SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner/Netflix Merger Gets Complicated; Steve Carell Comedy Rooster Coming to HBO Max in March

Saturday, December 13, 2025

SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner/Netflix Merger Gets Complicated; Steve Carell Comedy Rooster Coming to HBO Max in March

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning more about a media merger, learning more details about some new streaming series starring some of our favorites, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Last week, it was announced that, after appearing for several weeks that Paramount would acquire Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix would be the one to acquire it... but now it's gotten far more complicated and Paramount is doing everything that it possibly can to get it. (Deadline)
Bill Lawrence's new HBO Max comedy starring Steve Carell now has a title, Rooster. (Variety)
Hugh Laurie is joining Amy Poehler in Dig, a new Mike Schur comedy that will air on Peacock. (Variety)
HBO Max has launched some new linear channels on the streaming service, including channels for Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and more. (Cord Cutters News)
This is one we weren't expecting: The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series, which has never been on home media in any format, is coming to Blu-ray in February. (Animated Views)
Rowan Atkinson says he dislikes Mr. Bean as a person, but likes him as a character. (Deadline)
The final season of The Upshaws premieres January 15 on Netflix. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 19)

In honor of Dick Van Dyke's 100th birthday, Catchy Comedy has an extended weekend long binge of The Dick Van Dyke Show this weekend.
Antenna TV has a "Sunday Special" of Barney Miller tomorrow.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Sunday, February 15

The Simpsons - "Irrational Treasure" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Marge enters Santa's Little Helper into the national dog show in Philadelphia.

The Simpsons - "Homer? A Cracker Bro?" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Homer and Kirk go into business together.

Universal Basic Guys - "Little the Netherlands" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Mark learns to ride a bike and finds a hidden Dutch enclave; Tammy helps Leanne plan her "divorce-lorette" party.

Family Guy - "The Edible Arrangement" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Lois and Stewie finally understand each other -- thanks to Brian's edibles -- and explore and try to explain their complicated relationship.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of February 9)

Friday, February 13

Christopher Titus (Titus) - Christopher is a guest on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen at 12:37am on CBS.
Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time) - Drew is celebrating Valentine's Day and hitting the headlines with Valerie and Sunny Anderson on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings. Then it's bestie cooking for two with Sunny, Valerie and Ross.
Vanessa Lachey (Truth Be Told/Dads) - Vanessa and Nick Lachey talk about Netflix's Love is Blind on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.

New on DVD and Blu-ray