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Remembering TV Legend Bob Newhart, TV Bad Girl Shannen Doherty of Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, and Doogie Howser TV Dad James B. Sikking

Emmy-winning actor and comedian Bob Newhart, who starred as Bob Hartley in The Bob Newhart Show and as Dick Loudon in Newhart, has died. He died from complications of several short illnesses at his home in Los Angeles, California, on July 18. Mr. Newhart was 94.

Newhart starred on the 1961-1962 NBC comedy variety show The Bob Newhart Show. The show was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Humor (now known as the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series) in 1962. It also won a Peabody Award in 1961. Regulars included Mickey Manners (1961), Joe Flynn, Jackie Joseph, Andy Albin, Dan Sorkin, Ken Westfall (1961), Jack Grinnage (1961), Ken Berry (1962) and Paul Weston and His Orchestra.

He starred as Dr. Robert "Bob" Hartley in the 1972-1978 CBS sitcom The Bob Newhart Show. The show centers on Robert "Bob" Hartley, a Chicago psychologist, his work and home life, with his supportive, though occasionally sarcastic, wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), and their friendly but mildly pesky neighbor, airline navigator Howard Borden (Bill Daily). The series also starred Peter Bonerz as Dr. Jerry Robinson, Bob's friend, an orthodontist, and Marcia Wallace as Carol Kester, Bob and Jerry's receptionist. In 1977, the show received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. The entire cast assembled for the one-hour clip show The Bob Newhart Show: The 19th Anniversary Special in 1991, which finds the show's characters in the present day. Newhart and Wallace reprised their roles in a 1994 episode of Murphy Brown. Newhart reprised Hartley twice in the February 11, 1995, episode of Saturday Night Live.

Newhart starred as Dick Loudon in the 1982-1990 CBS sitcom Newhart. The series stars Newhart and Mary Frann as an author and his wife who own and operate the Stratford Inn in rural Vermont. Dick Loudon is also the host of a local television show, Vermont Today, where he interviews an assortment of bizarre and colorful guests. The show was nominated for 25 Emmy Awards but never won. The cast included Tom Poston, Jennifer Holmes (1982-1983), Steven Kampmann (1982-1984), Julia Duffy (1983-1990), Peter Scolari (1984-1990), William Sanderson, Tony Papenfuss and John Voldstad. Recurring cast members included Thomas Hill, William Lanteau, Rebecca York (1983-1984), Jeff Doucette (1983-1988), Fred Applegate (1984-1987), Ralph Manza (1984-1990), Linda Carlson (1984-1987), Todd Susman (1984-1990), José Ferrer (1985-1987), Priscilla Morrill (1985-1989), Melanie Chartoff (1987-1990), Kathy Kinney (1989-1990) and David Pressman (1989-1990).

He starred as Bob McKay in the 1992-1993 CBS sitcom Bob. Bob McKay is a greeting card artist who discovers a comic book he created is getting revived. He is the creator of the 1950s comic book superhero Mad-Dog. The series, which aired for two seasons, also starred Carlene Watkins, Cynthia Stevenson, John Cygan (season 1), Andrew Bilgore (season 1), Timothy Fall (season 1), Ruth Kobart (season 1), Betty White (season 2), Jere Burns (season 2), Eric Allan Kramer (season 2) and Megan Cavanagh. Recurring cast members included Lisa Kudrow, Tom Poston (season 1), Dorothy Lyman, Dick Martin and Christine Dunford (season 1).

Newhart starred as George Stoody in the 1997-1998 CBS sitcom George & Leo. Newhart and Hirsch starred as the respective title characters, widely divergent men who become in-laws when their children get married. The cast inclued Jason Bateman, Bess Meyer (episodes 1-7), Robyn Lively (episodes 9-22) and Darryl Theirse.

He played Professor Proton (Arthur Jeffries) in six episodes of the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2013 to 2018. Professor Proton (Arthur Jeffries) is the star of a fictional in-universe science show that Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) watched as children. Newhart won his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2013. He appeared as the character in three episodes of Young Sheldon from 2017 to 2020.

Newhart appeared as Bob Sr., Bob's (David Foley) father and the father-in-law of Joy Scroggs (Jane Leeves), in the series finale of Hot in Cleveland in 2015. Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Captain Nice, The Don Rickles Show, It's Garry Shandling's Show, Everybody Loves Raymond and Committed. He voiced himself in a 1996 episode of The Simpsons.

In 2003, he guest starred as Ben Hollander in three episodes of ER in a rare dramatic role that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, his first in nearly 20 years. He had a recurring role as Morty Flickman, the on-again/off-again boyfriend of Sophie (Lesley Ann Warren), Susan Mayer's (Teri Hatcher) mother, in three episodes of Desperate Housewives in 2005. Some of his other television drama credits included The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, NCIS and The Librarians (3 episodes).

He appeared on The Dean Martin Show 21 times and on The Ed Sullivan Show seven times. He was one of the initial three co-hosts of the variety show The Entertainers in 1964, with Carol Burnett and Caterina Valente. He guest-hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 87 times. He hosted Saturday Night Live in 1980 and 1995.

Newhart's 1960 comedy album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart was the first comedy album to make number one on the Billboard charts and peaked at number two in the UK Albums Chart. It won two Grammy Awards in 1961 for Album of the Year and Best New Artist. The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart remains the 20th-best-selling album in history. A follow-up album, The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back!, was released six months later and won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Performance – Spoken Word that year.

He starred as Papa Elf in Elf (2003). Some of his other film credits included Catch-22 (1970), Cold Turkey (1971), First Family (1980) and In & Out (1997). He also voiced Bernard in the Disney animated films The Rescuers (1977) and The Rescuers Down Under (1990).

He was interviewed on May 29, 2001 in Westwood, California, and on June 15, 2001 in Bel Air, California, for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television.

Mr. Newhart was a TV and comedy icon. He was very funny and memorable as Bob Hartley and Dick Loudon. He was always a great late night guest. His deadpan delivery and dry sense of humor were fantastic. We thank him for the many laughs and for the entertainment that he brought during his legendary career. He will be greatly missed.

Catchy Comedy will celebrate legendary actor Bob Newhart with a special Catchy Weekend Binge presentation of The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart and Bob TV Series. The tribute begins Saturday, July 20 at 12 noon ET/PT on Catchy Comedy. The special Binge will continue all weekend through Monday, July 21 at 6:00 am ET/PT.

CBS announced a new Entertainment Tonight special, Bob Newhart: A Legacy of Laughter, to air Monday, July 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs)*.

Hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner, this one-hour tribute honors the late comedian with a look back at his 70-year career, featuring never-before-seen interviews, and his final interview from his home in Los Angeles. The special takes an in-depth look at his journey from accountant to comedian to Hollywood icon, with rare behind-the-scenes footage of Bob on the set of his sitcoms and feature films, from the Entertainment Tonight vault. Included are new and archival interviews with some of Bob’s closest friends and co-stars, including Jim Parsons, Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Jason Bateman and Michael Weatherly. The show takes an intimate look inside Bob’s personal life and his marriage to the love of his life, Ginnie, with newly revealed stories about how he changed American culture through comedy.

Bob starred as Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley on the CBS television series The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978, and then as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on Newhart from 1982 to 1990, also on the Network. He had two other sitcoms on CBS in the 1990s, Bob and George and Leo. Bob played the recurring role of Professor Proton on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2013 to 2018, for which he received his first Primetime Emmy Award.

TBS is celebrating the life of comedian and actor Bob Newhart with a Big Bang Theory marathon featuring the Best of Professor Proton episodes. Beginning Sunday, July 21 at 8PM on TBS, the marathon includes six classic episodes from various seasons including "The Proton Resurgence," "The Proton Displacement," "The Proton Transmogrification," and more.

Big Bang Theory follows two brilliant physicists, Leonard and Sheldon, who understand how the universe works. But none of that genius helps them interact with people. All this begins to change when a free-spirited beauty named Penny moves next door.

Full scheduling details are below:

Sunday, July 21 (8PM-11PM)
1. "The Proton Resurgence" (Season 6, Episode 22)
2. "The Proton Displacement" (Season 7, Episode 7)
3. "The Proton Transmogrification" (Season 7, Episode 22)
4. "The Opening Night Excitation" (Season 9, Episode 11)
5. "The Proton Regeneration" (Season 11, Episode 6)
6. "The Planetarium Collision" (Season 12, Episode 5)

Actress Shannen Doherty, who starred as Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210 and as Prue Halliwell in Charmed, has died. She died from cancer at her home in Malibu, California, on July 13. Ms. Doherty was 53.

Doherty had a recurring role as Jenny Wilder in 18 episodes of the ninth and final season (1982-1983) of the NBC Western historical drama Little House on the Prairie. Almanzo (Dean Butler) and Laura (Melissa Gilbert) take in their niece, Jenny Wilder, when Almanzo's brother dies and raise her alongside their daughter, Rose. She returned in the three post-series movies in 1983 and 1984.

She starred as Kris Witherspoon in the 1986-1988 NBC drama Our House. The series centers on the Witherspoon family and the challenges they face adjusting to life with three generations living in the same house. 15-year-old Kris aimed to become an Air Force test pilot someday. The cast included Wilford Brimley, Deidre Hall, Chad Allen, Keri Houlihan and Gerald S. O'Loughlin.

Doherty starred as Brenda Walsh in the Fox teen drama from 1990 to 1994. The initial premise of the show was based on the adjustment and culture shock that twins Brandon (Jason Priestley) and Brenda Walsh experienced when they and their parents, Jim (James Eckhouse) and Cindy (Carol Potter), moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Beverly Hills, California. Doherty was fired from the series at the end of the fourth season in 1994.

She starred as Prue Halliwell in The WB's fantasy drama Charmed from 1998 to 2001. The series initially focuses on the three Halliwell sisters, Prue, Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) who are witches. Prue is the eldest sister who initially receives the power to move objects with her mind by channelling telekinesis through her eyes. Doherty also directed three episodes during the second and third seasons. She was was allegedly fired by producer Aaron Spelling after the third season after he received an ultimatum from Milano because of their on-set and off-set tensions between them.

Doherty had a recurring role Alexandra Hudson in 11 episodes of the 2004-2005 Fox drama North Shore. Alexandra Hudson is Walter Booth's (Christopher McDonald) supposed illegitimate child by a secretary – thus making her Nicole's (Brooke Burns) half-sister.

She reprised her role as Brenda Walsh in seven episodes of the first season (2008-2009) of The CW's teen drama 90210. She played herself in the short-lived 2009 Fox comedy-drama BH90210. The series focuses on the original cast members of Beverly Hills, 90210 — Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, and Shannen Doherty — playing heightened, fictionalized versions of themselves. The cast also served as executive producers.

Doherty guest starred with Christina Applegate and Robyn Lively in a 1985 episode of The New Leave it to Beaver. She appeared with other Beverly Hills, 90210 stars in a 1992 episode of Parker Lewis Can't Lose.

She had several attempts at starring in a sitcom. In 1984, she starred with Richard Kline, Shelley Fabares and Dana Kimmell in the CBS pilot episode of His and Hers. In 1997, she was cast with Orlando Jones and William Ragsdale as hip young private investigators in Los Angeles in the Fox sitcom pilot Faster Baby, Kill! It wasn't picked up as a series. In 2005, she starred as Denise Johnson in the unaired pilot of the UPN sitcom Love, Inc.. The series was originally developed as a vehicle and sitcom debut for Doherty under the working title Wingwoman. Though picked up by UPN, Doherty was removed from the project at the request of the network due to her poor reception by preview audiences. She was replaced by Busy Philipps.

Some of her other television guest apperances included Father Murphy (2 episodes), The Phoenix, Voyagers!, Magnum, P.I. (1983), Airwolf, Highway to Heaven, 21 Jump Street, Life Goes On and Heathers (3 episodes). She appeared as a stranded motorist on Riverdale as part of a tribute to Luke Perry, who died in 2019.

She starred as Maggie Malene in the 1985 teen movie comedy Girls Just Want to Have Fun alongside Helen Hunt and Sarah Jessica Parker. She played Heather Duke in the 1988 teen black comedy film Heathers. In 1995, she starred as Rene Mosier in Kevin Smith's buddy comedy film Mallrats. She had a cameo as herself in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001).

Ms. Doherty was very good and memorable in her television dramas over the years. She could play good girl and bad girl roles equally well. Our House is a somewhat forgotten family drama, which should be available on DVD or streaming. We thank her for her work on television and in films. She bravely battled cancer since 2015. She will be deeply missed.

Actor James B. Sikking, who starred as Lt. Howard Hunter in Hill Street Blues and as Dr. David Howser in Doogie Howser, M.D., has died. He died of complications from dementia at his home in Los Angeles, California, on July 13. Mr. Sikking was 90.

Sikking starred as Geoffrey St. James in the short-lived 1979 NBC sitcom Turnabout, which was based on a 1931 novel of the same title by Thorne Smith. The plot was about a husband and wife who found themselves inhabiting each other's bodies. The series also starred John Schuck, Sharon Gless, Richard Stahl, Bobbi Jordan and Bruce Kirby.

He starred as Lt. Howard Hunter in the 1981-1987 NBC police drama Hill Street Blues. Initially a Sergeant, he is promoted to (or perhaps merely re-written as) Lieutenant early in season 1 without mention. Hunter is the commander of the Emergency Action Team (EAT, or "EATers"), who loves to postulate and theorize about the degeneration of society. In 1984, Sikking's performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Sikking starred as Dr. David Howser in the 1989-1993 ABC medical comedy/drama Doogie Howser, M.D.. Dr. David Howser is Doogie Howser's (Neil Patrick Harris) father. He's a Vietnam War MASH veteran with a family practice. The cast included Max Casella, Belinda Montgomery, Lawrence Pressman, Mitchell Anderson (1989-1991), Kathryn Layng, Lisa Dean Ryan (1989-1992), Lucy Boryer (1989-1992), Markus Redmond (1990-1993), Rif Hutton (recurring from 1990-1993) and Robyn Lively (recurring from 1991-1993).

He starred as Capt. Stan Jonas in the 1997-1998 CBS police drama Brooklyn South. The focus for Brooklyn South was the 74th Precinct in Brooklyn. The series won a People's Choice Award for Favorite Television New Dramatic Series in 1998.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included O.K. Crackerby!, My Favorite Martian, My Mother the Car (2 episodes), Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Here Come the Brides (2 episodes), The Bob Newhart Show, The Doris Day Show (3 episodes), M*A*S*H, Room 222 (2 episodes), Who's the Boss? and Curb Your Enthusiasm (2 episodes).

Sikking played Jim Hobart, an alcoholic surgeon, in the ABC soap opera General Hospital from 1971 to 1976. Some of his other television guest appearances included Perry Mason, Combat! (2 episodes), Rawhide, The Outer Limits (2 episodes), The Fugitive (3 episodes), Run for Your Life (2 episodes), The Invaders, Bonanza (2 episodes), Adam-12, Night Gallery (2 episodes), Mission: Impossible (2 episodes), Mod Squad (3 episodes), The Rookies (2 episodes), Mannix (2 episodes), Cannon (2 episodes), Delvecchio (3 episodes), The Feather & Father Gang (2 episodes), The Rockford Files (2 episodes), Hawaii Five-O (2 episodes), Charlie's Angels (2 episodes), Hunter (3 episodes) and The Guardian (2 episodes)

He voiced General Gordon on the The WB's 1998 animated science fiction series Invasion America. Some of his other voice credits included Batman Beyond (2 episodes) and Rocket Power (2 episodes).

Sikking starred as FBI Director Denton Voyles in the 1993 American legal thriller film The Pelican Brief. Some of his other film credits included Ordinary People (1980), The Competition (1980), Outland (1981), The Star Chamber (1983), Up the Creek (1984), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Narrow Margin (1990), Fever Pitch (2005) and Made of Honor (2008).

Mr. Sikking was a solid and dependable actor. He was best known for his yeoman work as hard-charging, hardheaded SWAT leader Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:30 PM

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Labels: 90210, Beverly Hills 90210, BH90210, Bob, Bob Newhart Show, Catchy Comedy, CBS, Charmed, Doogie Howser MD, George and Leo, Hill Street Blues, Newhart, Obits

2023 90s Con Recap in Hartford; Bel-Air Gets Season 3 on Peacock

That's 4 Entertainment (the people who bring us Christmas Con every year in NJ) had its 2nd Annual 90s Con this weekend (March 17-19) at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. We had a reporter down there to let us know what happened! We had full or partial reunions from various '90s TV shows, movies and music. Sitcom reunions included Saved by the Bell, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Full House, along with classic dramas Beverly Hills 90210, Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The casts did autograph signings, photo ops and Q&A panels. Among the other cool things fans got to see at the event: They had a slime pit to be "slimed" like Double Dare. They had a table area of a bunch of Nintendo64 machines hooked up to large screens to play nostalgic video games. They had 90s iconic photo ops like the TV, phone booth, newspaper stand, etc. There was a popular 90s cosplay contest. Another cool sighting was iconic movie vehicles including a replica Jurassic Park jeep and the Scooby Doo mystery machine (is that '90s though?). A 90s DJ booth was playing 90s music for fans. There were tons of booths selling 90s nostalgic toys, art, and items. And to close the day, there was a 90s dance party after party Saturday night.

The stars that were on hand were Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan, Brian Krause, Dorian Gregory, Drew Fuller, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Dave Coulier, Andrea Barber, Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Elisa Donovan, Breckin Meyer, Kel Mitchell, Lori Beth Denberg, Danny Tamberelli, Danica McKellar, Olivia d'Abo, Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Jenna Leigh Green, Nate Richert, Kathy Najimy, Thora Birch, Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Jason Marsden, Mario Lopez, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Steve Burns, Marc Summers, Jeff Timmons, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, James Masters, Charisma Carpenter, Clare Kramer, Julie Benz, Kristine Sutherland, Marc Blucas, and Rebecca Gayheart.

Last year they had the cast of Family Matters and Boy Meets World on hand, but not this year. Will they return in 2024? How about other popular '90s shows like Step by Step and Perfect Strangers next time? While Hartford gets '90s Con next March, there will be one in Tampa in September of this year. Christmas Con will get a Kansas City version this June before returning to Edison, NJ in December. Stay tuned as we will be on hand for the NJ one once again later this year!

Peacock's record-breaking drama series Bel-Air has been renewed for a third season. Inspired by Morgan Cooper's lauded short film, Bel-Air is a modern-day reimagining of the iconic culture-defining '90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Following its launch on Peacock last year as the streamer's most-watched original premiere, Bel-Air is once again breaking records on the platform as Peacock's most-watched original sophomore series to date. Bel-Air is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Westbrook Studios. Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. New episodes stream Thursdays through April 27. Season two stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones. Season two saw the return of Tatyana Ali, who played the original Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and makes a recurring guest star appearance.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: 90s Con, Bel-Air, Beverly Hills 90210, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Christmas Con, Full House, Peacock, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Saved by the Bell, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Ghosts Dives Into the Metaverse with a Game; Jo Koy Gets 4th Netflix Special; Remembering Rebecca Balding of Soap

CBS' inaugural step into the metaverse commenced yesterday (July 21) with an immersive experience for fans of CBS Original comedy series Ghosts in the popular metaverse game in Decentraland, a leading next-generation Web3 gaming platform. (The game will be accessible through September via www.ghostsmetaverse.com.) Activated and developed in collaboration with Web3 marketing agency CreativeDepartmint, the experience takes fans and their self-designed avatars on an immersive journey through the show's haunted Woodstone Mansion to solve puzzles, undertake quests and earn limited edition, collectible NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), all in celebration of Ghosts, TV's #1 new series and #1 comedy on Paramount+, which returns for its sophomore season this fall.

Ghosts's Woodstone Mansion was meticulously created to mirror the series' actual sets and features delightful and surprising interactions with the show's main characters, which were voiced by the series' stars. There are more than 10 types of collectibles that fans can earn that will unlock access and future experiences, such as playing a piece of music on a virtual piano or cooking up a dish that will appeal to one of the characters, and much more. Season two of the critically acclaimed #1 new comedy/series and breakout hit Ghosts will premiere Thursday, Sept. 29 in its new time slot at 8:30 PM, ET/PT on CBS. The entire first season is available to stream on demand on Paramount+.

Jo Koy returns to Netflix for his 4th original special, live from the Los Angeles forum. The hour-long comedy special, Jo Koy: Live At The Los Angeles Forum will premiere globally on Netflix September 13, 2022. Returning to Netflix for his fourth original special, Jo Koy takes the stage at the iconic Los Angeles Forum. True to form, Jo gushes about his relationship with his teenage son along with sharing the struggles of living with sleep apnea and more. Directed by: Shannon Hartman; Executive Producers: Jo Koy, Joe Meloche, Michelle Caputo, Shannon Hartman. This special marks Koy's fourth special with Netflix. His previous hour-long specials include Comin' In Hot and Live From Seattle, in addition to his variety special In His Elements.

Actress Rebecca Balding, who starred as Carol David on Soap, has died. She died on July 18 in Park City, Utah, from ovarian cancer. Ms. Balding was 73.

Balding had a recurring role as Carol David in 19 episodes of the ABC sitcom Soap from 1978 to 1980. Carol David is an attorney and mother of Jodie Dallas' (Billy Crystal) child, who leaves Jodie at the altar, then leaves their baby with her mother. The cast included Robert Mandan, Katherine Helmond, Jimmy Baio, Diana Canova (1977-1980), Jennifer Salt, Robert Guillaume (1977-1979), Sal Viscuso (1978-1979), Donnelly Rhodes (1978-1981), Arthur Peterson, Cathryn Damon, Richard Mulligan, Jay Johnson, Ted Wass and Roscoe Lee Browne (1980-1981).

She starred as Corky Crandall on the short-lived 1979 ABC sitcom Makin' It. The show was set in Passaic, New Jersey, and was about the daily life of Billy Manucci, a young man who frequented the local disco club, Inferno, at night while working at an ice cream parlor called Tasti-Queen during the day. Corky Crandall was Billy Manucci's (David Naughton) girlfriend. The theme song, sung by David Naughton, reached #5 on the Billboard Top 40 charts in 1979. The cast included Greg Antonacci, Denise Miller, Ellen Travolta, Lou Antonio, Ralph Seymour, Gary Prendergast, Wendy Hoffman, Diane Robin and Jennifer Perito.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included The Tony Randall Show, I'm a Big Girl Now, Gimme a Break!, Family Ties, Brothers (1985), The Robert Guillaume Show, Free Spirit, Designing Women, Home Improvement and Love Boat: The Next Wave.

Balding starred as reporter Carla Mardigian in the first three episodes of the CBS newspaper drama Lou Grant in 1977. Her character was written out for a different reporter named Billie Newman played by Linda Kelsey. She had a recurring role as Mary McBride in six episodes of the CBS western Paradise from 1989 to 1990.

She had a recurring role as Elise Rothman in 22 episodes of The WB fantasy drama Charmed from 2000 to 2006. Elise Rothman is the editor-in-chief of The Bay Mirror newspaper and the boss of Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano). Balding had earlier played Aunt Jackie in a first season episode in 1998.

Some of her television drama guest appearances included The Bionic Woman (2 episodes in 1976), Barnaby Jones, The Rockford Files, Starsky & Hutch (2 episodes), Supertrain, Insight, Cagney & Lacey, Hotel, Lottery!, Matt Houston (2 episodes), MacGruder and Loud, Trapper John, M.D. (1985), Our House, MacGyver (1987), Bodies of Evidence, University Hospital, 7th Heaven, Beverly Hills, 90210 (1997), Melrose Place (2 episodes) and ER.

Balding starred in the slasher film The Silent Scream (1979) and the monster film The Boogens (1981). Her other film credits included Kiss My Grits (1982) and Yesterday's Dream (2005). Some of her television movie credits included Deadly Game (1977), The Gathering (1977) and The Gathering, Part II (1979).

She is survived by her husband, writer-director James L. Conway, her daughters, Sarah and Kathleen and her grandchildren.

Ms. Balding was a talented and versatile actress. She had nearly 50 television and film credits from 1976 to 2006. She will be deeply missed.

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

We also remember actor, comedian and writer Jak Knight. He recently starred on the Peacock comedy series Bust Down. He was found dead on an embankment in Los Angeles on July 14. His cause of death was determined to be suicide by gunshot. Mr. Knight was only 28.

Knight starred as Jak, a stockroom worker, on the 2022 Peacock comedy series Bust Down. The series follows a group of friends working low-wage jobs at a casino in Gary, Indiana. The cast includes Chris Redd, Sam Jay, Langston Kerman, Phi Tran, DomiNque Perry and Freddie Gibbs.

He provided the voice of DeVon and other characters for 28 episodes of the Netflix animated sitcom Big Mouth. He was the voice of Stiles for two episodes of American Dad! in 2021.

Some of his writing credits included black-ish, Immoral Compass, Big Mouth, Bust Down and Pause with Sam Jay. His producing credits included Big Mouth, Bust Down and Pause with Sam Jay.

Mr. Knight was a funny actor and comedian. The news of his death was very shocking and sad. He will be greatly missed.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org .

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:10 PM

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Labels: Bust Down, CBS, Charmed, Ghosts, Netflix, Obits, Soap

NBC Renews 3 Sitcoms, Cancels 2; CBS and The CW Hand Out Orders & Pink Slips; Remembering Mike Hagerty and Sitcom Producer/Writer George Yanok

NBC has ordered renewals for three of its comedies: Young Rock for a third season and American Auto and Grand Crew for their respective second seasons. Young Rock stars Dwayne Johnson, Joseph Lee Anderson, Stacey Leilua, Adrian Groulx, Bradley Constant, Uli Latukefu, Ana Tuisila, John Tui, Fasitua Amosa and Matthew Willig. American Auto stars Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, Humphrey Ker, Michael B. Washington, Tye White and X Mayo. Grand Crew stars Nicole Byer, Justin Cunningham, Aaron Jennings, Echo Kellum, Grasie Mercedes and Carl Tart. Separately, NBC has passed on new seasons of Kenan and Mr. Mayor along with freshman drama The Endgame.

Meanwhile, CBS has canceled three sitcoms and two dramas. Sitcoms United States of Al, How We Roll and B Positive have been canceled. Dramas Magnum P.I. and Good Sam have also been canceled. They have ordered three new dramas so far: Fire Country, East New York and So Help Me Todd. Stars for Fire Country: Max Thieriot, Billy Burke, Kevin Alejandro, Diane Farr, Stephanie Arcila, Jordan Calloway, and Jules Latimer. East New York stars Amanda Warren, Kevin Rankin, Jimmy Smits, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Richard Kind, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Lavel Schley and Olivia Luccardi. And So Help Me Todd stars Marcia Gay Harden, Skylar Astin, Madeline Wise, Tristen J. Winger, Inga Schlingmann and Rosa Arredondo. CBS potentitally will pick-up one more new drama for midseason consideration, but they have passed on all of their new comedy pilots.

The CW made a lot of cancelations. Newbies 4400 and Naomi along with vets Charmed, Dynasty, Legacies, Roswell New Mexico and In the Dark. The latter two still has to air a full new season of episodes starting in June. Batwoman and DC's Legends of Tomorrow were also canceled a few weeks ago, while All American: Homecoming has been renewed. The CW has picked-up three new dramas. Gotham Knights, starring Anna Lore, Fallon Smythe, Misha Collins, Navia Robinson, Olivia Rose Keegan, Oscar Morgan, Rahart Adams and Tyler DiChiara star. Walker: Independence, a prequel, starring Katherine McNamara, Matt Barr, Gabriela Quezada, Greg Hovanessian, Justin Johnson Cortez, Katie Findlay and Lawrence Kao. And finally, Supernatural prequel The Winchesters stars Drake Rodger, Meg Donnelly, Bianca Kajlich, Demetria McKinney, Jojo Fleites and Nida Khurshid also star while Jensen Ackles narrates as Dean Winchester.

ABC and Fox have not announced new series orders yet, however ABC has canceled current freshman dramas Queens and Promised Land. Stay tuned for the upfronts next week!

Actor Mike Hagerty (sometimes credited as Michael G. Hagerty) has died. He was known for playing comedic blue-collar workers, including his recurring roles as Mr. Treeger, the building superintendent, on Friends and the manager of a muffler shop on HBO's Lucky Louie. He died on May 5 at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering from a seizure. His seizure was caused by an adverse reaction to antibiotics he was taking for an infection in his leg. Mr. Hagerty was 67.

Hagerty starred as Finley on the short-lived 1993 CBS sitcom The Building. Finley is a one-time firefighter who runs the nearby bar/hangout called G&L Fire Escape in Chicago. The series also starred Bonnie Hunt, Richard Kuhlman, Don Lake, Tom Virtue and Holly Wortell.

He starred as Frank MacNamara on the short-lived 1994-1995 FOX sitcom The George Carlin Show. Frank MacNamara is a working-class regular at The Moylan Tavern. He is a good-natured drinker with a beer belly to show for it. The cast included George Carlin, Alex Rocco, Anthony Starke, Paige French, Christopher Rich, Susan Sullivan, Matt Landers and Phil LaMarr.

Hagerty starred as Mike, the manager of a muffler shop and Louie's (Louis C.K.) employer and friend, on the 2006 HBO sitcom Lucky Louie. The cast included Pamela Adlon, Kelly Gould, Laura Kightlinger, Jerry Minor, Kim Hawthorne, Rick Shapiro and Jim Norton.

He had recently been filming and starring as Ed Miller on the 2022 HBO comedy-drama Somebody Somewhere. Ed Miller is Sam's (Bridget Everett) father and a farmer. The cast includes Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Danny McCarthy, Murray Hill, Jane Drake Brody, Jon Hudson Odom and Heidi Johanningmeier.

Hagerty had a recurring role as Mr. Treeger, the building superintendent, on five episodes of NBC's Friends from 1995 to 2001.

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Cheers, Married with Children, One of the Boys, Murphy Brown, Dear John, Sydney, Get a Life (2 episodes), American Dreamer, Drexell's Class, The Wonder Years, Martin (2 episodes), Seinfeld (as Rudy in "The Raincoats"), Good Advice, Kirk, The Home Court (6 episodes as Leo Blount), The Drew Carey Show, The Faculty, Union Square, Grace Under Fire, Arli$$, The Michael Richards Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Nikki (2 episodes), Life with Bonnie (2 episodes), Complete Savages, American Dad! (voice), Entourage, 'Til Death, Good Luck Charlie, The Mindy Project, Happy Endings, Community, The Goldbergs, Marry Me and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (3 episodes as Captain McGintley).

Some of his drama guest appearances included Crime Story (2 episodes), Mann & Machine, Civil Wars, Star Trek: The Next Generation (2 episodes), Sisters, Ally McBeal, Angel, Dead Last, Deadwood, Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, Ghost Whisperer, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Medium, Glee, Grey's Anatomy and Shameless.

Hagerty's film credits included Doctor Detroit (1983), Brewster's Millions (1985), Nothing in Common (1986), Overboard (1987), Red Heat (1988), Dick Tracy (1990), V.I. Warshawski (1991), Wayne's World (1992), So I Married an Axe Murderer (1992), Stuart Saves His Family (1995), Space Truckers (1996) and Speed 2: Cruise Control. He was in a deleted scene in Uncle Buck (1989).

He is survived by his wife Mary Kathryn, his sister Mary Ann Hagerty, (and) her wife Kathleen O’Rourke, and their daughter Meg.

Mr. Hagerty was a talented and dependable character actor who was known for his mustache and thick Chicago accent. He was a familiar face in more than 100 TV series and films. We thank him for the many laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be sorely missed.

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Emmy-winning producer and director George Yanok, who worked on Welcome Back, Kotter, has died. He died on April 29 in Nashville, Tennessee. He suffered from lung cancer in the 18 months leading up to his death. Mr. Yanok was 83.

Yanok was a producer on Welcome Back, Kotter from 1976 to 1977. He received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1976 for his work. Some of his other sitcom producing credits included The Kallikaks, Tabitha, The Stockard Channing Show, Teachers Only, Too Close for Comfort, What a Country! and Out of This World.

He was one of the original writers of Hee Haw. Some of his sitcom writing credits included The Bob Newhart Show (1972), Love, American Style (2 episodes), Sanford and Son (2 episodes), The Practice (1976), The Kallikaks, Welcome Back, Kotter, (8 episodes - he also appeared as Mr. Ferguson in "Career Day"), Tabitha (2 episodes), The Stockard Channing Show (5 episodes), Teachers Only (4 episodes), 1st & Ten, Too Close for Comfort (8 episodes), What a Country! and Out of This World (3 episodes).

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Laura, his stepdaughter Katie Hill and his stepson John.

Mr. Yanok won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy, Variety or Music and Outstanding Comedy Series in 1974 and 1976, in recognition of his work on the comedy special Lily (1973) and The Lily Tomlin Special (1975). We thank him for his work on television. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: American Auto, B Positive, CBS, Charmed, Dynasty, Grand Crew, How We Roll, Kenan, Magnum, Mr. Mayor, NBC, Obits, Roswell, Somebody Somewhere, Supernatual, The CW, United States of Al, Walker Texas Ranger, Young Rock

The CW Announces Returns of Series Affected; Adult Swim Orders YOLO: Crystal Fantasy

The CW has released return dates for their series. Some shows have gotten pushed back so they can extend the season into May with the shorter episode orders, while some other series (Supernatural, Legacies) are on hold so they can finish production on the season. Batwoman and Supergirl will return on Sunday, April 26. Both of those shows will now have 20 episodes this season instead of 22. Roswell, New Mexico is unaffected and will continue to air Mondays at 9. The Flash and DC's Legends of Tomorrow return with new episodes on April 21. It looks like the former will have 19 of 22 episodes and the latter will have 14 of 15 episodes produced. Riverdale returns Wednesday, April 15 with 21 of 22 episodes, while Nancy Drew returns April 8 as planned and is unaffected. Katy Keene also is unaffected and will return as planned on April 16, while Friday dramas (Charmed, Dynasty) are all-new the rest of the season and will have all 22 episodes.

Adult Swim goes down under for its next original series, YOLO: Crystal Fantasy, which hails from YouTube creator, Michael Cusack, well known for his animated comedies. The new series premieres later this year. YOLO: Crystal Fantasy follows two Australian party girls, Sarah and Rachel, looking for fun times, new experiences, positive vibes, and hopeful horoscopes in the bizarre town of Wollongong. Sarah's quest is to find love, whereas Rachel hungers for chaos, often bringing them into conflict as they encounter surreal Australiana, strange bush creatures, and eccentric nomads.

Cusack's viral hit Ciggy Butt Brain first caught the eye of Justin Roiland who later asked him to create an Australian version of Rick and Morty, giving life to Bushworld Adventures. Cusack's animation is known for combining his brand of biting satire with his own somewhat unpolished drawing style. The quarter-hour animated series is created by Cusack (Bushworld Adventures, Ciggy Butt Brain) and produced by Cusack and Mike Cowap. Executive Producers include Cusack, Greta Lee Jackson, and Emma Fitzsimons. The series is produced by Princess Pictures. Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is a WarnerMedia network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Adult Swim is the #1 network with persons 18-24, 18-34 and 18-49 and is seen in 85 million U.S. homes. 

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Adult Swim, Charmed, Dynasty, Supernatual, The CW, YOLO: Crystal Fantasy

ABC Sets Reunions of Cheers, The Drew Carey Show, Girlfriends, Charmed, Castle and More; NBC Renews Titan Games for Season 2

Cast members and creative teams from iconic television series and films reunite on ABC prime time in "Cast from the Past Week," beginning Monday, Oct. 7. Featured will be actors and behind-the-scenes talent from Blues Brothers 2000, Castle, Charmed, Cheers, Crazy Rich Asians, The Drew Carey Show, Girlfriends, House, Think Like a Man and Wet Hot American Summer as they reunite with former castmates on ABC dramas and comedies in an unforgettable week-long event. The following are details about participating shows; all times are EDT:

MONDAY, OCT. 7
10PM The Good Doctor – Robert Sean Leonard (House) checks into The Good Doctor. Both series were created by executive producer David Shore.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8
8PM The Conners – This episode reunites John Goodman and Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers 2000) as poker buddies.
8:30PM Bless this Mess – Michael Ian Black is reunited with Wet Hot American Summer's Lake Bell when he guest stars.
9:30PM black-ish – Girlfriends stars Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones and Persia White reunite with Tracee Ellis Ross.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9
8PM The Goldbergs – Stars of the iconic '80s hit comedy Cheers Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt reunite.
9:30PM Single Parents – Adam Brody, Leighton Meester's real-life husband and former co-star (Life Partners, The Oranges), returns as Angie's ex-boyfriend Derek.

THURSDAY, OCT. 10
8PM Grey's Anatomy – Charmed stars Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs are reunited with executive producers Krista Vernoff and Andy Reaser, who were writers on Charmed.
9PM A Million Little Things – Jerry Ferrara guest stars and is reunited with Think Like a Man castmate Romany Malco.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11
8PM American Housewife – Westport rocks as Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles and Kathy Kinney guest star in an episode that reunites them with Diedrich Bader.
8:30PM Fresh off the Boat – Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) returns as Louis's brother Gene and to ABC Friday (previously on Dr. Ken).

SUNDAY, OCT. 13
10PM The Rookie – Castle alums Seamus Deaver and Jon Huertas guest star and reunite with Nathan Fillion.

NBC has renewed the epic athletic competition series The Titan Games for a second season. In its first season, The Titan Games scored a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 with 6.0 million viewers overall in "live plus seven day" Nielsens, and those figures grew to a 2.6 in 18-49 and 8.6 million viewers after 35 days of digital and linear delayed viewing. The Titan Games improved NBC's Thursday 8 p.m. timeslot by 19% or 1.2 million persons in total viewers versus NBC's results in the timeslot one year earlier.

Inspired by Johnson's desire to motivate global audiences to reach their potential for greatness, The Titan Games gives men and women across the country the opportunity to step inside the Titan arena and achieve the impossible. Competitors push their bodies to the limit by battling opponents in unforgiving head-to-head challenges, designed by Johnson. Winners advance to the ultimate challenge of Mt. Olympus, the consummate athletic test of speed, strength, agility and endurance. The Titan Games not only tests the competitors' physical strength, but also their mental and emotional fortitude.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: ABC, American Housewife, Castle, Charmed, Cheers, Drew Carey Show, Girlfriends, Grey's Anatomy, NBC, Single Parents, The Conners, The Goldbergs, The Rookie

Freeform and ABC's 2018 25 Days of Christmas Schedule; The CW Orders Full Seasons of All Freshman Series

With Christmas around the corner, Freeform's beloved "25 Days of Christmas" programming event begins on December 1. This year's holiday lineup event includes the premieres of Freeform Original Features Life-Size 2, with Tyra Banks and grown-ish's Francia Raisa from airing Sunday, Dec. 2, at 9:00-11:00 p.m. EST/PST, and No Sleep 'Til Christmas, with Dave and Odette Annable airing Monday, Dec. 10, at 9:00-11:00 p.m. EST/PST. Additionally, the network will premiere the Pop Up Santa Holiday Special on Monday, Dec. 3, at 9:30-11:00 p.m. EST/PST, bringing Christmas cheer in unexpected places, and a new installment of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST/PST. There will be plenty of holiday classics and films as well, of course, such as The Santa Clause, Christmas with the Kranks, Toy Story, Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too and Mickey's Christmas Carol. Freeform joins ABC, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior in celebrating "25 Days of Christmas" across all networks.

Moving on to ABC! ABC celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with special "25 Days of Christmas" programming starting Dec. 1. The network joins Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior in this fan-favorite TV event. The "Kickoff to Christmas" begins in late November with perennial holiday treat Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. The month of December is filled with special Christmas-themed episodes, the return of The Great Christmas Light Fight and The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition, and timeless animated classics (such as A Charlie Brown Christmas) and holiday films (such as The Sound of Music). The celebration continues after Christmas with New Year's-themed programming ringing in 2019. View both Freeform and ABC's full 25 Days of Christmas line-up!

The CW Network has ordered additional episodes for all three of its fall freshman series, including nine additional episodes of Charmed, and three additional episodes each of All American and Legacies. With these additional episodes, Charmed will finish its first season with 22 episodes, and All American and Legacies will have 16 episodes each for their first season runs. Charmed airs Sundays at 9pm, while All American airs Wednesdays at 9 and Legacies Thursdays at 9. With more original programming than ever this season, The CW still has five series set to premiere during the midseason 2019, including new series Roswell New Mexico and In the Dark, the final seasons of Jane the Virgin and iZombie, and the return of The 100. Premiere dates for The CW's midseason shows will be announced at a later time.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: 25 Days of Christmas, ABC, Charmed, Freeform, The CW

3rd Rock from the Sun Launches on Laff in July; The CW Fall 2018 Premiere Dates

Laff will begin 3rd Rock from the Sun starting Monday, July 16, 2018. It will air weeknights from 5-7pm, as Night Court will move to 1-3pm. 3rd Rock from the Sun joins Home Improvement on Laff, which was just added this month. Laff's new schedule will include Grounded for Life from 8-9am, Grace Under Fire from 9-10am, three-hours of Spin City from 10am-1pm, and two-hour blocks each of Night Court and The Drew Carey Show from 1pm-5pm, all starting July 16. 3rd Rock airs from 5-7pm into That '70s Show and Home Improvement in primetime from 7-11pm. Late nights will have more That '70s Show from 11pm-1am, then an hour each of Grace Under Fire, The Drew Carey Show and more Grace from 1am-4am. Weekends will remain the same as it is now, so 3rd Rock will not air weekends. Cybill is the only show on weekends that doesn't air on weekdays, and will continue to air from 6am-8am on Saturday mornings. We previously announced the acquisition of 3rd Rock, but now we have a premiere date and timings.

The CW Network has revealed the premiere dates for its new six-night primetime schedule starting this October, plus the time period switch for Arrow and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on Monday nights. On Tuesday, October 9, The CW's highest rated series The Flash races back into action (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the second season of the new hit Black Lightning (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The red-hot Riverdale returns for its third season Wednesday, October 10 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the debut of the inspiring new series All American (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT).

Thursday nights once again kick off with Supernatural, which is back for season 14 starting October 11 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT). For two weeks, Supernatural will provide a lead-in to encore telecasts of The CW's new series All American on October 11 and Charmed on October 18, before the debut of the new series Legacies, set in the world of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, on October 25 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). On Friday, October 12, the delicious drama of Dynasty (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT) is back for season two, paired with the final season of the critically acclaimed Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT).

The CW's new Sunday primetime line-up features the heroic return of Supergirl (8:00-9:00PM ET/PT) teamed up with the bewitching new series Charmed (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT), and premieres October 14. The CW will be switching time periods for its two high-octane action and adventure Monday series, with Arrow now leading off the night premiering October 15 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), and DC's Legends of Tomorrow moving an hour later, making its season four premiere on October 22 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT). This is a time period change for both shows from what was previously announced in May. The CW's Fall season officially kicks off with the exclusive telecast of the iHeartRadio Music Festival, airing over two nights Sunday, October 7 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT) and Monday, October 8 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT).

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: 3rd Rock from the Sun, Charmed, LAFF, Night Court, Supergirl, The CW

SitcomsOnline Digest: Which TV Series Isn't Getting a Reboot, Anyway?; CBS Orders Three (Fresh) Comedy Pilots

• We feel like at this point we'd might as well just say "it's official, everything in the history of television is about to be rebooted," as this week, we're hearing about reboots of Murphy Brown, Magnum P.I., Cagney and Lacey, Greatest American Hero, Charmed, and most likely more that we're not even aware of or missed (we'll probably still never see that aborted Coach reboot, however). (Entertainment Weekly)
• If you're not in the mood for reboots, it seems that CBS (which also is the one who seems to be going the heaviest on these reboot pilots, ironically) has some comedy pilots that are fresher ideas in the pipeline as well. (Deadline)
• Even people who aren't soap opera fans are aware of the importance of the characters Luke and Laura on General Hospital, and even though the characters have come and gone over the years as the actors have chosen to pursue other interests, it seems producers are reducing Laura's character to a recurring role, and not by the choice of Genie Francis, the actress who plays that role. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Connie Sawyer, who was recognized as Hollywood's oldest actress and made guest appearances in TV series as far in the past as The Donna Reed Show and Dr. Kildare, as well as series as recent as The Office and New Girl (and plenty in between) and also has been cast in generic roles like "old lady" going as far back as 1975, has died this week at the impressive age of 105. (People)
• February 27th (i.e. 2/27) is coming up next month, so what's more appropriate for that date than a marathon of 227?.  (SitcomsOnline)

• All fifteen seasons of the popular NBC medical drama ER are now available to watch on Hulu.
• Speaking of Hulu, if you enjoy Scrubs and don't own the DVDs (and we still strongly recommend and collect DVDs for this very reason, you never know when streaming services will pull the plug), you may want to start binge watching that now, as it is scheduled to leave Hulu on February 7 according to Hulu's official Twitter account (barring any renewals).
• The new NBC sitcom, AP Bio, makes a special preview debut Thursday night.
• You can catch a binge of The Rookies all weekend on Decades.
• Will Ferrell returns to Saturday Night Live tonight as host, along with musical guest Chris Stapleton.
• The Grammy Awards air Sunday on CBS, and they have one slight sitcom connection, as Childish Gambino (known to sitcom fans as Donald Glover of Community and Atlanta fame) has five nominations.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 2:00 PM

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Labels: Cagney and Lacey, Charmed, Greatest American Hero, Magnum, Murphy Brown, SitcomsOnline Digest