SitcomsOnline Digest: Another Major Media Merger in the Works?; Digital Network Dabl Shifts Focus to Sitcoms

Saturday, December 23, 2023

SitcomsOnline Digest: Another Major Media Merger in the Works?; Digital Network Dabl Shifts Focus to Sitcoms

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're heading into Christmas week, but surprisingly, we have lots of news, including another possible media merger (that we imagine will face a lot of scrutiny), news about a programming format change for a digital broadcast network, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

It seems that there are talks to merge Warner Bros and Paramount, though it is likely to face a lot of scrutiny. (Deadline)
In related news (and probably something that would be necessary if the two media companies were to merge), it looks like BET (and related assets, including VH1) may be up for sale again, with Byron Allen interested in purchasing. (Variety)
If you liked Run the Burbs when it aired on The CW, you won't be losing the chance to see it, as Hulu has now picked it up in an unrelated deal. (Deadline)
The reboots never stop, and this week, there are talks of one for The X-Files. (Deadline)
The network has remained quiet and refused to comment on it, but a major schedule change is coming to digital TV network Dabl (will it even still be called Dabl?) next week, and it includes nothing but episodes of mostly old UPN (and a tiny bit of The WB/The CW) sitcoms, including The Parkers, Half & Half, Moesha, Girlfriends, One on One, Sister, Sister, and The Game. (Cord Cutters News)
John Stamos is remembering Bob Saget as the anniversary of his death approaches. (Deadline)
Since the approach that The CW was taking to air international sitcoms turned out to be a huge disaster, they're now turning to airing reruns of American broadcast network sitcoms that are still airing in primetime, or at least doing it in one case with The Conners. (SitcomsOnline)
Three's Company is back on DVD again, and this time, it includes every episode of both spinoffs. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29)

Night Court begins season 2 in January, but if you can't wait for a new episode, NBC has a Christmas one tonight, along with a sneak preview of the new sitcom Extended Family.
South Park: Not Suitable for Children is now streaming on Paramount+, and it really isn't suitable for children.
Catchy Comedy has a "Christmas Carol" this weekend, with a binge of Carol Burnett and Friends.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, July 25

Happy's Place - "Mama Drama" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Isabella's mom, Maritza, arrives, Bobbie tells the crew she's forgiven her for what happened with Happy, only to realize Maritza holds a grudge against her; Emmett and Takoda try to find out why Steve can't return to his home in Colombia.

Happy's Place - "Accountability" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Isabella accidentally implies she doesn't trust Steve's work on the tavern's taxes, Bobbie and Steve decide to have some fun and teach her a lesson; Gabby goes on a health kick enlisting Takoda as her personal trainer.

Electric Bloom - "How We Made a Tiny Mistake" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Follows a girl band since they met in middle school to present day, learning how their pre-famous lives go on to fuel their future musical chart toppers.

Electric Bloom - "How We Found a Howie" (Disney Channel, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Follows a girl band since they met in middle school to present day, learning how their pre-famous lives go on to fuel their future musical chart toppers.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of July 21)

Friday, July 25

Anthony Anderson (black-ish/Guys with Kids/All About the Andersons) - Anthony guest hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood/The Last O.G./The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Watch Cedric on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) - Jeremy is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Timothy Olyphant (Stick/Santa Clarita Diet) - Timothy appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Emily Ratajkowski (Too Much) - Emily is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear/Girls) - Ebon talks about The Fantastic Four: First Steps on a repeat of ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis at 7pm.
Leanne Morgan (Leanne) - Leanne talks about Neflix's Leanne on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Kristen Johnston (Leanne/Mom/The Exes/3rd Rock from the Sun) - Kristen talks about Netflix's Leanne on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
Tony Danza (Taxi/Who's the Boss?/Hudson Street/The Tony Danza Show) - Tony talks about his brand-new show Tony Danza: Sinatra & Stories on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Michael Jai White (Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse) - Michael is a guest on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.