SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Remembering Legendary Sitcom Director James Burrows; The Audacity Season 2 Coming in 2027

Emmy-winning television director and producer James Burrows, who worked on Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends and Will & Grace, has died. He died on June 19. Mr. Burrows was 85.

Burrows's television career began in 1965 as a dialogue coach on the ABC sitcom O.K. Crackerby!, which starred Burl Ives and was created by Burrows's father, Abe. He started his directing career with The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1974. He directed four episodes from 1974 to 1976. Some of his other early sitcom directing credits included Phyllis (19 episodes), The Bob Newhart Show (11 episodes), The Tony Randall Show, Laverne & Shirley (8 episodes), Busting Loose (6 episodes), Rhoda (4 episodes), The Betty White Show (2 episodes) and Free Country (2 episodes).

He directed 75 episodes (Seasons 1-4) of the ABC sitcom Taxi from 1978 to 1982. He won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series in 1980 and 1981.

Burrows co-created Cheers with brothers Glen and Les Charles. He directed 236 of the 275 episodes of the 1982-1993 NBC sitcom. The show was produced by Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions in association with Paramount Television. Nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series for all 11 of its seasons on the air, it earned 28 Primetime Emmy Awards from a record of 117 nominations. He won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series in 1983 and 1991. He was one of the creators and producers of the 1987 NBC sitcom The Tortellis, which was the first spin-off of Cheers.

He directed 32 episodes of the NBC sitcom Frasier from 1993 to 1997. In 1993, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the pilot "The Good Son." He directed four episodes of the 2023-2024 Paramount+ revival.

Burrows directed 15 episodes of the NBC sitcom Friends from 1994 to 1998. He received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the 1994 episode "The One with the Blackout" from Season 1.

He directed every episode of the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, both during its initial eight-year run (1998-2006) and its later three-year revival (2017-2020). He received twelve Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the series, which won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2000.

Burrows directed over 50 television pilots. Some of his other sitcom directing credits included The Associates (4 episodes), Best of the West (3 episodes), Dear John (2 episodes), Cafe Americain (3 episodes), Partners (1995-1996, 10 episodes), NewsRadio (7 episodes), 3rd Rock from the Sun (2 episodes), Men Behaving Badly (7 episodes), Fired Up (4 episodes), George & Leo (3 episodes), Caroline in the City (21 episodes), Union Square (8 episodes), Dharma & Greg (2 episodes), Two and a Half Men (2 episodes), The Class (19 episodes), Back to You (17 episodes), Gary Unmarried (36 episodes), Romantically Challenged (4 episodes), Partners (2012-2013, 12 episodes), The Millers (32 episodes), 2 Broke Girls (4 episodes), Mike & Molly (49 episodes), Crowded (9 episodes), Man with a Plan (9 episodes), Superior Donuts (8 episodes) and B Positive (3 episodes). He directed all 10 episodes of the Hulu sitcom Mid-Century Modern in 2025.

He executive produced the Emmy Award–winning ABC specials Live in Front of a Studio Audience, including Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons in 2019, All in the Family and Good Times in 2019, and The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes in 2021.

Some of his other producing credits included The Class, Back to You, Gary Unmarried, Romantically Challenged, Mike & Molly, Partners (2012-2013), The Millers, Crowded, Superior Donuts, Man with a Plan, Will & Grace and Mid-Century Modern.

Burrows had cameo appearances in several of the shows for which he directed. Some of his acting appearances included Rhoda, Phyllis, The Bob Newhart Show, Cheers, Friends and Will & Grace. He appeared as a fictionalized version of himself directing the show-within-a-show in 8 episodes of the 2005 HBO series The Comeback, as well as its subsequent seasons in 2014 and 2026.

NBC aired a special tribute on February 21, 2016, titled Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows featuring cast reunions from many of the series Burrows directed such as Cheers, Taxi, Friends, Frasier, The Big Bang Theory, Will & Grace, and Mike & Molly.

He was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on December 17, 2003. He released his book, Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More, in 2022.

Mr. Burrows directed over 1,000 episodes of television during his legendary career. He received numerous accolades, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards. He was honored with the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. We thank him for his work on many sitcoms. He was one of the best to ever do it. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actress Daveigh Chase. She starred as Joyce in Oliver Beene. She died on June 16 in Los Angeles from complications of bacterial meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to fatal sepsis. Ms. Chase was only 35.

Chase made her television debut in a 1998 episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included Yes, Dear and Inside Schwartz in 2001.

She starred as Joyce in the 2003-2004 Fox sitcom Oliver Beene. Set in 1962 and 1963, the show chronicled the trials and tribulations of the 11-to-12-year-old Oliver Beene (played by Grant Rosenmeyer), in first person perspective. Joyce was his quirky friend. The cast included Grant Shaud, Wendy Makkena, Andrew Lawrence, Taylor Emerson, Amy Bruckner, Amanda Michalka, Maggie Grace (2004) and David Cross as the voice of future Oliver Beene.

Chase starred as Rhonda Volmer in the 2006-2011 HBO drama Big Love. Some of her other television guest appearances included Charmed, The Practice (2000), ER, The Lot, That's Life (2001), Touched by an Angel, Family Law, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Cold Case, Without a Trace and Mercy.

She provided the voice of Lilo Pelekai, an eccentric Hawaiian girl on the island of Kauaʻi who adopts Stitch as her pet dog, in the 2002 animated science fiction comedy-drama film Lilo & Stitch. She reprised the role of Lilo in the direct-to-video film Stitch! The Movie (2003) and the subsequent television series Lilo & Stitch: The Series, which aired on the Disney Channel from 2003 to 2006.

Chase starred as Samantha, the younger sister of Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), in Donnie Darko (2001) and its sequel S. Darko (2009). She starred as Samara Morgan in the 2002 supernatural horror film The Ring. Her performance earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003.

Ms. Chase was a talented actress. She appeared in more than 50 television series and films in her career, which spanned from 1998 to 2015. We thank her for her work on television and in films. She will be deeply missed.

AMC Global Media announced that production of the much anticipated eight-episode second season of The Audacity is underway in Vancouver, Canada, with the series returning to AMC and AMC+ in 2027. The satirical drama from Emmy(R) Award-winner Jonathan Glatzer (Succession, Bad Sisters, Better Call Saul) stars a powerhouse ensemble: Billy Magnussen, Sarah Goldberg, Zach Galifianakis, Lucy Punch, Simon Helberg, Meaghan Rath, Paul Adelstein, Everett Blunck, Thailey Roberge and Ava Marie Telek.

Additionally, Miriam Shor (Pluribus, American Fiction, Younger) is joining the cast in a heavily recurring role as Randy Flemming, a shrewd and unintimidated FBI Agent who enjoys the hunt like a cat relishes playing with a mouse while Jess McLeod (Normal, She's Nonbinary) has been upped to series regular for the new season, reprising their role as Harper, the brilliant, pink-haired Chief Technology Officer of the newly formed, data-mining startup P.I.N.A.T.A..

The Audacity is set inside the bubble of Silicon Valley and takes on the warped dreams, outsized egos, and ethical lapses of the self-styled inventors of the future. In a world of jaded billionaires, psychiatrist-gurus, bio-hacked tech bros, AI labs and disillusioned teens being optimized in elite private schools, an audacious data-mining CEO (Magnussen) strives to turn insight and influence into profit and power. A darkly comedic drama that confronts reality, privacy, and the delusions fueling our ever-changing world.

Magnussen stars as Duncan Park, Goldberg as Dr. JoAnne Felder, Galifianakis as Carl Bardolph, Punch as Lili Park-Hoffsteader, Helberg as Martin Phister, Rath as Anushka Bhattachera-Phister, Adelstein as Dr. Gary Felder, Blunck as Orson Stern, Roberge as Tess Phister and Telek as Jamison Park-Hoffsteader.

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

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Labels: AMC, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Obits, Taxi, Will & Grace

The CW's TV We Love Docuseries; Happy's Place Season 2 Trailer

The CW announced the premiere of TV We Love, a new multi-part docuseries debuting Monday, October 13 (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on the network. The nostalgic series celebrates eight of America's most iconic television shows and the indelible mark they left on popular culture. Kicking off with a deep dive into I Love Lucy—widely regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time -- TV We Love revisits a lineup of beloved classics including The Brady Bunch, The Love Boat, The Honeymooners, Happy Days, Dynasty, Cheers, and Touched by an Angel.

Across eight episodes, cast members, creators, scholars and television insiders share rare stories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and surprising insights into the creativity and innovation that made these programs unforgettable. More than just entertainment, these series became cultural touchstones, uniting families and generations in front of the television screen.

Featured cast members include Keith Thibodeaux (I Love Lucy); Barry Williams, Christopher Knight (The Brady Bunch) and Gary Cole (The Brady Bunch Movie); Fred Grandy and Ted Lange (The Love Boat); Don Most and Scott Baio (Happy Days); Al Corley, Jack Coleman and Pamela Sue Martin (Dynasty) and Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel). The special also features commentary from Variety Executive TV Editor Michael Schneider, entertainment writer, author and journalist Jim Colucci and super celebrity fans Bob Costas, Carrie Preston, Nicole Sullivan and Kate Flannery.

TV We Love Episode Highlights:

I Love Lucy – Explores the groundbreaking partnership of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, whose comedic brilliance and bold business moves forever changed television.
The Brady Bunch – Barry Williams and Christopher Knight open up about growing up Brady, sharing never-before-told stories of America’s favorite blended family.
The Love Boat – Cast, writers, and directors reveal how star-studded guest lists and high-seas charm made this series a beloved classic.
The Honeymooners – A look into Jackie Gleason’s creative genius and why, 70 years later, his sitcom continues to resonate.
Happy Days – Reliving the stories behind Richie, Fonzie, and the gang, with cast and creators reflecting on its pop culture legacy.
Dynasty – Cast and crew spill the secrets behind the on-set drama, outrageous glamour, and iconic ’80s excess.
Cheers – A trip back to the Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” with cast and creators sharing the spark that made it one of TV’s greatest comedies.
Touched by an Angel – Roma Downey and executive producer Martha Williamson reflects on the moving stories of faith, hope, and inspiration that captivated millions.

NBC has released images and trailer for the season two launch for Happy's Place. Bobbie (Reba McEntire) inherits her father's tavern (Happy's Place) and is surprised to discover that she has a new business partner, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), a twentysomething half-sister that she never knew she had.

In Season 2, Happy's Place reopens its doors, and a long-buried secret comes to light that will test loyalties and shake things up inside the tavern. Through it all, Bobbie must remind everyone that family isn't what you're born into, but it's the people that stand beside you, even in the workplace.

Happy's Place Season 2 premieres Friday, November 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and will be available the next day on Peacock. Executive Producers: Kevin Abbott, Reba McEntire, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Matt Berry and Pamela Fryman. Created By: Kevin Abbott and Julie Abbott. Series Regulars: Reba McEntire, Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Rex Linn, Pablo Castelblanco, and Tokala Black Elk. Guest Stars: JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Christopher Lloyd, Carol Kane, and Cheri Oteri.

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

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Labels: Cheers, Dynasty, Happy Days, Happy's Place, NBC, The Brady Bunch, The Honeymooners, The Love Boat

SitcomsOnline Digest: Zach Braff Joins Scrubs Reboot; 7th Heaven Reboot in the Works

   Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's Memorial Day weekend, so summer is just about here, and we're here with more news about reboots (of course!), renewals, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Zach Braff has joined the Scrubs reboot at ABC. (Variety)
• A 7th Heaven reboot is in the works, though it seems it won't involve the original cast (but an original cast member is the executive producer). (Deadline)
• The CW has renewed Scrabble (with new host Craig Ferguson) and Trivial Pursuit. (TV Insider)
• The Chrisley family has landed a new reality series, even with mom and dad sitting in prison. (Deadline)
• The Steve Wilkos Show, the last holdout from the tail-end of the golden era of trashy daytime TV talk shows, has been renewed for a 19th season. (Deadline)
• George Wendt, who played Norm on Cheers, died this week. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 24 - MAY 30)

• It shouldn't come as a surprise, but tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Cheers in honor of George Wendt, which was changed from the one that was originally planned.
• A new Antenna TV lineup starts Monday, with 227 returning to the lineup.
• A new season of Rick and Morty arrives Sunday night on Adult Swim.
• Adults premieres Wednesday on FX.
• Animation Domination Thursday starts this week on Fox, with new episodes of favorites from Sunday night.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: 227, 7th Heaven, Adults, Animation Domination, Antenna TV, Cheers, Rick & Morty, Scrabble, Scrubs, SitcomsOnline Digest, Trivial Pursuit

Remembering George Wendt of Cheers; Platonic Season 2 First Look

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 from cardiac arrest. 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, Catchy Comedy, Cheers, Obits, Physical, Platonic, The Studio

SitcomsOnline Digest: Fox Renews Three Animated Series and Brings Back a Fourth for Four More Seasons; ABC Renews Shifting Gears

   Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing of some renewals, a long anticipated return of South Park, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• There have been worries about American Dad! being renewed, as well as questions about the future of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob's Burgers on Fox, but this week Fox made it clear that all four are here to stay, as the network confirmed they renewed all four (which also means American Dad! is moving back to Fox after a decade on TBS). (Variety)
• After two whole years of not having new episodes, South Park finally returns with new episodes in July. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Although ratings have had a significant decline since the debut and it isn't exactly firing on all cylinders in streaming, ABC has went ahead and renewed Shifting Gears. (Deadline)
• Grey's Anatomy is becoming a never-ending show, as ABC has renewed it for season 22. (TV Insider)
• Kenan Thompson really isn't interested in leaving Saturday Night Live anytime soon. (Deadline)
• After 30 years, Deborah Norville is leaving Inside Edition. (Hollywood Reporter)
• A season 8 premiere date has been set for Rick and Morty. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 5 - APRIL 11)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Cheers.
• A new season of Hacks arrives Thursday on Max.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: American Dad!, Bob's Burgers, Cheers, Family Guy, Grey's Anatomy, Rick & Morty, Shifting Gears, SitcomsOnline Digest, South Park, The Simpsons

Remembering Bob Uecker of Mr. Belvedere, Punky Brewster Creator David W. Duclon, and Others We Recently Lost

Hall of Fame broadcaster, professional baseball catcher, and actor Bob Uecker, who starred as George Owens in Mr. Belvedere, has died. He died in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on January 16. He was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer in 2023. Mr. Uecker was 90.

Uecker starred as sportswriter George Owens in the 1985-1990 ABC sitcom Mr. Belvedere. The series is based on the Lynn Aloysius Belvedere character created by Gwen Davenport for her 1947 novel Belvedere, which was later adapted into the 1948 film Sitting Pretty. The series follows posh English butler Lynn Belvedere (Christopher Hewett) as he struggles to adapt to the Owens household in suburban Pittsburgh. It also starred Ilene Graff, Rob Stone, Tracy Wells, and Brice Beckham.

He appeared as himself in episodes of Who's the Boss? in 1986, D.C. Follies in 1987, and LateLine in 1998. In 2002, he was the voice of the "head of Bob Uecker" in the Futurama episode "A Leela of Her Own". He voiced a parody of himself named Bob Yucker in an episode of the 2021 Disney+ series Monsters at Work.

Uecker hosted two syndicated television shows, Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports and Bob Uecker's War of the Stars. He hosted Saturday Night Live during its 10th season on October 13, 1984. He was a ring announcer for Wrestlemania III (1987) and the ringside announcer, commentator, and interviewer at WrestleMania IV (1988).

He became a regular fixture on late night talk shows in the 1970s and 1980s, facetiously dubbed "Mr. Baseball" by TV talk show host Johnny Carson. He made more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Uecker appeared in a series of Miller Lite commercials starting in the 1980s. In one commercial from that decade, Uecker was seen preparing to watch a baseball game when an usher informs him he is in the wrong seat. Uecker pompously remarks, "I must be in the front row", which became another of his catchphrases.

He starred as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle in the film Major League (1989) and its two sequels, Major League II (1994) and Major League: Back to the Minors (1998). He coined the popular sports catchphrase "Juuust a bit outside", to downplay an extremely wild pitch from Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn (played by Charlie Sheen).

Uecker played backup catcher for the Milwaukee Braves (1962-1963), St. Louis Cardinals (1964-1965), Philadelphia Phillies (1966-1967), and Atlanta Braves (1967) for six seasons from 1962 to 1967. He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1964.

He served as the primary broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB) for 54 seasons from 1971 to 2024. He called games for ABC in the 1970s and early 1980s and NBC in the 1990s. He was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame with its 2003 Ford C. Frick Award in recognition of his broadcasting career.

Mr. Uecker was a national treasure. He was a comedic genius with his self-deprecating wit and deadpan delivery. We thank him for the many laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his legendary career. Mr. Baseball will be greatly missed.

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

Television writer and producer David W. Duclon, who created Punky Brewster, has died. He died in Franklin, Illinois, on January 15, after a long illness. Mr. Duclon was 74.

Duclon created the 1984-1986 NBC and 1987-1988 first-run syndicated sitcom Punky Brewster. The series is about a young girl (Soleil Moon Frye) being raised by a foster parent (George Gaynes) in Chicago. The cast included Cherie Johnson, Susie Garrett, Ami Foster, Casey Ellison (seasons 1-2, guest star season 3), Eddie Deezen (season 1), Dody Goodman (season 1), and T.K. Carter (season 2). He was the maternal uncle of Cherie Johnson.

He served as an executive producer for the 1984-1988 series and the 2021 Peacock revival. He directed four episodes of the original series in 1987. He provided the voice of Spirit Voice in a 1988 episode.

Duclon developed the 1979 CBS sitcom Working Stiffs, which starred James Belushi and Michael Keaton. He developed the 1982-1986 NBC and 1986-1987 first-run syndicated sitcom Silver Spoons with Ron Leavitt and Michael G. Moye. Duclon, Robert Illes, and James R. Stein created the 1984-1985 NBC sitcom Double Trouble. He and Gary Menteer creted the 1987-1988 Fox sitcom Second Chance (later retitled Boys Will Be Boys), which starred Matthew Perry. He created the 1994-1995 ABC sicom On Our Own.

Some of his other sitcom writing credits included The Odd Couple (4 episodes), Happy Days (2 episodes), Busting Loose (4 episodes), Laverne & Shirley (4 episodes), Makin' It, Working Stiffs (9 episodes), The Jeffersons (8 episodes), Diff'rent Strokes, Silver Spoons, Built to Last (2 episodes), Family Matters (27 episodes), Malcolm & Eddie (4 episodes, also 1 episode as a director), Yes, Dear (2002), and Eve (5 episodes).

Some of his sitcom producing credits included The Ted Knight Show, Makin' It, Working Stiffs, Laverne & Shirley, The Jeffersons, Silver Spoons, Second Chance/Boys Will Be Boys, On Our Own (1994-1995), Family Matters, Guys Like Us, Malcolm & Eddie, and Eve.

As an actor, he appeared in three episodes of The Odd Couple and a 1976 episode of Laverne & Shirley.

Mr. Duclon was a prolific sitcom writer and producer from the 1970s to 1990s. We thank him for his work creating, writing, directing and producing many sitcoms. He will be missed.

We also remember filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor David Lynch. He co-created Twin Peaks and the short-lived 1992 ABC sitcom On the Air. He died at his daughter's home in Los Angeles on January 16. His death certificate, publicly reported in February 2025, concluded that the immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cited as the underlying cause. Dehydration was also mentioned as a significant contributor. Mr. Lynch was 78.

Lynch and Mark Frost created the 1990-91 ABC surrealist mystery-horror drama Twin Peaks. He was nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. He co-wrote and directed its film prequel, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), and a third season on Showtime in 2017. He directed six episodes of the original series and all 18 episodes the reivival series. He also portrayed FBI agent Gordon Cole in both series.

Lynch and Frost created the short-lived 1992 ABC sitcom On the Air. The series follows the staff of a fictional 1950s television network, Zoblotnick Broadcasting Company (ZBC), as they produce a live variety program called The Lester Guy Show—often with disastrous results. Lynch directed the pilot episode. ABC aired only three of the seven episodes filmed, but the first and only season was broadcast in its entirety in the United Kingdom and several other European countries. The series starred Ian Buchanan, Nancye Ferguson, Miguel Ferrer, Gary Grossman, Mel Johnson Jr., Marvin Kaplan, David L. Lander, Kim McGuire, Marla Rubinoff, and Tracey Walter.

He provided the voice of Gus the Bartender in 23 episodes of the Fox animated sitcom The Cleveland Show from 2010 to 2013. He voiced Gus in a 2010 episode of Family Guy and himself in a 2016 episode. In 2012, he appeared as Jack Dahl in the three-part "Late Show" arc on FX's comedy-drama Louie.

Some of his film directing credits included Eraserhead (1977), The Elephant Man (1980), Dune (1984), Blue Velvet (1986), Wild at Heart (1990), Lost Highway (1997), The Straight Story (1999), Mulholland Drive (2001), and Inland Empire (2006).

Mr. Lynch was awarded numerous accolades, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 2006 and an Honorary Academy Award in 2019. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.

Actress Leslie Charleson was best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine in the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital. She died in Los Angeles on January 12. She had experienced several falls, which caused problems with her mobility, and had been hospitalized from one of them the week before her death. Her death certificate, publicly reported in February 2025, concluded that the immediate cause of death was sequelae of blunt head trauma, which was the result of a previous head injury. Ms. Charleson was 79.

Charleson's career began on the short-lived ABC daytime soap opera A Flame in the Wind in 1964. In 1966, she joined the cast of As the World Turns as Alice Whipple. She starred as Iris Donnelly Garrison in the CBS daytime soap opera Love Is a Many Splendored Thing from 1967 to 1970.

She joined the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital in 1977. She was a series regular from 1977 to 2010 before becoming a recurring cast member from 2010 to 2023. For her role, she received four Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series nominations: in 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1995. She appeared as Monica Quartermaine in 27 episodes of Port Charles from 1997 to 2001.

Charleson guest starred as Mrs. Dorothy Kimber in the 1975 episode of Happy Days titled "Get a Job". She played Katherine in a 2001 episode of Dharma & Greg. She appeared as herself in a 2004 episode of Friends.

Some of her other television guest appearances included N.Y.P.D., The Wild Wild West, Mannix, Adam-12, O'Hara, U.S. Treasury (1972), Search, The Rookies, Emergency!, Medical Center, Ironside, The F.B.I., Marcus Welby, M.D. (2 episodes), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (2 episodes), Kung Fu, Medical Story, Cannon (3 episodes), Barnaby Jones, The Streets of San Francisco (2 episodes), McMillan & Wife, The Rockford Files (2 episodes), and Diagnosis: Murder.

Ms. Charleson was the longest-serving cast member of General Hospital. We thank her for her work on television. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Robert Machray had a recurring role as Captain Dobbins in Cheers. He died of complications from dementia and two strokes at his home in North Hollywood, California, on January 12. Mr. Machray was 79.

Machray appeared as Captain Dobbins in four episodes of the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1990 to 1993. Captain Dobbins is a fire marshal who is often the victim of pranks at Cheers. He appeared in several "Bar Wars" episodes, in which the Cheers gang thought he was an agent of Gary's Olde Town Tavern, only to be proved wrong.

He had a recurring role as Magistrate in three episodes of the short-lived 1999 CBS sitcom Thanks. Some of his other sitcom credits included Operation Petticoat, Three's Company, Down Home, Roseanne, Love & War, Sister, Sister (1995), Maybe This Time, Suddenly Susan, Townies, The Drew Carey Show, Titus, That's My Bush!, Girlfriends, Kitchen Confidenial, and Parks and Recreation.

Mr. Machray was a familiar face in many sitcoms. We thank for his work on television. He will be missed.

Character actress Gwen Van Dam guest starred in many sitcoms. She died in West Los Angeles on December 19, 2024. Ms. Van Dam was 96.

She played Mrs. Watson in the 1971 episode of The Brady Bunch titled "Her Sister's Shadow". Some of her other sitcom credits included Maude, House Calls, Who's the Boss?, 227, Doogie Howser, M.D. (1991), 227, Bakersfield P.D., Malibu, CA (1999), Joey, Wilfred, The League, New Girl, Angie Tribeca, Modern Family, Workaholics, Insecure, and Grace and Frankie. Her final appearances were two episodes as Hazel Carrey in the 2024 Hulu action comedy Interior Chinatown.

Ms. Van Dam was a veteran character actress for 70 years. She had 140 television and film credits during her career. We thank her for work on television. She will be deeply missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:45 PM

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Labels: Cheers, Family Matters, Mr. Belvedere, Obits, Punky Brewster, Silver Spoons

SitcomsOnline Digest: Abbott Elementary Cast Gets Major Pay Raise; Saturday Night Live Season 50 Hosts Announced

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about pay raises for the cast of a popular ABC sitcom, Saturday Night Live hosts for the first few episodes of season 50, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Abbott Elementary stands out as a successful broadcast TV sitcom in an era where few (if any) broadcast TV sitcoms stand out, so it should be no surprise that the cast got a major pay raise. (Deadline)
• Saturday Night Live has announced hosts and musical guests for the first few episodes of season 50, and it'll be kicking off next Saturday with an episode hosted by a Designing Women star who has found new fame in the modern era, Jean Smart. (Entertainment Weekly)
• There won't be a third season for Pretty Little Liars: Summer School. (Deadline)
• MeTV Toons has some Halloween fun planned for October. (Cord Cutters News)
• An Australian reboot of The Office is coming to Prime Video, but seemingly to every country except the United States. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (SEPTEMBER 21 - SEPTEMBER 27)

• There is a Catchy Comedy binge of Cheers this weekend.
• Although it shares almost no similarities with the series that it shares a name with (down to the network even, as the original aired on NBC and ABC), the new CBS version of Matlock debuts on Sunday.
• Everybody Still Hates Chris debuts Wednesday on Comedy Central.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Abbott Elementary, Cheers, Everybody Still Hates Chris, Pretty Little Liars, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Office Australia

SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at New Netflix Comedy; One Tree Hill Sequel in the Works

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have a look at an upcoming Netflix comedy, we're hearing about a sequel for a teen drama from a little over a decade ago, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We have our first look at the upcoming Netflix comedy, Nobody Wants This. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Seven new channels are coming to Pluto TV in September, including a 24/7 Cheers and Frasier channel. (Cord Cutters News)
• A One Tree Hill sequel is in the works at Netflix, with at least two of the original stars set to reprise their original roles. (Variety)
• Actress Betty Bridges, who has appeared in roles on many series and is also the mother of Todd Bridges, has died at 83. (Deadline)
• For those who still have the channel (which has had significantly decreased coverage following Spectrum's dropping last year), Freeform has announced their 31 Nights of Halloween. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 6)

• Family Guy gets another new cable home, this time on Comedy Central, starting Monday.
• Catchy Comedy has a binge of The Odd Couple this weekend.
• New episodes of The Great North come to Fox on Sunday.
• The new FX comedy English Teacher debuts on Monday.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: 31 Nights of Halloween, Cheers, English Teacher, Frasier, Freeform, Nobody Wants This, One Tree Hill, Pluto TV, SitcomsOnline Digest

Abbott Elementary Post-Oscars Airing, Only Murders on ABC; Remembering Frances Sternhagen, Marty Krofft and Others We Recently Lost

ABC announced that The Oscars(R) will air live coast to coast on Sunday, March 10, in a new earlier timeslot (7:00-10:30 p.m. EDT/4:00-7:30 p.m. PDT). A 30-minute pre-show will lead into the live show (6:30-7:00 p.m. EDT/3:30-4:00 p.m. PDT), and immediately following, ABC will air an original episode of the Emmy(R) Award-winning comedy series Abbott Elementary. The telecast will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime after the live presentation. As previously announced, Emmy Award-winning late-night talk show host and producer Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the live show for the fourth time. Raj Kapoor will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Molly McNearney and Katy Mullan serving as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is set to direct the telecast. The 96th Oscars will be held at the Dolby(R) Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

ABC will head into the new year with the exclusive broadcast premiere of the Emmy Award-nominated Hulu Original comedy Only Murders in the Building. Season one of the critically acclaimed hit series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez will air Tuesdays in January, with the first three episodes debuting on Tuesday, Jan. 2, following a new semifinal episode of Celebrity Jeopardy! (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST), returning in 2024 on its new night. The airdate schedule for the 10-episode season of Only Murders in the Building is as follows (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific):

· Tuesday, Jan. 2, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Episodes 1-3)
· Tuesday, Jan. 9, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Episodes 4-6)
· Tuesday, Jan. 16, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Episodes 7-9)
· Tuesday, Jan. 23, 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Episode 10)

Recently renewed for a fourth season, Only Murders in the Building is the most-viewed Hulu Original comedy series ever. The show's first season hails from co-creators and writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman (Grace & Frankie, Looking). Martin and Hoffman executive produce along with Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Jamie Babbit, "This Is Us" creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal. From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman comes a comedic murder-mystery series for the ages. Only Murders in the Building follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building, which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it's too late. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Tony Award-winning stage and screen actress Frances Sternhagen, who had recurring roles as Esther Clavin in Cheers and as Bunny MacDougal in Sex and the City, has died. She died at her home in New Rochelle, New York, on November 27. Ms. Sternhagen was 93.

Sternhagen starred as Millie Sprague in 7 episodes of the NBC sitcom Under One Roof in 1985. Millie and Ben Sprague (Harold Gould) were Spencer Winger's (Ross Harris) maternal grandparents. She was the mother of Doris Winger (Mimi Kennedy). The show was originally titled Spencer in 1984 and starred Chad Lowe as Spencer Winger. The cast included Ronny Cox, Amy Locane, Richard Sanders, Beverly Archer, Grant Heslov and Dean Cameron.

She had a recurring role as Esther Clavin in 7 episodes of the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1986 to 1993. Esther "Ma" Clavin is the mother of Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger). It is first mentioned in the third season that Cliff lives with her, for which the other barflies mocked him. One of Esther's pastimes is making pretzels in unintentionally unusual shapes, which Cliff brings them into the bar in "Second Time Around" (1986). Sternhagen received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the role in 1991 and 1992.

Sternhagen had a recurring role as Bunny MacDougal in 10 episodes of the HBO romantic comedy-drama Sex and the City from 2000 to 2002. Bunny MacDougal is the overbearing mother of Dr. Trey MacDougal (Kyle MacLachlan), a manipulative sort who intrudes on Trey and Charlotte's (Kristin Davis) relationship and apartment on a regular basis. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for the role in 2002.

She provided the voice of Mrs. Bellamy for a 2002 episode of The Simpsons. She guest starred as Naomi in a 2004 episode of Becker.

Stenhagen starred as Charlotte Babineaux in the short-lived 1994 family drama The Family Home. She starred as Gina Williams in the 1991 CBS miniseries Stephen King's Golden Years. She had a recurring role as Millicent Carter, the grandmother of John Carter (Noah Wyle), in 21 episodes of the NBC medical drama ER from 1997 to 2003. She had a recurring role as Willie Ray Johnson in 15 episodes of the TNT police procedural from 2006 to 2012.

Some of her other television guest appearances included The Nurses, The Defenders, Profiles in Courage, For the People, The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd, Law & Order (2 episodes), Tales from the Crypt, The Outer Limits (1995) and Parenthood (2012).

She worked for many years in soap operas. She played Toni Prentiss Davis on Love of Life, Jessie Reddin on The Secret Storm, Phyllis Corrigan on The Doctors (42 episodes) and Jane Overstreet in Another World. She is also recognized as Mrs. Marsh from a series of television commercials for Colgate toothpaste that aired in the 1970s.

Sternhagen gained acclaim for her extensive career on the Broadway stage. She made her debut in The Skin of Our Teeth (1955). She went on to receive two Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performances as various characters in Neil Simon's comedic play The Good Doctor (1973) and as Lavinia Penniman in Ruth and Augustus Goetz's dramatic play The Heiress (1995). Her other Tony-nominated roles were for The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (1972), Equus (1975), Angel (1978), On Golden Pond (1979) and Morning's at Seven (2002).

She starred as Sheriff Buster's (Richard Farnsworth) wife Deputy Virginia in Rob Reiner's Misery (1990). Some of her other film credits included The Hospital (1971), Starting Over (1979), Outland (1981), Bright Lights, Big City (1988), Doc Hollywood (1991), Raising Cain (1992), See You in the Morning (1989), The Mist (2007), Julie & Julia (2009), Dolphin Tale (2011) and And So It Goes (2014).

Ms. Sternhagen was a talented and versatile character actress. Her guest appearances as Esther Clavin in Cheers were always funny and memorable. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment she brought us on television for over six decades. She will deeply missed.

Television creator, producer, writer and puppeteer Marty Krofft, who worked on H.R. Pufnstuf, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters and Land of the Lost, has died. He died from kidney failure in Los Angeles, California, on November 25. Mr. Krofft was 86.

Marty and his brother Sid made numerous children's television and variety show programs in the U.S., particularly in the 1970s, including H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973-1975), and Land of the Lost (1974-1976) through their production company, Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures. Their fantasy programs often featured large-headed puppets, high-concept plots, and extensive use of low-budget special effects. They designed the characters and sets for Hanna-Barbera's The Banana Splits on NBC from 1968 to 1970.

Some of The Krofft Brothers other credits as creators and producers included The Bugaloos (1970-1972), Lidsville (1971-1973), Far Out Space Nuts (1975-1976), The Lost Saucer (1975), Donny & Marie (1976), The Krofft Supershow (1976-1978) (which included Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (1976) and Wonderbug (1976-1978)), The Krofft Superstar Hour (aka The Bay City Rollers Show) (1978-1979), Pink Lady and Jeff (1980), Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters (1980-1982), Pryor's Place (1984), Land of the Lost (1991-1992 reboot), Mutt & Stuff (2015-2017) and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (2016-2017 reboot).

They created and produced the 1977 ABC variety show The Brady Bunch Hour. The series starred the original cast members of The Brady Bunch, with the exception of Eve Plumb, who was replaced by Geri Reischl (a.k.a. "Fake Jan"). The show began as a 60-minute special titled The Brady Bunch Variety Hour on November 28, 1976. It featured skits and songs produced by Sid & Marty Krofft Productions in association with Paramount Television.

The Krofft Brothers created and produced the 1987-1989 syndicated sitcom D.C. Follies. The show was set in a Washington, D.C. bar, where a bartender played by Fred Willard would welcome puppet caricatures of politicians and popular culture figures. Celebrity guest stars included Martin Mull, Leslie Nielsen, Bob Uecker and Betty White.

Marty and his brother Sid made many entertaining children's television and variety show programs in the 1970s and 1980s. The Kroffts received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in 2018. In 2020, the Kroffts were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their contributions to television. Sid is still living at age 94. Marty will be greatly missed.

We also remember actress and model Janet Landgard. She had a recurring role as Karen Holmby on The Donna Reed Show. She died of brain cancer on November 6. Ms. Landgard was 75.

Landgard appeared as Karen Holmby in 11 episodes of the ABC sitcom The Donna Reed Show from 1963 to 1965. Karen Holmby is the girlfriend of Jeff Stone (Paul Petersen). She made her first guest appearance as Sabrina in the episode "All Women Are Dangerous." The series also starred Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Shelley Fabares and Patty Petersen.

She guest starred as Georgia Fleck in the 1963 My Three Sons episode "The Proposals." She starred with Burt Lancaster in the 1968 film The Swimmer. She also starred in 1970's Land Raiders with Telly Savalas and the 1974 film Moonchild with Victor Buono.

Ms. Landgard was seen in commercials on television and on magazine covers as a model. She was was interviewed for the behind-the-scenes documentary The Story of the Swimmer in 2014. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Evan Ellingson starred as Kyle Savage on Complete Savages. He died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in Fontana, California, on November 5. Mr. Ellingson was only 35.

Ellingson made his acting debut in the 2001 TV movie Living in Fear and as Young Luke Spencer in a 2001 episode of General Hospital. He had a recurring role as Young 10-year-old Christopher Titus in 10 episodes of the Fox sitcom Titus from 2001 to 2002.

He starred as Kyle Savage on the 2004-2005 ABC sitcom Complete Savages. The TGIF sitcom is about a single father named Nick Savage (Keith Carradine) struggling to raise his five unruly sons (Jack, Chris, Sam, Kyle, and T.J.) alone, following the abandonment of their mother 10 years previously. Kyle Savage is a rebellious teenager who is unruly and constantly causing chaos. The series also starred Shaun Sipos, Erik von Detten, Andrew Eiden, Jason Dolley and Vincent Ventresca.

Ellingson had a recurring role as Kyle Harmon, the son of Horatio Caine (David Caruso) and Julia Winston (Elizabeth Berkley), in 18 episodes of the CBS police procedural drama CSI: Miami from 2007 to 2010.

He guest starred in a 2005 episode of Bones. He had a recurring role as Josh Bauer, the nephew of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), in 10 episodes of the sixth season of the Fox drama 24 in 2007.

Ellingson starred as Jesse Fitzgerald in the 2009 film My Sister's Keeper. It also starred Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva, Jason Patric and Alec Baldwin.

Mr. Ellingson was a good young actor. Complete Savages was a funny show which should have had a longer run. He will be missed.

Actress Judy Nugent starred as Donna Ruggles on The Ruggles. She died from cancer at her Montana ranch, on October 26. Ms. Nugent was 83.

Nugent starred as Donna Ruggles on the 1949-1952 ABC sitcom The Ruggles. The series was broadcast live. Episodes were recorded on kinescope, and some of them survive in the UCLA Film and Television Archive. The star of the series is comedian Charlie Ruggles, playing a character with the same name. It also starred Irene Tedrow (1949), Erin O'Brien-Moore (1950-1952), Margaret Kerry, Tommy Bernard and Jimmy Hawkins.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included The Life of Riley, The Danny Thomas Show, The Ann Sothern Show, The Dennis O'Keefe Show, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and The Gertrude Berg Show.

She played Jet Maypen on the Walt Disney Presents: Annette serial on The Mickey Mouse Club in 1958. Some of her other television guest appearances included The Lone Ranger, Adventures of Superman, Annie Oakley, Lassie, The Thin Man, Sugarfoot, The Millionaire, 77 Sunset Strip, Rawhide and The Tall Man (5 episodes).

Some of her film credits included Magnificent Obsession (1954), Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm (1954) and There's Always Tomorrow (1956).

Ms. Nugent gave up acting after marrying actor Buck Taylor in 1961. The marriage produced a daughter, Tiffany, and three sons, Adam, Matthew and Cooper. We thank her for her work on television. She will be deeply missed.

Television writer Stephen Kandel wrote episodes of Gidget and Room 222. He died in his home on October 21. Mr. Kandel was 96.

Kandel wrote four episodes of the 1965-1966 ABC sitcom Gidget. He wrote four episodes of the ABC comedy-drama Room 222 from 1971 to 1973.

Some of his other writing credits included Sea Hunt, The Rogues, Batman, Star Trek, Iron Horse, I Spy, It Takes a Thief, Mission: Impossible, Mannix, The Magician, Medical Center, Harry O, Cannon, Hawaii Five-O, Wonder Woman, Hart to Hart, The New Mike Hammer and MacGyver.

He worked as a producer for Iron Horse, The New Mike Hammer and MacGyver (58 episodes from 1985-1988).

Mr. Kandel was a recipient of the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe award and the Writers Guild of America Humanities award. We thank him for his work on television. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:35 PM

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Labels: Abbott Elementary, ABC, Academy Awards, Cheers, Donna Reed Show, Hulu, Jeopardy, Obits, Only Murders in the Building, Sid and Marty Krofft