SitcomsOnline Digest: Jerry O'Connell Joins the Conversation on The Talk; Norman Lear Sitcoms Arrive on Amazon Prime Video and IMDb TV

Saturday, July 17, 2021

SitcomsOnline Digest: Jerry O'Connell Joins the Conversation on The Talk; Norman Lear Sitcoms Arrive on Amazon Prime Video and IMDb TV

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, it's not a busy news week, but we're hearing about a role that Jenna Fischer lost, a new co-host for The Talk, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Jenna Fischer revealed this week that she was originally supposed to portray Matt LeBlanc's on-screen wife in Man With a Plan, but was fired because test audiences found it implausible that "Pam would marry Joey." (People)
Another entry in "The Simpsons Predicted It" files: Richard Branson going to space. (NY Post)
The Talk has replaced Sharon Osbourne, and the show is now no longer a females only club as Jerry O'Connell has joined the conversation. (CNN)
Charlie Robinson, known for his role of Mac on Night Court, has died at age 75. (Deadline)
Several sitcoms from Norman Lear are now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and IMDb TV, with more to come. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JULY 17 - JULY 23)

As previously mentioned, you can now watch 227, Diff'rent Strokes, All in the Family, Maude, and Good Times on Amazon Prime Video, with the last three also being available for anybody to watch for free on IMDb TV.
Decades is having a binge of Love, American Style this weekend.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Wednesday, February 11

Shifting Gears - "Friend" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt’s reunion with a high school friend stirs up more than nostalgia when he meets their equally opinionated spouse. Meanwhile, Riley spirals when Klatch gets a negative Yelp review. Tuc Watkins, Jim Rash and Jesse Williams guest star.

Shifting Gears - "Toys" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Riley’s new relationship feels perfect until Matt crashes in, throwing some unexpected obstacles her way. Meanwhile, Matt’s toy car project is derailed when he and Gabe are tasked with working together. Jesse Williams and Maria Bamford guest star.

Shifting Gears - "Uncle Sam" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt is thrilled to show off his military-hero son Sam, but a shift in Sam’s career could finally give Riley a chance to be the golden child. Meanwhile, Andy’s singing hits all the wrong notes for Riley. Jesse Williams and Luke Macfarlane guest star.

Shifting Gears - "Surprise" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt revs his love life back up only to find the road rockier than expected. Meanwhile, a chance romantic moment has Riley and Gabe questioning the nature of their relationship. Jenna Elfman, Jesse Williams, Angela Kinsey and Mookie Betts guest star.

Tyler Perry's House of Payne - "A Payne Family Portrait" (BET, 8:00PM ET/PT)
The Payne family sends Ella on a rampage. Malik must learn a valuable lesson.

Tyler Perry's Assisted Living - "The Power of Prayer" (BET, 8:30PM ET/PT)
The facility embarks on a manhunt for Judge Reginald, who is nowhere to be found; Sandra, Phillip, Vinny, Mr. Brown and Cora post flyers around the neighborhood and online.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of February 9)

Wednesday, February 11

Nick Kroll (Big Mouth/The League/Cavemen) - Watch Nick on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Elon Gold (Stacked/In-Laws) - Elon is a guest on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen at 12:37am on CBS.
Halle Berry (Living Dolls) - Halle joins Drew for a candid conversation about her menopause experience and why she founded Respin to help other women on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws/The New Adventures of Old Christine/Wanda at Large) - Wanda talks about her movie Undercard on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.