Fri-Yay: Sitcoms Premiering in 2021; Peacock Renews A.P. Bio for 4th Season

Friday, December 18, 2020

Fri-Yay: Sitcoms Premiering in 2021; Peacock Renews A.P. Bio for 4th Season

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

As we look towards the end of this truly strange year, it's time to take a look at the future, which hopefully will be a little more positive than this year was. There are a couple of new and returning sitcoms I'm really excited about in 2021, and I'll outline them in this blog post.

The first sitcom I am excited about is NBC's Mr. Mayor, which was created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, who previously created the brilliant 30 Rock and the very funny Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Mr. Mayor also stars Ted Danson, fresh off his excellent role as Michael on The Good Place. This is easily my most anticipated sitcom of 2021. Also on NBC, Young Rock is set to premiere this year, and I think that could be a really fun show. It will detail the youth of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and NBC is hoping his popularity will be enough to help it launch the future of its comedy brand now that Superstore is on the way out.

Some shows will also be returning in 2021 that I'm interested in. The third season of Cobra Kai, originally made for YouTube Red but now moving to Netflix, came out with a great trailer that makes me really pumped to see where the show goes. Cobra Kai had an excellent first season and an uneven but very gripping second season. I'm hoping Season 3 will work out the kinks and cement its place as an excellent show that straddles the line of comedy and drama. There is also an iCarly reboot in the works, although it is unclear on if it will be ready in 2021. Still, although reboots have had a mixed success rate, it could be a big draw for younger millennials and Gen Z viewers who grew up with the series. There is a lot to look forward to on TV in 2021, and hopefully it'll be a nice palate cleanse from this tough year.

A.P. Bio

Critically-acclaimed Peacock Original comedy A.P. Bio has been renewed for a fourth season. The 8-episode season will be coming to Peacock in 2021. The first three seasons of A.P. Bio are currently streaming on Peacock. When disgraced Harvard philosophy scholar Jack Griffin (Glenn Howerton) loses out on his dream job, he is forced to return to Toledo, Ohio, and work as a high school advanced placement biology teacher. As he comes crashing into Whitlock High School, Jack makes it absolutely clear that he will not be teaching any biology. Realizing he has a roomful of honor roll students at his disposal, Jack decides instead to use the kids' brainpower for his own benefit. Over time, his students help him realize his dream job might actually be the one he has right now. Eager to prove that he is still king of the castle, Principal Durbin (Patton Oswalt) struggles to control the force of nature that is Jack Griffin. The series also stars Mary Sohn, Lyric Lewis, Jean Villepique and Paula Pell.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Wednesday, October 5

The Conners - "Driving, Dating and Deceit" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Mark is anxious to get his driver’s license when a job opportunity presents itself across town. Darlene attempts to teach him to drive, but her frantic energy sends him running to Ben for help. Meanwhile, Harris meets a new guy online, whom Becky recognizes from her past.

The Golbergs - "Jenkintown After Dark" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Despite promising to keep distance from Brea so they can each establish themselves at college, Adam calls her, sending Beverly into a tailspin. Meanwhile, Joanne lands a coveted job at a posh Philly law firm and Barry takes full advantage of the perks of her new gig, blinding him from the reality of the situation.

Abbott Elementary - "Story Samurai" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
A traveling storytelling troupe Jacob used to be in visits Abbott Elementary for a day of education and entertainment. Jacob can’t wait to share this part of his past with his colleagues; but when he realizes they think the performers are corny, Janine does her best to help him embrace his nerdy side. Meanwhile, Melissa struggles with the new normal of her combined second and third grade class.

Home Economics - "Sushi for Twelve, $482 Plus Delivery" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
With a house full of Hayworths, nothing is off limits for discussion – including Tom and Marina’s lives in, and out, of the bedroom. Connor’s patience as host is running thin so as a thank you, Sarah and Denise strategize a creative way to show their appreciation.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 3)

Wednesday, October 5

Kevin Nealon (Man with a Plan/Weeds/Hiller and Diller/Champs) - Watch Kevin on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) - Kelly appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Fred Armisen (Los Espookys/Forever/Final Space), Ana Fabrega (Los Espookys) and Julio Torres (Los Espookys) - Fred, Ana and Julio are guests on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood/The Last O.G./The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric appears on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Lena Dunham (Girls) - Lena is a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Jennifer Tilly (Out of Practice) - Jennifer appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City) - Lea is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
Kal Penn (Sunnyside/Deadbeat/We Are Men/How I Met Your Mother) - Kal discusses his impressive journey from former White House staffer and actor to author, and why he chose to share details about his engagement to his fiancé, Josh, in his book, You Can't Be Serious, on Tamron Hall, so check your local istings.
Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts/White Famous) - Utkarsh talks about Ghosts on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Wendell Pierce (The Odd Couple/The Michael J. Fox Show/The Weber/The Brian Benben Show/The Gregory Hines Show) - Wendell talks about Death of a Salesman on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Tamera Mowry-Housley (Sister, Sister/Roommates) - Tamera talks about You Should Sit Down For This on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.