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 / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, March 6

Happy's Place - "Dart to the Heart" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Bobbie tries to help Emmett and Isabella reconnect by forcing them into a darts tournament; Steve celebrates killing a spider until Takoda informs him about Iktomi, the Lakota trickster spirit.

Stumble - "Making Mat" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Courteney must cut one of her Buttons from making mat at Daytona; each of the team shares why Daytona is so important, but Courteney operates with her head over her heart and, after grueling tryouts, renders a heartbreaking decision.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of March 2)

Friday, March 6

Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) - Watch Jason on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Bradley Whitford (Perfect Harmony/Trophy Wife) - Bradley appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Joel McHale (Animal Control/The Great Indoors/Community) - Joel is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Rose Byrne (Platonic/Physical) - Rose talks about Broadway's Fallen Angels on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Robby Hoffman (Hacks) - Robby is part of Joy’s Comedy Corner (comedy special, “Robby Hoffman: Wake Up”) on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Dennis Quaid (Merry Happy Whatever) - NBC's Today catches up with Dennis in the 9am hour.
John Slattery (Maggie/Ed) - NBC's Today catches up with John in the 9am hour.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Cafe Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Drew is joined by Valerie and UFC's Laura Sanko to hit the headlines at the news desk on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.