Monday, July 31, 2023

FX Shifts Murder Mystery Series to November; Remembering Inga Swenson of Benson

A Murder at the End of the World

FX's A Murder at the End of the World, a murder mystery limited series set at the remote and isolated compound of a reclusive billionaire, is shifting its Hulu-exclusive premiere to November.

The seven-episode limited series, previously set to premiere on August 29, stars Emma Corrin as the amateur sleuth "Darby Hart."

A Murder at the End of the World is a mystery series with a new kind of detective at the helm - a Gen Z amateur sleuth and tech-savvy hacker named "Darby Hart" (Emma Corrin). Darby and eight other guests are invited by a reclusive billionaire (Clive Owen) to participate in a retreat at a remote and dazzling location. When one of the other guests is found dead, Darby must use all of her skills to prove it was murder against a tide of competing interests and before the killer takes another life.

A Murder at the End of the World stars Emma Corrin, Clive Owen, Harris Dickinson, Brit Marling, Alice Braga, Joan Chen, Raúl Esparza, Jermaine Fowler, Ryan J. Haddad, Pegah Ferydoni, Javed Khan, Louis Cancelmi, Edoardo Ballerini, Britian Seibert, Christopher Gurr, Kellan Tetlow, Daniel Olson and Neal Huff.


Inga Swenson

Actress Inga Swenson, who starred as Gretchen Kraus on Benson, has died. She died in Los Angeles on July 23. Ms. Swenson was 90.

Diana Canova and Inga Swenson on Soap

Swenson guest starred as Ingrid Svenson in eight episodes of the ABC sitcom Soap from 1978 to 1979. Ingrid Svenson is Corinne Tate's (Diana Canova) Swedish biological mother, who was the former maid of Jessica (Katherine Helmond) and Mary's (Cathryn Damon) parents, and who was in love with Jessica and Mary's brother, Randolph Gatling (Bernard Fox). She attempts to carry out revenge upon the Tate/Campbell family for opposing her romance with Randolph. She was cast on the spinoff series Benson after her multi-episode stint.

Benson

She starred as Gretchen Kraus on the 1979-1986 ABC sitcom Benson. Gretchen Kraus is the autocratic and acerbic German cook. She is a fiercely proud German immigrant, who is often at odds with Benson (Robert Guillaume) and trades insults with him. A running gag in the series was whenever she would walk out of the room, under his breath, Benson would cast one last barb toward Kraus, to which she shouted from off-stage, "I He-e-e-ear You-u-u-u!". She later became Benson's secretary after Denise left. Swenson's portrayal garnered three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series in 1980, 1982 and 1985. The cast included James Noble, Missy Gold, Caroline McWilliams (1979-1981), Lewis J. Stadlen (1979-1980), René Auberjonois (1980-1986), Ethan Phillips (1980-1985), Didi Conn (1981-1985), and Billie Bird (1984-1986).

Swenson had a recurring role as Connie Stratford in five episodes of the CBS sitcom Doctor, Doctor from 1990 to 1991. She is the mother to Mike (Matt Frewer) and Richard (Tony Carreiro), and wife to Harold (Dakin Matthews). An excellent nurse, Connie longs to return to her profession, even to the point where she works briefly with Mike as his nurse.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included Highcliffe Manor (unaired episode), Newhart, and The Golden Girls. She provided the voice of Grandma Helga for two episodes of Life with Louie in 1997-1998.

Swenson appeared as northern matriarch Maude Hazard in the mini-series North and South in 1985 and again in North and South: Book II in 1986. Some of her television guest appearances included Goodyear Playhouse, The United States Steel Hour (2 episodes), Playhouse 90 (2 episodes), The Defenders, Dr. Kildare, The Doctors and the Nurses, Bonanza (2 episodes), Medical Center (2 episodes), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1973), Griff, The Rookies, Sara (1976), Barnaby Jones (2 episodes), Vega$, and Hotel.

She starred as Kate Keller, the mother of Helen Keller, in The Miracle Worker (1962). Some of her other film credits included Advise & Consent (1962), Lipstick (1976), The Betsy (1978), and The Mountain Men (1980).

Swenson appeared in multiple Broadway productions and was nominated twice for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances as Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade and Irene Adler in Baker Street.

Ms. Swenson was funny and memorable as Gretchen Kraus on Benson. Her work on the series earned her three Emmy nominations. We thank her for laughs and the entertainment she brought us. She will be deeply missed.

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

Alan Arkin

We also remember Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin. He starred as Norman Newlander on the Netflix comedy-drama series The Kominsky Method. He died at home in San Marcos, California, on June 29. His death was attributed to heart problems, of which he had a history. Mr. Arkin was 89.

Harry

Arkin starred as Harry Porschak on the short-lived 1987 ABC sitcom Harry. Harry Porschak is a wheeler-dealer supply clerk at County General Hospital. The series also starred Richard Lewis, Matt Craven, Barbara Dana, Holland Taylor, Kurt Knudson and Thom Bray.

Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas in The Kominsky Method

He starred as Norman Newlander on the first two seasons (2018-2019) of the Netflix comedy-drama series The Kominsky Method. The Kominsky Method follows Sandy Kominsky (Michael Douglas), an actor who years ago had a brief fling with success and is now a revered Hollywood acting coach. Norman Newlander is Sandy's agent and friend. Arkin earned two consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Debra Messing and Alan Arkin in Will & Grace

Arkin played Martin Adler, Grace's (Debra Messing) father, in a 2005 episode of Will & Grace. Robert Klein later took over the role. He guest starred as Grandpa in a 1977 episode of Busting Loose, which starred his son Adam Arkin. He provided the voice of J. D. Salinger for four episodes of BoJack Horseman from 2015 to 2016.

He starred as Judge Joe Rifkind on the 2001-2002 A&E legal drama 100 Centre Street. Some of his television guest appearances included East Side/West Side, Sesame Street (5 episodes), St. Elsewhere, and Chicago Hope.

Arkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as foul-mouthed grandfather Edwin Hoover in Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Some of his other film credits included The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966), Wait Until Dark (1967), The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (1968), Popi (1969), Catch-22 (1970), The In-Laws (1979), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (2001), Sunshine Cleaning (2007), Get Smart (2008), and Argo (2012).

Mr. Arkin received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award as well as nominations for six Emmy Awards. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

Paxton Whitehead

English actor Paxton Whitehead starred as Albert Dudley on Marblehead Manor and had recurring roles on Ellen and Mad About You. He died on June 16 from complications of a fall at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia. Mr. Whitehead was 85.

Marblehead Manor

Whitehead starred as Albert Dudley on the 1987-1988 first-run syndicated sitcom Marblehead Manor. The series concerned the goings on at the estate of the wealthy, eccentric Randolf Stonehill (Bob Fraser), heir to a corn oil fortune, and involved long-suffering butler and head of the household staff Albert, who'd known Randolf when they were children; groundskeeper Rick (Michael Richards) who had eyes for maid Lupe (Dyana Ortelli); chauffeur Jerry (Phil Morris); handyman Dwayne (Rodney Scott); and Randolf's materialistic, yet good-hearted wife Hillary (Linda Thorson). Rounding out the cast was Lupe's mischievous son Elvis (Humberto Ortiz).

He starred as Duke Stone on the 1995-1996 The WB sitcom Simon. Duke Stone is Vintage Television's eccentric owner. The series also starred Harland Williams, Jason Bateman, Andrea Bendewald, Patrick Breen and David Byrd.

Judy Geeson and Paxton Whitehead in Mad About You

Whitehead had a recurring role as Hal Conway, Maggie Conway's (Judy Geeson) first and third husband and a British neighbor across the hall, on nine episodes of Mad About You from 1992 to 1999. He played Dr. Whitcomb in three episodes of Ellen from 1995 to 1996. Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Brothers (1985), Silver Spoons, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Baby Boom, The Nutt House, Almost Home, Dinosaurs (3 episodes), Caroline in the City, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Frasier, Friends (2 episodes as Mr. Waltham), and The Drew Carey Show.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Magnum, P.I., Hart to Hart (2 episodes), The A-Team (1986), Murder, She Wrote (1989), Law & Order, Early Edition, The West Wing (2 episodes), and Desperate Housewives.

Whitehead starred as Dr. Phillip Barbay in Back to School (1986). He starred as Uncle Millard in Kate & Leopold (2001). He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot.

Mr. Whitehead was a talented and versatile character actor. He was a familiar face on many sitcoms in the 1990s. He will be sorely missed.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, October 14

English Teacher - "Birthday" (FX, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Malcolm throws a surprise birthday party for Evan at a gay bar.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 14)

Monday, October 14

  • Patton Oswalt (A.P. Bio/The Goldbergs/The King of Queens) - Watch Patton on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Naomi Scott (Life Bites) - Naomi is a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Sarah Paulson (Leap of Faith) - Sarah appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Kathy Bates (Disjointed) - Kathy is a guest The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Pamela Anderson (Stacked/Home Improvement) - Pamela appears on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS. She also talks about I Love You: Recipes from the Heart on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am.
  • Reba McEntire (Happy's Place/Reba/Malibu Country) and Anna Kendrick (Love Life) - E! News has interviews with Reba and Anna at 11pm on E!.
  • Tawny Newsome (Space Force, Eugene Cordero (Tacoma FD) and Jerry O'Connell (We Are Men/Do Not Disturb/Carpoolers/My Secret Identity) - Tawny, Eugene and Jerry are guests on After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry talks about Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole on CBS Mornings some time between 7-9am. He will also be on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
  • Zoey Deutch (The Suite Life on Deck) - Zoey talks about Our Town on CBS Mornings some time between 7-9am.
  • Christa Miller (Shrinking/Cougar Town/Scrubs/The Drew Carey Show) - Christa discusses her series Shrinking on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
  • Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City) - Lea talks about her daughters following her footsteps in acting, her new show and reveals which Back to the Future costar she last spoke to on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Lamorne Morris (Woke/New Girl) - Lamorne is telling Drew about his sensational new movie Saturday Night on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Melissa McCarthy (God's Favorite Idiot/Nobodies/Mike & Molly/Samantha Who?) and Ben Falcone (God's Favorite Idiot/Nobodies/Joey) - Melissa and Ben are guests on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am.
  • Rosie Perez (Human Resources/Search Party) - Rosie chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Erika Alexander (Run the World/Living Single/The Cosby Show) - Erika talks about her legendary career and her Maxine Shaw Effect leadership program on Sherri, so check your local listings.
  • Connie Britton (SMILF/Lost at Home/The Fighting Fitzgeralds/Spin City) - Connie talks about her film Here After on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
  • Tia Mowry (Family Reunion/The Game/Sister, Sister) - Tia discusses her reality series Tia Mowry: My Next Act on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

The Ropers - The Complete Series Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD) Young Sheldon - The Complete Series Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

09/10 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-7
09/10 - The Ropers - The Complete Series (VEI)
09/10 - Ted - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/17 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - Video Scrapbook
09/17 - Top Cat - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/24 - Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD)
09/24 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Seventh Season (DVD) / The Complete Series (DVD) (Blu-ray)
10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/05 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/19 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fourteenth Season
02/04 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (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

10/14 - ABC Halloween 2024 Schedule; Reba Creates Happy's Place Theme Song
10/13 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of October 14, 2024)
10/12 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Spinoff of The Big Bang Theory in the Works; Velma Canceled by Max
10/11 - Netflix Renews Nobody Wants This; Alicia Silverstone to Lead Acorn TV Series
10/10 - Max's The Sex Lives of College Girls Returns November 21; FETV Acquires Laramie
10/09 - HBO's Seth Meyers Special Debuts October 26; New Late Night Comedy Series Focuses on Crazy Florida
10/08 - Somebody Somewhere Returns for Final Season; Virgin River Season 6 Drops for Holiday Season
10/07 - Vice TV Announces Black Comedy in America Series; Netflix Stars Team Up for Netflix Movie
10/06 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of October 7, 2024)
10/05 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Netflix Cancels That '90s Show; Who's the Boss? Reboot Not Moving Forward at Freevee
10/04 - Family Guy Halloween Special: Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Cheater; What We Do in the Shadows Returns for Final Season
10/03 - Jack Whitehall Holiday Comedy Special; Leighton Meester Joins Apple TV+ Series
10/02 - The Franchise Launches Sunday on HBO; Remembering John Amos of Good Times
10/01 - No Good Deed Premieres in December on Netflix; SNL Season 50 Opens Strong
09/30 - TV One Acquires black-ish; Whitney Cummings to Host Friends Game Show Event
09/29 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 30, 2024)
09/28 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Kathy Bates Matlock Premiere Brings Solid Ratings; Whitney Cummings to Host Friends-themed Game Show
09/27 - Apple TV+ Shrinking Season 2; FETV Highway Patrol 10-4 Day Marathon
09/26 - Max's Velma Halloween Special; Apple TV+ Peanuts Holiday Specials This Holiday Season
09/25 - AXS TV Acquires Nashville; MGM+ Rebooting Robin Hood
09/24 - Trailer and Guest Voices for Everybody Still Hates Chris; The Lincoln Lawyer Returns October 17 on Netflix
09/23 - Laff Fall 2024 Schedule with The Conners and Bob ♥ Abishola; CBS' Comfy Blue Sofa Tour
09/22 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 23, 2024)
09/21 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Abbott Elementary Cast Gets Major Pay Raise; Saturday Night Live Season 50 Hosts Announced
09/20 - Sabrina Carpenter Gets Netflix Holiday Special; Starz Announces Dark Comedy Series
09/19 - The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh Drops October 17 on Prime Video; Ellen's Final Comedy Special
09/18 - Australian The Office Coming to Prime Video; You're Laughing at CBS
09/17 - 76th Primetime Emmy Award Winners; Emmys Draw Largest Audience in 3 Years
09/16 - George Lopez Gets Prime Video Special; Netflix Orders His & Hers
09/15 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 16, 2024)
09/14 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Tim Meadows to Star in New Sitcom DMV; Casting for The Office Followup Series