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
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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