the best moments from the biggest stars in Season 15, so check your local listings.
- Debra Messing (Will & Grace/Ned & Stacey) - Debra is a guest on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
- Marlon Wayans (Marlon/The Wayans Bros.) - Marlon drops by Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) - Brian is a guest on Access Live, so check your local listings.
- BD Wong (All-American Girl) - BD talks about the off-Broadway production of The Great Leap on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Nick Kroll (The League/Cavemen) - Watch Nick on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Alison Brie (GLOW/Community) - Alison visits Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC. She also chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris is a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Burt Reynolds (Evening Shade) - Burt appears on a repeat of Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Animal Practive/Better with You) - JoAnna guest co-hosts The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Kevin Hart (The Big House/Undeclared), Jamie Foxx (The Jamie Foxx Show), Jay Pharoah (White Famous) and Woody Harrelson (Cheers) - The Ellen DeGeneres Show features funny guys from Season 15, so check your local listings.
- Kym Whitley (Young & Hungry/Animal Practice/Sparks) - Kym is a guest on Steve, so check your local listings.
- Jai Rodriguez (Malibu Country) - Jai guest co-hosts Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/One Day at a Time) - Valerie prepares one-skillet suppers on a repeat of Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
- Sydelle Noel and Britney Young (GLOW) - Sydelle and Britney talk about GLOW on Chatter on PeopleTV at 8pm.
- Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Eric is a guest on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Jamie Lee (Crashing) - Jamie appears on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) and Daniella Pineda (The Detour) - Chris and Daniella talk about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
- Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry talks about Sorry to Bother You on the BUILD Series at 10am.
- Drew Barrymore (Santa Clarita Diet) - Catch Drew on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Michael Strahan (Brothers) - Michael appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
- Cameron Esposito (Take My Wife) - Cameron visits The Opposition with Jordan Klepper at 11:30pm on Comedy Central.
- Alison Brie (GLOW/Community) - Alison stops by Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.
- Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City) - Cynthia chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Craig T. Nelson (Coach) - Craig drops by The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Jenny McCarthy (Two and a Half Men/Jenny) - Jenny is a guest on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
- Billy Bob Thornton (Hearts Afire) - Billy Bob appears on Steve, so check your local listings.
- Whitney Cummings (Whitney) - Whitney is a guest on a repeat of Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
- Debra Messing (Will & Grace/Ned & Stacey) - Debra talks about the launch of The Maxx You Project on People Now at 12pm.
- Fran Drescher (The Nanny/Happily Divorced/Living with Fran) - Fran talks about Hotel Transylvania 3 on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris talks about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
- Christian Slater (Breaking In) - Christian will be on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
- Jodie Foster (Paper Moon/The Courtship of Eddie's Father) - Watch Jodie on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Eric chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Raven-Symone (Raven's Home/That's So Raven/Hangin' with Mr. Cooper/The Cosby Show) - Raven-Symone appears on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Joel McHale (The Great Indoors/Community) - Joel visits LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Demi Lovato (Sonny with a Chance) - Demi is a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
- Lauren Ash (Superstore/Super Fun Night) - Lauren appears on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
- Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy/American Dad!/The Cleveland Show) - Seth is a guest on Harry, so check your local listings.
- Miles Brown (black-ish) - Miles appears on a repeat of Steve, so check your local listings.
- Amber Stevens West (Ghosted/The Carmichael Show) - Amber is part of the panel on a repeat of Steve, so check your local listings.
- Daniella Pineda (The Detour) - Daniella talks about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Josie Bissett (The Hogan Family) - Josie talks about Hallmark Channel's Wedding March 4: Something Old, Something New on Access Live, so check your local listings.
- Fran Drescher (The Nanny/Happily Divorced/Living with Fran) - Fran will be on the BUILD Series at 2pm and on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
- Christian Slater (Breaking In) - Christian is a guest on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
All listings are subject to change. Visit our blog and main site for daily updated listings. Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Sunday feature! We do listen!
Sitcoms Airing This Week
Sunday, June 17
The Simpsons - "Lis Gets the Blues" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When the Simpsons' flight is rerouted to New Orleans, Lisa rediscovers her passion for jazz; Bart is intrigued by voodoo; Homer is intrigued by drinking.
Bob's Burgers - "Mission Impos-slug-ble" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Louise's extensive card collection gets confiscated at school and she devises a plan to get them back; Bob must give a eulogy for an old acquaintance despite an unfortunate incident that happened years ago.
Family Guy - "The D in Apartment 23" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Griffins force Brian to move out after he posts an offensive tweet that goes viral.
Ghosted - "The Premonition" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Leroy brings in a psychic to help figure out who bugged the office; Max refuses to give in to the superstitions.
Monday, June 18
Mom - "Charlotte Brontë and a Backhoe" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Bonnie locks horns with Jill’s “inner strength” coach, Miranda (Kristin Chenoweth). Also, Christy struggles to bounce back after being rejected from law school.
Man with a Plan - "Battle of the Sexists" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Adam and Andi try to get back in their neighbors’ good graces after no one shows up to their potluck.
Andi Mack - "Truth or Truth" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When the power goes out in Shadyside, a day of fun and games sheds light on unexpected revelations.
Tuesday, June 19
The Middle - "Hecks vs. Glossners: The Final Battle" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
It’s the Orson showdown of the century when the Hecks – along with the Donahues and Bill Norwood – wage a war against the Glossners after they steal Sue’s car.
The Middle - "Thank You for Not Kissing" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After Dr. Fulton (Dave Foley) calls Frankie and Mike into his office to inform them that Brick and Cindy have been making out all over school, Frankie tasks Mike into having a talk with his son to discuss dating etiquette. Meanwhile, Sue attempts to work up the gumption to give Sean the snow globe and confess how much she likes him; and after discovering a box full of unfinished thank you notes for gifts received over the years, Frankie orders Axl to finish and mail them all out.
black-ish - "Juneteenth" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Johnsons go to Jack and Diane’s school play about Columbus Day, and Dre is dismayed by the historically inaccurate way that the holiday is portrayed. He feels like there aren’t enough black holidays, so he enlists Aloe Blacc at work to help him create a catchy song to raise awareness for a holiday worth celebrating, Juneteenth.
black-ish - "Dog Eat Dog World" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The family is divided over the idea of getting a dog after Dre and Bow promise Jack they can get one after he gets Straight A’s – and he does! Meanwhile, Bow’s brother Johan is in town and he doesn’t get the warm welcome he expects from Ruby.
Younger - "The End of the Tour" (TV Land, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Liza faces complications on the Marriage Vacation book tour. Kelsey and Zane head to D.C. to court a speechwriter’s prospective memoir.
Teachers - "Of Lice and Men" (TV Land, 10:34PM ET/PT)
Ms. Bennigan wrestles with how far she’s willing to go sexually with Hot Dad, while Ms. Cannon learns how to drive in the midst of an apocalyptic lice outbreak at Fillmore.
Wednesday, June 20
The Goldbergs - "Colors" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Barry enlists the JTP to help him break up Beverly’s group of friends so Barry can have all the attention but soon realizes he made a major mistake when Beverly gets into a fight with her friends. Meanwhile, Adam’s attempts to trick Murray into loving theater backfire.
The Goldbergs - "Jackie Likes Star Trek" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After Adam and Jackie disagree over their Halloween costumes, Murray teaches Adam to be a shell of a man to keep Jackie happy; however, it backfires quickly also causing an issue for Murray and Beverly. But they soon all learn to compromise in their own special way.
Modern Family - "Brushes with Celebrity" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan recount all their biggest celebrity encounters. Phil shows a house to his musical hero and is determined to make a good impression despite the intense pain radiating from a very inconvenient part of his body. Meanwhile, Jay’s day at jury duty takes an unexpected turn when he gets to serve it alongside one of America’s biggest football icons. Finally, Manny’s encounter with his favorite playwright and a celebrated actor and comedian don’t go exactly as you’d expect.
American Housewife - "Field Day" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Katie wants to prove to the Westport moms that she is fully capable of competing at Field Day at Anna-Kat’s school, but she ends up taking the competition a little too seriously. Greg enlists Taylor’s boyfriend, Trip, to help him make the family recipe for chili in a local competition, which makes Taylor and Oliver jealous.
Young & Hungry - "Young & Downtown Gabi" (Freeform, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Elliot and Yolanda worry about how their work lives will change now that Josh and Gabi are a couple.
Young & Hungry - "Young & Third Wheel" (Freeform, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Sofia hits it off with Josh's dentist, but Gabi isn't so sure he's the right one for her.
Thursday, June 21
The Big Bang Theory - "The Tesla Recoil" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Leonard and Wolowitz are furious after they learn Sheldon went to work with the military behind their backs. Also, while Bernadette is on bed rest, she asks Raj to do some digging when she suspects Ruchi is trying to steal her job.
Young Sheldon - "Killer Asteroids, Oklahoma, and a Frizzy Hair Machine" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A disappointing loss at the science fair sends Sheldon’s life in a new direction. Jason Alexander guest stars as Sheldon’s drama teacher, Mr. Lundy.
Mom - "Esta Loca and a Little Klingon" (CBS, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Christy and Bonnie help Jill get sober again, and Christy’s boyfriend, Patrick (Steven Weber), is less than understanding when it ruins his birthday weekend.
Life in Pieces - "Meal Potty Cart Middle" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Tim and Heather go to an expensive dinner to celebrate their anniversary, they are determined to finish every bite of their pricey 20-course meal. Also, Jen and Greg try to quickly potty-train Lark before her first day of preschool; Tyler gets jealous of the attention Clementine is getting at work; and Matt and Samantha team up for a “Middle Child Day” and go to a trapeze school. Emmy Award-winning food expert Padma Lakshmi guest stars as Stephanie, Heather and Tim’s server at an upscale restaurant.
Marlon - "Sisters" (NBC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
When Marlon’s (Marlon Wayans) sisters come to town, he convinces Ashley (Essence Atkins) to pretend they are still married to keep them from being disappointed. As the weekend goes on, the charade gets harder to keep up and Marlon finally confronts them in an epic confession. After receiving a psychic reading from Lenora (guest star Sherri Shepherd), Stevie (Diallo Riddle) tries to woo Yvette (Bresha Webb) as he thinks they are destined to be together.
Marlon - "Divorce Counseling" (NBC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Marlon (Marlon Wayans) and Ashley (Essence Atkins) go to see Kamala Shabazz (Kim Wayans), a strong-willed relationship therapist, to help stabilize their rocky divorce. When Marlon exposes Kamala as a fraud, he experiences a breakthrough and realizes he should change his ways. Stevie (Diallo Riddle) gives Yvette (Bresha Webb) an intense massage.
American Woman - "The Party" (Paramount Network, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Desperate to connect with her role model, Lori, Kathleen drags Bonnie and Diana to a party in the hills; when Diana tries to cut loose, things get out of hand; Bonnie finds herself in an exciting new position.
Friday, June 22
none scheduled
Saturday, June 23
Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn - "Quadbusters" (Nickelodeon, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When the quads are pressured by older kids to sneak out after curfew and hang out at Get Sporty, they discover that the store is haunted.
Sunday, June 24
The Simpsons - "Gone Boy" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The town puts together a search party after Bart goes missing; Sideshow Bob tries to force his whereabouts out of Millhouse.
Bob's Burgers - "Something Old, Something New, Something Bob Caters for You" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
As Bob wonders about the worth of working in the restaurant business, a couple who fell in love at the restaurant asks the Belchers to cater their wedding; when things don't go as planned, Linda tries to save the day.
Family Guy - "Foxx in the Men House" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Peter befriends the coolest guy ever and dumps Quagmire, Joe, and Cleveland.
Ghosted - "The Article" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
An article is published revealing The Bureau Underground to the public; Merv asks Leroy to interrogate his co-workers to find out who leaked the information; Ava gets closer to solving the mystery of who bugged the office.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
SitcomsOnline Digest: Roseanne Spinoff One Step Closer to Reality; Netflix to Air New Season of Lucifer
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- A Roseanne spinoff is getting one step closer to reality now, as a deal appears to be in the works in which Roseanne Barr will sign an agreement to let the show go on without receiving on-going residuals. (Hollywood Reporter)
- It seems that Roseanne Barr's name was submitted for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series just before the controversy broke out. (Deadline)
- If you don't want a spoiler, don't click on this story, but this is how Danny Masterson was written out of the Netflix series The Ranch. (Deadline)
- Are we finally reaching the end of the trash TV talk show era? Perhaps, as it was announced this week that The Jerry Springer Show will halt production for at least next season (potentially for good) after a nearly three decade run, and only air in reruns on The CW. (Hollywood Reporter)
- Streaming services have often come to rescue canceled network series, and this week, Netflix rescued Fox's Lucifer. (Deadline)
- Although the show itself will continue to air for a few more months, The Chew said farewell to fans on Friday with the last taped episode of the series. (People)
- There was speculation that WGN America was trying to get out of the scripted television business in the lead up to a potential merger of parent company Tribune with Sinclair (which has yet to happen), but this week, two new original series were announced for the cable network. (SitcomsOnline)
HOME MEDIA RELEASES (JUNE 19)
- Perfect Strangers - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD, $29.95): Larry and Balki return to DVD with this release of a classic TGIF favorite from Warner Archive.
WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 16 - JUNE 22)
- The Gong Show and Match Game return to ABC on Thursday.
- Decades will be airing Daniel Boone all weekend long.
- The final season of Shades of Blue debuts Sunday night on NBC.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Fri-Yay: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Finally Finds Its Best Self; All About the Washingtons with Rev Run Coming to Netflix
by Vincent
Despite being one of the funniest shows on television, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has spent a lot of its four-season run defending itself. Although its joke writing and characters are top-notch comedy gems much like on Fey and Carlock's previous show 30 Rock, Kimmy Schmidt has never quite reached the level of widespread acclaim that 30 Rock did due to the show's questionable handling of sensitive topics and especially its tendency to appear tone-deaf when dealing with hot button issues. The show's portrayal of Jacqueline (portrayed by the very white Jane Krakowski) as a Native American was the first aspect of the show to really make headlines, but it was followed in the second season by an episode that seemed to brush off the legitimate criticism of the plotline, followed by several episodes in the third season that had some fairly trite takes on political correctness and "call out culture." The things that Kimmy Schmidt is good at - creating a unique world of characters, amazing jokes, and messages of female empowerment - were often overshadowed by the uproar over the show's tendency to drop the ball when covering these touchy topics. Additionally, like many streaming sitcoms, Kimmy Schmidt sometimes has the tendency to go long (many episodes run 30 minutes or more) without the restraints of the traditional sitcom model, which can result in episodes that feel overstuffed.
However, in the first half of its fourth season (which dropped last week - the second half will premiere in January), Kimmy Schmidt has seemingly eliminated almost everything that didn't work in the first three seasons and applied a laser focus to the show's strengths. The jokes comes faster and harder than ever, and are funnier than ever (every episode left me with at least a few big belly laughs), and the show's social commentary sticks to the show's strengths, tearing down targets like "Mens Rights Activities" and the militarization of young men via the internet, which is firmly in the show's wheelhouse of female empowerment and tackling the concept of the patriarchy. Perhaps this is because we've only seen six episodes of the season, but these six episodes do an excellent job of capturing everything that works about Kimmy Schmidt and leaving out much of what doesn't. There is an increased focus on the stories of Kimmy and Titus, treating funny supporting characters as the funny supporting characters they are rather than attempting to juggle too much by giving everyone A plots. That keeps the episodes tight and focused rather than stuffed and overlong, and allows characters like Lillian and Jacqueline to function as amazing joke machines rather than saddling them with storylines that never quite click. After the uneven third season, I was somewhat relieved to hear that Kimmy Schmidt would be ending after its fourth season. Now, I'm sad we only have six episodes left, and I hope that the rumored series-ending movie winds up panning out, as I'm not ready to say goodbye to this show as it's functioning at the top of its game.
Netflix announced that it's newest scripted multi-camera comedy series starring Rev Run and his wife Justine Simmons, All About the Washingtons will debut August 10, 2018 at 12:01 AM PT with 10 episodes. The series was originally developed for ABC in 2017 but ABC passed on the project. All About the Washingtons is an autobiographical scripted family sitcom that follows Joey Washington (Rev Run aka Joseph Simmons) and his wife Justine Washington (Justine Simmons), playing fictionalized versions of themselves raising a family of family kids. After Joey decides to retire from a long career as legendary hip-hop royalty, his wife Justine, takes advantage of the opportunity to pursue a career of her own now that Joey is available to focus on raising the kids and keeping the house in order. Their kids are portrayed by rising stars Kiana Ledé, Nathan Anderson, Leah Rose Randall and Maceo Smedley.
Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Friday, October 11
none scheduled
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 7)
Friday, October 11
- Jennifer Aniston (Friends/Muddling Through/Ferris Bueller/Molloy) - Watch Jennifer on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Gael GarcÃa Bernal (Mozart in the Jungle) - Gael appears on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC. abriel and Digeo Luna chat with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) - Andy is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) - Lily appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Caitlin Reilly (Hacks) and Rickey Thompson (Foursome) - Caitlin and Rickey are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
- Maura Tierney (NewsRadio/The Van Dyke Show) - NBC's Today catches up with Maura in the 9am hour.
- Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary/Go On/Everybody Hates Chris) - Tyler talks about Abbott Elementary on NBC's Today in the 10am hour and on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
- Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Designer Christian Siriano is joining Valerie for a special surprise for Drew on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Holly Robinson Peete (Hangin' with Mr. Cooper/For Your Love/Like Family/Love, Inc.) - Holly discusses her reality series Queen’s Court on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
09/10 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-7
09/10 - The Ropers - The Complete Series (VEI)
09/10 - Ted - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/17 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - Video Scrapbook
09/17 - Top Cat - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/24 - Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD)
09/24 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Seventh Season (DVD) / The Complete Series (DVD) (Blu-ray)
10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/05 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/19 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fourteenth Season
02/04 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive
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