SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

by Vincent

This month, Netflix dropped half of the first season of Disenchantment, a new animated from Simpsons and Futurama creator Matt Groening. The show was highly anticipated as the first new Groening project in quite some time, and has a fairly stacked voice cast, featuring the likes of Abbi Jacobson and Eric Andre. And yet, the show didn't exactly light up the television world upon debut. It received decisively mixed reviews, with most calling it a disappointment that shows some signs of promise. These reviews generally have it right - while the show has its bright spots, it's incredibly messy and seems to have difficulties settling on a consistent tone. Because of this inconsistency, Disenchantment feels like it's sort of been brushed aside for flashier, shinier shows with better reception, despite its high pedigree. This makes sense - there's so much TV that no one has time to wait for a middling show to get better.

And yet, I can't help but think how early episodes of The Simpsons or Futurama would've faired in this environment, two shows whose earliest episodes also featured some tonal imbalances and struggles to streamline their humor. While I'd say both shows earlier episodes are superior to Disenchantment's, they were far from perfect, and it's easy to see either show getting brushed aside. However, both shows premiered during a different era of TV, when there were far less shows and it was worth sticking with a show that you thought had potential even if it wasn't quite there yet. It'd be really tough to imagine a world where too few people gave The Simpsons and Futurama a chance and neither shows wound up being able to become the incredible, groundbreaking shows they became. Am I saying Disenchantment will become as influential and great as those shows? Not necessarily, but I could see it happening - however, it'll require more people to give it a chance. There are still 10 episodes yet to premiere in Disenchantment's first season (Netflix split the show's 20-episode first season into two parts) - hopefully, those episodes will offer a glimmer into the type of show Disenchantment will be, and if they show improvement, will allow more people to give the show a fair shot

NBC will sneak preview the first two episodes of its new fall comedy I Feel Bad on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 10 and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT following the season 13 finale of America's Got Talent. The series will premiere in its regular 9:30 p.m. Thursday timeslot beginning Oct. 4. Emet is the perfect mom, boss, wife, friend and daughter. OK, she's not perfect. In fact, she's just figuring it out like the rest of us. Sure, she feels bad when she has a sexy dream about someone other than her husband, or when she pretends not to know her kids when they misbehave in public, or when she uses her staff to help solve personal problems. But that's OK, right? Nobody can have it all and do it perfectly. From executive producer Amy Poehler comes a modern comedy about being perfectly OK with being imperfect. The cast includes Sarayu Blue, Paul Adelstein, Madhur Jaffrey, Brian George, James Buckley, Zach Cherry and Johnny Pemberton.

Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken) and director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) will reunite for Jeong's hour-long Netflix comedy stand-up special, which Chu is set to direct. This marks Jeong's first comedy special, which will premiere globally in 2019 on Netflix. This is the first comedy special that Chu has directed. Tentatively titled Ken Jeong: First Date, Jeong will reflect on how he went from being a doctor to a comedy superstar, and will open up about how his wife's battle with breast cancer led to him starring in one of the biggest comedy franchises of all time, The Hangover. Jeong will executive produce with Brett Carducci. Filming will take place on September 15, 2018 at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, California, where Jeong first got his start in comedy.

Jeong recently starred as Wye Mun Goh in the current #1 box office hit, Crazy Rich Asians. Upcoming films include: Goosebumps 2, Boss Level and Wonder Park. In television, Jeong starred along an ensemble cast in the cult comedy series Community, and was mostly recently seen starring on ABC's Dr. Ken, which he was the creator, writer, and Executive Producer. He also appears as a guest panelist on ABC's The Gong Show. He will next be seen this Winter 2019 as a judge in the highly anticipated Fox celebrity singing competition The Masked Singer.

As a celebration of one of the most popular and culturally significant dramas of the past decade as well as serving as a prelude to the highly anticipated season three premiere, NBC will air The Paley Center Salutes This Is Us on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The one-hour special captures the excitement of This Is Us with clips, interviews with the stars and creators, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the series comes together each week. The highlights of the first two seasons bring new viewers up to speed and give avid fans a chance to see their favorite scenes in a new light. Cast members, writers and producers contribute their own interpretations of the events and explain why they made certain crucial choices with the characters and plot.

The third season of This Is Us is set to premiere Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. This Is Us stars Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Chris Sullivan and Susan Kelechi Watson.

FYI...on Wednesday, September 26, the night before Murphy Brown returns to network TV (Thursday, Sept. 27 on CBS), Antenna TV will air a mini-marathon of the original Murphy Brown and its most memorable episodes. Antenna TV's Original Murphy Brown Mini-Marathon runs from 7pm-11:30pm ET on Wednesday, September 26 and features four-and-a-half hours of classic, water-cooler episodes including Political Correctness and Birth 101, with Murphy delivering her daughter on-air. Murphy's sharp wit, combined with the rest of the original FYI team, make for a nostalgic evening of laughs. See where it all began on Antenna TV, Tribune Broadcasting's multicast entertainment network.

Additionally, on Wednesday, November 14, Antenna TV will air a full-day Murphy Brown marathon to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the show. More on this marathon in the coming months. Murphy Brown regularly airs on Antenna TV weeknights 11pm ET/8pm PT and weekends 5pm ET/2pm PT. In the upcoming revival, Candice Bergen returns as the eponymous broadcast news legend in the groundbreaking comedy series Murphy Brown. Back in the game after a brief retirement, and faced with a world of 24-hour cable, social media, "fake news" and a vastly different political climate, Murphy is determined to draw the line between good television and honest reporting, proving that the world needs Murphy Brown now more than ever. Thirty years since the critically acclaimed, multiple-award-winning show premiered, and 20 years since it concluded, this revival reunites Bergen with series creator Diane English and original series co-stars Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto and Grant Shaud. Jake McDorman, Nik Dodani and Tyne Daly also star. The series premieres Thursday, Sept. 27 at 9:30PM ET/PT.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The X-Files, BBC America is airing a 5-day marathon beginning Monday, September 10 at 6/5c a.m. and concluding on Friday, September 14. Fans can follow Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) from the very beginning, reliving the best cases, best monsters, and best moments of UST (unresolved sexual tension). The marathon will include episodes from seasons one through nine, as well as both feature films: The X-Files: I Want to Believe and The X-Files: Fight the Future.

CBS Fall Preview, hosted by stars Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown), Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield (The Neighborhood), Brandon Micheal Hall (God Friended Me), Jay Hernandez (Magnum P.I.), Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki (FBI) and Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West (Happy Together), is a primetime special highlighting the Network's six new fall series, including the revival of the groundbreaking comedy series Murphy Brown. It will be broadcast Monday, Sept. 10 (8:30-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and CBS All Access, CBS' digital subscription video on demand and live-streaming service.

In addition, the special will be available on demand across multiple platforms through mid-October, providing viewers with convenient anytime access to information about the Network's new fall lineup. The platforms featuring the special include https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs-fall-preview-2018 and participating CBS stations' sites, as well as on demand via the Network's various cable, satellite, vMVPD and telco partners. Throughout the special, the stars will introduce their series with a mix of "first look" behind-the-scenes moments, cast interviews and select scenes from the shows' premiere episodes.

HBO will bring the hit British comedy podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno to the network for a comedy special in 2019. Hosted by Jamie Morton, James Cooper and Alice Levine, the podcast has been downloaded more than 100 million times since its launch in 2015.

My Dad Wrote a Porno features Jamie Morton reading a chapter from the "Belinda Blinked" series of "erotic" novels, written by his real-life father under the nom de plume Rocky Flintstone, with his friends James Cooper and Alice Levine providing uproarious commentary. Hailed as a "global word-of-mouth sensation" by the Hollywood Reporter, the podcast has been described as "addictive and instantly engaging" by Indiewire and "gratuitously mucky and achingly funny" by the Financial Times.

Enter Fox's Last Fan Standing sweepstakes for the chance to compete to win a walk-on role on Last Man Standing and meet the cast. Post a video, photo or comment on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, telling Fox why you're the country's biggest fan of Last Man Standing. To enter on Twitter and Instagram, be sure to use #LastManStandingSweepstakes and #LastFanStanding in your post. For Facebook, comment on the sweepstakes announcement post. Don't forget to enter by Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. If selected, you will be flown to Los Angeles to participate in the "Last Fan Standing Challenge," a mix of marathon episode viewing, rapid-fire trivia and other challenges that will separate the fans from the super-fans!

At the end of the challenge, one winner will be crowned the "Last Fan Standing" and will have a chance to meet the cast and appear in a walk-on role on the all-new season of Last Man Standing on Fox! Open to legal U.S. residents residing in the 50 United States & D.C., 18 and older. Entry period began at 7:00 am PT on 8/24/18. The entry period for the first drawing ends on 8/28/18 at 11:59 pm PT and the entry period for the second drawing ends on 9/5/18 at 11:59 pm PT. Winners must travel 9/18-22, 2018. Void where prohibited. Subject to the full Official Rules available at https://fox.tv/LastFanSweeps. The Challenge portion of this Promotion involves demanding physical activities. See full Official Rules for additional eligibility restrictions, prize description/restrictions/ARV, a description of the physical activities included in the Challenge and complete details. Sponsor: Fox Broadcasting Company.

And don't miss the all-new season premiere of Last Man Standing Friday, Sept. 28 at 8|7c on Fox! Hit family comedy Last Man Standing moves to Fox for its upcoming seventh season. The series stars Tim Allen as MIKE BAXTER, a happily married father of three daughters, who finds himself the odd man out as he tries to maintain his manliness in a home surrounded by women. Mike tries to escape all the female energy at home in the warm, manly embrace of his job at the Outdoor Man store, a sporting goods emporium where he is marketing director. He also revels in his Outdoor Man vlog, which he uses as a pulpit for his opinions - and which often have nothing to do with the store's merchandise. When he's supposed to be selling mountain bikes or kayaks, he somehow ends up spouting off about the environment, health care, international politics or any other topic occupying his mind. In addition to Allen, the series stars Nancy Travis as Mike's wife, VANESSA; Amanda Fuller as their oldest daughter, KRISTIN; Christoph Sanders as Mike's charmingly naive co-worker, KYLE ANDERSON; Jordan Masterson as Kristin's husband, RYAN VOGELSON; Jonathan Adams as Mike's frenemy/neighbor, CHUCK LARABEE, and Hector Elizondo as owner of Outdoor Man, ED ALZATE.

Lifetime delivers seven movies that fall under the realm of a parent's worst nightmare, tackling topics like mental health, suicide and teen domestic dating violence among others this fall. Starting off with The Bad Seed, the evil that lies within is revealed on September 9 with the disturbing story of a father (Rob Lowe) who discovers his daughter (McKenna Grace) could be hurting the people around her. Patty McCormack also stars. The following week on September 16, in a remake of the cautionary teen dating movie, No One Would Tell, Shannen Doherty stars as a mother who must fight for justice for her daughter against her seemingly perfect boyfriend. Mira Sorvino also stars. Inspired by a true story, Conrad and Michelle: If Words Could Kill debuts September 23, revealing the tragic tale of Conrad Roy (Austin P. McKenzie) who was encouraged to commit suicide via text messages from his girlfriend, Michelle Carter (Bella Thorne).

In Believe Me: The Lisa McVey Story, premiering September 30, the true story of Lisa McVey (Katie Douglas) comes to light, who was abducted and able to escape her captor, only to have police and family question the validity of her claims. The Girl in the Bathtub, set for October 7, is inspired by the true story of Julia Law (Caitlin Stasey) who was found dead in the bathtub of her 58-year-old boyfriend, Chuck Perturo Jr (Jason Patric) in Philadelphia. Executive produced by Christina Ricci, Terror in the Woods, airing October 14, is inspired by a true story and starring Angela Kinsey. Terror in the Woods follows the story of two twelve-year-old girls who attack their friend as a sacrifice to an internet legend, the Suzerain, leading to a larger question about mental health issues for young children.

It's Sunday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of August 27-31, 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, August 27

• Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish/Girlfriends) - Watch Tracee on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Kelsey Grammer (Frasier/Cheers) - Kelsey appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Rainn Wilson (The Office) - Rainn is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Marc Maron (GLOW/Maron) - Marc visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Mary Steenburgen (The Last Man on Earth/Ink) - Mary stops by The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
• Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly/Samantha Who?) - Melissa is a guest on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Debby Ryan (Insatiable/Jessie/The Suite Life on Deck) - Debby appears on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Kyle Richards (Down to Earth) - Kyle is a guest on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• Wendell Pierce (The Odd Couple/The Michael J. Fox Show/The Weber Show/The Gregory Hines Show) - Wendell appears on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
• Jenny McCarthy (Two and a Half Men/Jenny) and Eric Christian Olsen (The Loop) - Steve's favorite couples include Jenny and Donnie Wahlberg & Eric and Sarah Wright Olsen on Steve, so check your local listings.
• Rob Riggle (Rob Riggle's Ski Master Academy/Golan the Insatiable/Gary Unmarried) - Rob talks about Rob Riggle’s Ski Master Academy on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on People Now on PeopleTV at 12pm.
• Alicia Witt (Cybill) - Alicia will be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
• Hilary Duff (Younger/Lizzie McGuire) - Hilary appears on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
• Patti LaBelle (Out All Night) - Patti talks about Greenleaf on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
• 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.

Tuesday, August 28

• Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move) - Watch Jason on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Topher Grace (That '70s Show) - Topher appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Gillian Jacobs (Love/Community) - Gillian is a guest on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
• Olivia Holt (I Didn't Do It/Kickin' It) - Olivia appears on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
• Kristin Chenoweth (Trial & Error: Lady, Killer/Kristin) - Kristin visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Nia Long (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air/The Cleveland Show) - Nia is guest on a repeat of The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
• Jamie Foxx (The Jamie Foxx Show) - Jamie stops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory/Blossom) - Mayim appears on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Jace Norman (Henry Danger) - Jace is a guest on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
• Alyssa Milano (Insatiable/Romantically Challenged/Who's the Boss?) - Alyssa appears on a repeat of Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Melissa Peterman (Baby Daddy/Reba) - Melissa guest co-hosts a repeat of Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg/Courting Alex/Accidentally on Purpose/1600 Penn/Growing Up Fisher/Imaginary Mary) - Jenna talks about Fear the Walking Dead on Chatter on PeopleTV at 8pm.
• Sarah Jessica Parker (Divorce/Sex and the City/Square Pegs) - Sarah's marriage secret is revealed on a repeat of The Doctors, so check your local listings.

Wednesday, August 29

• Don Cheadle (House of Lies/The Golden Palace) - Watch Don on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Laura Benanti (The Detour/Go On/Starved) - Laura appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
• Chris O'Dowd (Family Tree/The IT Crowd) - Chris is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Regina Hall (Grandfathered) - Regina appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) - Brian is a guest on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
• Janet Varney (Stan Against Evil/You're the Worst/Burning Love) - Janet appears on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
• Bob Newhart (The Bob Newhart Show/Newhart/Bob) - Bob visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Shannon Woodward (Raising Hope) - Shannon is a guest on a repeat of The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
• Anthony Anderson (black-ish/Guys with Kids/All About the Andersons) - Anthony drops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Ben Falcone (Nobodies/A to Z/Joey) - Ben appears on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Jennifer Aniston (Friends) - Jennifer is a guest on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Mara Brock Akil (Creator of Girlfriends/The Game) - Mara appears on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• The Kids of Young Sheldon) - Steve's favorite kids includes the cast of Young Sheldon, so check your local listings.
• Kelsey Grammer (Frasier/Cheers) - Kelsey is a guest on a repeat of Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Fran Drescher (The Nanny/Living with Fran/Happily Divorced) - Fran appears on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.

Thursday, August 30

• Betty Gilpin (GLOW/Nurse Jackie) - Catch Betty on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Rhea Seehorn (Whitney/I'm with Her) - Rhea appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• David Spade (Rules of Engagement/8 Simple Rules/Just Shoot Me!) - David is a guest on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
• Patton Oswalt (A.P. Bio/The Goldbergs/The King of Queens) - Patton visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Caroline Rhea (Sabrina, the Teenage Witch) - Caroline stops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Jason George (Eve) - Jason appears on a repeat of The Real, so check your local listings.
• Amber Stevens West (Ghosted/The Carmichael Show) - Steve's favorite straight talk includes Amber, so check your local listings.
• Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air/In the House/Silver Spoons) - Alfonso is in the house, and he’s putting Rach to the test in a classic AFV game on a repeat of Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
• Carly Craig (Sideswiped) - Carly talks about her comedy series Sideswiped on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.

Friday, August 31

• Parker Posey (The Return of Jezebel James) - Watch Parker on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
• Alyssa Milano (Insatiable/Romantically Challenged/Who's the Boss?) - Alyssa appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• David Arquette (In Case of Emergency/Double Rush/Parenthood) - David is a guest on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
• Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Eric chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
• Joseph and Justine Simmons (All About the Washingtons) - Joseph and Justine are guests on a repeat of Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Joey Lawrence (Melissa & Joey/Brotherly Love/Blossom/Gimme a Break!) - Joey appears on a repeat of Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Emeril Lagasse (Emeril) - Emeril stops by to cook a classic Italian dinner on a repeat of Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
• Marilu Henner (Taxi/Evening Shade) - Marilu will be on NBC's Megyn Kelly Today at 9am.

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!

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Sitcoms Airing This Week

Sunday, August 26

Bob's Burgers - "As I Walk Through the Alley of the Shadow of Ramps" (Fox, 7:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When a malicious juice truck owner tries to set up shop in the Belchers' alley, Louise devises a plan to win back their turf; Linda learns that she can't always run to her sister's defense.

The Simpsons - "The Serfsons" (Fox, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
In a magical medieval world, Marge's mother is turned into an Ice Walker and Homer forces Lisa to use illegal magic to cure her; Lisa is kidnapped and Homer must lead a feudal uprising to save her.

The Simpsons - "Springfield Splendor" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Marge and Lisa turn Lisa's experiences into a pop culture hit, but they struggle with creative differences.

Bob's Burgers - "Mo Mommy Mo Problems" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Belchers attend open houses for the free food; Linda meets a charming real estate agent and agrees to a private showing; the kids stumble upon an unexpected surprise; the family ends up getting involved with a real estate scheme.

Family Guy - "'Family Guy' Through the Years" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A reimagining of the show as a series that's been on the air for 60 years; a look back at the cultural events and issues tackled on the show through the decades.

Family Guy - "Nanny Goats" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Griffins get a nanny for the kids; Peter and Lois get an opportunity to reconnect.

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Monday, August 27

Mom - "A Bear and a Bladder Infection" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Christy’s long-distance relationship begins to fizzle, she seeks the company of a former fling. Also, Bonnie tries to give up coffee.

Life in Pieces - "Emergency Colonoscopy Driving Lunch" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Matt is in a hurry to get to the fertility clinic, each member of the family has a crisis that prevents him from getting there on time.

In The Cut - "Fed Up" (Bounce TV, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Cheryl moves into Jay's condominium and does some redecorating; Kenny witnesses a car break-in and doesn't know if he should snitch.

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Tuesday, August 28

Wrecked - "A Game of Chest" (TBS, 10:00PM ET/PT)
After Jess loses her recollection of the last decade, Todd attempts to spark her memory; Steve and Declan face off in a battle of wits.

Younger - "Lizability" (TV Land, 10:00PM ET/PT)
With change in the air at Empirical, Liza considers her options. Kelsey receives surprising news. Charles finds a solution.

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Wednesday, August 29

The Goldbergs - "Adam Spielberg" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Adam loves director Steven Spielberg so much and decides to film an original script he wrote about Indiana Jones and his passion for directing is called into question. Meanwhile, Murray and Barry make a bet about whether or not a cheesesteak sandwich in New Jersey is the best one ever.

American Housewife - "Field Day" (ABC, 8:30PM 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.

Modern Family - "Royal Visit" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Haley’s brilliant astrophysicist boyfriend (guest star Chris Geere) comes to meet the family, setting Claire and Phil off in a competition about which one of them is smarter, making Alex feel self-conscious about her dim but handsome firefighter boyfriend, Bill (Jimmy Tatro). Mitch and Cam go on a yoga retreat, but when Cam finds out his dream team, the Kansas City Royals, is having spring training next door, he can’t resist sneaking out.

American Housewife - "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Katie and Greg struggle to help the kids accept loss as a family friend suddenly passes away and as their pet pig, Hans Gruber, must be returned to his natural habitat.

Alone Together - "Flashback" (Freeform, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Esther and Benji reconnect at a party after a fight.

Alone Together - "Big Bear" (Freeform, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Esther and Benji hijack Jeff's couples retreat.

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Thursday, August 30

Young Sheldon - "A Patch, A Modem, and a Zantac" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When a NASA representative visits Sheldon’s school and dismisses his science, Sheldon is set on a mission to prove him wrong.

Mom - "Ocular Fluid and Fighting Robots" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Christy’s sponsor (Yvette Nicole Brown) challenges her to be nice to Bonnie at all costs, and Bonnie is convinced that Adam has stopped making an effort.

Will & Grace - "It's a Family Affair" (NBC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Grace's (Debra Messing) father and Will's (Eric McCormack) mother end up making a surprising and upsetting connection. Jack (Sean Hayes) rebounds from his breakup with a new love. Karen (Megan Mullally) must decide between her husband and her lover. Robert Klein, Blythe Danner, Alec Baldwin and Brian Jordan Alvarez guest star.

Superstore - "Town Hall" (NBC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
As the store prepares to host a company-wide Town Hall meeting, Amy (America Ferrera) and Jonah (Ben Feldman) are forced to put their conflicts aside and rally their co-workers to confront the CEO. Meanwhile Glenn (Mark McKinney) struggles with the pressure of speaking to a global audience.

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Friday, August 31

Fresh Off the Boat - "A League of Her Own" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After coming out of the closet to Honey and Jessica, Nicole struggles with telling Marvin, fearful that her father will be disappointed in her. Meanwhile, Louis wants to manage the Cattleman’s Ranch softball team on his own, so Jessica decides to coach the rival team from The Denim Turtle to prove that she is the superior manager. Chaos is sure to ensue when everyone gathers for the big game at the Greater Orlando Bar and Restaurant tournament.

Speechless - "E-I-- EIGHTEEN" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
JJ struggles with not being treated like an adult on his 18th birthday. He storms out of his own party but soon learns a valuable lesson from Kenneth. Meanwhile, an exchange student moves in with Taylor, so Ray tries to make Taylor jealous with some of his father’s old moves but the plan backfires. And Dylan is recruited to be on the school’s wrestling team.

The Paynes - "An Impasse" (OWN, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Ella stands firm on her decision with Nyla.

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Saturday, September 1

none scheduled

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Sunday, September 2

The Goldbergs - "Hail Barry" (ABC, 7:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Barry joins the football team but is quickly benched by Coach Mellor due to his lack of playing ability. He convinces himself the coach is testing him; but when Barry realizes the truth of his playing ability, Adam helps his brother understand there are other ways he can contribute to the team and comes up with their own version of the Super Bowl Shuffle. Meanwhile, Beverly designs jackets that she tries to get Murray and Erica to sell when a national TV channel won’t.

Bob's Burgers - "Mission Impos-slug-ble" (Fox, 7:00PM 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.

The Simpsons - "Whistler's Father" (Fox, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Homer discovers Maggie's whistling talent and launches her baby-celebrity career; When Marge impresses Fat Tony with her interior design taste, he hires her to style his brothel.

The Simpsons - "Grampy Can Ya Hear Me" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Grampa gets a hearing aid and finally hears what everyone has been saying about him; Principal Skinner discovers that his mother has kept a secret from him.

Bob's Burgers - "Thanks-hoarding" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Teddy's family unexpectedly announces they're coming for Thanksgiving; the preparation proves challenging; Teddy is discovered to be a hoarder.

Family Guy - "HTTPete" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
To help promote the brewery to millennials, Peter adopts the millennial lifestyle; his methods soon attract the attention of a high-powered Silicon Valley executive.

Family Guy - "The Unkindest Cut" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Quagmire loses his most treasured body part and must learn to live without it; Stewie and Brian search for Mort after learning there is a reward for turning him into the police for his involvement in a drug scam.

Complete TV Listings

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This upcoming week is the final week of the "unofficial summer," so we've still got this week and next week to contend with somewhat slow news weeks before the fall begins to kick in. But until then, we've got some news about another reboot, speculation as to why The Big Bang Theory is ending, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

by Vincent

This week, CBS announced that the upcoming season of The Big Bang Theory will be its last. The show, entering its 12th season, will bow out in spring of 2019 after spending nearly the entirety of the 2010s as a ratings dominant sitcom not seen on television since, arguably, the likes of Friends and Seinfeld in the 1990s. It's not a huge surprise that Big Bang is ending - 12 seasons is a long time for a sitcom, and the amount of shows that have surpassed that mark are extremely small. Despite the fact that it continues to enjoy high ratings (it's still the highest-rated sitcom and TV, give or take a Roseanne reboot, and one of the few shows still capable of drawing in over 10 million live viewers weekly) it does create an interesting question for sitcom fans - will The Big Bang Theory be the last "huge" sitcom of our time?

Truthfully, there hasn't been a real heir apparent to Big Bang's throne as sitcom megahit. That's not to say there haven't been hit sitcoms - there have been plenty, from ABC's stable of solid family sitcoms to CBS's consistently strong pieces like Mom and Life in Pieces and even to strong cable and streamer hits like Broad City and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - but The Big Bang Theory's pure ratings could actually stand up to shows like Friends, Seinfeld and Cheers at their peak, particularly when taking into account the decline of live viewing. Whether or not you feel Big Bang's cultural impact matches those shows, there's no doubt it was a massive, massive hit, and there's going to be quite a gap in CBS's sitcom line-up and network television in general after it leaves. The Roseanne reboot obviously seemed to have potential to fill its shoes, but that's gone now and there's no telling if The Conners will see similarly big ratings. Some might peg the Big Bang spin-off Young Sheldon as a possible strong follow-up - it had a really big debut season - but it'll be interesting to see if it can hold up with its mothership off the air. And even though Big Bang enjoyed huge ratings, one could even argue that its cultural impact has been outshined by less huge but buzzier shows this decade like Parks and Recreation or Modern Family. Nevertheless, Big Bang ending feels like a big moment for sitcoms, and we'll just have to see if anything's capable of taking over its dominance.

Norm Macdonald Has a Show features host Norm Macdonald along with his trusty sidekick, Adam Eget, as they dive into hilarious and unexpected conversations with celebrity guests. The premiere season of the talk series welcomes Drew Barrymore, David Spade, Judge Judy, David Letterman, Jane Fonda, Chevy Chase, M. Night Shyamalan, Michael Keaton, Billy Joe Shaver and Lorne Michaels. Norm Macdonald Has a Show premieres Friday, September 14 on Netflix. David Letterman serves as location scout. Filmed on location at Sunset Bronson Studios in Los Angeles, Norm Macdonald Has a Show is produced under Norm's production banner, Anchor Spud Productions, along with Pygmy Wolf Productions in association with Lionsgate Television. 10 half-hour episodes have been ordered and all episodes debut all at once.

The Big Bang Theory will end its successful run in May 2019 as the longest-running multi-camera series in television history. Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions will bring the Emmy-nominated comedy series to a close at the end of season 12 with a record-breaking 279 episodes. In a joint statement, Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions said, "We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past twelve seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show's success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory to an epic creative close."

The final season of The Big Bang Theory will debut Monday, September 24 (8/7c) on CBS before moving to its regular time period on Thursday, September 27 (8/7c). The series, which debuted in 2007 and airs in syndication around the world, has received 52 Emmy(R) nominations and 10 wins to date (though has never won for Outstanding Comedy Series), and 7 Golden Globe(R) nominations. In addition to centering many of its episodes in the worlds of science and technology, The Big Bang Theory enjoys a healthy appreciation and support from the scientific community at large, including having a bee species (Euglossa bazinga), a jellyfish species (Bazinga Rieki) and a monkey at the Columbus Zoo (Dr. Sheldon Cooper) named in the show's honor.

In 2015, the first-ever UCLA scholarship created by and named for a television series, The Big Bang Theory Scholarship support undergraduate students in need of financial aid who are pursuing their higher education Endowment, was established to in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Big Bang Theory is executive produced by Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, Steven Molaro and Steve Holland. The series stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. The Big Bang Theory is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television.

The critically acclaimed Emmy-nominated Netflix original series, The End of the F***ing World will return for a second season. Writer Charlie Covell returns to pen season two, based on the award-winning comic series by Charles Forsman. The End of the F***ing World was co-commissioned by Netflix and Channel 4. Season two will be produced by Clerkenwell Films and Dominic Buchanan Productions. Season two will premiere globally on Netflix, except in the UK where it will premiere on Channel 4.

Based on the award-winning graphic novel, adapted by acclaimed newcomer Charlie Covell, the eight episode first season follows James (Alex Lawther, Black Mirror) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden, Penny Dreadful) - a self-proclaimed psychopath and a foul-mouthed rebel fed-up with her boring life. The two embark on a roadtrip to find a better life, and escape the impending doom of adulthood. As their chaotic journey unfolds, it becomes apparent that James and Alyssa have crossed a line and have no choice but to take it as far as they can...

Attention all units! This is a CHARGE! ALERT! CHiPs is coming to CHARGE starting Tuesday, September 4! at 6pm. CHiPs stars Larry Wilcox, Erik Estrada and Robert Pine. The series originally aired on NBC from September 15, 1977, to May 1, 1983. CHiPs followed the lives of two motorcycle police officers of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Erik Estrada as macho, rambunctious Officer Francis ("Frank") Llewellyn "Ponch" Poncherello and Larry Wilcox as his straitlaced partner, Officer Jonathan ("Jon") Andrew Baker. With Ponch the more trouble-prone of the pair, and Jon generally the more level-headed one trying to keep him out of trouble with the duo's gruff yet fatherly commanding officer Sergeant Joseph Getraer (Robert Pine), the two were Highway Patrolmen of the Central Los Angeles office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP, hence the name CHiPs). Among the series CHARGE! airs include American Gladiators, Gladiators, LAPD, and The Avengers. CHARGE! is a new free broadcast network featuring action programming including movies, series and sports entertainment. Watch action stars, every-day heroes and insane athletes engaged in battles, chases, showdowns and so much more. CHARGE! Ready for Action.

Netflix just ordered another comedy series. Mrs. Fletcher is a dual coming-of-age story, exploring the impact of internet porn and social media on the lives of an empty nest mother and her college freshman son. Based on the New York Times bestselling novel Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta. Kathryn Hahn stars as Eve Fletcher, a divorced woman who drops her only child off at college and returns home to a very empty nest, hoping to reinvent her life and find the happiness and sexual fulfillment that's eluded her. Jackson White plays Brendan Fletcher, Eve's son, a popular (though sometimes clueless) jock and aspiring frat boy who finds college a little more complicated than he expected.

Casey Wilson will play Jane Rosen, a married mother of academically gifted twins - she's Eve's close friend, a reliable source of emotional support and unsolicited advice. Owen Teague is Julian Spitzer, a high school classmate of Brendan's, a smart but underachieving skater who's stuck in his hometown after graduation, trying to figure out what happens next. Jen Richards plays Margo Fairchild, a transgender woman who teaches Eve's community college writing course. Margo is confident and charismatic in the classroom, but sometimes anxious in social situations.

Netflix has ordered a third season for its wrestling comedy GLOW. Set in 1985 Los Angeles, GLOW follows Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), a struggling out-of-work actress as she auditions for, trains and eventually makes the first-ever women's wrestling TV show. Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the 80s, GLOW is a Cinderella story with bodyslams. Inspired by the real story of the 1980's female wrestling league, the series -- set in Los Angeles and showcasing big hair and body slams -- will be the fictionalized story of an out of work actress who finds one last attempt to live her dreams in the form of a weekly series about female wrestlers. Jenji Kohan (Orange is the New Black) and Tara Herrmann (Orange is the New Black) are executive producers, and the series was co-created by Liz Flahive (Homeland) and Carly Mensch (Orange is the New Black), who will serve as showrunners.

It's time to slay in a whole new way. Turner's TNT has ordered a pilot for Naked With Niecy Nash, a decidedly unique show with a late-night feel hosted and executive produced by the queen of Claws and author of the best-selling book It's Hard to Fight Naked, the inimitable Niecy Nash. Nash, never afraid to get real and tell it like it is, will serve up a tall glass of humor, advice, and one-of-a-kind "Niecy-isms" on all things love, sex, romance and relationships with everyday people. The pilot will tap Niecy's unparalleled strengths to inspire, empower and make viewers laugh out loud. Nothing is off limits and no topic will be out-of-reach.

Nash currently stars on the hit TNT dramedy, Claws, which was renewed for a third season and a top 10 cable drama for 2018. Daytime Emmy(R) Award winner Sue Murphy, who served as an executive producer and writer on Chelsea, and as an executive producer on Chelsea Lately for seven seasons will serve as an executive producer and showrunner.

MeTV has announced its fall lineup, with some new additions and some shows leaving as a result. Coming this September to MeTV are In the Heat of the Night, Green Acres, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Shows leaving are Batman, Star Trek, and The Odd Couple. The only change to weekdays is In the Heat of the Night replacing The Big Valley at noon Eastern. The other changes are to weekends with timeslot changes primarily to morning sitcoms and sci-fi evenings on Saturdays. Changes for Saturdays are Petticoat Junction replacing Gomer Pyle at 5AM, The Beverly Hillbillies replacing Petticoat Junction at 6AM, Green Acres replacing The Beverly Hillbillies at 7AM, Lost in Space replacing Batman at 10PM, Buck Rogers replacing Star Trek at 11PM, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea replacing Lost in Space at 2AM, Land of the Giants replacing Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea at 3AM, and Swamp Thing replacing Land of the Giants at 4:00 and 4:30AM.

Sundays will have more ALF in the morning, with ALF replacing Swamp Thing at 5 and 5:30AM, so ALF is now 5-7am. Gilligan's Island gets a Three-Hour Tour from 2PM-5PM replacing sitcoms like Mama's Family, The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes, and following The Brady Bunch Brunch from 12-2pm. And the final Sunday change is M*A*S*H* replacing The Odd Couple at 7 and 7:30PM.

Multi-talented young actors Dakota Lotus and Ruby Rose Turner lead the ensemble cast of Coop & Cami Ask the World, Disney Channel's new live-action multi-camera comedy. The series follows the antics of middle-school siblings Coop and Cami Wrather, who co-host a popular online show while balancing life, family and friendship, premiering Friday, October 12, on Disney Channel at 8:30pm EDT, in the DisneyNOW app and on Disney Channel VOD (12:01 a.m. local). The second episode will be available immediately following the series' premiere (9:00 p.m. EDT) in the DisneyNOW app and Disney Channel YouTube.

Made for kids and families, the live-action comedy follows Cooper (Lotus) and Cameron (Turner) Wrather, two middle-school siblings who co-host Coop's online show Would You Wrather. With the help of their little brother Ollie and Coop's best friend Fred, the duo present out-of-the-box questions and results to the show's millions of followers (aka Wratherheads) who help them solve life problems - both mundane and madcap. Every day is an adventure in the Wrather's hectic household, which also includes their older sister Charlotte and mom, Jenna. Whatever the question or result, Coop and Cami tackle adolescence and everyday family situations with humor and heart.

Also starring are Olivia Sanabia (Just Add Magic) as their older sister Charlotte; Albert Tsai (Dr. Ken, Trophy Wife) as Coop's best friend Fred; Paxton Booth (The Toy Box) as their little brother Ollie and Rebecca Metz (Better Things) as their mom Jenna. In the premiere episode, Cooper and Cami are preparing for their school dance when they learn their mom is ready to start dating again, now that it's been two years since their father passed away. Much to their chagrin, her first date happens to be with their principal. Not sure what to do, they turn to the Wratherheads for advice, asking "Would you Wrather have your mom date the principal or take your mom to the school dance?"

It's Sunday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of August 20-24, 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, August 20

• Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond) - Watch Ray on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
• Joel McHale (Community/The Great Indoors) - Joel appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley) - Jimmy visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Betty Gilpin (GLOW/Nurse Jackie) - Betty appears on a repeat of Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.
• J.K. Simmons (Growing Up Fisher/Family Tools) - J.K. discusses the series Counterpart on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Vanessa Bell Calloway (Rhythm & Blues) - Vanessa is a guest on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• Rachael Harris (Surviving Jack/My Boys/Notes from the Underbelly) - Rachael appears on a repeat of The Real, so check your local listings.
• Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm/Son of Zorn/Suburgatory) - Cheryl is a guest on a repeat of The Real, so check your local listings.
• Peter Facinelli (Nurse Jackie) - Peter drops by Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Melissa Peterman (Baby Daddy/Reba) - Melissa guest co-hosts Access Live, so check your local listings.
• Katie O'Brien and Katy Colloton (Teachers) - Katie and Katy are guests on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
• Marilu Henner (Taxi/Evening Shade) - Marilu talks about Broadway's Gettin' The Band Back Together on the BUILD Series at 1pm.
• Peter Hermann (Younger) - Peter will be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.

Tuesday, August 21

• Kristen Bell (The Good Place) - Catch Kristen on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• John David Washington (Ballers) - John appears on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) - Amy is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
• Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag/Crashing) - Phoebe appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
• Zach Cregger (Wrecked/Guys with Kids/Friends with Benefits) - Zach visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris stops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Tiffany Haddish (The Last O.G./The Carmichael Show) - Tiffany is a guest on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Trevor Jackson (grown-ish) - Trevor appears on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• Amanda Seales (Insecure/My Brother and Me) - Amanda talks about Smart, Funny & Black on Chatter on PeopleTV at 8pm.

Wednesday, August 22

• Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show/My Boys/Welcome to New York) - Watch Jim on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
• Bill Burr ( F Is for Family/Townies) - Bill stops by Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Regina Hall (Grandfathered) - Regina visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• John Cho (Selfie/Kitchen Confidential) - John drops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Deon Cole (grown-ish/Angie Tribeca) - Deon is a guest on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• Michaela Watkins (Casual/Trophy Wife) - Michaela appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
• Joel McHale (Community/The Great Indoors) - Joel stops by Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Giancarlo Esposito (Bakersfield P.D.) - Giancarlo visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) - Alec is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Rita Moreno (One Day at a Time/Happily Divorced/9 to 5) - Rita appears on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• Billy Bob Thornton (Hearts Afire) - Billy Bob is a guest on a repeat of Steve, so check your local listings.
• Sarah Michelle Gellar (The Crazy Ones) - Sarah is in the kitchen, helping one viewer turn baking blunders into wonders on a repeat of Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
• Judith Light (Transparent/Phenom/Who's the Boss?) - Judith talks about The Versace Murders on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.

Thursday, August 23

• Michaela Watkins (Casual/Trophy Wife) - Catch Michaela on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
• Joel McHale (Community/The Great Indoors) - Joel stops by Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Giancarlo Esposito (Bakersfield P.D.) - Giancarlo visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/One Day at a Time) - Valerie appears on a repeat of The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
• Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) - Alec is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Rita Moreno (One Day at a Time/Happily Divorced/9 to 5) - Rita appears on a repeat of The Wendy Williams Show, so check your local listings.
• Billy Bob Thornton (Hearts Afire) - Billy Bob is a guest on a repeat of Steve, so check your local listings.
• Marilu Henner (Taxi/Evening Shade) - Marilu talks about Broadway’s new musical Gettin' The Band Back Together on People Now on PeopleTV at 12pm.
• Andrew Walker (Maybe It's Me/Student Bodies) - Andrew talks about Hallmark Channel's original movie Wedding March 4: Something Old, Something New on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.

Friday, August 24

• Jamie Foxx (The Jamie Foxx Show) - Watch Jamie on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
• Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program) - Sarah appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
• Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) - Brian stops by LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
• Rita Moreno (One Day at a Time/Happily Divorced/9 to 5) - Rita is a guest on a repeat of Harry, so check your local listings.
• Kenan Thompson (Kenan & Kel) - Kenan visits NBC's Today in the 10am hour. He will also be on Access Live ( check your local listings), on the BUILD Series at 1pm and on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 11:30am ET.
• Autumn Reeser (Complete Savages) - Autumn talks about the Hallmark Channel original movie Season for Love on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.

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!

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Sitcoms Airing This Week

Sunday, August 19

The Simpsons - "Left Behind" (Fox, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Homer gets Flanders a job at the plant; Homer regrets it when Flanders starts to insist on carpools and demands more from Homer's work performance; Marge feels that her marriage has lost its spark.

The Simpsons - "Throw Grampa from the Dane" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Simpsons go to Denmark so Grampa can benefit from the country's free health care.

Bob's Burgers - "Go Tina on the Mountain" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Belcher kids go to Outdoor Education only to have it rain; Tina meets a hermit living in the woods; Bob and Linda experience what it's like to be empty nesters.

Family Guy - "The Woof on Wall Street" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Brian convinces Stewie to teach him how to invest in the stock market; Peter, Quagmire, Cleveland and Joe look after the Drunken Clam while Jerome is away.

Bob's Burgers - "Are You There Bob? It's Me, Birthday" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After forgetting Bob's birthday, Linda and the kids attempt to plan a last-minute surprise party; Linda asks Hugo if Bob can go with him while he's doing restaurant health inspections.

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Monday, August 20

In The Cut - "Checkin' In, Dozin' Off" (Bounce TV, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Kenny fails to check in with Angelique, leading to some tough love; Smitty struggles with insomnia.

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Tuesday, August 21

Wrecked - "Six Feet" (TBS, 10:00PM ET/PT)
After discovering Declan's sinister plot, Danny goes under cover with the rich, while Pack and Karen attempt to escape the compound.

Younger - "Fraudlein" (TV Land, 10:00PM ET/PT)
The Empirical gang heads to Frankfurt for the world’s biggest annual book fair.

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Wednesday, August 22

The Goldbergs - "The Goldberg Girls" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Afraid she’ll be all alone in her old age, Beverly attempts to bond with other moms to form their own group like the TV show “The Golden Girls,” while Erica gets annoyed at Geoff’s romantic gestures, almost causing them to break up.

American Housewife - "All Coupled Up" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Otto children are beginning to experience struggles in their love lives after jumping into the dating world: Oliver is forced to choose between his girlfriend and his friend Cooper who come from two different worlds; Greg must play the “bad cop parent” to halt the PDA between Taylor and Trip; and Anna-Kat tries to make her relationship with Franklin official, without his consent.

Alone Together - "Mom" (Freeform, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Benji tries making new Goth friends.

Alone Together - "Dog Awards" (Freeform, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Esther and Benji get their first writing gig.

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Thursday, August 23

The Big Bang Theory - "The Tenant Disassociation" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Leonard learns Sheldon is the president of the tenants association, he decides to run against him. Also, Bernadette encourages Wolowitz and Koothrappali to find the owner of a drone after they find it in the backyard.

Young Sheldon - "Too Many Hippies and Huevos Rancheros" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Christy and Bonnie rally around Marjorie when her husband has a stroke.

Trial & Error: Lady, Killer - "A Big Break" (NBC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Josh and his team continue to find themselves at literal dead ends in their casework until they unearth game-changing evidence with the help of Jesse Ray Beaumont. Meanwhile, in court, Carol Anne tries to finish the case before she has the baby.

Trial & Error: Lady, Killer - "Barcelona" (NBC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
As Jesse Ray Beaumont's trial begins, the team struggles to keep him under control while they discover more of Lavinia's secrets. Now that the baby is born and awaiting the DA election results, Carol Anne discovers who is the baby's father.

American Woman - "I Will Survive" (Paramount Network, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Desperate to make her children happy, Bonnie considers giving Steve another chance. Kathleen struggles to make a decision about her future. Diana settles into a new role at work.

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Friday, August 24

Fresh Off the Boat - "Four Funerals and a Wedding" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Jessica’s aunt passes away, the Huang family packs their bags for Houston where the boys see Jessica’s father for the first time. While observing the distant relationship, Louis makes it his mission to push Jessica and her father closer together. Meanwhile, Evan decides to make Eddie the executor of his will, prompting Emery and Eddie to fight over who is the better older brother.

Speechless - "N-E-- NEW Y-- YEAR'S E-- EVE" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Jimmy convinces Maya to go on a much-needed night out together where they drink through Maya’s urge to rush home to the kids. Back at the house, Ray and Kenneth avoid being alone with their dates, while JJ, sidelined by a broken wheelchair, ends up getting more excitement than he expected. Meanwhile, Dylan spends her night trying to win the affection of the new family dog.

The Paynes - "The Outsiders" (OWN, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Nyla wears out her welcome with Curtis.

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Saturday, August 25

none scheduled

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Sunday, August 26

Bob's Burgers - "As I Walk Through the Alley of the Shadow of Ramps" (Fox, 7:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When a malicious juice truck owner tries to set up shop in the Belchers' alley, Louise devises a plan to win back their turf; Linda learns that she can't always run to her sister's defense.

The Simpsons - "The Serfsons" (Fox, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
In a magical medieval world, Marge's mother is turned into an Ice Walker and Homer forces Lisa to use illegal magic to cure her; Lisa is kidnapped and Homer must lead a feudal uprising to save her.

The Simpsons - "Springfield Splendor" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Marge and Lisa turn Lisa's experiences into a pop culture hit, but they struggle with creative differences.

Bob's Burgers - "Mo Mommy Mo Problems" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Belchers attend open houses for the free food; Linda meets a charming real estate agent and agrees to a private showing; the kids stumble upon an unexpected surprise; the family ends up getting involved with a real estate scheme.

Family Guy - "'Family Guy' Through the Years" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A reimagining of the show as a series that's been on the air for 60 years; a look back at the cultural events and issues tackled on the show through the decades.

Family Guy - "Nanny Goats" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Griffins get a nanny for the kids; Peter and Lois get an opportunity to reconnect.

Complete TV Listings

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's another very slow summer news week, but we have news about the proposed spinoff of The Middle, some Saturday Night Live casting news, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

by Vincent

Just when you thought reboot fever might be dying down, it's back again. That's right...reboot fever is back in action with talks of a Designing Women reboot as well as some "murmurs" of a Frasier revival.

We'll start with the Frasier reboot, reports of which surfaced a few weeks ago. Deadline reported that Kelsey Grammar is interested in the idea of a Frasier reboot that would "explore the idea of Frasier in a new city." Although no deal seems imminent, talks are that Grammar is shopping the reboot at different networks, and it seems to be at least a possibility. The Designing Women reboot is in similarly nascent stages, although it seems a bit further along as it has Sony on board. Supposedly, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony has tapped on original series creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason to re-create the series in a way it speaks to "the politically divided state of our current nation" (which is interesting as the original Designing Women never seemed particularly political.) It seems as if the Designing Women reboot would be more of a fresh reboot with a new cast a la the new One Day at a Time rather than a continuation like the new seasons of Roseanne and Murphy Brown.

Personally, it really seems to me as if this is getting a bit out of control. Of these two remakes, the Frasier remake makes at least a little bit more sense, as Frasier has gained some surprising momentum as a Netflix favorite for millennials. But I'm still unsure that either of these long-running series are exactly dying to be revisited. I really wish the TV industry would focus a bit more on fresh ideas rather than drudging up the past. Nevertheless, more remakes and reboots are set to come to TV this fall - the new season of Murphy Brown will be premiering on CBS in the fall, as well as a rebooted version of Charmed on The CW. Whether I like it or not, it certainly seems as if reboot culture is here to stay.

E! brings viewers all the best in pop culture as the new late night talk show, Busy Tonight, hosted and executive produced by actress and social media sensation, Busy Philipps (Cougar Town), premieres on Sunday, October 28 at 10pm ET/PT. The half hour talk show, airing every Sunday through Wednesday, will feature everyone's favorite unfiltered Hollywood best friend giving her hilarious and outspoken opinions on the latest pop culture stories and trending topics with candid celebrity guest interviews and original comedic segments. The network has also tapped former Co-Executive Producer of Bravo Media's Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Caissie St.Onge, to serve as showrunner.

Longtime writer and producer, Caissie St.Onge, joins Busy Tonight after nine years with Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and has previously worked on popular, Emmy-winning talk shows such as The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The Late Show with David Letterman.

Netflix announced via their social handles that critically acclaimed original series Atypical will be returning September 7 and released official first look images. Atypical is a coming of age story that follows Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the central theme: what does it really mean to be normal? Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as his mother, Elsa, who is on her own journey of self-discovery. Michael Rapaport plays his father, Doug. Brigette Lundy-Paine (Margot vs Lily, The Glass Castle) plays Sam's sister, Casey, and Amy Okuda (How to Get Away with Murder) plays a therapist, Julia.

Additional cast includes Nik Dodani (Alex Strangelove) who plays Sam's best friend, Zahid, and Jenna Boyd plays Paige, Sam's on again, off again girlfriend.

Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced its original hit series America Says, hosted by John Michael Higgins, will return for a 95-episode second season. The announcement comes on the heels of a successful premiere season, which has seen the show build over its lead-in by +26%, while also performing over +40% above YTD time period average among our core W25-54 demo. America Says is a fast-paced studio game show where two teams of friends and family face off to guess America's responses to fill-in-the-blank survey questions covering every topic under the sun. They'll have to be quick when trying to think of what America says, as time is always ticking and the team with the most money banked after three rounds will head to a bonus round to see if they can win up to $15,000.

Recognized for his iconic roles in films like Pitch Perfect, The Break-Up and Best In Show, Higgins is also known for providing voices for characters in popular animated series Bob's Burgers and Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra, along with starring opposite Fran Drescher in the sitcom Happily Divorced.