Showing posts with label Home Economics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Economics. Show all posts

Saturday, September 30, 2023

SitcomsOnline Digest: WGA Strike Officially Over; ABC Cancels Home Economics

  Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, the strike is over... well, half of it anyway. We're learning when late night talk shows will be returning (hint: it's very soon), we have news of the cancellation of an ABC sitcom, and discovering a long list of series that will be removed from Hulu very soon, today to be specific. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • The WGA strike has finally come to a close, and late night talk shows are planning to come back on Monday night, but don't expect a lot of scripted material just yet as SAG-AFTRA still has an ongoing strike. (CNN)
  • It seems that Saturday Night Live might be able to return before the SAG-AFTRA strike is over, as that strike does not affect the show, but nothing official has been said. (Deadline)
  • ABC has cancelled Home Economics, a series that was previously on the bubble. (Hollywood Reporter)
  • Byron Allen made a $10 billion offer to buy ABC (and a few other things) from Disney, but despite that talk, it seems that Disney just isn't interested, yet, but that doesn't mean a sale is off the table. (Deadline)
  • Would you like more Deal or No Deal? What if it were on an island and hosted by Joe Manganiello? (Entertainment Weekly)
  • We have said over and over again that DVDs offer permanence that streaming doesn't offer, and this week, we have learned that Hulu is pulling a number of series from the service effective today, including Ally McBeal, The Practice, Hill Street Blues, The Bob Newhart Show, Better Off Ted, and Arrested Development. (Deadline)
  • However, Hulu is adding Moonlighting soon. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6)

  • Catchy Comedy has a binge of The Abbott and Costello Show this weekend.
  • All of your favorite Fox animated hits return on Sunday night, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob's Burgers.
  • Magnum, PI and Quantum Leap return for new seasons on Thursday night, with Magnum, PI making the move from CBS to NBC for the new season.

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

ABC Midseason 2023 Schedule; Fox 2023 Midseason Schedule

Not Dead Yet - Gina Rodriguez

ABC announced the 2022-2023 midseason premiere dates for two new drama series, a new comedy series and a new unscripted series as well as dates for fan-favorite returning series. A new Tuesday night block begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, with a crossover event when The Rookie returns on its new day at 8 p.m. EST, followed by The Rookie: Feds at 9 p.m. EST. Joining the night will be new crime drama Will Trent, starring Ramón Rodríguez in the title role and based on Karin Slaughter's wildly popular bestselling book series. Multiple Emmy(R) Award-winning comedy Abbott Elementary, starring and executive produced by Quinta Brunson, resumes class Wednesday, Jan. 4. Joining the series that night will be the winter premieres of Home Economics and Big Sky: Deadly Trails.

As previously announced, brand-new unscripted series The Parent Test will launch with a special series premiere following the highly anticipated debut of Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 15. The series will have its regular time period debut on Thursday, Jan. 5, after the return of Celebrity Jeopardy! hosted by Mayim Bialik; and the night will be capped off with high-octane quiz show The Chase. The following night, the Sharks plunge back into the Tank to make more great deals when Shark Tank returns Friday, Jan. 6. Everyone's favorite TV family comedies, The Conners and The Goldbergs, return with all-new episodes Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The search for love continues on an all-new season of The Bachelor, where Zach Shallcross will begin his journey on Monday, Jan. 23, joined by the winter premiere of The Good Doctor. Freshman comedy Not Dead Yet, starring and executive produced by Gina Rodriguez and adapted from the work of bestselling author Alexandra Potter, will kick off its two-episode premiere event on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 8:30 p.m. EST, then treat viewers to an all-new episode in its regular time period the same night at 9:30 p.m. EST. The series will be joined by the heartfelt premiere of A Million Little Things, which will begin its celebratory farewell season. Thrilling heist drama The Company You Keep, starring and executive produced by Milo Ventimiglia, debuts Sunday, Feb. 19, joining the return of America's Funniest Home Videos and iconic music competition series American Idol. And finally, Station 19 and Grey's Anatomy return with a winter premiere event on Thursday, Feb. 23, alongside the winter premiere of Alaska Daily, starring Hilary Swank as investigative reporter Eileen Fitzgerald. More dates will be announced at a later date including series such as The Wonder Years. View the full Winter dates schedule.


Fox is also announcing premiere dates for midseason including Fantasy Island (Monday, Jan. 2), Celebrity Name That Tune (Wednesday, Jan. 11), 9-1-1: Lone Star (Tuesday, Jan. 17), Next Level Chef (Sunday, Feb. 12) and Animal Control (Thursday, Feb. 16), joining Fall series making their Winter premieres, The Resident (Tuesday, Jan. 3), Hell's Kitchen (Thursday, Jan. 5), Welcome to Flatch (Thursday, Jan. 5) and Call Me Kat (Thursday, Jan. 5). As previously announced, all-new unscripted series Special Forces: World's Toughest Test will debut with a special two-hour event (Wednesday, Jan. 4), Alert will debut Sunday, Jan. 8 after NFL on Fox, and all-new crime thriller Accused will premiere Sunday, Jan. 22.

Animal Control

This winter, Fox beats the cold with a vacation to Fantasy Island, which returns for its second season on Monday, Jan. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The series stars Roselyn Sánchez, Kiara Barnes and John Gabriel Rodriquez. Guest stars in Season Two include Teri Hatcher and James Denton in a Desperate Housewives reunion, which also features Andy Richter (Conan); Rachael Harris (Lucifer) and Cheryl Hines (I Can See Your Voice); Frankie J. Alvarez (Looking), Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Uncoupled) and Izzy Diaz (Broke); singer/actress Marie Osmond, Kyla Pratt (Call Me Kat), Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf) and Jason Priestley (BH90210); and Alexa Mansour (The Walking Dead: World Beyond), who will recur. From executive producers Jamie Foxx and John Eisendrath, all-new missing persons drama Alert debuts Sunday, Jan. 8 after NFL on Fox (8:00-9:00 PM ET/5:00-6:00 PM PT live to all time zones), followed by its time period premiere Monday, Jan. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

As previously announced, Fox's ultimate celebrity social experiment, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, will make its series premiere, a two-hour special event, Wednesday, Jan. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The 16 celebrity recruits are Danny Amendola, Mel B, Hannah Brown, Tyler Florence, Kate Gosselin, Dwight Howard, Montell Jordan, Gus Kenworthy, Nastia Liukin, Carli Lloyd, Beverley Mitchell, Kenya Moore, Mike Piazza, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Anthony Scaramucci and Jamie Lynn Spears. Beloved one-hour musical game show Celebrity Name That Tune returns for Season Three on Wednesday, Jan. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by the time period premiere of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Celebrity Name That Tune will feature competitions with Olympians, former WNBA, NBA and NFL athletes, WWE wrestlers, Emmy-nominated actors, Grammy nominated musicians, Broadway performers, former American Idol, and Glee stars as well as former Housewives, talk show hosts, comedians and more. Hit drama series 9-1-1: Lone Star, starring Rob Lowe and Gina Torres, is back for all-new rescues beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). 9-1-1: As previously announced, the all-new crime thriller Accused, from Emmy Award-winning producer Howard Gordon, makes its debut Sunday, Jan. 22, followed by its time period premiere Tuesday, Jan. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef returns for Season Two on Sunday, Feb. 12, following Super Bowl LVII. The series will have its time period premiere Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The all-new single-camera workplace comedy, Animal Control, starring Emmy Award nominee Joel McHale (Community), will premiere Thursday, Feb. 16 (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), following the time period premiere of Next Level Chef. Please note, 9-1-1 and The Masked Singer will return this spring and additional schedule details to be announced. View the full Winter dates schedule.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

ABC Holiday Specials 2022 Schedule; Remembering Sitcom Star Leslie Jordan of Hearts Afire, Will & Grace and Call Me Kat

ABC Holiday Programming 2022

ABC announced its holiday programming in anticipation of the most wonderful time of the year, which includes a lineup filled with merriment, beloved classics and uplifting new specials. Two dazzling specials featuring some of the biggest names in music will bring melodies in December: A Very Backstreet Christmas celebrates the holidays with The Backstreet Boys, and Finding Harmony is an uplifting story featuring EGOT winner John Legend and David Brown, founder of the Columbus-based Harmony Project in Ohio. Disney will kick off its 100th anniversary celebration during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023.

More highlights include Disney's new stop-motion holiday special, Mickey Saves Christmas; the return of CMA Country Christmas from Nashville; holiday-themed episodes of ABC's favorite comedies and game shows; and Wonderful World of Disney movies that families can enjoy, including a special airing of Home Alone on Christmas Eve and the broadcast premiere of Frozen II. ABC News is also set to air Love Actually: 20 Years Later - A Diane Sawyer/ABC News Special and The Year: 2022. A magical new season of The Great Christmas Light Fight also returns, along with news of a season 11 pickup for 2023. Additional movies, musicals and specials round out the holiday season on ABC - see the full lineup.


Leslie Jordan

Emmy-winning actor, comedian, writer and singer Leslie Jordan, who starred as Lonnie Garr on Hearts Afire, as Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace and as Phil on Call Me Kat, has died. He died on October 24 after his car hit the side of a building at Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street in Hollywood. He was believed to have experienced a medical episode that led to the crash. Mr. Jordan was 67.

The People Next Door

Jordan's first sitcom starring role was as meddlesome mailman Truman Fipps on the short-lived 1989 CBS sitcom The People Next Door. The series also starred Jeffrey Jones, Mary Gross, Chance Quinn, Jaclyn Bernstein and Christina Pickles.

He played Emmet Lefebvre on the short-lived 1991 Fox sitcom Top of the Heap. Emmet Lefebre is the diminutive security guard at the Rolling Hills Country Club outside Chicago. The Married with Children spin-off also starred Joseph Bologna, Matt LeBlanc, Joey Lauren Adams and Rita Moreno.

Hearts Afire - John Ritter and Leslie Jordan

Jordan starred as Lonnie Garr in 27 episodes of the CBS sitcom Hearts Afire from 1993 to 1995. Lonnie Garr is a big-talking but insecure printer at The Daily Beacon paper. The cast included John Ritter, Markie Post, Billy Bob Thornton, Justin Burnette (1992-1994), J. Skylar Testa (1994-1995), Clark Duke, Wendie Jo Sperber (1992-1993), Beth Broderick (1992-1993), George Gaynes (1992-1993), Edward Asner (1992-1993) and Conchata Ferrell (1993-1995).

Will & Grace - Megan Mullally and Leslie Jordan

He had a recurring role as Beverley Leslie in 17 episodes of the NBC sitcom Will & Grace from 2001 to 2006 and 2017 to 2020. Beverley Leslie is Karen Walker's (Megan Mullally) pretentious, sexually ambiguous rival. Jordan won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2006. The cast included Eric McCormack, Debra Messing and Sean Hayes.

The Cool Kids

Jordan starred as Sidney "Sid" Delacroix on the 2018-2019 Fox sitcom The Cool Kids. The series follows three male residents of the Shady Meadows Retirement Community who are forced to adapt to the arrival of a new, rebellious female occupant. It also starred David Alan Grier, Martin Mull and Vicki Lawrence.

Call Me Kat

He was starring as Phil on the Fox sitcom Call Me Kat, which is currently in its third season. Phil is a newly single gay man who works as the head baker at Kat's (Mayim Bialik) café. The cast includes Swoosie Kurtz, Kyla Pratt, Julian Grant, Cheyenne Jackson and Christopher Rivas.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Night Court, Annie McGuire, Murphy Brown, Newhart, Sugar and Spice, American Dreamer, Babes, Perfect Strangers, The New WKRP in Cincinnati, Getting By, Nurses, Coach, Weird Science, Wings, Arli$$, Ellen, Dharma & Greg, Caroline in the City, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Reba, George Lopez, Shake It Up, The Game, The Neighbors, Raising Hope, The Exes, Baby Daddy, K.C. Undercover and Life in Pieces.

Jordan starred as Asst. Public Defender Clifford Sizemore on the NBC police drama Reasonable Doubts from 1992 to 1993. He played Lemar Samuels on the 1992-1993 CBS police drama Bodies of Evidence. He played Dr. Benjamin Harris in two episodes of Ally McBeal and five episodes of Boston Public. In 2005, he played Bernard Ferrion in five episodes of Boston Legal. He had a recurring role as Jesse Jo in five episodes of Hidden Palms in 2007. He played several characters in recurring roles in the American Horror Story franchise.

Some of his drama guest appearances included The Fall Guy, The Wizard, Midnight Caller, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Charlie Grace, Star Trek: Voyager, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Pretender, Pacific Blue, Buddy Faro, Martial Law, Any Day Now, Nash Bridges, Monk, Ugly Betty, Privileged, Desperate Housewives and Fantasy Island (2021).

Mr. Jordan was a beloved actor, comedian and Instagram sensation. He made everything he appeared in much better. He was always a big scene stealer. We thank him for the many laughs and entertainment that he brought us. He will be greatly missed.

Share your memories on our Call Me Kat message board. View photos in our galleries.

Monday, August 29, 2022

ABC Fall Preview Special Airs Sept. 14; Acapulco Returns in October on Apple TV+

ABC Fall Preview Special

Ahead of the anticipated debut of ABC's fall programming slate, the network and ABC's marketing team invites viewers to enjoy a preview of its primetime lineup, featuring an early look at new drama series Alaska Daily starring Oscar® winner Hilary Swank, as well as the latest addition to The Rookie franchise led by Niecy Nash-Betts, The Rookie: Feds. Plus, audiences can get a taste of what's coming up on some of their returning favorites, including Grey's Anatomy, as Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital welcomes a new batch of interns; Bachelor in Paradise, which hits the beach for another romance-filled fall debut; and seven-time Emmy®-nominated Abbott Elementary, among many others. Hosted by the cast of Home Economics (Topher Grace, Caitlin McGee, Jimmy Tatro, Karla Souza and Sasheer Zamata) ahead of their season three return, the ABC Fall Preview Special is set to air Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT on ABC.


Acapulco

Apple TV+ announced that the second season of the global hit comedy series Acapulco, starring and executive produced by SAG-Award winner Eugenio Derbez, will return on Friday, October 21, 2022. The two-episode season premiere will be followed by a new episode every Friday. Season two picks up right on the heels of season one, telling the story of twenty-something Máximo Gallardo, whose dream comes true when he scores the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco, Las Colinas. In 1985, Máximo must contend with upheaval at the resort, unexpected problems at home and a new love interest who just might rival the girl of his dreams. Under Don Pablo's guidance, he sets his eyes on one day running the entire Las Colinas operation by becoming Diane’s right-hand man. Meanwhile, in present day, Older Máximo returns to Acapulco to make peace with the recent passing of Don Pablo, where he is forced to confront some unfinished business young Máximo left behind.

Joining Derbez ("Older Máximo") in the ten episode second season are returning stars Enrique Arrizon ("Máximo"), Fernando Carsa ("Memo"), Damián Alcázar ("Don Pablo"), Camila Perez ("Julia"), Chord Overstreet ("Chad"), Vanessa Bauche ("Nora"), Regina Reynoso ("Sara"), Raphael Alejandro ("Hugo"), Jessica Collins ("Diane"), Rafael Cebrián ("Hector") and Carlos Corona ("Esteban").

Friday, June 17, 2022

ABC Fall 2022 Premiere Dates; Remembering Philip Baker Hall, Lt. Bookman on Seinfeld

Abbott Elementary

ABC has set fall premiere dates for its new and returning series for the upcoming 2022-2023 season, including new female-led dramas Alaska Daily (formerly known as Alaska) and The Rookie: Feds as well as the newest primetime game show Celebrity Jeopardy! Return dates have also been set for critically acclaimed comedy breakout Abbott Elementary, and fan favorites Bachelor in Paradise and Grey's Anatomy. ABC's No. 1 comedy last season in Adults 18-49, Quinta Brunson-helmed Abbott Elementary, returns on its new night, Wednesday, Sept. 21 (9:00-9:31 p.m. EDT), joining network comedy staples The Conners (8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT), The Goldbergs (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT) and Home Economics (9:31-10:00 p.m. EDT) for a laugh-filled evening. Then, Reba McEntire and Jensen Ackles step into the world of Big Sky on its new night, bringing with them a new mystery to unravel as the mercurial matriarch of an established local family and the new sheriff in town, respectively. The first-ever live episode of Shark Tank, featuring all six original Sharks, swims into the weekend Friday, Sept. 21. 23 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EDT). A new season of ABC News' 20/20 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT) follows.

Sundays on ABC are synonymous with family fun as Hollywood stars test their knowledge with the ultimate game of trivia on Celebrity Jeopardy! (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), debuting Sept. 25, and followed by the return of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT). The evening culminates with The Rookie (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), and AFV joins the Sunday lineup a week later on Oct. 2 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT). Summer may have ended, but romance awaits as Bachelor in Paradise turns up the heat on Tuesday, Sept. 27 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), followed by the debut of The Rookie spinoff series, The Rookie: Feds, starring Niecy Nash-Betts (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT). The search for love continues as BIP begins its two-night weekly run on Monday, Oct. 3 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), preceding the return of hit drama The Good Doctor, which hits 100 episodes this season. And finally, Alaska Daily (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), from Oscar®-winning writer Tom McCarthy (Spotlight) and starring two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, joins Station 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) and TV's longest-running primetime medical drama, Grey's Anatomy (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on Thursday, Oct. 6. Additional premiere dates for the 2022-2023 season will be announced at a later date.


Philip Baker Hall

Character actor Philip Baker Hall, who played Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld, has died. He died of emphysema at his home in Glendale, California, on June 12. Mr. Hall was 90.

Hall's early sitcom guest appearances included Good Times, M*A*S*H, It's a Living, Benson and Bagdad Cafe. He appeared as Dr. Harrison in the 1988 three-part Family Ties episode "Heartstrings," in which Steven Keaton has a heart attack and has to undergo heart surgery.

Philip Baker Hall as Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld

He played Lt. Joe Bookman, a detective pursuing a long-overdue library book, in the Seinfeld episode "The Library." It aired in the third season on October 16, 1991. Jerry learns he has a library fine from 1971, for the then-controversial book Tropic of Cancer, and that the "case" has been turned over to the library investigations officer, Lt. Bookman. Hall reprised the role in "The Finale," which aired on May 14, 1998.

The Loop

Hall starred as Russ McDonald on the 2006-2007 Fox sitcom The Loop. The show starred Bret Harrison as Sam Sullivan, a young professional trying to balance the needs of his social life with the pressures of working at the corporate headquarters of TransAlliance Airways, a major U.S. airline. Russ McDonald is head executive of TransAlliance Airways and one of Sam's bosses. The series also starred Joy Osmanski, Amanda Loncar, Mimi Rogers, Sarah Mason (Sarah Wright) and Eric Christian Olsen.

Modern Family - Nolan Gould and Philip Baker Hall

He appeared as crotchety neighbor Walt Kleezak in three episodes of Modern Family in 2011 and 2012. Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Nurses, Cheers, Bob, Empty Nest, The Good Life, Madman of the People, Life's Work, The John Larroquette Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Worst Week (2 episodes), Curb Your Enthusiam (2 episodes as Dr. Morrison), True Jackson, VP (2009), Childrens Hospital and Corporate.

Hall played Ed Meyers in 13 episodes of the ninth and final season (1989-1990) of the CBS prime time soap opera Falcon Crest. He starred as William Vaughn on the 1997-1998 CBS legal drama Michael Hayes. He played George Reese Greeley on the short-lived 2001 Fox prime time soap opera Pasadena. In 2016, he appeared as Old Jimmy Pritchad in five episodes of the Fox science fiction crime drama Second Chance. He had a recurring role as Zelman Katz on the 2020 Netflix thriller Messiah.

Some of his television drama guest appearances included Emergency!, The Waltons, McClain's Law, Quincy, M.E. (2 episodes), Cagney & Lacey, T.J. Hooker, Lottery, Hardcastle and McCormick, Miami Vice, Matlock, Murder, She Wrote (1991), L.A. Law, Equal Justice, Dark Justice, Civil Wars (3 episodes), Roswell, Chicago Hope, The Practice (4 episodes as Judge Joseph Vinocour), Millenium (2 episodes), L.A. Doctors, The Fugitive (2000), Without a Trace, Everwood, Monk, Boston Legal, The West Wing (2 episodes), Psych and Madam Secretary.

Hall starred in the Paul Thomas Anderson films Hard Eight (1996), Boogie Nights (1997) and Magnolia (1999). Some of his other film credits included Secret Honor (1984), Nothing in Common (1986), Midnight Run (1988), Say Anything... (1989), Ghostbusters II (1989), The Rock (1996), The Truman Show (1998), Rush Hour (1998), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), The Insider (1999), The Contender (2000), Dogville (2003), Bruce Almighty (2003), Duck (2005), Zodiac (2007), 50/50 (2011) and Argo (2012).

Survivors include his wife Holly Wolfle, four children, four grandchildren and a brother.

Philip Baker Hall as Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld

Mr. Hall was a fantastic character actor. His guest appearance as Lt. Bookman on Seinfeld was one of the funniest and most memorable of the series. It led to many other jobs for him. He didn't start acting until he was 30 years old, but he had over 200 TV and film credits during his long career. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment he brought us. He will be greatly missed.

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

Tuesday, November 02, 2021

ABC Winter Midseason 2022 Schedule; HBO Max Acquires Mr. Cooper, Martin, Jamie Foxx and More

Abbott Elementary

ABC announced the first wave of 2022 midseason premiere dates for new and returning series. Teacher knows best! Workplace comedy Abbott Elementary, starring and executive produced by Quinta Brunson, will air a special early premiere on Tuesday, Dec 7 at 9:30pm. The all-new series is then set to air new episodes in its regular time period starting Tuesday, Jan 4 at 9pm, where it will be joined by Emmy®-nominated black-ish at 9:30pm for a star-studded final season, and the winter return of Queens at 10pm. With the most recent seasons of The Bachelor franchise pulling in a combined 23.8 million Total Viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing on linear and digital platforms [MP+35], the search for love continues when The Bachelor launches an all-new season on Monday, Jan. 3 from 8pm-10pm. Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 10pm, ABC's heart-racing quiz show The Chase will return with new episodes (giving A Million Little Things a breather) alongside the winter returns of The Goldbergs, The Wonder Years, The Conners and Home Economics from 8-10pm. ABC's six-episode limited series Women of the Movement, chronicling the story of Mamie Till-Mobley seeking justice for son Emmett Till, will premiere Thursday, Jan. 6 from 8-10pm for three weeks, as previously announced. The epic, generation-spanning drama Promised Land, following two Latinx families vying for wealth and power in California's Sonoma Valley, rounds out January premieres on Monday, Jan. 24 at 10pm giving The Good Doctor a breather. ABC has not announced yet when the 2022 returns of its normal Thursday night line-up (Station 19, Grey's Anatomy, Big Sky) will be, along with The Good Doctor and A Million Little Things. However, additional midseason premiere dates will be shared at a later time.

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, In the House, The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin and The Parent'hood

HBO Max announced a new lineup of Warner Bros. acquisitions are now available on the platform, including the sitcoms Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, In the House, The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin and The Parent'hood. They join other recently added Warner Bros. owned sitcoms such as Full House, Family Matters, and Step by Step on Oct. 1. Perfect Strangers should be coming soon, as they have also a reboot potentially coming of that. Hangin' with Mr. Cooper stars Mark Curry, Holly Robinson Peete, Saundra Quarterman, Nell Carter, Marquise Wilson, Dawnn Lewis, Omar Gooding and Luis Avalos. In the House stars LL Cool J, Debbie Allen, Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Kim Wayans, Maia Campbell, Jeffery Wood, Dee Jay Daniels and Alfonso Ribeiro. The Jamie Foxx Show stars Jamie Foxx, Garcelle Beauvais, Christopher B. Duncan, Ellia English, Garrett Morris and Andy Berman. Martin stars Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, Thomas Mikal Ford, Carl Anthony Payne, Jonathan Gries, Garrett Morris and Angelina Estrada. The Parent'hood stars Robert Townsend, Suzzanne Douglas, Carol Woods, Kenny Blank, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Curtis Williams, Ashli Adams, Bobby McGee, Tyrone Dorzell Burton, Faizon Love and Kelly Perine.

Saturday, October 30, 2021

SitcomsOnline Digest: IMDb TV Orders Comedy from Creator of The Good Place; ABC Gives Full Season Orders to The Wonder Years and Home Economics

Happy Halloween and welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! The news this week is even slower (there is a lot to watch though!), but this week we're hearing about a new comedy for IMDb TV from the creator of The Good Place, two full season pickups at ABC, a new animated comedy for Fox (but it won't debut for another two years), and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • IMDb TV has ordered Primo, a comedy series from Shea Serrano and Michael Schur. (Variety)
  • The Wonder Years and Home Economics have both gotten full season orders at ABC. (Variety)
  • Jon Hamm has been cast to star (and also fill the role of executive producer) in Grimsburg, which will be Fox's next new animated comedy, but don't look for it to debut until 2023. (Deadline)
  • It's a little out of the realm of the stuff we usually cover here, but there is now a trailer available for Netflix's Tiger King 2. (People)
  • Casting details for the Peacock comedy Killing It, starring Craig Robinson, have been revealed. (Deadline)
  • We're learning about the first of several planned South Park specials that will debut on Paramount+, the first of which we'll see in a little under a month. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5)

  • As usual, Cozi TV will celebrate Halloween with a marathon of The Munsters, but as a twist they'll also have the feature film Munster Go Home included in that lineup this year.
  • Of course, if you like the show that The Munsters is always compared to, you can always catch The Addams Family 24/7 on the dedicated channel on Pluto TV.
  • Antenna TV used to feature marathons of Bewitched and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch for Halloween, but this year, they'll only have Bewitched on Sunday while new sister channel Rewind TV will feature Sabrina, the Teenage Witch all weekend long.
  • The HBO Max Head of the Class reboot debuts on Thursday.
  • If you're looking for a new animated adult comedy series to watch, there is Fairfax on Amazon Prime Video.
  • Judge Judy is back, with Judy Justice, which will debut Monday on IMDb TV.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

ABC Picks Up The Wonder Years & Home Economics for Full Seasons; The Critics Choice Awards to Air on The CW and TBS

The Wonder Years & Home Economics

ABC has ordered full seasons of The Wonder Years and Home Economics, picking up the back nine episodes on both series to receieve at least 22 episodes this season. They join The Goldbergs and The Conners in receiving a full season episode order. ABC this winter has the return of black-ish for its final season along with two more freshman comedies Abbott Elementary and Maggie. No premiere dates are set for those, but black-ish and Abbott will likely launch in January and Maggie likely in spring. Stay tuned! As for The Wonder Years, the freshman comedy airs Wednesdays at 8:30pm and the sophomore comedy Home Economics airs at 9:30pm on the same night. The Wonder Years stars Don Cheadle, narrating the series as Adult Dean Williams, Elisha "EJ" Williams as Dean Williams, Dulé Hill as Bill Williams, Saycon Sengbloh as Lillian Williams, Laura Kariuki as Kim Williams, Julian Lerner as Brad Hitman, Amari O'Neil as Cory Long and Milan Ray as Keisa Clemmons. Home Economics stars Topher Grace as Tom, Caitlin McGee as Sarah, Jimmy Tatro as Connor, Karla Souza as Marina, and Sasheer Zamata as Denise.


27th Annual Critics Choice Awards

For the first time in its history, The Critics Choice Awards (CCA) will be made available to an expanded audience across broadcast and cable, as TBS joins forces with The CW Network to simulcast the upcoming 27th annual Critics Choice Awards scheduled to air LIVE on Sunday, January 9, 2022 (7:00-10:00pm ET) (delayed PT - Check local listings). The show will continue its combined Film and Television awards format, honoring the finest in both cinematic and televised/streaming achievement. The awards ceremony will be held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, Calif. Critics Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most-accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations.

Friday, August 27, 2021

Fri-Yay: Apple's Ted Lasso Continues to Impress In Its Second Season; TCA Summer Press Tour: ABC

It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

Ted Lasso

by Vincent

I've written before about Ted Lasso, the great original series on Apple TV+. However, I haven't talked about the shows second season much, so I'll take the time to continue to review the shows current situation and whether the promising first season has held up in Season 2. Second seasons can be hard for TV shows, and Ted Lasso has sometimes felt a little more unsteady in its second season. The emotional beats sometimes feel a bit more forced, not as naturally kind as the show was in Season 1. However, despite that, the show really continues to be the biggest delight on TV.

I've been waiting for a new sitcom to have the combination of humor and heart that Ted Lasso does. While it doesn’t always completely stick the landing, the snow does a better job than most others on the air right now of being meaningful without forgetting about the laughs. It’s truly a special series and I highly recommend it for everyone looking for a great new comedy to watch right now.


The Conners

ABC was up yesterday at the TCA Summer Press Tour. There were plenty of updates. Read all the major updates right here! The Wonder Years premieres Sept. 22, but a few weeks later on Oct. 13, three original cast members will appear on three other ABC comedies: Fred Savage, Danica McKellar and Dan Lauria will make guest appearances on The Conners, Home Economics and The Goldbergs, respectively. ABC's No. 1 comedy last season is set to return with more laughs, surprise guests, a live episode and a chance for viewers to win a virtual appearance as a member of the Conner family in the season four premiere when The Conners returns Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT. The cast of The Conners will perform live for both the East and West Coast broadcasts of the season four premiere episode. The members of America's favorite family are no strangers to live television, but this time, they'll need some extra help to pull it off. ABC and The Conners have launched the "You Can Be A Conner" sweepstakes, offering viewers the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience by entering for the chance to win a virtual appearance during the live season premiere episode. As part of the storyline, a Conner family member will call each lucky sweepstakes winner for a live conversation regarding how they deal with some of the same life issues that the Conners navigate on a daily basis. The sweepstakes is open to legal U.S. residents, 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to enter; visit www.BeAConner.com for official rules and full details.

ABC also announced the greenlight of 10-episode courtroom comedy series Judge Steve Harvey (working title). The judge, the jury and the star of the series, Steve Harvey, will welcome a variety of conflicts and characters to his courtroom – from small claims to big disputes and everything in between. Steve plays by his own rules, basing his courtroom on his own life experiences and some good old common sense. The one-hour primetime unscripted comedy Judge Steve Harvey (working title) will premiere on ABC in 2022. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC will present a spectacular television event, The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World, taking viewers on a historical journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. Hosted by Disney Legend and moderator of ABC's The View, Whoopi Goldberg, the two-hour program will feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Disney's The Little Mermaid Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra; as well as interviews with iconic actors, actresses and athletes, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers and executives past and present, who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over "The Most Magical Place on Earth." The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World airs Friday, Oct. 1 from 8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT on ABC.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune returns with its star-studded spin on America's Game® when season two premieres on its new night, Sunday, Sept. 26 at 8:00 p.m. EDT, on ABC. Hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune welcomes celebrity contestants to spin the world's most famous Wheel and solve word puzzles for a chance to win up to $1 million. All of the money won by the celebrity contestants will go to a charity of their choice. The celebrity contestants include Jason Alexander, Tatyana Ali, Anthony Anderson, Tituss Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Brooke Burns, Lacey Chabert, Mario Cantone, Laverne Cox, Marcia Cross, Joey Fatone, Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Garlin, Anthony Michael Hall, Melissa Joan Hart, John Michael Higgins, Vanilla Ice, Tara Lipinski, Loni Love, Von Miller, Michael Mizanin, Wanya Morris, Jason Mraz, Haley Joel Osment, Donny Osmond, James Pickens Jr., Caroline Rhea, Andy Richter, Amber Riley, Tori Spelling, Shawn Stockman, Curtis Stone, Jodie Sweetin, Raven-Symoné, Karl-Anthony Towns, Michelle Trachtenberg, Nia Vardalos, Johnny Weir and Ali Wentworth.

And finally, Shark Tank, the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy® Award-winning business-themed unscripted series that celebrates entrepreneurship in America, adds four new guest Sharks for its 13th season, premiering Friday, Oct. 8 at 8:00 p.m. EDT on ABC. Emma Grede, CEO and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of SKIMS; Kevin Hart, actor, investor and entrepreneur; Peter Jones, the sole remaining original Dragon on the BBC's Dragons' Den; and Nirav Tolia, co-founder of Nextdoor, will appear individually alongside long-standing Sharks Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary in various episodes during the 2021-2022 season. Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of KIND, also returns this season.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Home Economics Returns with NFL Themed Premiere; New Flintstones Goes from Stone Age to Streaming Age on HBO Max

Home Economics

Home Economics is back and going the whole "50" yards to kick off season two, after delivering the best lead-in retention in Adults 18-49 of any new comedy debut last season, also claiming its position as the only new comedy to build over its lead-in in Total Viewers. This season, the ABC series has teamed up with the NFL and San Francisco 49ers to give viewers an exciting night of family and football in true Hayworth Family style - from an exclusive luxury suite to some good old-fashioned fun in the stands. Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice and Bay Area rapper/singer and 49ers super fan 24kGoldn make special appearances when season two of "Home Economics" premieres Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 9:30 p.m. EDT/PDT.

In the episode, Connor invites the Hayworth clan to a San Francisco 49ers game as he tries to close his latest business deal. Desperately trying to prove that he knows the game, Tom gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase his football skills in front of the entire crowd of 49ers Faithful at Levi's(R) Stadium. Meanwhile, Denise tries to get Sarah to come to terms with Shamiah's new interest in cheerleading on the season two premiere.


Yabba-Dabba Dinosaurs

From the Stone Age to the Streaming Age, WarnerMedia Kids & Family is bringing dino-sized adventures with Yabba-Dabba Dinosaurs, premiering Sept. 30 on HBO Max. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the new children's animated comedy series brings a new generation to the iconic world of the Flintstones and its beloved characters. Best friends Pebbles Flintstone and Bamm-Bamm Rubble are two kids from the town of Bedrock, a modern Stone Age civilization where dinosaurs are domesticated and helpful, including their lovable and loyal pet Dino. But the real "yabba dabba doo" times are had in the open wilderness outside of Bedrock city limits in a place they call The Crags! There, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm meet a never-ending roster of prehistoric pals and explore environments that are as wild, colorful, and surprising as the dinosaurs who live there.

Yabba-Dabba Dinosaur's talented voice cast includes: Emmy(R) nominee Jessica DeCicco (Adventure Time) as Pebbles Flintstone; Ely Henry (Justice League Action) as Bamm-Bamm Rubble; Jeff Bergman (Looney Tunes Cartoons) as Fred Flintstone and Mr. Slate; Emmy(R) nominee Kevin Michael Richardson (Summer Camp Island) as Barney Rubble; Grey Griffin (Scooby Doo and Guess Who?) as Betty Rubble; and Tress MacNeille (Animaniacs) as Wilma Flintstone.

Friday, July 16, 2021

ABC Fall 2021 Premiere Dates Includes The Wonder Years; Paramount+ Renews iCarly

The Wonder Years

ABC has set fall premiere dates for its new and returning series for the upcoming 2021-2022 season, including the highly anticipated new comedy The Wonder Years and the new drama Queens. Return dates have also been set for fan favorites Grey's Anatomy and The Bachelorette. Last fall's No. 1 new series and ABC's most-watched new drama in two years, Big Sky, returns on its new night, Thursday, Sept. 30 at 10:00 p.m. EDT, joining Station 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) and TV's longest-running primetime medical drama, Grey's Anatomy (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), for an evening of appointment viewing. On Tuesday, Oct. 19, love and hip-hop collide as reality stronghold The Bachelorette with Michelle Young debuts (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), followed by the premiere of the new drama series Queens, starring Eve, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez and Brandy, which will feature original music performed by the stars (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT).

The new fall season launches Monday, Sept. 20, with the landmark 30th season of Dancing with the Stars (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT). The Good Doctor returns to the operating room one week later – Monday, Sept. 27 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT). Need a midweek laugh? ABC is the place to be for all things funny as the network's Wednesday night comedy block resumes on Sept. 22 with The Goldbergs (8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT). Then, the highly anticipated reimagining of The Wonder Years, from Saladin K. Patterson (Dave, The Big Bang Theory), Lee Daniels (Empire, The United States vs. Billie Holiday) and original series star Fred Savage, debuts (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT); followed by The Conners (9:00-9:31 p.m. EDT) and Home Economics at its new time (9:31-10:00 p.m. EDT). The evening culminates with the season premiere of A Million Little Things (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT).

Family fun is in ample supply on Sundays as Celebrity Wheel of Fortune returns on its new night Sept. 26 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), followed by Supermarket Sweep at its new time (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT). The evening culminates with The Rookie (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), and AFV joins the Sunday lineup a week later on Oct. 3 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT). Shark Tank Fridays return with all-new episodes beginning Oct. 8 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EDT), followed by a new season of ABC News' 20/20 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT). Additional premiere dates for the 2021-2022 season will be announced at a later date.


iCarly

Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, announced that its new hit series, iCarly has been renewed for a second season in all markets the service is available, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, Latin America and the Nordics. Produced by Nickelodeon Studios, the new iCarly series premiered in June on Paramount+ and quickly became one of the streaming service’s top acquisition drivers, ranking among Paramount+'s most-streamed titles since the series' debut. Production on the second season will begin in Los Angeles this fall. iCarly on Paramount+ picks up nearly 10 years after the beloved original Nickelodeon show ended, finding Carly Shay, the original influencer, and her friends navigating work, love and family now as adults. The series stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, Jerry Trainor as Spencer, Nathan Kress as Freddie, Laci Mosley as Harper and Jaidyn Triplett as Millicent. New episodes of the 13-episode first season drop on Thursdays exclusively for Paramount+ subscribers.

The new iCarly series is executive produced by Ali Schouten and Miranda Cosgrove, with Schouten also serving as showrunner. Jerry Trainor and Alissa Vradenburg serve as producers. iCarly was created by Dan Schneider. The original series ran from 2007-2012 on Nickelodeon.

Saturday, June 26, 2021

SitcomsOnline Digest: HBO Max Adds First Two Seasons of The Chris Rock Show; Netflix Renews The Upshaws

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about a new (old) series being added to HBO Max, the renewal of a Netflix comedy, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • HBO Max has added the first two seasons of The Chris Rock Show to the service. (Deadline)
  • The Upshaws is one of those Netflix series that has gone under the radar, but if you haven't watched it yet, you can go ahead and watch the first season to get ready for the second season, as it has been renewed for that. (TVLine)
  • If you were interested in reading the script for the pilot of the ABC comedy Home Economics, here it is. (Deadline)
  • Good Girls won't be back for a fifth season. (Hollywood Reporter
  • The MeTV summer lineup, which includes Monk, is out. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 26 - JULY 2)

  • Greatest American Hero is the binge this weekend on Decades.
  • As previously mentioned, the first two seasons of The Chris Rock Show are now available on HBO Max.

Friday, May 14, 2021

NBC Upfront 2021-22: Fall 2021 Schedule; Fri-Yay: ABC and CBS Comedy Renewal Decisions

NBC 2021-22

Fall 2021


Mondays
8:00PM The Voice
10:00PM Ordinary Joe (NEW!)

Tuesdays
8:00PM The Voice
9:00PM La Brea (NEW!)
10:00PM New Amsterdam

Wednesdays
8:00PM Chicago Med
9:00PM Chicago Fire
10:00PM Chicago P.D.

Thursdays
8:00PM Law & Order: For the Defense (NEW!)
9:00PM Law & Order: SVU
10:00PM Law & Order: Organized Crime

Fridays
8:00PM The Blacklist
9:00PM Dateline NBC

Saturdays
8:00PM Drama Encores
9:00PM Dateline Weekend Mystery
10:00PM SNL Vintage

Sundays
7:00PM Football Night in America
8:20PM NBC Sunday Night Football

 
Unscheduled Mid-Season/Summer 2022:
New Comedy: American Auto, Grand Crew
New Drama: The Thing About Pam (Limited)
New Reality/Unscripted:: AGT Extreme, American Song Contest, That's My Jam, LA Fire and Rescue, The Wheel, Home Sweet Home
Returning Comedy: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Kenan, Mr. Mayor, Young Rock
Returning Drama: This Is Us, Transplant
Returning Reality/Unscripted: The Wall, Weakest Link, Who Do You Think You Are?

NOTES: Returning shows for the 2021-22 schedule include The Blacklist, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D, Dateline NBC, Kenan, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Law & Order: SVU, Mr. Mayor, NBC Sunday Night Football, New Amsterdam, This Is Us, The Voice, The Wall, Transplant, Weakest Link, Young Rock.

After kicking off with a special post-Olympics send-off for Brooklyn Nine Nine this summer, comedy returns to the schedule in midseason. New series American Auto and Grand Crew will join sophomore successes Kenan, Mr. Mayor and Young Rock for two big nights of funny. Hit comedies Kenan, Mr. Mayor, and Young Rock will also air special holiday episodes.

Decisions are yet to be made on Debris, Ellen's Game of Games, Good Girls, Manifest and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.

As part of NBC’s rolling pilot process this year, the following projects have been picked up to pilot with decisions yet to be made on series greenlights: Dangerous Moms, Getaway, Hungry, Night Court, Someone Out There and the Untitled Nick Wootton/Jake Coburn Project. With the NBC’s 52-week scheduling strategy,these pilots could be possibilities for later in the 2021-22 season or could roll over to the 2022-23 season.



Discuss NBC's 2021-22 lineup and view the full press release.


It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

The Conners

by Vincent

Well, it's hard to believe, but we are already at the time of year where networks are getting ready to renew and cancel the remaining shows that they still need to make decisions about for the next TV season. Given this season's truncated nature, it feels so early - although "Upfronts" (as they still exist given they are virtual again this year) are actually later this year than usual, and the network TV season is extending into June for many shows given the late start they had. Looking at the sitcom landscape, there are only a handful of sitcoms left on the bubble, with most shows having their fates sealed one way or the other.

The network with the most questions remaining is ABC. Their entire sitcom slate remains technically in limbo, although some shows are likely a lock to return, such as The Goldbergs, The Conners and black-ish. It will be interesting to see if any of those shows have announced final seasons, given the fact that all three saw significant ratings declines this year (in addition to the fact that The Goldbergs and black-ish are pretty old and probably expensive). Less certain for ABC is the next tier of sitcoms. American Housewife, Home Economics, and mixed-ish are all classic bubble shows, with disappointing-to-OK viewership numbers. It seems likely at least one, maybe two, will return, but it's hard to see room being made for all three. American Housewife is the oldest and probably priciest, but its ratings do edge out the remaining two, so it will be interesting to see which direction ABC goes with. Finally, Call Your Mother is a freshman sitcom that had mostly disappointing ratings and little buzz, and I wouldn't expect it to return. Other than ABC, the only sitcoms left on the bubble are B Positive and United States of Al on CBS - two mediocre rated shows that I'd call a true toss up. It'll be interesting to see how it all shakes out in the near future.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Ted Lasso Returns July 23, Mark Your Calendars; ABC Comedies Season Finale Dates

Ted Lasso

Apple unveiled the premiere date and teaser trailer for the highly anticipated second season of comedy sensation Ted Lasso, which will make its global debut on Friday, July 23, 2021 on Apple TV+. The broadly acclaimed, hit series has already been renewed for a third season ahead of its season two premiere. Ted Lasso recently triumphed at the 2021 Critics Choice Awards sweeping every category it was nominated in and securing wins for Best Comedy Series, Best Actor for Jason Sudeikis and Best Supporting Actress for Hannah Waddingham. Since its debut in August 2020, the beloved comedy has continued to be recognized with a multitude of awards and nominations, recently earning Jason Sudeikis a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award in the Best Comedy Actor category. The series also landed two Writers Guild Awards for Best New Series and Best Comedy Series, nominations from the Producers Guild of America for Comedy Series, as well as honors from many other guild and critics groups. "Ted Lasso" was also the only comedy series honored as an AFI Program of the Year and has regularly appeared on television critics' "Best of 2020" lists.

Apple's Ted Lasso stars Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, a small-time college football coach from Kansas hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer. Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster and Nick Mohammed star alongside Sudeikis in the ensemble cast who are joined in season two by Sarah Niles. In addition to starring, Sudeikis serves as executive producer, alongside Bill Lawrence via his Doozer Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of NBCUniversal Content. Doozer's Jeff Ingold also serves as an executive producer with Liza Katzer as co-executive producer. The series was developed by Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly, and is based on the pre-existing format and characters from NBC Sports.




Home Economics

ABC's Wednesday comedies will all have their season finales on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 8-10pm with The Goldbergs, Home Economics, The Conners and Call Your Mother. In fact, The Goldbergs and Home Economics are new every Wednesday from now to their finales. The Conners and Call Your Mother are preempted next week (April 28) for the Presidential Address to Congress and the following week on May 5 are back-to-back The Conners repeats from 9-10pm. The Goldbergs is one of the rare scripted shows this season that will have a full 22 episode season. Home Economics has 7 episodes, with The Conners having 20 and Call Your Mother having 13. As for ABC's Tuesday comedies black-ish and mixed-ish, their finales are set for Tuesday, May 18 from 9-10pm. Both will be new every week until then except on May 4 when repeats are airing. black-ish has the second most episodes for ABC comedies this season with 21 episodes, while mixed-ish has 13 episodes. ABC has not announced yet what will air on May 25 and May 26, since the comedies are not ending on the last week of the broadcast TV season. We are hoping for the next Live in Front of a Studio Audience special on one of those dates. Stay tuned!

Saturday, April 17, 2021

SitcomsOnline Digest: Will Sasso Joins HBO Max Sitcom Pilot; Home Economics Off to Solid Start

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It hasn't been a busy week, but we're hearing about casting for an HBO Max comedy, the death of an classic TV actor, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • Will Sasso and Tim Chiou have joined the cast of the HBO Max multi camera comedy, OK Boomer. (Hollywood Reporter)
  • ABC's Home Economics appears to be a ratings success so far. (Deadline)
  • Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt on The Addams Family, has died at age 84. (Hollywood Reporter)
  • More primetime Price is Right is coming, complete with some celebrity guests. (Deadline)
  • NBC is preparing to rollout their newest game show this summer, Capital One College Bowl. (SitcomsOnline)


WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 17 - APRIL 23) 

Younger

  • The Beverly Hillbillies is this weekend's binge on Decades.
  • Season 18 of American Dad debuts Monday on TBS.

Friday, April 16, 2021

Fri-Yay: Home Economics Is a Solid Addition to ABC’s Comedy Block; Mr Inbetween Season 3 Premiere Date Set

It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

Home Economics

by Vincent

ABC's Home Economics had a pretty quiet debut. It premiered in April, typically a time when networks aren't debuting their most promising shows but their spring replacements (although plenty of these replacements have gone on to become big hits). The promos also didn't make it look like anything special. But while Home Economics isn't re-inventing the wheel, it's a solid show and one of the better offerings of this overall uninspiring season of network comedy.

Home Economics boasts a really talented cast, including That '70s Show's Topher Grace, SNL alum Sasheer Zamata, and YouTube favorite Jimmy Tatro (along with HTGAWM's Karla Souza and the best thing about Bluff City Law, Caitlin McGee). The shows premise isn't all that original, but the chemistry between the cast and the light, playful manner of the jokes make it a really pleasant watch. The show premiered to decent ratings and reviews, and although it isn't lighting the world on fire, I hope ABC seems the potential and gives it what it couldn't give the similarly promising Single Parents - some support. After all, ABC's comedy brand is being held up by shows like The Goldbergs, black-ish, and The Conners, all of which are aging and losing the popularity they once had. Maybe it's time to let a promising newbie take the lead.


Mr Inbetween

FX set the premiere date for the third season of Mr Inbetween, the half-hour series created by, written and starring Scott Ryan and directed by Nash Edgerton. The nine-episode third season, which will be the series' final season, will premiere on Tuesday, May 25 at 10pm ET/PT on FX and be available to stream the following day on FX on Hulu. The premiere will include the first two episodes, with one new episode airing each subsequent week. Juggling parental responsibilities, complicated relationships, a viciously smart pre-teen daughter and an aging parent while earning a living would be difficult for anyone, but it's particularly tricky when you're a criminal for hire. Ray Shoesmith (Scott Ryan) 'takes care of people' - collecting debts, relieving them of drugs and guns, and often taking care of them on a more permanent basis. Ray demands respect and does not tolerate others disregarding his very clear code of ethics. As Ray's increasingly volatile work collides with his imploding personal life, he finds himself struggling to stay atop the complex web he has woven.

In season three of Mr Inbetween, Ray's world has contracted. Family life looks a little different as he quietly mourns the loss of Bruce, while figuring out how to care for his aging father, Bill (Kenny Graham). As Brittany (Chika Yasumura) grows into a young woman, she draws further away from Ray and comes closer to discovering the truth about who he really is. Things seem good with Gary (Justin Rosniak) and Dave (Matt Nable), however since severing ties with former boss and confidant Freddy (Damon Herriman), Ray is working freelance and feeling a sense of isolation. With business booming, a new connection with criminal kingpin Rafael (Jeremy Sims) intensifies Ray's struggle and when sparks fly with new colleague Zoe (Emily Barclay), an unexpected tragedy makes Ray question both his career trajectory and his ethics. Fellow underworld figures dub Ray 'The Magician' for his uncanny ability to make things disappear. As his family crumbles, emotions rage and violence escalates, the blood on his hands may finally cause the magic wand to slip.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

ABC Midseason - Spring 2021 Schedule; NBC Renews Weakest Link for 2nd Season

Home Economics

ABC announced premiere dates for a new trio of scripted and unscripted series set to debut this spring. Hosted by award-winning actress Rebel Wilson, Pooch Perfect is a dog grooming competition series showcasing 10 of the best pet stylists in the country who, along with their assistants, compete in a series of paw-some themed challenges. The eight-episode series will kick off Tuesday, March 30 at 8:00pm ET/PT after To Tell the Truth completes its 10 episode winter run. Executive produced by and starring Topher Grace, new comedy Home Economics will join the Wednesday night comedy block, premiering April 7 at 8:30pm ET/PT following American Housewife's run for 8 episodes. From writers and executive producers Michael Colton & John Aboud, the series takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship among three adult siblings. The network’s highly rated Thursday night lineup welcomes new Erin Brockovich-inspired series Rebel from executive producer Krista Vernoff. Starring Katey Sagal, the drama is set to premiere April 8 at 10:00pm ET/PT, alongside Station 19 and Grey's Anatomy. This means, A Million Little Things will move to Wednesdays starting April 7 at 10:00pm following the run of For Life. One other note, Thursday dramas Station 19, Grey's Anatomy and A Million Little Things will now return with all-new episodes on Thursday, March 11 (instead of the previously planned March 4). Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (8pm) and The Chase (special two-hour finale 9-11pm) will end their seasons now on March 4 (rather than Feb. 25), while The Hustler will still wrap on Feb. 25 at 10:00pm. Additional ABC premiere dates will be announced at a later time.


Weakest Link

Weakest Link, NBC's rebooted game show hosted by Jane Lynch, has been renewed for a second season. The popular series is a British import based on the iconic quiz show format distributed by BBC Studios. Production on the new season, set for 13 episodes, will begin later this year. Co-produced by BBC Studios' Los Angeles production arm and Universal Television Alternative Studio, the new version of Weakest Link delivers the fast-paced and quick-witted pillars of the original British format distributed by BBC Studios with a few modern twists. The hybrid game show sees contestants answer general knowledge questions to bank prize money across multiple rounds. At the end of each round, the contestants vote out who they perceive to be the Weakest Link remaining. In each episode, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers but must work together to bank the maximum amount of prize money available in each round. The contestants take turns to answer general knowledge questions to build chains of correct answers. Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain, while incorrect answers break the chain and force the contestants to start over on the lowest rung with the smallest amount money. At the end of each round, contestants vote to eliminate the fellow contestant they consider to be the "Weakest Link" in the chain. The contestant who receives the highest number of votes leaves the game as the host declares the iconic phrase, "You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye."

Tuesday, December 08, 2020

ABC Picks Up Comedy Home Economics for Midseason 2021; TNT, TBS and truTV Holiday Programming Lineup

Home Economics

ABC has picked up single-camera comedy pilot Home Economics to series. The series order will begin to air sometime this midseason 2021 and will join the ABC comedy brand. ABC has ordered 8 episodes. Three adult siblings and their spouses live blocks apart: one household is in the 1 percent (Connor), one is middle-class (Tom), and one is barely holding on (Sarah). Based on the lives of writer Michael Colton, his sister who has trouble making ends meet, and his brother who's got too much money. The series stars Topher Grace as Tom, Caitlin McGee as Sarah, Jimmy Tatro as Connor, Karla Souza as Marina (Tom's wife), and Sasheer Zamata as Denise (Sarah's wife). More info to come.

Big Sky

ABC has also picked up a full season for new thrilling drama Big Sky from David E. Kelley. The Tuesday drama had an episode order of 10 episodes (shorter than the usual 13 episodes due to the pandemic), but now it has picked up 6 more episodes, totaling 16 episodes for the season. The winter finale (episode 5) will air Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 10pm before returning for 11 more episodes starting Jan. 26. Big Sky stars Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, Brian Geraghty as Ronald Pergman, Dedee Pfeiffer as Denise Brisbane, Natalie Alyn Lind as Danielle Sullivan, Jade Pettyjohn as Grace Sullivan, Jesse James Keitel as Jerrie Kennedy, Valerie Mahaffey as Helen Pergman with John Carroll Lynch as Rick Legarski and Ryan Phillippe as Cody Hoyt.


Friends

TNT, TBS and truTV celebrate this holly jolly season with iconic holiday films and sitcom episodes throughout December. On December 17, truTV will feature a new Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party episode, celebrating holiday meals and memories. TBS will air all-new Christmas-themed episodes of American Dad on December 21 and The Misery Index on December 23, as well as festive marathons of American Dad!, Family Guy, Friends, Seinfeld and The Big Bang Theory.

An annual tradition since 1997, TBS and TNT will host a 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story from Christmas Eve to Christmas. This marathon is consistently among television’s highest-rated programs around Christmas, and last year's marathon reached nearly 35 million viewers across TBS and TNT. This year throughout the marathon, interstitials will feature fan-favorite AEW wrestlers performing a special table read of some of the film's most iconic scenes. Additionally, the table read will be available to view at TNT.tv and on TNT's YouTube page.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, August 17

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Babies and Bathwater" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dave’s ambitious home improvement plans take a turn, prompting Calvin to step in, while Malcolm seeks Gemma’s help to overcome writer’s block. Meanwhile, Tina’s suggestion for Daphne sparks a parenting dilemma for Courtney.

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to the Hoodwink" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Tina grows concerned about Malcolm’s romantic choices. Meanwhile, Calvin and Dave’s street smarts are put to the test.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - "Frank Marries a Corpse" (FX and FXX, 9:00PM ET/PT)
The guys help Frank with his cold feet ahead of his wedding to Sam; Dee tries to scare Sam off the nuptials with testimonies from The Waitress, Artemis and Snail.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - "Dennis and Dee Don't Get Rich" (FX and FXX, 9:32PM ET/PT)
The Reynolds twins push themselves to the limit to secure Sam's transfer of wealth; Charlie and Frank plan a proper memorial for Bonnie during the annual Mummers Parade.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of August 17)

Monday, August 17

  • Rosie O'Donnell (SMILF/Stand by Your Man/Gimme a Break!) - Rosie guest hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) - Watch Hannah on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Ana Gasteyer (American Auto/People of Earth/Lady Dynamite/Suburgatory) - Ana appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Will Forte (The Four Seasons/HouseBroken/MacGruber/The Last Man on Earth/The Cleveland Show) - Will stops by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Adam Ferrara (The Job) and Harland Williams (The Geena Davis Show/Simon) - Adam is a guest on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Maya Rudolph (Loot/Bless the Harts/Forever/Up All Night) - Maya appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Isla Fisher (Wolf Like Me), Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest/Bless the Harts/Enlisted) and Anna Faris (Mom) - Isla, Michelle, Anna and Leslie Mann talk about Spa Weekend on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
  • Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere/Nightcap) - Jeff talks about Apple TV's Widow's Bay on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
  • Emeril Lagasse (Emeril) - Sunny Anderson gets a big surprise from Drew – cooking with the legendary Emeril Lagasse on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Jennifer Aniston (Friends/Muddling Through/Ferris Bueller/Molloy) - Drew is chatting with Jennifer about the new season of The Morning Show, her kids cookbook, Cook with Clydeo, and her haircare line on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD) The Office - The Complete Series - Superfan Extended Episodes (Blu-ray) The Bill Dana Show - The Complete Series (DVD) I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

01/20/26 - The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (Blu-ray)
01/27/26 - The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/11/26 - Tom and Jerry - The Complete CinemaScope Collection (Blu-ray)
03/24/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
04/11/26 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD)
04/21/26 - Famous Studios Champion Collection (Blu-ray) (DVD)
05/19/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (DVD)
05/19/26 - Looney Tunes Cartoons - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
06/16/26 - Difficult People - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
06/30/26 - Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
07/14/26 - The Office - The Complete Series - Superfan Extended Episodes (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Bill Dana Show - The Complete Series (DVD)
07/28/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Paper - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
08/25/26 - Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/08/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 3 (Blu-ray)
09/22/26 - Bridget Loves Bernie - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

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08/16 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 17, 2026)
08/15 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Saved for a Second Season; Netflix Renews Seinfeld Rights
08/14 - Hulu's Trailer for Chad Powers Season 2; Freeform's Coven Academy Premieres October 1
08/13 - Trailer for Season 2 of FXX's Adults; Trailer for Season 2 of Peacock's The Paper
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08/06 - The Varnell Hill Show Coming to Paramount+ on September 1; Hallmark's 3rd Installment of Holiday Touchdown
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08/04 - Amazon MGM Studios Orders Improvised Sitcom; The CW Renews Game Shows for Season 3
08/03 - CBS Announces Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen 20th Anniversary Special; Hulu to Debut Exclusive Bob's Burgers Holiday Short
08/02 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 3, 2026)
08/01 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Clueless Sequel Series Starring Alicia Silverstone Ordered at Paramount+; Tubi Removing Some Warner Animated Series
07/31 - Netflix's Leanne Season 2 Trailer; Paramount+ Greenlights Clueless Event Series Starring Alicia Silverstone
07/30 - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 Premieres August 17 on FXX, FX and Hulu; Chad Powers Season 2 Premieres September 3 on Hulu
07/29 - Ted Lasso Returns to the Pitch August 5 on Apple TV; Hulu Unveils Futurama Season 14 Trailer and Announces Three XXXL-Sized Specials
07/28 - ABC Fall 2026 Premiere Dates; CBS Fall 2026 Premiere Dates
07/27 - Netflix's Tires Season 3 Debuts August 13; Family Guy Halloween and Holiday Specials Return Exclusively to Hulu This Year
07/26 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 27, 2026)
07/25 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Paramount and Warner Merger on Hold; Paramount+ Cancels Crutch
07/24 - Hulu's Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane Block Party; Whitmer Thomas HBO Comedy Special
07/23 - Fox's Stewie Announces Voice Cast; Clash of the Thundermans Premiere Date and Details, with Ariel Winter Joining the Cast
07/22 - Nirvanna the Band the Show on Hulu & Hulu on Disney+; Netflix's Untold Returns August 25
07/21 - First Look at Netflix's A Different World; Great American Family's 6th Annual Christmas Slate Begins in October with Laura Vandervoort Movie
07/20 - Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Official Podcast; All-Star Cast for Elizabeth Banks Apple TV Comedy
07/19 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 20, 2026)
07/18 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner to Release Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series on Blu-ray; Chloe Fineman Exits Saturday Night Live
07/17 - Remembering Hal Williams of Sanford and Son, 227 and More; The CW Renews Sullivan's Crossing