Friday, April 10, 2020

Fri-Yay: End of Modern Family is End of an Era; COZI TV Celebrates Will & Grace Finale with Marathon

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!

Modern Family

by Vincent

On Wednesday night, Modern Family officially ended its 11-season run on ABC, a legendary run for a sitcom that was in many ways a landmark. The show is arguably the biggest and most successful single-camera sitcom of all time - only The Office has a case against it, which I'd say may have overtaken it due to its boom in popularity after its end thanks to its prevalence of Netflix (Modern Family, frustratingly, is still not available to stream in full on any major streaming site, although it plays often in syndication). Still, in terms of success and longevity during their network runs, Modern Family was able to appeal to a wide audience longer than any other single-camera sitcom. In some ways, its success already feels like the end of a bygone era of network TV. Because of streaming and audience fragmentation, network sitcoms just don't pull in the weekly audiences and have the same cultural spark that Modern Family did in its prime.

I also think Modern Family will register as a legendary sitcom for a few other reasons. The show depicted a fairly progressive view of families, and its success arguably has led to many, many successors depicting families that are a bit different than the typical nuclear family on TV. In fact, in some ways Modern Family became a victim of its own influence, in some ways. Because representation on TV has increased so much, Modern Family's "modern" family doesn't look as progressive as it did in 2009, but it's easy to forget that in 2009, the family sitcom was all but dead, its only relics on mainstream culture being shows from past eras that depicted very traditional American families. Modern Family not only made family sitcoms "cool" again in some ways, but it made them okay with depicting many other kind of families. That might be the norm now, but it certainly wasn't 11 years ago when the show premiered. Another part of the reason that a lot of people might not remember just how groundbreaking Modern Family was at first is also because, in many ways, the show became somewhat complacent through-out its run, forgoing the interesting, genuinely funny and heartwarming writing of the first several seasons with more stock sitcom plots. This is, of course, not atypical for long-running sitcoms, and although I wish Modern Family had remained fresh and funny for a little longer than it did, it still doesn't take away what the show accomplished. And the show's finale, while not groundbreaking TV, was a nice reminder of how funny the show could be. It's a fairly low-key finale (there is some change: Cam gets an offer to move to Missouri to coach a college football team, Phil and Claire kick the kids out of house, and Manny leaves home), but for the most part is was an episode without many bells and whistles. Life goes on for the Dunphys, even if things have changed. Modern Family might not be going out as one of the best sitcoms on TV, but it goes out leaving a reminder of why, at one time, it was.


Will & Grace

In celebration of the upcoming series finale of NBC's Will & Grace, COZI TV announced a special "Celebrate! The Will & Grace Marathon," showcasing all season one episodes on Sunday, April 19 starting at 11:00 a.m. EST (check local listings). Wrapping up the marathon will be the original series finale from 2006, which has not been seen in syndication because of the new re-booted series storyline. This laugh-filled trip down memory lane will spotlight where it all began for Will, Grace, Jack and Karen before the show completes its four-decade run, comprising 11 seasons, 246 episodes and earning 18 Emmy Awards. In 2017, COZI TV became the exclusive digital broadcast network of the first eight seasons. The series finale will air on Thursday, April 23 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC. The hit comedy series Will & Grace features actors Debra Messing as Grace Adler, Megan Mullally as Karen Walker, Eric McCormack as Will Truman and Sean Hayes as Jack McFarland. The series follows best friends Will and Grace as they navigate living together, while they deal with their eccentric friends Karen and Jack. The show originally aired on NBC starting in 1998, with the season eight finale coming in 2006.

The following episodes from Will & Grace season one (and 2006 series finale) will air on COZI TV on Sunday, April 19 starting at 11:00 a.m.:

11:00 a.m.: The Pilot (Love & Marriage)
11:30 a.m.: A New Lease on Life
12:00 p.m.: Head Case
12:30 p.m.: Between a Rock and Harlin's Place
1:00 p.m.: Boo! Humbug
1:30 p.m.: William, Tell
2:00 p.m.: Where There's a Will, There's No Way
2:30 p.m.: The Buying Game
3:00 p.m.: The Truth About Will & Dogs
3:30 p.m.: Big Vent
4:00 p.m.: Will on Ice
4:30 p.m.: My Fair Maid-y
5:00 p.m.: The Unsinkable Mommy Adler
5:30 p.m.: Big Brother Is Coming: Part I
6:00 p.m.: Big Brother Is Coming: Part II
6:30 p.m.: Yours, Mine or Ours
7:00 p.m.: Secrets & Lays
7:30 p.m.: Grace, Replaced
8:00 p.m.: Will Works Out
8:30 p.m.: Saving Grace
9:00 p.m.: Alley Cats
9:30 p.m.: Object of My Rejection
10:00 p.m.: The Finale


Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Monday, September 25

Son of a Critch - "Particip-action" (The CW, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Mark is forced to participate in the school's Sports Day; Fox fights for her mother's attention and attempts to break the school record for gold medals.

Run the Burbs - "Li Xi" (The CW, 8:30PM ET/PT)
As they celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Andrew worries about his parents' relationship; Camille pitches her business to Andrew's mother; the kids get into trouble with their business startup.

Children Ruin Everything - "Dignity" (The CW, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Following embarrassing run-ins with her boss and co-workers, Astrid feels on the back foot and disconnected from her younger co-workers; Astrid realizes her best move might be to attend a drink night with the rest of her team.

American Dad! - "Productive Panic" (TBS, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Francine becomes an overnight sensation when a famous art dealer discovers her homemade pottery.

Breeders - "No Matter What: Part Two" (FX, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Jackie's health is continuing to worsen; Paul helps out a distressed Luke but finds himself in more conflict with Ally; at Baby Jay's naming party, Ava declares her love, and Paul makes an offer that will take him and Ally back in time.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 25)

Monday, September 25

  • Eddie Murphy (The PJs) - Watch Eddie on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place/Barry) - D'Arcy is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Idris Elba (Turn Up Charlie) - Idris appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) - Aubrey is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Wilmer Valderrama (That '70s Show) - Wilmer appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Woody Harrelson (Cheers) - Woody is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Jon Lovitz (Mr. Box Office/NewsRadio/Foley Square) - Jon is a guest on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen on CBS between 12:37-1:37am.
  • Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) and Mark Consuelos (Alpha House/Hope & Faith) - E! News has interviews with Kelly and Mark at 11pm on E!.
  • Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Guys with Kids/Entourage) - Jamie-Lynn appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
  • Kerry Washington (Unprisoned) - Kerry talks about her new book Thicker than Water: A Memoir on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
  • Punkie Johnson (After Life) - Punkie talks about her podcast Love Thang with Punkie Johnson on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
  • Keke Palmer (Scream Queens/True Jackson, VP) - Keke talks about her Big Boss album and tour on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.


New on DVD/Blu-ray (June-October)

Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series Family Matters - The Complete Series Step by Step - The Complete Series ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition)

06/13 - Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series
06/13 - Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series
07/18 - South Park - Seasons 21-25 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
07/25 - The Neighborhood - Season Five
07/25 - Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin - Season One
07/25 - Superstore - The Complete Series
08/22 - Back to Life - Season 1 / Season 2
08/29 - Smiling Friends - Season 1 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/05 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Sixth Season
09/12 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Second Season
09/12 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-6 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/26 - Family Matters - The Complete Series
09/26 - Step by Step - The Complete Series
10/10 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Thirteen / The Complete Season Fourteen
10/17 - ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition) (Shout! Factory Special Offers)
10/17 - Night Court (2023) - The Complete First Season
More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD Releases / DVD Reviews Archive / SitcomsOnline Digest


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

09/25 - Laff Fall 2023 Schedule with Last Man Standing and Man with a Plan; Upload Returns October 20
09/24 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 25, 2023)
09/23 - SitcomsOnline Digest: An End on the Horizon for WGA Strike?; Hallmark Ready for Christmas
09/22 - The Santa Clauses Season 2 Launches November 8; CBS Alters Fall Schedule
09/21 - Penn & Teller: Fool Us Gets New Return Date; Netflix's Unicorn Academy Premieres November 2
09/20 - Paramount+ Announces Colin from Accounts; The Really Loud House Gets Halloween Movie
09/19 - The Simpsons Season 34 Streams October 11 on Disney+; Good Burger 2 Set for Holiday Season
09/18 - Hulu's Huluween and Disney+'s Hallowstream Line-Up; Shining Vale Returns October 13 on STARZ
09/17 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 18, 2023)
09/16 - SitcomsOnline Digest: ABC Cancels Wonder Years Reboot; Byron Allen Makes $10 Billion Offer to Buy ABC
09/15 - Antenna TV's Bewitched Halloween Marathon; Rewind TV's Sabrina the Teenage Witch-O-Ween Marathon
09/14 - Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Cast; BUZZR Celebrates 40 Years of Press Your Luck
09/13 - TBS Acquires Modern Family; The Frasier Awards on COZI TV
09/12 - Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen Gets CBS Late Night Run; Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy Special
09/11 - Matt Rife Gets Netflix Special; Star Trek Day and Kid Cudi Join Forces
09/10 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 11, 2023)
09/09 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner Bros. Television Suspends Deals with Top Creators; Fran Drescher Re-Elected President of SAG-AFTRA
09/08 - CBS Announces Hosts of Game Show; New Goosebumps Premieres Friday the 13th This October on Disney+ and Hulu
09/07 - MeTV Presents Svengoolie's Halloween BOOnanza!; The CW Moving Fall Comedies to Thursdays
09/06 - CBS to Air NCIS: Sydney This Fall; Fox Makes Fall Change
09/05 - TBS and TNT September Stunts Include Big Bang Theory Batman Day Marathon; Netflix UK Produced Series Updates
09/04 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2023 Include Three's Company
09/03 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 4, 2023)
09/02 - SitcomsOnline Digest: No Third Season for How I Met Your Father; Spectrum Dispute with Disney Could Spell End of Cable
09/01 - September Is Anniversary Month on Hulu; Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween Returns for Its 25th Anniversary
08/31 - Max's Original Comedy Series Starstruck Season 3 and Our Flag Means Death Season 2 Premiere Dates; AXS TV Announces Fall Programming Lineup
08/30 - The Partridge Family Coming to AXS TV Starting Oct. 2; CBS to Air A Tribute to Bob Barker Special Aug. 31, Marathon of Match Game Episodes to Air Sept. 2 on Game Show Network
08/29 - Once Upon a Time Coming to Hulu; Young Love Launches on Max in September
08/28 - Remembering TV Legend Bob Barker; Wolf Like Me Returns in October on Peacock
08/27 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 28, 2023)
08/26 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Frasier Reboot Date Set, With CBS Also Airing First Two Episodes; Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. Cancelled
08/25 - Rick and Morty Returns October 15; Switch New Season Begins September 18 on Game Show Network