Fri-Yay: Sister, Sister Soars on Netflix; ABC Comedies Returning October 21 for New Seasons

Friday, September 11, 2020

Fri-Yay: Sister, Sister Soars on Netflix; ABC Comedies Returning October 21 for New Seasons

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 past week, the '90s family sitcom Sister, Sister joined the Netflix line-up. A lot of people began talking about the show on social media, prompting me to go back and watch the show over the holiday weekend. It had been a while since I'd seen a TGIF sitcom (granted Sister, Sister moved to The WB for most of its run, but it has the feel and makings of a TGIF sitcom) and I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I really enjoyed jumping back into the world of Sister, Sister. No, it isn't the most clever or acclaimed sitcom of all time, but it's really a great show to put on and relax and turn off your brain a bit. It's also the type of show that can easily be watched and understood by families and kids alike.

It feels in a lot of ways like a show such as Sister, Sister is just not made anymore - a show that can be enjoyed equally by kids and adults. Granted, there are family-friendly sitcoms on TV, but shows don't feel made for kids and adults the way a show like Sister, Sister did. The performances by the adults (particularly by Jackee Harry) are just as good as more "mature" sitcoms. It's easy to see why the series rocketed into the Netflix Top 10 this week. People have fond memories of the show, and for good reason. It may not be the best '90s sitcom, but it's certainly a fun show and hopefully Netflix can introduce it to a new generation.

The Conners

Delivering on the network’s commitment to being the broadcast destination for family comedy, ABC announced premiere dates for its Wednesday primetime comedy block. The Goldbergs, The Conners and black-ish will return Oct. 21, and American Housewife will join the comedy lineup on Oct. 28. Previously announced standalone black-ish Election event composed of two back-to-back episodes will air Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT. For the first time, ABC will air a fully animated black-ish episode as part of the event. Dates for network scripted dramas (such as Grey's Anatomy, The Good Doctor, Station 19) will be announced soon. Dates for unscripted series were previously announced, such as Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelorette, Shark Tank and ABC Fun & Games series. Most recently, ABC claimed 3 of the Top 4 comedies last season in Adults 18-49, Modern Family (1.6/8) – No. 1 (tie), The Conners (1.5/8) – No. 3 and The Goldbergs (1.3/6) – No. 4 (tie), as well as securing the No. 1 (tie) scripted summer broadcast show this year with United We Fall.

ABC's Wednesday scripted comedy series premiere dates are as follows (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific).

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21
8:00-9:00 p.m. The Goldbergs (premiering with two back-to-back episodes)
9:00-9:30 p.m. The Conners
9:30-10:00 p.m. black-ish

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28
8:30-9:00 p.m. American Housewife

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, November 22

Happy's Place - "Happy's House" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Bobbie agrees to take Isabella to Happy's house in search of a connection to their late father, leading Bobbie to worry about what they may find; Gabby hopes to strike it rich by searching through Happy's penny collection looking for a rarity.

Lopez vs Lopez - "Lopez vs Orlando" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
When Rosie's spoiled nephew Orlando visits, Mayan sets out to expose Rosie's cultural gender bias; George wants to teach Chance the value of hard work, but, instead, helps him create a toxic work environment.

Bob Hearts Abishola - "Whacking the Mole" (The CW, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After Abishola has a romantic dream about Bob, she tries to suppress her feelings for him and pays the price.

Bob Hearts Abishola - "Ralph Lauren and Fish" (The CW, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Bob and Abishola finally go on a proper date, which is interrupted by Dottie's medical emergency.

Bob Hearts Abishola - "Tough Like a Laundromat Washing Machine" (The CW, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Bob hires Abishola to take care of Dottie in his home while she recovers; Dottie has a hard time dealing with her limitations and takes it out on Abishola.

Bob Hearts Abishola - "Useless Potheads" (The CW, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
With Abishola only helping part-time, Bob, Douglas and Christina struggle to take care of Dottie.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place - "Wiz-Taken Identity" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When Billie struggles with a spell, Roman says he could do it if he was a wizard: to prove him wrong, Billie uses a Power Glass to transfer her powers to Roman.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place - " Ain't Gnome Party Like a Wizard Party" (Disney Channel, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Justin embraces mortality to live with his family; his new challenge arises when Alex introduces Billie, a wizard-in-training, seeking Justin's mentorship.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 18)

Friday, November 22

Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Watch Kerry on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Jimmy O. Yang (Interior Chinatown/Space Force/Silicon Valley) - Jimmy is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Ariana Grande (Sam & Cat/Victorious) - Ariana appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Andy Richter (Andy Barker, P.I./Quintuplets/Andy Richter Controls the Universe), Thomas Lennon (The Odd Couple/Sean Saves the World/Reno 911!) and Aparna Nancherla (Lopez vs Lopez/Search Party/Corporate) - Andy, Thomas and Aparna are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Keke Palmer (Scream Queens/True Jackson, VP) - Keke talks about her new book Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Andrew Rannells (Girls/The New Normal) - Drew is joined by the hilarious Andrew to celebrate all things Thanksgiving on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Rosie Perez (Human Resources/Search Party) - Rosie tells Sherri about her new Apple TV+ psychological thriller Before on Sherri, so check your local listings.
Candace Cameron Bure (Fuller House/Full House) - Candace will be on New York Living on WPIX in New York at 10:15am.