SitcomsOnline Digest: Amazon Buys MGM; This Is Us Star Cast in ABC Comedy Pilot

Saturday, March 19, 2022

SitcomsOnline Digest: Amazon Buys MGM; This Is Us Star Cast in ABC Comedy Pilot

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning of a new acquisition of MGM (but is it real this time?), the renewal of an ABC comedy favorite, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Amazon has purchased MGM, or so we think, as previous "sales" of MGM to Turner in the 80s and Sony in 2006 have turned out to not be what they seem. (NPR)
With the NBC series This Is Us coming to an end, cast members are in high demand for other new series, and this week we're hearing about Chris Sullivan being cast in a pilot for ABC. (Deadline)
Although a Quantum Leap reboot is in the works for Peacock with a whole new cast, Scott Bakula is looking to return to the NBC primetime lineup as star and executive producer in a series in which he will be playing a much different role. (TVLine)
With all of the reboots that are in the works (including many that don't quite make it to TV), it's easy to forget what is being worked on, but there is an Early Edition reboot in the works and it now has an actress attached to the starring role. (Deadline)
The executive producer of Dancing with the Stars is out, and former host Tom Bergeron (who was fired by the same executive producer) had something to say about it. (Deadline)
In maybe one of the most unsurprising renewals of the season, ABC has renewed Abbott Elementary for a second season. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MARCH 19 - MARCH 25)

Atlanta returns with a new season on Thursday on FX.
Although it isn't a rare thing for them to do, E! is having a Saved by the Bell marathon this weekend.
Decades has a binge of feature films (and two part episodes of hour long series) this weekend.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Sunday, May 28

The Conners - "Possums, Pregnancy and Patriarchy" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Harris makes a big announcement. Meanwhile, Ben is overwhelmed with family responsibilities.

The Conners - "Hiding In and Moving Out" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Harris takes her anger out on Darlene. Elsewhere, Dan and Louise spend an entire day in bed together.

The Conners - "The Contra Hearings and the Midnight Gambler" (ABC, 10:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Mark fights for a spot in the Lanford High chamber orchestra. Elsewhere, Jackie puts a lottery machine in the Lunch Box.

The Conners - "Road Trip and Guilt Trip" (ABC, 10:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dan and Jackie take a road trip to a hardware wholesaler in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Darlene heads out of town and leaves behind a plethora of to-do notes for Becky and Ben.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 22)

Friday, May 26

Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) - Watch Jason on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Ali Wong (Big Mouth/American Housewife/Are You There, Chelsea?) - Ali is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) - Chris appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies) - Tom is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Sebastian Maniscalco (How to Be a Bookie) - Sebastian talks about his new film About My Father on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
Issa Rae (Insecure) - Issa is a guest on The Jennifer Hudson Show, so check your local listings.
Bill Bellamy (Mr. Box Office/Men, Women & Dogs/Cousin Skeeter) - Bill appears on The Jennifer Hudson Show, so check your local listings.
Ming-Na Wen (The Single Guy) and BD Wong (All-American Girl) - Ming-Na and BD talk about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
Hailee Steinfeld (Dickinson) - Hailee and actor Shameik Moore sit down together to talk about their new film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, in theaters on June 2 on Sherri, so check your local listings.
Leslie Odom Jr. (Love in the Time of Corona/Big Dady) and Nicolette Robinson (Love in the Time of Corona/Perfect Couples) - Leslie and Nicolette chat with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Daniel Wu (American Born Chinese) - Daniel talks about American Born Chinese on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim) - Kimberly is a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, so check your local listings.