Fri-Yay: Are Network Sitcoms Back…Again?; More Details About Betty White NBC Special

Friday, January 28, 2022

Fri-Yay: Are Network Sitcoms Back…Again?; More Details About Betty White NBC Special

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

After a few off years, the network sitcom might be back. This season we have several solid new sitcoms garnering both critical acclaim and even solid viewership numbers. CBS's Ghosts, ABC's Abbott Elementary, and NBC's American Auto and Grand Crew are all really good sitcoms with the potential to grow into something even better. And all of these shows feel like the type of shows that still could only exist on network TV, which shows that - despite the fact that broadcast is a far less relevant medium than it was even 10 years ago - it may still be the place to be for sitcoms.

All of these sitcoms combine solid characters, quick joke writing and interesting premises. They may not have the experimentation of streaming or cable sitcoms, but sometimes, that just isn't what you want. You want a good, relaxing and funny sitcom to disappear into for a few episodes. And that's exactly what these shows prove network sitcoms can still provide.

Celebrating Betty White: America's Golden Girl

President Joe Biden, Drew Barrymore, Valerie Bertinelli, Cher, Bryan Cranston, Ted Danson, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Ana Gasteyer, Goldie Hawn, Vicki Lawrence, Jane Leeves, Jay Leno, Anthony Mackie, Wendie Malick, Joel McHale, Tracy Morgan, Jean Smart, Mary Steenburgen and more will come together to pay tribute to the late actress and animal advocate in NBC's primetime special Celebrating Betty White: America's Golden Girl. The special airs Monday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. on NBC and will be available the next day on Peacock. Co-stars, friends, admirers and those who shared special moments with White recount their favorite memories and reveal untold stories to commemorate the life and legacy of the trailblazing television star. The telecast will include clips and never-before-seen footage that best capture White's irreverent tone, spirit and impeccable comedic timing that are a hallmark of her decades-long career.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Sunday, May 17

Family Guy - "High School History" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT)
The Griffins take a humorous look at the French Revolution, the American Civil War, and World War II.

Bob's Burgers - "Stuck in the Middle With Hu(go)" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Bob is forced to spend time with one of his least favorite people; Tina is entrusted with something very close to Jimmy Junior's heart.

American Dad! - "Where the Wild Boars Are" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Jeff comes of age with the help of an old man; Roger takes care of a "special" shed.

Bob's Burgers - "Smellbound" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
When a horrible smell threatens to cancel one of the kids' favorite town traditions, Tina, Gene, and Louise decide to try and get rid of the smell themselves.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 11)

Friday, May 15

Goldie Hawn (Good Morning World) - Watch Goldie on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Asif Ali (Deli Boys/Wrecked/Mr. Robinson) and Saagar Shaikh (Deli Boys) - Asif and Ali are guests on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Stanley Tucci (Central Park) - Stanley appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Brenda Song (Running Point/Dollface/Dads/The Suite Life on Deck/The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) - Brenda is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Nathan Lane (Mid-Century Modern/Only Murders in the Building/Modern Family/Charlie Lawrence/Encore! Encore!/One of the Boys) - Nathan appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
John Krasinski (The Office) - John talks about Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary/Emeril) - Lisa talks about Abbott Elementary and Lisa Ann Walter: It Was an Accident with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Cafe Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Drew and Ross are covering the headlines with pals Valerie and Nate Berkus on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Belmont Cameli (Saved by the Bell (2020-2021) - Belmont and Ella Bright talk about Off Campus on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
Patton Oswalt (A.P. Bio/The Goldbergs/The King of Queens) - Patton co-hosts NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
Jackie Tohn (Nobody Wants This/GLOW) - NBC's Today catches up with Jackie in the 10am hour.
Y'lan Noel (Insecure) - Y'lan talks about Netflix's Nemesis on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.