Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Remembering George Wendt of Cheers; Platonic Season 2 First Look

George Wendt

Actor George Wendt, who starred as Norm Peterson in Cheers, has died. He died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles on May 20. His death coincided with the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers series finale. Mr. Wendt was 76.

Wendt's first role as a series regular was as Gus Bertoia in the short-lived 1982 CBS sitcom Making the Grade, which was created by Gary David Goldberg. George Bertoia is a physical education teacher at Franklin High School in St. Louis. The series also starred James Naughton, Graham Jarvis, Alley Mills, Steve Peterman, Zane Lasky, Philip Charles MacKenzie, and Veronica Redd.

Cheers

He starred as Norm Peterson in 1982-1993 NBC sitcom Cheers. Norm Peterson is a bar regular and occasionally employed accountant. He made a prominent entrance to the bar in every episode. He would be greeted by a cheer of "Norm!" and make a wisecrack as he walked to his barstool.

The role earned Wendt six consecutive nominations from 1984 to 1989 for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also directed the episode "Airport V" in 1988. The cast included Ted Danson, Shelley Long (1982-1987), Rhea Perlman, Nicholas Colasanto (1982-1985), John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer (1984-1993), Woody Harrelson (1985-1993), Kirstie Alley (1986-1993), and Bebe Neuwirth (1986-1993).

Frasier - George Wendt

Wendt appeared as Norm Peterson in a 1985 crossover episode of St. Elsewhere. He also made one guest appearance each in the three other sitcoms set in the Cheers universe: the spin-off The Tortellis in 1987, the Wings episode "The Story of Joe in 1990, and the Frasier episode Cheerful Goodbyes in 2002. Some of his other appearances as Norm Peterson included Mickey's 60th Birthday in 1988, The Magical World of Disney - "Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration" in 1990, and The Earth Day Special in 1990.

The George Wendt Show

He starred as George Coleman in the short-lived 1995 CBS sitcom The George Wendt Show. Based on the NPR radio show Car Talk, the series revolved around George and Dan Coleman (Pat Finn), two wise cracking brothers who own a car garage in Madison, Wisconsin. The series also starred Brian Doyle-Murray, Mark Christopher Lawrence, and Kate Hodge.

The Naked Truth

Wendt starred as Les Polanski in the second season (1997) of the sitcom The Naked Truth. In the second season, the show switched networks from ABC to NBC and was retooled. Meatball-mogul Les Polanski buys the celebrity tabloid The Comet, intending to make it a respectable publication. The second season also starred Téa Leoni, Holland Taylor, Mark Roberts, Jonathan Penner, and Darryl Sivad.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch - George Wendt and Melissa Joan Hart

He had a recurring role as Mike Shelby in six episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch on The WB from 2001 to 2002. Mike Shelby is Sabrina Spellman's (Melissa Joan Hart) boss at the Boston Citizen newspaper.

Wendt starred as Tug Clarke in the short-lived 2006 The WB sitcom Modern Men. Tug Clarke is a retired pro football player who owned a local restaurant. He is the father of Tim Clarke (Josh Braaten) and Molly Clarke (Marla Sokoloff). The series also starred Jane Seymour, Max Greenfield, and Eric Lively.

Clipped

He starred as Buzzy in the short-lived 2015 TBS sitcom Clipped. Clipped takes place in a Charlestown, Massachusetts barbershop called Buzzy's, named after the original owner who still works there. The series also starred Mike Castle, Ashley Tisdale, Lauren Lapkus, Ryan Pinkston, Matt Cook, and Diona Reasonover.

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Soap, Taxi, Alice, M*A*S*H, Day by Day, Roc, Seinfeld (as himself), Bob (as himself), The Building, The Larry Sanders Show (as himself), The Martin Short Show (as himself), Good Company (as himself), Spin City, Madigan Men (4 episodes as Carl), Becker, Rock Me Baby, George Lopez (2 episodes), Hot in Cleveland, Kickin' It, Kirstie, Childrens Hospital, Fresh Off the Boat, and The Goldbergs.

Wendt hosted Saturday Night Live twice in 1986 and 1990. In the early 1990s, he made cameo appearances on several episodes as Bob Swerski, one of the Chicago Superfans (along with cast members Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Robert Smigel, and one-time host, Joe Mantegna).

Some of his other television guest appearances included Hart to Hart, The Twilight Zone (1986), Tales from the Crypt, Columbo (1995), Masters of Horror, Ghost Whisperer, Harry's Law, and Franklin & Bash.

He had film roles opposite Robert De Niro in 1991's Guilty by Suspicion and with Mel Gibson in 1992's Forever Young. Some of his other film credits included No Small Affair (1984), Dreamscape (1984), Fletch (1985), House (1985), Gung Ho (1986), and Man of the House (1995).

Mr. Wendt was very funny and memorable as Norm Peterson. Wendt, Danson and Perlman were the only three cast members who appeared in every episode of Cheers. Norm's entrances at the bar, such as "It's a dog-eat-dog world, Sammy, and I'm wearing Milk-Bone underwear" were always hilarious. We thank him for the many laughs he brought us on Cheers and television during his legendary career. He will be greatly missed.

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

Catchy Comedy Remembers George Wendt

Watch a special Catchy Binge and tribute to George Wendt this Sunday (May 25) starting at 6a ET | 3a PT, featuring some of his most memorable episodes of Cheers. Tune in and raise a glass as Catchy Comedy remembers George Wendt all Sunday long.


Platonic - Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen

Apple TV+ today revealed a first look at the second season of Platonic, the critically acclaimed half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. The 10-episode sophomore season will premiere globally on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 with the first two episodes, followed by one episode weekly until October 1, 2025. Co-created, directed and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, Platonic season two picks up with everyone’s favorite pair of best friends (Rogen and Byrne) as they contend with new mid-life hurdles including work, weddings and partners in crises. The duo tries their best to be each other’s rock — but sometimes rocks break things. The season two cast also includes Luke Macfarlane and Carla Gallo, and introduces Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennett as guest stars.

Platonic is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller’s Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce along with Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver for Point Grey Pictures. In addition to Platonic, Rogen stars in Apple TV+'s comedy The Studio, which he wrote, directed and executive produced alongside Goldberg, and Byrne stars in Apple TV+’s dark comedy Physical.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Wednesday, July 2

Shifting Gears - "Restoration" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt, the widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, is confronted with his most unexpected and challenging project yet when his estranged daughter, Riley, and her adolescent children come crashing back into his life.

Shifting Gears - "Accommodations" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt joins Riley at Carter’s high school open house, where he’s unsettled to learn about the “accommodations” made for his grandson’s anxiety. Meanwhile, Riley reconnects with Caitlin, a former classmate, and sets her up with Gabriel.

Shifting Gears - "Grief" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Riley discovers a closet filled with her late mother’s clothes, she insists Matt hasn’t processed her death and urges him to see a grief counselor. Meanwhile, Gabriel faces a crisis of confidence when he’s put in charge of the shop for a day.

Shifting Gears - "Valentine's" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A Valentine’s Day visit to his late wife’s grave sparks an unexpected connection for Matt in an unlikely place. Meanwhile, Riley is thrust into the spotlight for a promotional video at the dance studio.

Tyler Perry's House of Payne - "Protector in Chief" (BET, 9:00PM ET/PT)
House of Payne is the hilarious comedy about Retired fire chief Curtis Payne and his lovely wife Ella.

Tyler Perry's Assisted Living - "Speed Demons" (BET, 9:30PM ET/PT)
After losing his job, Jeremy decides to move to the backwoods of Georgia to help his grandfather, who has purchased a rundown home for the elderly.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of June 30)

Wednesday, July 2

  • Will Arnett (Murderville/Arrested Development/Flaked/The Millers/Up All Night/Running Wilde), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) and Sean Hayes (Will & Grace/The Millers/Sean Saves the World) - Watch Will, Jason and Sean on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Henry is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Monica Barbaro (FUBAR) - Monica appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Owen Thiele (Overcompensating), Amita Rao (Deli Boys) and Malik Elassal (Adults) - Owen, Amita and Malik are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Glen Powell (Scream Queens) - NBC's Today catches up with Glen in the 10am hour.
  • Casey Wilson (The Righteous Gemstones/Black Monday/The Hotwives/Marry Me/Happy Endings) - Casey talks about The Great American Baking Show on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time) - The Drew Barrymore Show has a repeat their skincare show and Drew and Valerie Bertinelli are talking all things moisturizers and hydration with board certified dermatologist and TikTok sensation Dr. Shereene Idriss.
  • Joe Manganiello (How I Met Your Mother) - Joe talks about Netflix's Nonnas on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series Frasier (2023) - Season Two Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered) Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)

01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/08 - 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


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