Friday, June 17, 2022

ABC Fall 2022 Premiere Dates; Remembering Philip Baker Hall, Lt. Bookman on Seinfeld

Abbott Elementary

ABC has set fall premiere dates for its new and returning series for the upcoming 2022-2023 season, including new female-led dramas Alaska Daily (formerly known as Alaska) and The Rookie: Feds as well as the newest primetime game show Celebrity Jeopardy! Return dates have also been set for critically acclaimed comedy breakout Abbott Elementary, and fan favorites Bachelor in Paradise and Grey's Anatomy. ABC's No. 1 comedy last season in Adults 18-49, Quinta Brunson-helmed Abbott Elementary, returns on its new night, Wednesday, Sept. 21 (9:00-9:31 p.m. EDT), joining network comedy staples The Conners (8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT), The Goldbergs (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT) and Home Economics (9:31-10:00 p.m. EDT) for a laugh-filled evening. Then, Reba McEntire and Jensen Ackles step into the world of Big Sky on its new night, bringing with them a new mystery to unravel as the mercurial matriarch of an established local family and the new sheriff in town, respectively. The first-ever live episode of Shark Tank, featuring all six original Sharks, swims into the weekend Friday, Sept. 21. 23 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EDT). A new season of ABC News' 20/20 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT) follows.

Sundays on ABC are synonymous with family fun as Hollywood stars test their knowledge with the ultimate game of trivia on Celebrity Jeopardy! (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), debuting Sept. 25, and followed by the return of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT). The evening culminates with The Rookie (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), and AFV joins the Sunday lineup a week later on Oct. 2 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT). Summer may have ended, but romance awaits as Bachelor in Paradise turns up the heat on Tuesday, Sept. 27 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), followed by the debut of The Rookie spinoff series, The Rookie: Feds, starring Niecy Nash-Betts (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT). The search for love continues as BIP begins its two-night weekly run on Monday, Oct. 3 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), preceding the return of hit drama The Good Doctor, which hits 100 episodes this season. And finally, Alaska Daily (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), from Oscar®-winning writer Tom McCarthy (Spotlight) and starring two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, joins Station 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) and TV's longest-running primetime medical drama, Grey's Anatomy (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on Thursday, Oct. 6. Additional premiere dates for the 2022-2023 season will be announced at a later date.


Philip Baker Hall

Character actor Philip Baker Hall, who played Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld, has died. He died of emphysema at his home in Glendale, California, on June 12. Mr. Hall was 90.

Hall's early sitcom guest appearances included Good Times, M*A*S*H, It's a Living, Benson and Bagdad Cafe. He appeared as Dr. Harrison in the 1988 three-part Family Ties episode "Heartstrings," in which Steven Keaton has a heart attack and has to undergo heart surgery.

Philip Baker Hall as Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld

He played Lt. Joe Bookman, a detective pursuing a long-overdue library book, in the Seinfeld episode "The Library." It aired in the third season on October 16, 1991. Jerry learns he has a library fine from 1971, for the then-controversial book Tropic of Cancer, and that the "case" has been turned over to the library investigations officer, Lt. Bookman. Hall reprised the role in "The Finale," which aired on May 14, 1998.

The Loop

Hall starred as Russ McDonald on the 2006-2007 Fox sitcom The Loop. The show starred Bret Harrison as Sam Sullivan, a young professional trying to balance the needs of his social life with the pressures of working at the corporate headquarters of TransAlliance Airways, a major U.S. airline. Russ McDonald is head executive of TransAlliance Airways and one of Sam's bosses. The series also starred Joy Osmanski, Amanda Loncar, Mimi Rogers, Sarah Mason (Sarah Wright) and Eric Christian Olsen.

Modern Family - Nolan Gould and Philip Baker Hall

He appeared as crotchety neighbor Walt Kleezak in three episodes of Modern Family in 2011 and 2012. Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Nurses, Cheers, Bob, Empty Nest, The Good Life, Madman of the People, Life's Work, The John Larroquette Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Worst Week (2 episodes), Curb Your Enthusiam (2 episodes as Dr. Morrison), True Jackson, VP (2009), Childrens Hospital and Corporate.

Hall played Ed Meyers in 13 episodes of the ninth and final season (1989-1990) of the CBS prime time soap opera Falcon Crest. He starred as William Vaughn on the 1997-1998 CBS legal drama Michael Hayes. He played George Reese Greeley on the short-lived 2001 Fox prime time soap opera Pasadena. In 2016, he appeared as Old Jimmy Pritchad in five episodes of the Fox science fiction crime drama Second Chance. He had a recurring role as Zelman Katz on the 2020 Netflix thriller Messiah.

Some of his television drama guest appearances included Emergency!, The Waltons, McClain's Law, Quincy, M.E. (2 episodes), Cagney & Lacey, T.J. Hooker, Lottery, Hardcastle and McCormick, Miami Vice, Matlock, Murder, She Wrote (1991), L.A. Law, Equal Justice, Dark Justice, Civil Wars (3 episodes), Roswell, Chicago Hope, The Practice (4 episodes as Judge Joseph Vinocour), Millenium (2 episodes), L.A. Doctors, The Fugitive (2000), Without a Trace, Everwood, Monk, Boston Legal, The West Wing (2 episodes), Psych and Madam Secretary.

Hall starred in the Paul Thomas Anderson films Hard Eight (1996), Boogie Nights (1997) and Magnolia (1999). Some of his other film credits included Secret Honor (1984), Nothing in Common (1986), Midnight Run (1988), Say Anything... (1989), Ghostbusters II (1989), The Rock (1996), The Truman Show (1998), Rush Hour (1998), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), The Insider (1999), The Contender (2000), Dogville (2003), Bruce Almighty (2003), Duck (2005), Zodiac (2007), 50/50 (2011) and Argo (2012).

Survivors include his wife Holly Wolfle, four children, four grandchildren and a brother.

Philip Baker Hall as Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld

Mr. Hall was a fantastic character actor. His guest appearance as Lt. Bookman on Seinfeld was one of the funniest and most memorable of the series. It led to many other jobs for him. He didn't start acting until he was 30 years old, but he had over 200 TV and film credits during his long career. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment he brought us. He will be greatly missed.

Share your memories on our Seinfeld message board. View photos in our galleries.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, November 13

Happy's Place - "Love Birds" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When Bobbie is asked on a date by a customer, she's unsure of how to handle this new situation; Steve brings in a baby duck who imprinted on him, and he tries to hide it from Bobbie.

Newlyweds - "Back in Time" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
A therapy session with Claudia reveals some surprising secrets about Jeanie and James' whirlwind romance.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 9)

Friday, November 13

  • Bill Hader (Barry) - Watch Bill on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Justine Lupe (Nobody Wants This/Cristela) - Justine appears on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Jamie Lee Curtis (Newlyweds/The Sticky/Anything But Love/Operation Petticoat) - Jamie Lee is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Daniel Radcliffe (The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins/Miracle Workers) - Daniel appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Paula Pell (The 'Burbs/Girls5eva/Mapleworth Murders/A.P. Bio) - Paula is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Natasha Leggero (Broke/Dice/Another Period/Free Agents) and Tommy Davidson (The Varnell Hill Show/The Proud Family/Malcolm & Eddie/Between Brothers) - Natasha and Tommy will be on a repeat of Funny You Should Ask at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Kathryn Hahn (The Studio/Tiny Beautiful Things/Central Park/Happyish/Transparent/Free Agents) - Kathryn talks about Madden on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
  • Candace Cameron Bure (Fuller House/Full House) - Candace chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Elle Fanning (Margo's Got Money Troubles) - Elle talks about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
  • Anthony Mackie (Twisted Metal) - Anthony talks about !2, 12, 12 on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am and in the 9am hour.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) Happy's Place - Season Two (Blu-ray) Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fifth Season (DVD) Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - The Complete Second Season (DVD) Superstore - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

08/25/26 - Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/08/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 3 (Blu-ray)
09/22/26 - Bridget Loves Bernie - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/29/26 - Happy's Place - Season Two (Blu-ray) (DVD)
10/20/26 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fifth Season (DVD)
10/20/26 - The Brady Bunch - The Complete Original Series (2026 Release) (DVD)
10/20/26 - The Quick Draw McGraw Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
10/20/26 - Shrinking - The Complete First and Second Seasons (DVD)
10/20/26 - South Park - The Complete Twenty-Seventh and Twenty-Eighth Seasons (DVD)
11/03/26 - Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - The Complete Second Season (DVD)
11/03/26 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Ninth Season (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/03/26 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Sixteenth Season (DVD)
11/03/26 - Superstore - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/24/26 - The Yogi Bear Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

11/13 - CBS Special I Love Lucy: 75 Years of Laughter; Remembering Stacy Keach of Titus and Anthony Clark of Yes, Dear
11/12 - Fox Winter 2027 Premiere Dates; FX Renews Adults for Season 3
11/11 - Rewind TV's The Hogan Family 40th Anniversary Marathon; Prime Video's Overcompensating Season 2 Details
11/10 - Antenna TV's Thanksgiving on the Eastside: The Jeffersons Marathon; Laverne & Shirley Book Released in Celebration of the Sitcom's 50th Anniversary
11/09 - ABC Midseason 2027 Schedule; Netflix Renews Nobody Wants This for Season 4
11/08 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of November 9, 2026)
11/07 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Nobody Wants This Renewed at Netflix; Grey's Anatomy Spinoff to Be Filmed in New Mexico
11/06 - NBC's New Rockford Files Premieres January 2; Bobby Lee: Finally Drops November 27 on Hulu
11/05 - Three's Company 50th Anniversary NYC Event Recap; Disney+ Reveals Details for A Proud Family Wizmas
11/04 - Mickey's Home Alone on Disney Jr. and Disney+; Pretty Little Liars Duo Reunite for Hulu Christmas Film
11/03 - Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas 2026 Schedule; HBO Renews Youth for Season 2
11/02 - Details on Only Murders Season 6; Haunted Hotel Renewed for Season 3
11/01 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of November 2, 2026)
10/31 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Criminal Minds Coming to an End; Baywatch Premiere Date Set
10/30 - VH1 to Bring Back America's Funniest People Starring Ms. Pat; Remembering Barbara Barrie and Patrick Stewart
10/29 - Peacock's Dig Trailer and Artwork; The CW 2026 Holiday Programming with A Very Brady Christmas, A Flintstone Christmas and More
10/28 - ABC 2026 Holiday Programming; Remembering Susan Saint James of Kate & Allie
10/27 - Fox's Baywatch Premieres January 6; aspireTV's First Sitcom Premieres January 7
10/26 - COZI TV's Halloween Schedule with Roseanne, George Lopez, The Munsters and More; Chloe Radcliffe: Eyes Down Here Stand-up Special
10/25 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of October 26, 2026)
10/24 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Reboots in the Works for Coach and Glee; Saturday Night Live Sets November Hosts
10/23 - Prime Video Renews Carrie for Season 2; Remembering Richard Riehle of Grounded for Life
10/22 - Abbott Elementary Returns Big After 7 Day Viewing; BET Renews ComicView: Rooftop Series
10/21 - Charmed Joining Hulu This Huluween; Prime Video's Comedy Variety Series Hosted by Nick Kroll
10/20 - Hulu's Phony Premieres Today; Janelle James Netflix Comedy Special Drops November 10
10/19 - Lil Kev Season 2 Premieres December 9; It's a Wonderful Lifetime 2026 Schedule
10/18 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of October 19, 2026)
10/17 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Hulu Picks Up Reboot for The X-Files; Roseanne Self-Produces New Sitcom
10/16 - Christa B. Allen in Night of January 16th Play Through Sunday; Remembering Sitcom Writer and Producer Bernie Orenstein
10/15 - Guest Stars for Peacock's Comedy Dig; Apple TV Renews Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed for Season 2
10/14 - HBO Brings Back Girls for 5 Episodes; Hulu's The X-Files Picked Up to Series
10/13 - Full Cast for Three's Company Live Reading in New York City; High Potential to Air After Super Bowl on ABC