SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Apple TV+ Releases Trailer for Ted Lasso S3; More on Chris Rock's Netflix Special

BELIEVE it - the Greyhounds are back! Apple TV+ released the trailer for the third season of its global phenomenon Ted Lasso. Following its history-making, back-to-back Emmy Award wins for its freshman and sophomore seasons, Ted Lasso, will premiere around the world with the first episode on Wednesday, March 15, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday. In the 12-episode third season of Ted Lasso, the newly-promoted AFC Richmond faces ridicule as media predictions widely peg them as last in the Premier League and Nate (Nick Mohammed), now hailed as the "wonder kid," has gone to work for Rupert (Anthony Head) at West Ham United. In the wake of Nate's contentious departure from Richmond, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) steps up as assistant coach, alongside Beard (Brendan Hunt). Meanwhile, while Ted (Jason Sudeikis) deals with pressures at work, he continues to wrestle with his own personal issues back home, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is focused on defeating Rupert and Keeley (Juno Temple) navigates being the boss of her own PR agency. Things seem to be falling apart both on and off the pitch, but Team Lasso is set to give it their best shot anyway.

On March 4, Netflix is turning Chris Rock's newest, live stand-up special, Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, into an entire evening of live entertainment from some of the world's funniest comedians, with a pre-show and post-show bookending Chris Rock's comedy event. The Show Before the Show pre-show on Saturday, March 4 at 6:30pm PT/9:30pm ET will stream live from The World Famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip, hosted by Ronny Chieng with Arsenio Hall, Leslie Jones, Deon Cole and more. The show's comedians will count down to the historic live Netflix comedy event Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, produced and directed by Joel Gallen. The half hour will include live commentary from fellow comedians and special messages from some of Rock's friends including Amy Schumer, Cedric the Entertainer, Ice-T, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, Sir Paul McCartney, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, and more.

At 7pm PT/10pm ET, legendary comedian, writer, director and actor Chris Rock will be the first artist to perform a live streaming Netflix special. Immediately following, don't move! David Spade and Dana Carvey will be hosting The Show After The Show with special guests 6x NBA Champion and 6x MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, JB Smoove, Arsenio Hall and more live from the Comedy Store wrapping up the epic night.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Apple TV+, Chris Rock Show, Netflix, Ted Lasso

Modern Family Star Heads to Season 2 of The Santa Clauses; 29th Annual SAG Awards Winners

Disney+ announced that Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) will join the cast of the Disney+ Original series The Santa Clauses as Mad Santa. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, and is now in production on its second season. Season one of The Santa Clauses, which debuted Nov. 16, 2022, was a Top 5 most-watched original series on Disney+ by hour streamed during its Season's Streaming campaign (Nov. 3-Dec. 31). In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus. Eric Stonestreet stars as Magnus Antas (aka the Mad Santa), who reigned during the 14th century and is now returning to try and take down Scott Calvin and reclaim the North Pole.

Disney Legend Tim Allen will executive produce and continue to reprise the beloved role of Santa/Scott Calvin. Also returning as series regulars in season two are Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus/Carol, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra Calvin Claus, Austin Kane as Cal Calvin Claus, and Devin Bright as Santa’s elf bestie Noel. Matilda Lawler will reprise her role of Santa's chief of staff, Betty, as a recurring guest star. Additional guest stars include newcomer Marta Kessler as Olga, a surly, take-no-prisoners gnome who doesn’t understand “feelings” and “empathy” and sidekick to Magnus Antas, aka The Mad Santa, along with returning guest stars Liam Kyle as Gary, Isabella Bennett as Edie, Sasha Knight as Crouton, Ruby Jay as Riley, Mia Lynn Bangunan as Pontoon, and Laura San Giacomo as La Befana, the Christmas Witch.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards® presented its coveted Actor® statuettes for the outstanding motion picture and television performances of 2022* at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, held Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The ceremony was broadcast live on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook with several media partners including Netflix. As previously announced, the multi-year deal between Netflix and the SAG Awards officially begins with the 2024 ceremony, which will stream live on the Netflix service globally. Honored with individual awards were Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis for performances in motion pictures, and Sam Elliott, Jessica Chastain, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Coolidge, Jeremy Allen White, and Jean Smart for performances in television. The Actor® for television drama and comedy ensemble performances went to The White Lotus and Abbott Elementary. The Screen Actors Guild Awards originated awards for motion picture cast and by television drama and comedy ensembles. View the complete list of winners.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Abbott Elementary, Disney+, Modern Family, SAG, The Santa Clauses

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of February 27, 2023)

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 3:00 PM

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Labels: Talk Shows, This Week in Sitcoms

SitcomsOnline Digest: The Goldbergs to End After 10 Seasons; Decades to Rebrand as Catchy Comedy

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing of the cancellation of a long-running broadcast network sitcom, a South Park lawsuit, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• It's honestly surprising that it lasted as long as it did (10 years is a very long time for a broadcast network family sitcom, especially in this era), but The Goldbergs is finally coming to an end at the end of this season. (Variety)
• In the midst of all of the confusion of whether South Park streams on HBO Max or Paramount+ (a dispute that began when Paramount+ started airing new South Park "specials" despite HBO Max having the rights to the new episodes), it seems Warner Bros. Discovery is now suing South Park Studios and Paramount+. (Deadline)
• James Corden is heading to primetime for just one night ahead of his final episode in late April. (Deadline)
• Actor Richard Belzer, known for his roles on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU has died. (Hollywood Reporter)
• We reported last week that Warner Bros. Discovery cancelled Judge Mathis, which they did, but it seems he isn't quite going away after all as Allen Media Group has announced a new series that will conveniently launch this fall called Mathis Court with Judge Mathis. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Say goodbye to the digital network Decades, which will be transitioning to a new identity with a new mission (and one that is actually more sitcom friendly), Catchy Comedy. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 3)

• We missed this last week, but Pluto TV now has a 24/7 channel devoted to I Love Lucy, that launched (appropriately) on Valentine's Day.
• Although Decades will be transitioning to a new identity soon, the binges will continue after the transition, and it seems that they're going non-comedy for the last few as this weekend it is a binge of Marshal Dillon.
• Saturday Night Live is back and live tonight, with Woody Harrelson and musical guest Jack White.
• We're amazed that a reality series that started during the big reality show boom of the early 2000s is still around, but it is, and Survivor returns for a new season on Wednesday.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Catchy Comedy, Decades, I Love Lucy, SitcomsOnline Digest, South Park, The Goldbergs

BUZZR's African American Greats Marathon; Hulu and Onyx Collective Comedy Completes Cast

In honor of Black History Month, BUZZR has been airing vignettes all February long to celebrate African American Greats for their historic contributions to Music, Entertainment, Sports, and Civil Rights Activism. This month-long celebration culminates in a four-hour event featuring ground breakers, risk takers, and dream makers who graced the game show stage. Episodes include appearances by: Ruby Dee, Cab Calloway, Odetta Holmes, Scoey Mitchell, Evelyn Ashford, Rufus Harley, Kim Fields, and Lynn Swann competing on shows such as What's My Line?, Beat the Clock, Super Password, To Tell the Truth, Family Feud, and more. Please join BUZZR in honoring these historic figures with BUZZR's "African American Greats" airing Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 8:00p to 12:00a ET / 5:00p to 9:00p PT.

Onyx Collective announces cast for Hulu Original Comedy series How to Die Alone with series regular stars Conrad Ricamora as Rory, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Terrance and Jocko Sims as Alex, alongside Natasha Rothwell as Melissa, and recurring guest star Bashir Salahuddin as Brian. Onyx Collective previously announced the eight-episode, half-hour Hulu Original comedy from ABC Signature with Emmy®-nominated Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus, Insecure) to star, write and co-showrun via her overall deal with ABC Signature and Onyx Collective under the banner of her company, Big Hattie Productions. Natasha Rothwell and Vera Santamaria (PEN15) serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Desiree Akhavan (The Bisexual) and Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building) serve as executive producers. How to Die Alone follows Melissa (Rothwell), a fat, Black neurotic who's never been in love. After a comical brush with death, she refuses to settle for anything less than the life she wants, catapulting her on a journey to becoming "100% that bitch" in real life by any means necessary.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: BUZZR, Family Feud, How To Die Alone, Hulu, Onyx Collective, Super Password, To Tell the Truth

Kerry Washington Comedy on Hulu March 10; Mo'Nique's Comedy Special Premieres April 4 on Netflix

Inspired by Tracy McMillan's life, UnPrisoned is a half-hour comedy about a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son. The series is executive produced and starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, is set to premiere March 10 on Hulu, with all episodes streaming at once. From creator Tracy McMillan, the eight-episode series is produced by ABC Signature and will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ in all other territories. Inspired by McMillan's life, UnPrisoned is a half-hour dramedy about a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son. Watch UnPrisoned on Hulu!

Grammy-nominated, Oscar and Golden Globe award-winning actor and comedian Mo'Nique is back with a new stand-up special, My Name is Mo'Nique, premiering globally on Netflix April 4. Mo'Nique delivers a career defining, powerhouse stand-up performance in her unprecedented return to the stage. Filled with laugh till you cry stories as well as soul bearing emotion, Mo'Nique promises that by the end of the show you will understand why she is the way she is, and true to form, she delivers. From the mean streets of Baltimore and remembering her Grandma Mimi's warnings about men, to why she "ACCEPTS" the sometimes-harsh realities that come with life, Mo'Nique with her unique brand of candor, fearlessness, and humor reveals all of herself, and leaves nothing on the table.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Hulu, Netflix, UnPrisoned

CBS Renews 9 More Series for 2023-24; Not Dead Yet Scores Big in Delayed 7-Day MP Viewing

CBS announced that it has renewed nine additional series for the 2023-2024 season. The renewed CBS Original series are NCIS, 60 Minutes, CSI: Vegas, NCIS: Hawai'i, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Tough as Nails, Lingo and the true crime docuseries 48 Hours, Saturday's #1 non-sports primetime series for 17 consecutive seasons. To date, CBS has renewed 19 series, including the previously announced #1 new series/drama Fire Country, #1 comedy Young Sheldon, Ghosts, The Neighborhood, Bob Hearts Abishola, So Help Me Todd, The Equalizer, FBI, FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. In addition, The Never Game, a new drama starring Justin Hartley, received an early series order for the 2023-2024 season.

After seven days of viewing across linear and digital platforms, the series debut of Not Dead Yet (on 2/8 at 8:30pm) soared to 7.6 million Total Viewers, marking ABC's most-watched multiplatform comedy debut in nearly 4 years - since Bless This Mess on 4/16/19. Quadrupling its Live+Same Day Adult 18-49 rating with a delayed-viewing increase of +300% (0.44 rating to 1.76 rating), Not Dead Yet delivered the biggest growth ever for an ABC comedy debut. In addition, with a lift of +4.0 million viewers from its Live+Same Day average to its Multiplatform+7 Day average (3.6 million to 7.6 million), Not Dead Yet posted the largest delayed-viewing increase for an ABC comedy debut in over 4 years in Total Viewers - since The Conners on 10/16/18.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: ABC, CBS, CSI, NCIS, Not Dead Yet, Survivor

ABC News Live's Martin Lawrence Special; Netflix Renews Outer Banks Before Season 3 Premiere

ABC News Live presents ABC News contributor LZ Granderson's one-on-one interview with comedian and actor Martin Lawrence. The half-hour special, A Conversation with Martin Lawrence, is a wide-ranging discussion that covers the importance of Black culture in storytelling and show business, the evolution of comedy over the years, and Lawrence's multidecade career. Lawrence shares anecdotes from his time in Hollywood during his days as creator of the iconic '90s television show Martin, whether fans of the hit sitcom should expect a reboot, as well as his thoughts on some of the most influential comedians of all time, including what it's like to work with Eddie Murphy. He opens up about his family and how his faith serves as a guiding force throughout his career and personal life. A Conversation with Martin Lawrence premieres Tuesday, Feb. 21, on the Emmy(R) Award-nominated ABC News Live at 8:30 p.m. EST/9:30 p.m. PST and streams on Hulu.

Live from the stage in Huntington Beach, CA at Netflix's POGUELANDIA, an Outer Banks fan-fueled, immersive music event, Outer Banks cast members Chase Stokes (John B.), Madelyn Cline (Sarah), Madison Bailey (Kiara), Jonathan Daviss (Pope), Carlacia Grant (Cleo), Rudy Pankow (JJ), Austin North (Topper), and Drew Starkey (Rafe) surprised fans by announcing a Season 4 renewal on the eve of the hit series' Season 3 debut. Fans were also treated to a special nine-minute preview of Season 3 which premieres globally only on Netflix this Thursday, February 23. In the third season, after losing the gold and fleeing the Outer Banks, Season 3 finds the Pogues washed ashore on a desert island that, for a brief moment, seems like an idyllic home. Officially deemed "Poguelandia," the island's newest residents spend their days fishing, swimming, and reveling in the carefree lifestyle of their temporary dwelling. But things quickly go south for John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ, and Cleo when they find themselves once again caught up in a race for the treasure, quite literally running for their lives. They're broke and far from home, they can't trust anyone, Ward and Rafe are hungry for revenge, and there's a ruthless Caribbean Don who will stop at nothing to find the bounty. Was the treasure ever within their reach? Or was it all a trap to stop them once and for all? Either way, it's the Pogues against the world - and the only way out is together.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:03 PM

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Labels: ABC, Martin, Netflix, Outer Banks

Decades Rebranding to Catchy Comedy on March 27, Acquires Night Court; Marlon Wayans' 3rd HBO Max Special

Decades is rebranding to Catchy Comedy starting March 27 and they will go all sitcoms, all day! Most of the shows are shows that are on the Weigel networks (MeTV, etc.) library, but they have acquired Night Court! Weekday mornings from 6-10am will be family focused with Full House, The Brady Bunch, Family Affair, and The Donna Reed Show. Daytime from 10am-4pm will be focused on female superstars I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, Laverne & Shirley, Mama's Family and The Carol Burnett Show. Early fringe includes '70s classics like The Love Boat, The Odd Couple, and then Norman Lear '70s classics Good Times, Sanford and Son and All in the Family from 4-9pm. And then later in the evening comes Night Court, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Cheers, Taxi, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart in late prime & late fringe beginning at 9pm. On the weekends, Catchy Comedy will focus on marathons like Decades did, airing just one or two series throughout the entire weekend for a binge. First up in April is Night Court, thanks to the success of the new Night Court on NBC. Little-seen or short-lived sitcoms that still made an impact on pop culture, like Square Pegs will make appearances on the weekend binge. Stay tuned for more details.

Comedy legend Marlon Wayans returns in his third comedy special for HBO Max, Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me, debuting Thursday, March 2 on HBO Max. Filmed at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Wayans delivers a hilarious hour-long performance, unleashing his spot-on impressions and fearless physical comedy to address one of the most infamous recent events in pop culture – "the slap" that took place at the 94th Academy Awards® ceremony. With his inimitable blunt and boisterous style, Wayans skillfully weaves anecdotes from his own life with stories about his long-time friends, from divulging his teenage crush on Jada Pinkett Smith, getting humbled by Chris Rock in an early stand-up set, and examining the impact of Will Smith’s long career. A daring tour-de-force, this special is a hysterical yet thoughtful exploration of friendship, family, mistakes, and redemption.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Catchy Comedy, Decades, HBO Max, Night Court, Wayans Bros

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of February 20, 2023)

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 4:00 PM

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Labels: Talk Shows, This Week in Sitcoms

SitcomsOnline Digest: Daytime TV Changes Again with Cancellation of Two Long-Running Judge Shows; Arrested Development Leaving Netflix

  Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have more on the rapidly changing landscape of daytime TV (including the cancellation of the last two remaining major judge shows from the 90s), news of a new cohost for Kelly Ripa, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• A Starsky & Hutch remake at Fox? It is under development at the moment. (Hollywood Reporter)
• We have been talking about how daytime TV, which hasn't really had a whole lot of changes in decades, has been changing a lot lately, and now can officially say that the final vestiges of 90s daytime TV glory are gone, as Warner has canceled both Judge Mathis and The People's Court. (Variety)
• Meanwhile, even though the show has come a long way from where it started as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Live with Kelly and Ryan is going through some changes too, as Ryan Seacrest is out and Ripa's husband, Mark Conseulos, will be replacing him. (Variety)
• Since Warner Bros. Discovery is too cheap to make anything new, they're going to try edited reruns of Silicon Valley and True Blood on TBS and TNT, starting today. (Deadline)
• Although the seasons fans truly liked will remain on Hulu, Arrested Development is leaving Netflix in March, and it is unclear what will happen with the seasons that were produced by and exclusive to Netflix. (Deadline)
• Amber Ruffin is headed to the NBC primetime lineup. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (FEBRUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 24)

• Decades is having a "Field Day" this weekend with marathons of Sally Field series from the Screen Gems era, including Gidget, The Flying Nun, and The Girl with Something Extra.
• Magnum P.I. is back with a new network (NBC) tomorrow night.
• A new season of Bel-Air arrives Thursday on Peacock.
• Starz brings back Party Down on Friday.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Arrested Development, Flying Nun, Gidget, Kelly Ripa, Silicon Valley, SitcomsOnline Digest, True Blood

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. Season 2 Details; Adult Swim Comedy Royal Crackers Premieres April 2; Remembering Raquel Welch

Disney+ revealed the new trailer and premiere date for season two of the Disney+ Original series Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., which dives into the highs and lows of teen romance, while capturing the beauty of Hawaii. The Disney Branded Television series which was nominated for four CAFE Emmy's is produced by 20th Television and premieres Friday, March 31 on Disney+. When Lahela's (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) first love, Walter (Alex Aiono) returns from the World Surf Tour, he’s not the same boyfriend she said good-bye to months before. But she's not the same girl either. That becomes clear when she meets a bad boy on a dirt bike, Nico (Milo Manheim.) She's faced with a decision: fight for what she knows is true, or give new love a chance. It's all complicated by the pressures of being a teenage doctor. Luckily, she has her family, coworkers and best friend Steph (Emma Meisel) to support her along the way.

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Lahela 'Doogie' Kamealoha, Kathleen Rose Perkins as Dr. Clara Hannon, Jason Scott Lee as Benny Kamealoha, Matthew Sato stars as Kai Kamealoha, Wes Tian stars as Brian Patrick Kamealoha, Emma Meisel stars as Steph Denisco, Mapuana Makia as Noelani, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Charles, Ronny Chieng as Dr. Lee, Alex Aiono as Walter, and joining the cast this season is Milo Manheim as Nico. Season one of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. is currently available to stream on Disney+. All four seasons of Doogie Howser, M.D. starring Neil Patrick Harris will be available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S. starting March 15.

A Bakersfield family's once-successful cracker company dynasty is up for grabs in Adult Swim's newest animated comedy, Royal Crackers. Created by and starring Jason Ruiz, the half-hour series also stars Andrew Santino (Dave), Jessica St. Clair (Veep, American Housewife, The Deep Dive podcast), and David Gborie (Exploding Kittens, All Fantasy Everything podcast). Royal Crackers will debut Sunday, April 2 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on Adult Swim and the next day on HBO Max. Royal Crackers was once the king of snacks, but the empire is crumbling. When the family patriarch, tyrannical company founder Theodore Hornsby Sr. ends up in a "super coma," the rest of the Hornsbys will take their lack of talent and business acumen and try to make Royal Crackers the success it once was.

Royal Crackers also stars Emmy winner Maile Flanagan (Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, Naruto, Not Dead Yet) and Fred Tatasciore (Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal). Ruiz serves as executive producer along with Seth Cohen (The Last Man on Earth). The series is produced by Titmouse. The first three episodes of Royal Crackers will debut on Adult Swim on Sunday, April 2, with new episodes premiering weekly Sunday at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series will also debut globally on HBO Max beginning April 3.

Actress Raquel Welch was known for her roles in the films Fantastic Voyage, One Million Years B.C. and The Three Musketeers. Her work on sitcoms included some memorable guest appearances and a starring role on Welcome to The Captain. She died from cardiac arrest on February 15 at her home in Los Angeles, California. At the time of her death, she was also suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Ms. Welch was 82.

Welch appeared as the glamorous billboard girl and presenter on the ABC weekly variety show The Hollywood Palace in 1964 and 1965. Some of her early sitcom guest appearances included McHale's Navy, Bewitched, Wendy and Me and The Baileys of Balboa (pictured with Paul Ford). She was one of many actresses who auditioned for the role of Mary Ann Summers on Gilligan's Island.

She guest starred as Captain Nirvana, an alien bounty hunter pursuing Mork (Robin Williams), in the one-hour "Mork vs. the Necrotons" episode of Mork & Mindy, which aired on November 18, 1979. Mork is captured by a female Necroton warrior named Captain Nirvana and her minions Kama and Sutra. She uses feminine charms to get information about Earth out of Mork's mind.

Welch had a recurring role as Abby Lassiter, Paul Lassiter's (Richard Kind) mom, in three episodes of Spin City from 1997 to 2000. Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included Evening Shade, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and 8 Simple Rules.

She played an exaggerated and highly temperamental version of herself in the Season 8 finale episode of Seinfeld titled "The Summer of George" in 1997. Kramer is forced to fire Welch from the lead role in a fictional Tony Award-winning musical, while Elaine gets into a "catfight" with her after a chance encounter on the street.

Welch starred as Charlene Van Ark on the short-lived 2008 CBS single-camera sitcom Welcome to The Captain. She spoofed herself playing a sultry actress. The series, which aired for five episodes, is about a young writer (Fran Kranz) whose life changes when he moves into a legendary old Hollywood apartment building. It also starred Chris Klein, Joanna Garcia, Al Madrigal, Valerie Azlynn and Jeffrey Tambor.

She was a regular as Dianna Brock in the second season of the CBS primetime soap opera Central Park West (also known as CPW) in 1996. She played Aunt Dora in the first season of the PBS drama American Family in 2002. She was a recurring guest star as Rosa, Ricky's (Barry Watson) mother-in-law, in the 2017 Canadian-American comedy-drama Date My Dad.

Some of her other television guest appearances included The Virginian, The Rogues, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and CSI: Miami. She hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1976. She appeared on The Muppet Show in 1978 where she sang the duet "I'm a Woman" with Miss Piggy.

Welch starred as Cora Peterson in the 1966 American science fiction adventure film Fantastic Voyage. She starred as Loana in the British adventure fantasy film One Million Years B.C. in 1966. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy in 1974 for her performance as Constance Bonacieux in The Three Musketeers (1973). Some of her other film credits included Bedazzled (1967), Bandolero! (1968), 100 Riles (1969), Myra Breckinridge (1970), Hannie Caulder (1971) and Kansas City Bomber (1972).

Ms. Welch was a talented and lovely actress. Although she was best known for her work in drama films, she was able to show her comedic side in some sitcoms. It was nice that she was able to poke fun at her reputation as being a diva and difficult to work with. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment she brought us during her career. She will be deeply missed.

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

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Adult Swim, Disney+, Doogie Howser MD, Doogie Kameāloha, Obits, Royal Crackers, Welcome to The Captain

STARZ Comedy Run the World Returns May 26; ABC's Backdoor Pilot of The Good Lawyer Airs on March 13

STARZ announced that Run the World will return audiences to the vibrant would of Harlem, as seen through the lives of three 30-something best friends, on Friday, May 26. In addition, several first look images were released hinting at what's to come for season two, with a focus on the bonds of friendship and power of Black sisterhood as the ladies fashionably navigate through the ups and downs of love and careers in their pursuit of world domination. The second season of the half-hour comedy series will premiere at midnight (ET) on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 9:30PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.

Amber Stevens West (The Carmichael Show), Bresha Webb (Marlon) and Corbin Reid (Valor) return to their roles as "Whitney," "Renee," and "Sondi", three best friends living and thriving in Harlem. Stephen Bishop (Moneyball) and Tosin Morohunfola (Black Lightning) return in recurring roles. Erika Alexander (Living Single) and Nick Sagar (Queen of the South) will also be returning as recurring guest stars and Jay Walker (Grey's Anatomy) and Tonya Pinkins will return as guest stars. Run the World chronicles the euphoric highs and heartbreaking lows that Whitney, Renee and Sondi must endure in their pursuit of world domination. Whitney must follow the road of self-discovery in order to thrive in her life with or without Ola, while Renee and Sondi must decide what they truly want out of life - both in love and their careers. Whether they reunite with a past love, taste the life of a millionaire, or see their career take off in a radical new direction, these powerful Black women, fortified by their impenetrable friendship, won't let anything get in their way.

ABC's embedded pilot episode of The Good Doctor entitled The Good Lawyer, from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Signature, will air Monday, March 13 and stream the next day on Hulu. In the episode, Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) seeks legal representation to help him win a case and puts his faith in a promising, young lawyer who has obsessive compulsive disorder. The episode is written by co-showrunners David Shore and Liz Friedman, and directed by Ruben Fleischer. Guest starring is Kennedy McMann (Nancy Drew) as Jodi DeGroot, the brilliant, funny and self-aware lawyer who is relatively new to her prestigious law firm when she takes Shaun's case; Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives, American Crime) as Janet Stewart, a highly regarded attorney and partner at the law firm with a fierce intellect and dry wit; and Bethlehem Million as Abbie, Joni's compassionate, practical slightly older sister. A voice of reason, she is Joni's biggest cheerleader, roommate and best friend.

The Good Doctor stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo, Bria Samoné Henderson as Dr. Jordan Allen and Noah Galvin as Dr. Asher Wolke.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: ABC, Run the World, Starz, The Good Doctor

Ted Lasso Returns March 15 on Apple TV+; Lifetime's Spring Movie Slate

Following its history-making, back-to-back Emmy Award wins for its freshman and sophomore seasons, Apple TV+ revealed that season three of its global phenomenon Ted Lasso, will premiere around the world with the first episode on Wednesday, March 15, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday. Moving to its new weekly Wednesday premiere, Ted Lasso marks the first Apple TV+ series to launch mid-week. In the 12-episode third season of Ted Lasso, the newly-promoted AFC Richmond faces ridicule as media predictions widely peg them as last in the Premier League and Nate (Nick Mohammed), now hailed as the "wonder kid," has gone to work for Rupert (Anthony Head) at West Ham United. In the wake of Nate’s contentious departure from Richmond, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) steps up as assistant coach, alongside Beard (Brendan Hunt). Meanwhile, while Ted (Jason Sudeikis) deals with pressures at work, he continues to wrestle with his own personal issues back home, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is focused on defeating Rupert and Keeley (Juno Temple) navigates being the boss of her own PR agency. Things seem to be falling apart both on and off the pitch, but Team Lasso is set to give it their best shot anyway.

The second season of Ted Lasso broke records by becoming the most Emmy-winning comedy for the second year in a row with four total wins, including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jason Sudeikis), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Brett Goldstein), and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (MJ Delaney). With back-to-back wins for Outstanding Comedy Series, the series now joins the ranks of only seven other comedy series in history that have landed Outstanding Comedy Series wins in their first two years: Modern Family, 30 Rock, Frasier, The Golden Girls, Cheers, All in the Family and The Phil Silvers Show. Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis as ‘Ted Lasso,’ an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team—despite having no experience. But what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, underdog determination...and biscuits. The award-winning Apple Original comedy also stars Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Anthony Head, Toheeb Jimoh, Cristo Fernandez, Kola Bokinni, Billy Harris, James Lance with Juno Temple.

Lifetime sets its spring slate of movies with back-to-back original films featuring top names, beginning on Saturday, March 11 with Girl in the Closet, starring Tami Roman (Truth Be Told, The Ms. Pat Show) and multi-platinum artist Remy Ma, inspired by actual events of a young girl who was imprisoned in a basement and closet by her own aunt. Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show, A New Orleans Noel) headlines The Hillsdale Adoption Scam premiering on Saturday, March 18, inspired by the story of a couple who turn to adoption only to discover the baby they were waiting for was all part of an elaborate scam to steal their money. Mena Suvari (American Woman) stars as a successful business woman whose life begins to unravel after welcoming the sister she never knew she had into her life in Twisted Sister, premiering Friday, March 24. Tamala Jones (Castle) pulls double duty as executive producer and star of Every Breath She Takes, premiering Saturday, March 25. The movie also stars Tisha Campbell (Martin, Uncoupled), Brian White, (The Black Hamptons) and Jackée Harry (227, Days of our Lives) and is the story of a woman who begins to question if her late husband is really deceased or if she is on the brink of losing her mind. On Easter Sunday, April 9, Tatyana Ali (Fresh Prince of Bel Air) stars in the biopic Giving Hope: The Ni'Cola Mitchell Story, telling the inspirational story of Mitchell who created the influential Black youth program Girls Who Brunch. Finally, Michael Michele (Ali, ER) and Savannah Lee Smith (Gossip Girl) star in the teen drinking drama Drunk, Driving, and 17 premiering Saturday, April 15.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Apple TV+, Lifetime, Ted Lasso

NBC Gives Pilot Order to Amber Ruffin Sitcom; Netflix Announces Beef

NBC has given a pilot order to the multi-camera pilot Non-Evil Twin from Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Straight to Cards. Amber Ruffin will write, executive produce and star. Kenny Smith, Jenny Hagel and Olivia Morris will also produce. In the pilot, a woman is forced to step in to her sister's role as the leader of a Fortune 500 company despite knowing little about business and even less about the way her sister has been running the corporation. More details to come, especially if this is picked up to series.

Netflix released the official first look photos of Beef, premiering globally on April 6, 2023. Beef follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers. Danny Cho (Steven Yeun), a failing contractor with a chip on his shoulder, goes head-to-head with Amy Lau (Ali Wong), a self-made entrepreneur with a picturesque life. The increasing stakes of their feud unravel their lives and relationships in this darkly comedic and deeply moving series. 10 episodes have been ordered of the 30-minute Dark Comedy starring Steven Yeun (Danny) & Ali Wong (Amy), Joseph Lee (George), Young Mazino (Paul), David Choe (Isaac), Patti Yasutake (Fumi). Recurring are Maria Bello (Jordan Forster), Ashley Park (Naomi), Justin H. Min, Mia Serafino, and Remy Holt (Junie).

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Beef, NBC, Netflix, Non-Evil Twin

BUZZR's Love Is on the Air All Week; Guest Stars Galore on the Upcoming American Born Chinese

On BUZZR, they feel that Valentine's Day deserves to be celebrated all week long! So, in honor of Cupid's favorite holiday, here are some tips to help set the mood: light the candles, dim the lights, grab your sweetheart, and turn on BUZZR! Join the fun! BUZZR's "Love Is on the Air" airs Monday, February 13 to Friday, February 17, 2023 from 8:00p to 11:00p ET / 5:00p to 8:00p PT. Enjoy five love-filled Valentine Nights with back-to-back Bob Eubanks and Gary Kroeger hosted episodes of The Newlywed Game.

The Disney+ Original series American Born Chinese the genre-hopping action-comedy based on the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen-Yang, just released a new teaser announcing its powerhouse roster of guest stars. The series, from Disney Branded Television and produced by 20th Television, debuts this spring on Disney+. American Born Chinese tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new foreign student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods.

The coming-of-age adventure features an all-star international cast, including Academy® Award-Nominees and Golden Globe winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Ben Wang (Chang Can Dunk), two-time International Emmy® Award nominee Yeo Yann Yann (Wet Season), Chin Han (Mortal Kombat), Daniel Wu (Reminiscence), former Taekwondo champion Jimmy Liu and Sydney Taylor (Just Add Magic). Introducing audiences to a pantheon of iconic Chinese mythical characters, are guest stars Ronny Chieng as unconventional monk, Ji Gong; Jimmy O. Yang as Dragon King, Ao Guang; James Hong as Jade Emperor; Leonard Wu as Niu Mowang/Bull Demon, who join previously announced guest stars Academy® Award nominee Stephanie Hsu as Shiji Niangniang, the Goddess of Stones; and Poppy Liu as Princess Iron Fan. The series also welcomes Lisa Lu as soon-to-be retired acupuncturist Ni Yang and Rosalie Chiang as student activist Suzy Nakamura.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: American Born Chinese, BUZZR, Disney+, The Newlywed Game