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

Monday, April 21

The Neighborhood - "Welcome to Your Own Medicine" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
After Dave’s disastrous attempt to dunk a basketball, Calvin takes care of his injured neighbor. Also, Gemma befriends a cool mom group while babysitting Daphne.

Poppa's House - "Babygirl" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
When Junior’s sister, Natalie (Amora Wayans), visits and reveals her engagement, he insists that she make up with their father, whom she still blames for their parents’ divorce.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 21)

Monday, April 21

Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) - Watch Quinta on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Hannah Einbinder (Hacks) - Hannah is a guest on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Nathan Lane (Mid-Century Modern/Only Murders in the Building/Modern Family/Charlie Lawrence/Encore! Encore!/One of the Boys) - Nathan appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Anna Camp (Perfect Harmony/Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt/The Mindy Project) and Milana Vayntrub (Other Space) - Anna and Milana are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Christopher Meloni (Happy/Surviving Jack/Misery Loves Company/The Fanelli Boys) - E! News has an interview with Christopher at 11pm on E!. He will also be on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
George Clooney (Roseanne/The Facts of Life/ E/R (1984-1985) - Gayle King sits down with George on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Penn Badgley (Do Over) - Penn talks about You on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Eva Longoria (Only Murders in the Building/Telenovela) - Eva stops by Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Annaleigh Ashford (B Positive) - Annaleigh chats with the hosts on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Justina Machado (One Day at a Time) - NBC's Today catches up with Justina in the 9am hour.
Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That.../Divorce/Sex and the City/Square Pegs) - NBC's Today catches up Sarah in the 10am hour.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) - Chloe Fineman joins Drew and Valerie in the kitchen to share a delicious recipe on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Amy Schumer (Life & Beth), Jillian Bell (Bless the Harts/Idiotsitter/Eastbound & Down/Workaholics) and Brianne Howey (Dollface) - Amy, Jillian and Brianne about starring in Netflix's new comedy Kinda Pregnant on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
James Brolin (Life in Pieces) - James talks about Netflix's Ransom Canyon on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.