Saturday, September 16, 2023
SitcomsOnline Digest: ABC Cancels Wonder Years Reboot; Byron Allen Makes $10 Billion Offer to Buy ABC
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This would typically be a busy and exciting week where we tell you about all of the brand new fall series that debut this week, and we're so excited about that... but no. There are still two entertainment industry strikes, and we have almost nothing to offer in this respect. But, it's still a busy new week anyway, with a lot of questions about the future of ABC as well as their cable networks. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- The Wonder Years reboot on ABC got a lot of attention when it started, but after a very disappointing second season in the ratings (ABC's worst show of the year), it has been canceled. (Variety)
- We've got our first look at the Frasier reboot. (Deadline)
- Bill Maher has decided he is returning to the air next week despite the strike, but will other late night talk show hosts look for a loophole to return too? (Deadline)
- If you have Spectrum, the second largest pay TV provider in the nation, you now no longer have cable channels such as Freeform (and never will), as the provider worked out a deal with Disney that brought back ESPN, Disney Channel, and FX, but includes the permanent removal of many other channels, leaving many to wonder if Disney is going to shut them down in the near future. (Hollywood Reporter)
- Meanwhile, Nexstar has been having exploratory talks with Disney about buying ABC, and entertainment mogul Byron Allen has went a step further to make a $10 billion offer to purchase ABC and several of their cable networks (including FX and National Geographic). (Reuters)
- While Byron Allen is trying to buy ABC, his syndicated late night series Comics Unleashed is coming to CBS on Tuesday, as they need strike material to replace the already ended Late Late Show with James Corden. (Hollywood Reporter)
- TBS has acquired Modern Family. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22)
- Catchy Comedy is going very old this week with a binge of Our Miss Brooks.
- American Horror Story returns to FX on Wednesday.
Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Wednesday, May 8
Abbott Elementary - "Mother's Day" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Barbara invites Gregory to her family’s Mother’s Day brunch. Jacob scrambles to figure out how to organize a school field trip.
The Conners - "Fire and Vice" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
A fire at Ben’s hardware store causes a major setback for the family. Meanwhile, Becky feels enormous pressure to help every single patient at her mental health facility internship.
Animal Control - "Beagles and Lemurs" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Frank's investigation reaches a thrilling conclusion; Emily finds herself in an awkward position when she realizes she still has feelings for Shred.
Family Guy - "Baby, It's Cold Inside" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Peter is emasculated when, on their anniversary, he abandons Lois amidst a shark attack; Stewie finds a mini fridge and lives the dorm lifestyle.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 6)
Wednesday, May 8
- Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary) - Watch Chris on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Whoopi Goldberg (Whoopi/Bagdad Cafe) - Whoopi appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Casey Wilson (The Righteous Gemstones/Black Monday/The Hotwives/Marry Me/Happy Endings) and Jessica St. Clair (Space Force/Playing House/Best Friends Forever) - Casey and Jessica are guests on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 10:15pm on Bravo.
- Lena Waithe (Master of None) - Lena talks about The Chi on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
- Ricky Martin (Palm Royale) - Ricky chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Tom Selleck (The Closer) - Tom talks about You Never Know: A Memoir on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
- Tiffany Haddish (The Last O.G./The Carmichael Show) - Tiffany tells Sherri about her new book, I Curse You with Joy, on Sherri, so check your local listings.
- Rachael Harris (Surviving Jack/In the Motherhood/Notes from the Underbelly) - Rachael talks about Netflix's Mother of the Bride on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
New on DVD/Blu-ray
12/05 - Father Knows Best - The Complete Series
12/05 - The Odd Couple - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/12 - The Dick Van Dyke Show - The Complete Series
12/12 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
12/12 - That Girl - The Complete Series
12/15 - Letterkenny - Season 11
12/19 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Official Restored Complete Series
12/22 - Three's Company - The Official 40th Anniversary Collection (includes The Ropers and Three's a Crowd)
01/09 - South Park - Seasons 11-15 (Blu-ray)
01/16 - Ghosts (UK) - Season Five
02/13 - Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/27 - The Really Loud House - Season One
03/12 - Ghosts (UK) - The Complete Series
03/12 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 3 (Blu-ray)
03/12 - Rick and Morty - Season 7 (Blu-ray Steelbook) (Blu-ray) (DVD)
04/03 - Too Close for Comfort - The Complete Series (VEI)
04/08 - Check It Out! - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/21 - Frasier (2023) - Season One
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