Showing posts with label John Ritter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Ritter. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 07, 2026
More Live Three's Company Readings; Lucy Hale is Scarlett Holmes for Roku in 2027
Come and Knock on Our Door: On Tour! To mark the 50th anniversary of the Three's Company premiere in 2027, The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is bringing a Three's Company Reading to four cities, each featuring a celebrity live reading of the show that brought so much laughter into so many homes.
The first one was last year in Los Angeles. The live staged reading of the classic Three's Company episode "Going to Pot" featured Kaley Cuoco, Adam Devine and Jason Alexander, with original cast members Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline reprising their iconic roles, and was directed by filmmaker Dennis Dugan and narrated by Tom Bergeron. The event brought together a stellar roster of comedic talent. You can watch that live reading on Pluto TV.
The tour kicks off on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater in NYC, co-chaired by two of The John Ritter Foundation's wonderful board members, Alex Bussenger and Donald Schwartz. The first cast member has been announced! Look who'll be waiting for you in New York City on November 2: Jason Biggs is joining in the role of Jack Tripper for the live staged reading of a Three's Company episode at Evening from the Heart New York benefiting The John Ritter Foundation. The full cast (and episode they will read) will be announced soon for NYC, so stay tuned!
Here are the upcoming dates:
🗽 New York: November 2, 2026
🤠Dallas: February 27, 2027
🎸 Cleveland: March 13, 2027
🌴 Los Angeles: September 9, 2027
Roku announced that Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) will star in and executive produce Scarlett Holmes, a new Roku Original limited series that puts a fresh, romantic spin on the legendary world of Sherlock Holmes. The limited series, produced by Jaggi Entertainment, will debut exclusively on The Roku Channel in 2027.
A modern descendant of Sherlock Holmes, "Scarlett Holmes" (Lucy Hale) has inherited her family's legendary powers of observation, but instead of solving crimes, she takes on mysteries of love, dating, and relationships. In each episode, Scarlett is joined by her trusty sidekick, "Jane Watson," as they help clients navigate mixed signals, secret crushes, romantic dilemmas, and everything in between. But while Scarlett may be an expert at solving everyone else's romantic problems, her own love life proves far more difficult to decipher. When she falls for "Ollie Moriarity" - a charming podcast producer secretly planning an exposé on her methods - she's faced with the toughest case of all: her own. Each episode's storyline draws inspiration from a beloved romantic comedy.
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Live Staged Reading of Three's Company Episode; Freeform Acquires According to Jim for October
On September 12, 2025, join The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health on their LIVESTREAM of a live staged reading of a Three's Company episode (Season 7 episode "Going to Pot" from 2/1/83). Laugh. Give. Impact.
This year's gala will showcase a special livestreamed staged reading of Three's Company, featuring original cast members Richard Kline and Priscilla Barnes playing their own characters Larry & Terri, alongside an all-star lineup: Adam Devine as Jack Tripper, Kaley Cuoco as Janet Wood, Jason Alexander as Mr. Furley, Tom Bergeron will narrate, with guest stars Steven Weber, Ron Funches, Reno Wilson, and Holly Robinson Peete.
Pluto TV is set as the exclusive media partner, hosting the on-demand release at a later date. The gala is set for September 12 at the Sunset Room in Hollywood. In addition, Pluto TV, which has a linear channel dedicated to 24/7 episodes of Three's Company, will air a marathon of Three's Company episodes in Ritter's honor.
According to Jim will air throughout the Freeform schedule starting on Wednesday, October 1. Moslty weekday mornings between 10:30am-12pm on most days and in late night from 12am-2am ET. The sitcom joins Boy Meets World on the schedule, which airs in the morning. According to Jim ran for eight seasons from 2001-2009 on ABC starring Jim Belushi. It has been in broadcast syndication and also on TBS on cable in the past. Currently it also airs on diginet Laff TV since 2019.
Belushi plays an easy-going suburban Chicago father who often finds himself in challenging situations due to his slacker ways. He is frequently at odds with his wife, Cheryl, played by Courtney Thorne-Smith, and together they raise their three children, with twins being born in the seventh season to make it a party of five. Cheryl's brother, Andy (Larry Joe Campbell), is Jim's partner-in-crime, while Kimberly Williams-Paisley plays Cheryl's sister and best friend.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Celebrities for Celebrity Family Feud Season 11; Netflix's Little House on the Prairie Starts Production
Celebrity Family Feud Season 11 Premieres Thursday, July 10, at 8 P.M. EDT on ABC and Streams Next Day on Hulu. Contestant matchups include the following for the 11 episodes (2 matches per episode except the season premiere is a full hour):
* The Housemaid vs. The Real Housewives franchise
The Housemaid: Paul Feig, Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Sarah Cooper
The Real Housewives franchise: Cynthia Bailey, Dorinda Medley, Eva Marcille, Melissa Gorga and Alexia Nepola
* Martina McBride vs. Patricia Arquette
* Jennifer Hudson vs. Taraji P. Henson
* Leanne Morgan vs. Lainey Wilson
* Laverne Cox vs. Diplo
* Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders vs. The Harlem Globetrotters
* Lil Jon vs. Matt Rife
* Rich Eisen vs. Dan Patrick
* General Hospital vs. The Young and the Restless
General Hospital: Finola Hughes, Donnell Turner, Rena Sofer, Tanisha Harper and Maurice Benard
The Young and the Restless: Joshua Morrow, Michelle Stafford, Lauralee Bell, Melissa Claire Egan and Bryton James
* Stephen Nedoroscik vs. Jordan Chiles
* Lil Rel Howery vs. George Wallace
* NFLPA Defense vs. NFLPA Offense
NFLPA Defense: Booger McFarland, Sam Barrington, Bart Scott, Tyrone Poole and Jevon Kearse
NFLPA Offense: Jerome Bettis, Marshall Faulk, Devin Hester, Ronnie Brown and LeSean McCoy
* Carla Hall vs. Bobby Flay
* Jason Ritter and the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health vs. Andy Richter
* Fantasia Barrino vs. Patti LaBelle
* Vanessa Bayer vs. Bridget Everett
* Francia Raisa vs. Kat Graham
* Kandi Burruss-Tucker vs. Kyle Richards
* Michelle Buteau vs. Normani
Netflix announced Little House on the Prairie is officially in production. Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier. Previously Announced Cast: Luke Bracey (Charles Ingalls), Crosby Fitzgerald (Caroline Ingalls), Alice Halsey (Laura Ingalls), Skywalker Hughes (Mary Ingalls), Warren Christie (John Edwards), Jocko Sims (Dr. George Tann), Meegwun Fairbrother (Mitchell), Alyssa Wapanatâhk (White Sun), Wren Zhawenim Gotts (Good Eagle), Xander Cole (Little Puma).
Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Fremantle Celebrates the Second Annual National Game Show Day on June 1; Billy Bob Thornton's Sling Blade Makes Streaming Debut
Fremantle, the world's largest producer of game shows, is offering fans everywhere a variety of festivities in celebration of the 2nd annual National Game Show Day on June 1. The party begins early with classic episodes of The Price Is Right coming to BUZZR for the first time and continues throughout the month with a multitude of activities and viewing opportunities designed specifically for game show fans, including BUZZR's premiere sponsorship of the first-ever Quiz Show Expo.
Fremantle's National Game Show Day activities and events will include the following:
When: Beginning May 28, Barker treasures will air daily from 3:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Where: BUZZR Network
When: May 27 – June 7
Where: www.Arkadium.com/games/buzzr-national-game-show-day-jigsaw
When: May 30 – June 5
Where: Twitch
When: May 30 - June 3
Where: BuzzrTV.com/giveaway
When: May 31
Where: CBS, please check your local listings
When: May 31 – June 1
Where: Quiz Show Expo – Burbank Airport and Convention Center Marriott
When: 10:00 AM PST, June 1
Where: Quiz Show Expo – Burbank Airport and Convention Center Marriott
When: June 3 – June 30
Where: Chicago O’Hare Airport
Please visit NationalGameShowDay.com, owned and operated by Fremantle, for further information on all game show celebrations.
The wait is finally over! The critically acclaimed and award-winning film Sling Blade has been remastered in 4K and will be available digitally on May 28 exclusively on Red Coral Universe, an artist-first, AVOD, OTT streaming platform. Red Coral Universe is a free-to-use global platform available on all phones, tablets, smart TVs, connected devices, and the web, or via the Red Coral Universe App on App Store, iOS, and Google Play.
Red Coral Universe has built an eclectic roster of content ranging from traditional, feature film and television, to music videos and shorts, to rap battles and podcasts. The platform even has local sports featuring current superstars such as Caleb Williams and Angel Reese in their final high school games. Red Coral Universe celebrates artists by giving them a platform to reach a global audience and an opportunity to earn a greater share of the revenue generated compared to other streaming services. Whereas, some streamers will make creators jump through hoops to share fractions of points, Red Coral Universe gives creators the vast majority of the revenue starting from the first ad watched. The AVOD platform launched in January 2024 and has grown its registrant base at 10% per day since its inception. The catalog now features a wide variety of nearly 7,000 titles from over 600 artists and growing. Red Coral also finances, produces and distributes its own original content and currently has over a dozen film and television projects in Development.
Directed, written by, and starring the immensely talented Billy Bob Thornton, Sling Blade opened in theaters in December 1996 and became a sleeper hit, capturing audiences worldwide with its gripping narrative and stellar cast. Thornton's portrayal of Karl Childers earned him widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a Best Actor nomination, while Oscar-winning actor J.T. Walsh, country music legend Dwight Yoakam, the incomparable John Ritter and Lucas Black, delivered performances that have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences today.
With its hauntingly beautiful cinematography and poignant storytelling, Sling Blade has earned its place in cinematic history, captivating audiences, and critics alike for decades. Whether you're revisiting this cinematic gem or experiencing it for the first time, Sling Blade promises to leave an indelible mark, reminding us of the power of compassion and the possibility of redemption.
Sling Blade was produced by Red Coral Universe Founder and CEO, Larry Meistrich. When the film was purchased by Miramax, it broke all previous sales records for independent film ushering in an era of profitability and opportunity for indie filmmakers. Today, Meistrich has re-acquired Sling Blade as a signature film for the artist-first streaming platform. Chris Ogeneski of Corvid Partners, a Dublin-based financial services company, advised on the re-acquisition.
Friday, November 24, 2023
Fox Winter 2024 Schedule; An Evening From the Heart John Ritter Foundation NYC 2023 Event
Fox is announcing its midseason schedule, including new series The Floor (Jan. 2), We Are Family (Jan. 3) and a special preview of Grimsburg (Jan. 7), as well as returning series I Can See Your Voice (Jan 3), The Great North (Jan. 7), TMZ Investigates (Jan. 22), America's Most Wanted (Jan. 22), Next Level Chef (Jan. 28) and Farmer Wants a Wife (Feb. 1), joining Winter premieres of fall series, Celebrity Name That Tune (Jan. 2) and Hell's Kitchen (Jan.4). Next Level Chef will return Sunday, Jan. 28, after the NFC Championship Game on FOX. All-new episodes of scripted series, The Cleaning Lady (Mar. 5), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (Mar. 5) and Animal Control (Mar. 6) return to Fox this March, along with an all-new season of The Masked Singer (Mar. 6).
This winter, Fox heats up with the all-new ultimate quiz show The Floor, hosted by Rob Lowe, premiering Tuesday, Jan. 2 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), preceded by musical game show Celebrity Name that Tune (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). From executive producer and Academy and Golden Globe-winner Jamie Foxx, We Are Family is hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, comedian and producer Anthony Anderson (black-ish), alongside his mother, Doris Bowman, commonly known as "Mama Doris." The all-new music-centric guessing game show showcasing non-famous relatives of celebrities performing amazing solo performances and duets with their hidden famous family member, premieres Wednesday, Jan. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following the return of hit competition show I Can See Your Voice (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Animation Sundays kick off on Sunday, January 7, immediately following the Fox NFL Doubleheader (8:00-8:30 PM ET/5:00-5:30 PM PT; Live to all time zones), with a special preview of the all-new series, Grimsburg. Following Grimsburg, Animation Domination continues with new episodes of Krapopolis (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT / 5:30-6:00 PM PT; Live to all time zones), Bob's Burgers (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and the season four premiere of The Great North (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). Grimsburg and The Great North make their time period premieres on Sunday, Feb. 18, as the night kicks off with all-new episodes of The Simpsons (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) and Krapopolis (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by The Great North (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and Grimsburg (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).
Starting on Monday, Jan. 22, TMZ Investigates (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and America's Most Wanted (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) return to Fox. Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef returns for season three with a special preview on Sunday, Jan. 28 (10:00-11:10 PM ET/7:00-8:10 PM PT) immediately following the NFC Championship Game on Fox. The series will have its time period premiere Thursday, Feb. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Season two of Farmer Wants a Wife returns Thursday, Feb. 1 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Beginning Tuesday, Mar. 5, thrilling crime dramas The Cleaning Lady (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Alert: Missing Persons Unit (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) launch new seasons. The Masked Singer will have its season 11 premiere on Wednesday, Mar. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) followed by the season two premiere of workplace comedy Animal Control (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and the spring premiere of animated comedy Family Guy (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). Additional schedule details to be announced.
We were on hand this month for The John Ritter Foundation: An Evening From the Heart - NYC that started seven years ago with the Petrera-Cohen family honoring the memory of their daughter, Olivia (Livie), who passed away before her second birthday from complications of a genetic aortic disorder. This year, the event commemorated The John Ritter Foundation's 20-years of impact and John's life-saving legacy, while honoring the memory of Livie. In addition, The JRF shared the story of esteemed sportswriter and LGBTQ+ rights activist Grant Wahl. Wahl shockingly passed away last winter after he collapsed from a thoracic aortic dissection while reporting on the World Cup in Qatar. The event also included the presentation of The JRF's Founders Award to Dr. John Elefteriades with the Yale School of Medicine for his decades of work improving the care of patients with aortic disease. Dr. Elefteriades is an internationally recognized cardiovascular surgeon and has served on The JRF's Professional Advisory Board since its establishment. There was also a Silent Auction with many different pieces from all sorts of genres -- sports, travel and entertainment. Among the celebrities/notable people on hand were Amy Yasbeck and Tony Shalhoub.
In 2003 the world lost John Ritter to a tragically misdiagnosed thoracic aortic dissection. Although preventable, thousands of people die every year due to the lack of awareness of this critical medical emergency. To shine a much-needed light on thoracic aortic disease, John's widow, Amy Yasbeck, established The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. Twenty years of honoring John's legacy with genetic research, widespread education, and radical advocacy.
Consider donating to this great cause that will save countless of lives for years to come.
Of course John Ritter needs no introduction, but John Ritter's career spanned decades, most notably; his starring roles in the classic TV sitcom Three's Company, 8 Simples Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, Clifford The Big Red Dog, and Stephen King's 1990 mini-series IT. His feature films include Sling Blade, Skin Deep, Stay Tuned, Bad Santa, and Problem Child 1 and 2. John received many awards throughout his esteemed career including a Primetime Emmy, The Golden Globe, and The People's Choice Award.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Antenna TV's Three's Company 45th Anniversary Marathon on March 15; Parks and Recreation Star Joins Peacock Comedic Thriller
Come and knock on Antenna TV's door, when Antenna TV presents a 45th Anniversary marathon of Three's Company on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 beginning at 5am. 45 classic episodes of the 1977-1984 sitcom will air along with an episode of Johnny Carson with guest John Ritter from 1984. The sitcom premiered on ABC on Tuesday, March 15, 1977 at 9:30pm. Join Jack, Janet, Chrissy, The Ropers and Larry for some good 'ole laughs, pratfalls & misunderstandings and stick around when Cindy, Terri and Mr. Furley join in on the action! Three's Company regularly airs on Antenna TV weeknights back-to-back 7pm ET/4pm PT and Sundays 12am ET/9pm PT. Episodes airing during the marathon on March 15 are:
5:00 AM Three's Company "Jack's Tattoo"
5:30 AM Three's Company "Love Thy Neighbor"
6:00 AM Three's Company "The Night of the Ropers"
6:30 AM Three's Company "The Baby Sitters"
7:00 AM Three's Company "Coffee, Tea or Jack?"
7:30 AM Three's Company "The Not So Great Impostor"
8:00 AM Three's Company "A Friend in Need"
8:30 AM Three's Company "Chrissy's Cousin"
9:00 AM Three's Company "Out on a Limb"
9:30 AM Three's Company "Grandma Jack"
10:00 AM Three's Company "Room at the Bottom"
10:30 AM Three's Company "Alias Jack Tripper"
11:00 AM Three's Company "The Catered Affair"
11:30 AM Three's Company "Jack Moves Out"
12:00 PM Three's Company "Eleanor's Return"
12:30 PM Three's Company "Handcuffed"
1:00 PM Three's Company "It's Only Money"
1:30 PM Three's Company "Home Movies"
2:00 PM Three's Company "Double Date"
2:30 PM Three's Company "Two Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
3:00 PM Three's Company "Ground Rules"
3:30 PM Three's Company "Cyrano de Tripper"
4:00 PM Three's Company "The Bake-Off"
4:30 PM Three's Company "Jack Goes to the Dentist"
5:00 PM Three's Company "The Fast"
5:30 PM Three's Company "Chrissy's New Boss"
6:00 PM Three's Company "Jack the Ripper"
6:30 PM Three's Company "The Root of All Evil"
7:00 PM Three's Company "A Man About the House"
7:30 PM Three's Company "Good Old Reliable Janet"
8:00 PM Three's Company "Up in the Air"
8:30 PM Three's Company "Strange Bedfellows"
9:00 PM Three's Company "The New Landlord"
9:30 PM Three's Company "Honest Jack Tripper"
10:00 PM Johnny Carson with guest John Ritter
11:00 PM Three's Company "Jack Gets His"
11:30 PM Three's Company "Opening Night"
12:00 AM Three's Company "The Brunch"
12:30 AM Three's Company "Snow Job"
1:00 AM Three's Company "Jack's Graduation"
1:30 AM Three's Company "Janet's Promotion"
2:00 AM Three's Company "And Now, Here's Jack"
2:30 AM Three's Company "The Best Laid Plans"
3:00 AM Three's Company "Stanley Casanova"
3:30 AM Three's Company "Dying to Meet You"
4:00 AM Three's Company "The Loan Shark"
Peacock announced today that Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation, Pam & Tommy) will round out the series lead casting of the highly-anticipated comedic thriller series The Resort, a multi-generational exploration of love, marriage, and family vacations, set amidst one of the Mayan Riviera's most bizarre unsolved mysteries. Offerman joins previously announced series stars William Jackson Harper and Cristin Milioti, with Skyler Gisondo, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Nina Bloomgarden, Gabriela Cartol rounding out series leads and Ben Sinclair, Parvesh Cheena, Debby Ryan, Dylan Baker, Michael Hitchcock and Becky Ann Baker as recurring guest stars. The series is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. Andy Siara will write and executive produce. Sam Esmail, via his overall deal with UCP, and Chad Hamilton, via Anonymous Content, serve as executive producers. Allison Miller will serve as Executive Producer and writer. Sarah Matte of Esmail Corp serves as Co-Executive Producer. Ben Sinclair will also direct and executive produce episodes 1-4.
Siara (Palm Springs, Lodge 49) is also a writer and co-producer on Peacock and UCP's upcoming limited series Angelyne with Emmy Rossum (Shameless) starring in the title role. Miller serves as showrunner and executive producer. Angelyne is about the L.A. billboard icon and loosely inspired by the 2017 Hollywood Reporter story about her life. The series is currently in production in the tropical location of Puerto Rico.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
REELZ Announces Three's Company, Cheers, Star Trek Unknown Story Episodes; Lifetime Expands Partnership with Melissa Joan Hart
REELZ announced its March 2022 lineup with new originals premiering every week. Among the new originals in March are stories about the power and popularity of movie franchises The Fast and the Furious, Jurassic Park, The Karate Kid and Raiders of the Lost Ark as well as proven pop culture hit TV shows Three's Company, Cheers and Star Trek. The March 2022 lineup begins Saturday, March 5 with Three's Company: The Unknown Story at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT followed by Cheers: The Unknown Story at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT celebrating two iconic sitcoms with stars and storylines audiences loved. Telling the stories of Three's Company from cast conflicts to memorable days on set is Richard Kline whose character Larry Dallas was best friends with Jack Tripper played brilliantly by the beloved John Ritter. In Cheers: The Unknown Story see the incredible journey of the show that stumbled out of the gate with low viewership only to become a TV juggernaut with more than 80 million people tuning in for the series finale. From the bombshell departure of a main character at the height of the show's success to assembling the cast of future stars including Kirstie Alley, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson hear from the multiple Emmy Award® winning creators who helped make Cheers a beloved sitcom. And finally on the TV series side, before a few daring Americans had taken one small step on the moon TV audiences had already been enjoying a giant leap in outer space through the groundbreaking show Star Trek. On Saturday, March 12 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT Star Trek: The Unknown Story explores the series that sparked a pop culture phenomenon that led to multiple movies and TV shows while creating a new type of super fandom in self-described "Trekkies." While fervent fans certainly help drive the success of a show or celebrity that relationship can become toxic and treacherous when lines are crossed and power is abused.
Lifetime announced a multi-year deal with Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Melissa & Joey, Clarissa Explains it All) to star in, direct, and executive produce several movies for the network. Hart will also star in the newly greenlight movie Dirty Little Secret (working title), as a mother hiding her extreme hoarding tendencies that are destroying her family, for the network's Ripped From The Headlines summer slate. As part of the new deal, Hart will continue her legacy with the network's It's a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie slate as the star and executive producer of new movies for 2022 and 2023. Hart has starred in six holiday films for Lifetime including Mistletoe in Montana, Dear Christmas, and A Very Merry Toy Store. In addition, she has executive produced eight films with her production company Hartbreak Films, most recently Christmas in Tune starring Reba McEntire. Hart will also direct one picture for the network, which will join her previously directed Lifetime films, The Santa Con and Feliz NaviDAD, starring Mario Lopez, and The Watcher in the Woods remake starring Anjelica Houston.
Monday, August 23, 2021
Superstar: John Ritter Airs Wednesday (Aug. 25) on ABC; Two HBO Max Comedies Add More Cast Members
The latest installment (episode three) of ABC News' new series Superstar journeys through the life and career of comedic genius John Ritter. The program chronicles how Ritter became a top comedy icon of the 1970s, how he landed his starring role on the ABC hit Three's Company, and how he found success as an actor outside of comedy. The television event also dives into his personal life and sudden and tragic death at just 54 years old that stunned the world. Superstar: John Ritter has new interviews with his son, Jason Ritter, and his first wife, Nancy Ritter, who open up about their memories of him and his legacy. The program includes interviews with top actors who worked with and were influenced by Ritter, including Three's Company co-star Suzanne Somers, Bryan Cranston, Jimmy Kimmel, Kaley Cuoco, Henry Winkler and Raven-Symoné. Superstar: John Ritter also features footage from the ABC News archives, including Ritter's interview with ABC News' Barbara Walters, never-before-seen family videos as well as an interview with Ritter's wife Amy Yasbeck, on her efforts to raise awareness for the aortic disease Ritter passed away from. Superstar: John Ritter airs Wednesday, Aug. 25 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Superstar is produced by ABC News. David Sloan is senior executive producer. Muriel Pearson is executive producer. The first two episodes focused on Whitney Houson and Kobe Bryant. Next Wednesday (Sept. 1) will focus on Richard Pryor. Future episodes include a look at Robin Williams. Video preview of Superstar: John Ritter.
The Max Original comedy series Our Flag Means Death has added Fred Armisen and Samba Schutte to the cast. Our Flag Means Death is loosely based on the true adventures of Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby), a pampered aristocrat who abandoned his life of privilege to become a pirate. Previously announced cast: The series also stars Academy Award(R) winner Taika Waititi as "Blackbeard," history's most feared and revered pirate. The ensemble cast includes Ewen Bremner, David Fane, Nat Faxon, Nathan Foad, Joel Fry, Leslie Jones, Samson Kayo, Guz Khan, Rory Kinnear, Matt Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O'Neill and Vico Ortiz.
Meanwhile, Keith David has been cast as the narrator for season two of the Max Original Love Life, a romantic comedy anthology series from Lionsgate Television and Feigco Entertainment. Season two focuses on "Marcus Watkins" (Emmy(R) nominee and executive producer William Jackson Harper) as he comes out of a years-long relationship with the woman he thought was going to be his person. The rug pulled out from under him, he is plunged back into the search for the romantic fulfillment that he thought he had already found. The new season is currently in production in New York. Previously announced cast members: Series regulars William Jackson Harper, Jessica Williams, Punkie Johnson and Chris "Comedian CP" Powell; recurring guest stars Arian Moayed, Leslie Bibb and John Earl Jelks; and guest stars Maya Kazan, Ego Nwodim, Kimberly Elise, Blair Underwood, Janet Hubert and Jordan Rock. Season one's Anna Kendrick, who also executive produces, Zoë Chao, Peter Vack, Sasha Compére and Nick Thune will appear in season two.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
REELZ Announces New Specials on John Ritter, Bernie Mac, David Cassidy, Larry Hagman & More; Netflix Releases Unsolved Mysteries Trailer
REELZ announced new programming for summer 2020 led by new series In My Own Words chronicling the lives of Valerie Bertinelli, Fran Drescher, Bo Derek and the late Bernie Mac with each sharing intimate stories about their life-changing experiences on their journey to stardom. The network will also premiere its 100th episode of original series Autopsy: The Last Hours of... with a look at showbusiness luminary Walt Disney with additional new episodes celebrating the lives and examining the untimely deaths of John Ritter, Gilda Radner, David Cassidy, Larry Hagman, Dick Clark, Billy Mays, Burt Reynolds, Marlon Brando and Debbie Reynolds. Summer 2020 premieres on REELZ also include four new original specials starting with Aaron Hernandez: Jailhouse Lover Tells All with the NFL star's former prison cellmate Kyle Kennedy sharing his story of befriending and ultimately having an intimate relationship with Hernandez. Rounding out summer 2020 premieres are three new original Behind Closed Doors specials with host Natalie Morales giving viewers a look at the real lives of beloved stars Olivia Newton-John, John Candy and Valerie Harper.
Some key highlights include: On Sunday, July 19 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT it's Autopsy: The Last Hours of...John Ritter examining the life and tragic passing of the beloved TV and movie star whose relative youth and reputation as a fit physical performer is seemingly at odds with such a sudden death at just 54 years old. Sunday, July 19 also marks the series premiere of In My Own Words with Valerie Bertinelli: In My Own Words at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT featuring the multiple Emmy Award® winning actress in a candid and revealing interview about her stellar career and family life.
August premieres begin with two new episodes of Autopsy: The Last Hours of... on Sunday, August 2 exploring the lives and untimely deaths of two massively popular TV stars in David Cassidy and Larry Hagman. Autopsy: The Last Hours of...David Cassidy premieres at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT with the real story of The Partridge Family star whose acting and music for the show catapulted him from obscurity to popularity rivaling The Beatles but Cassidy's death would leave more questions than answers for his fans. Then at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT it's Autopsy: The Last Hours of...Larry Hagman about the biggest primetime soap star in the world on the hit show Dallas whose life of excess brought illness. Hagman battled back only to ultimately succumb to Leukemia shortly after diagnosis. August premieres wrap on Sunday, August 30 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT with Valerie Harper: Behind Closed Doors about the star who TV audiences first fell in love with on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as her pitch perfect wisecracking sidekick character Rhoda became the high bar for supporting roles. Harper would parlay her strong performance into a successful spin off show and a long career in TV until a terminal cancer diagnosis rocked her world and led her to a new calling in life.
Finally, in Bernie Mac: In My Own Words premiering September 2020 (time TBD) see the powerful story of the late king of comedy with never-before-heard personal recordings from Mac himself discussing his childhood, family, marriage and his relentless drive to make it big in comedy. Enriched by interviews with Mac's wife Rhonda McCullough, daughter Je'Niece McCullough and friend Cedric the Entertainer among others the story of Bernie Mac comes to life with rare footage of his open-mic performances as well as his triumphs headlining comedy shows and writing and starring in the hit sitcom The Bernie Mac Show.
The original creators of Unsolved Mysteries and the Producers of Stranger Things invite you to solve new mysteries. Follow the clues. Solve the cases. Only on Netflix July 1. Fusing signature elements from the original series with contemporary immersive, character-driven storytelling, the six new episodes are rooted in the experiences of ordinary people who have lived the unthinkable - from the trauma of a loved one's unexplained disappearance or horrific death, to the shock of a bizarre paranormal encounter. Alongside detectives and journalists, family members offer clues, present theories, and identify suspects, hoping one viewer holds the key to solving the mystery.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Fri-Yay: What Direction Are Sitcoms Headed In?; REELZ Fall 2018 Slate Includes John Ritter Special
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!
by Vincent
In my last column, I discussed sitcom's past, and which decade represented the best that sitcoms had to offer. In this column, I'll be taking a look at where I think sitcoms are headed as we head towards the end of the 2010s into a new decade.
If we look back at the 2010s as a decade for sitcoms, you'll notice that, with the exception of The Big Bang Theory (which is the decade's most popular sitcom for sure but almost seems at odds with the rest of the most popular sitcoms of the decade), single-camera sitcoms were dominant. The decade was defined by shows like Modern Family and Parks and Recreation - and, when these shows premiered, their single-camera mockumentary format was inventive and fresh. Now, however, we've seen that format become somewhat overplayed and fall in popularity. The most popular and acclaimed sitcoms of the current moment are shows like Superstore, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place. These shows are still single-camera, but - while being unique for other reasons - are a bit more traditional in their storytelling format. However, these shows all have very unique, well-defined characters and fast-paced humor, so I would expect that to continue in the near future.
An interesting question mark is whether multi-camera sitcoms will make a comeback. The format has been slowly dying out, and seems to have hit its lowest point this decade - after single-cams began growing in popularity in the 2000s, the 2010s ramped up their production of them, particularly after shows like The Office and Modern Family became big hits, proving that single-camera sitcoms weren't just a niche trend, but something that could be transported to large audiences. CBS has really struggled to replace its multi-cam massive hit The Big Bang Theory with a similar replacement - most of their attempts to find "the next Big Bang Theory" have either started strong but wound up disappointing (such as 2 Broke Girls), completely misfired altogether (such as Kevin Can Wait). They found some success with the consistently solid performer Mom, but it's never quite been the giant hit CBS likely would want it to be. It's pretty telling that CBS's spin-off of Big Bang is actually a single-cam rather than a multi-cam. However, the revival of Roseanne, even with all of its controversy, may prove to be a turning point in favor of multi-camera sitcoms. Networks are desperate to find a show that appeals to wide audiences as much as the Roseanne reboot did without the political controversy, and considering how many viewers tuned into the multi-camera Roseanne reboot, a multi-camera sitcom could be the trick. Add that to the fact that Netflix's One Day at a Time and NBC's canceled but beloved The Carmichael Show have found a lot of fan and critical love, and the tides may be turning towards multi-camera sitcoms once again. So could the 2020s see a move back towards more traditional sitcoms? It's certainly possible, but I'd say that we should still expect the expiration of the 2000s and 2010s to continue - a balance of both, though, presents an interesting future for the sitcom.
REELZ announced its fall 2018 programming slate including new series, new specials, new episodes of returning series and the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising telecast airing for the first time on the network. Of note for us is their Behind Closed Doors specials. Every so often a star leaves an everlasting mark on culture and entertainment creating household names with stories that enthrall the public. This is especially true with the stories of John Ritter and Paul Walker who are the focus of two new Behind Closed Doors specials hosted by Natalie Morales. Rounding out the new specials is Casey Anthony showing viewers her shocking tale as told through unprecedented access to Anthony's inner circle and the law enforcement officials who worked the case.
Behind Closed Doors (New John Ritter episode premieres Saturday, September 8 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT)- Behind Closed Doors original documentary specials hosted by Natalie Morales return with new episodes about the life and legacy of Three's Company star John Ritter and an intimate look at The Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker's life cut short by tragedy. Behind Closed Doors examines the lives of beloved celebrities utilizing the vast offerings of NBC News historical archives including rarely seen footage and revealing interviews with the celebrities themselves along with fresh interviews from those who knew or worked with them. Behind Closed Doors specials are produced by NBC News' Peacock Productions.
John Ritter: Behind Closed Doors premieres Saturday, September 8 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. As Jack Tripper on Three's Company, John Ritter established himself as one of the most gifted comedians of a generation, launching a prolific career in television and movies that would make him one of America's most beloved stars. But for a man so brilliant in comedy it was the tragedy of an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm that would cut his life short at just 54 years old. Through personal stories told by his closest friends and co-stars including Suzanne Somers, Joyce DeWitt, Henry Winkler, Peter Bogdanovich, Jimmy Kimmel and Kaley Cuoco, John Ritter: Behind Closed Doors reveals the generous spirit behind Ritter's undeniable talent, his legacy of laughter and his family's determination to save lives by raising awareness of the condition that caused his death. Paul Walker: Behind Closed Doors premieres Sunday, November 25 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. The Casey Anthony new documentary special premieres Sunday, December 9 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Seven Questions with Amy Davidson of 8 Simple Rules; ABC Family Summer 2013 Schedule, New Seasons of Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy, and More!
Care Bear! Today we have a very special "Seven Questions" interview with actress Amy Davidson! She is of course is best known to sitcom fans as Kerry Hennessy on the popular ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Amy is a gifted comedic actor as we saw on the series and gelled well with the late John Ritter, along with the rest of the cast which include Katey Sagal and Kaley Cuoco. We talked to her about 8 Simple Rules of course but we also delved deeper in her career and life and we got some insight of how she started her career, what she is doing now, and other very interesting tidbits! So let's get right to another installment of "Seven Questions!"
"Seven Questions with Amy Davidson From 8 Simple Rules"
SitcomsOnline: Thanks Amy for doing this interview! We have been a fan of your work since 8 Simple Rules and you are such an accomplished actress, so it is an honor to interview you. We usually start our questions with actors/actresses by asking them how they got into acting, so let's start there. At what point did you realize you wanted to get into this business and can you share some memories from your first experiences? Was it as you thought it would be?
Amy Davidson: I think I was around five years old when I realized I wanted to be an actress. I remember sitting in front of the TV watching Kids Incorporated and thinking, 'I want to do that!' I was always on stage dancing and performing, but it wasn't until I was about twelve years old that I actually took my first acting class. At age 19, I moved to Los Angeles and really started pursuing my dream. This business is the ultimate roller coaster. There are many ups and downs, but the ones who stay on the ride will have a fruitful experience. For me, I have to remember to go with the flow...the cream rises to the top!
SitcomsOnline: Some of your first TV appearances were on a handful of episodes of the short-lived Olsen twins sitcom So Little Time from 2001-2002. What was it like working with them when they were teenagers and post-Full House? And was this role that got the attention of ABC and the producers of 8 Simple Rules in 2002?
Amy Davidson: Working with the Olsen twins was so fun! It was my first recurring role and solid experience being on set. I got a hug every morning from the girls and they quickly accepted me into their television world. Luckily my role grew as they chose to focus on high school. So it was a win-win. At first it was a trip because I watched Full House growing up - remember I was not a child star. So working with these girls took a minute to adjust to! If it wasn't for So Little Time I may have not gone back to my roots and remained a redhead! I then decided to stay red and 8 Simple Rules came a few months later. So many reasons to say thank you :)
SitcomsOnline: Can you share some of your experiences on getting that call to go in for that 8 Simple Rules reading and did you think this was going to be something special? I believe they cast the roles of the three children before they signed on John Ritter and Katey Sagal right? How many pilots had you done prior to this?
Amy Davidson: 8 Simple Rules was my first pilot. It was my first test! The audition process was just like any other, except there was something a little magical about it. The casting director read me, paused and said you would be perfect for this. She wrote my callback time to read for the producers on a post-it note and I was on my way. The next day I auditioned for the producers, no one said a word and I left. You never know, sometimes they have you do it 12 different ways, sometimes they say nothing. I got a call from my manager and she said they wanted to test me in two weeks. I continued to have a few more pilot auditions, knowing 8 Simple Rules was in my back pocket, but none of them seem as special. The tests were amazing, I got the call, the call that changes your world, "you are employed" and the rest is history! Later the creator of 8 Simple Rules told me that I was the first Kerry they saw and after I left the room they (producers) looked at each other and said 'no way...could the first girl we saw be her?' They knew :) And yes, all three of us kids were cast first, then later John signed on and then Katey.
SitcomsOnline: John Ritter has called you "so talented" and he was so right! His judgment was always spot on, just like how his work was always perfection. We all know John was the "nicest guy in Hollywood" (and yes, along with his pal Henry Winkler) and he was always the life of the party (or in this case, of the set), but what did you learn from him? And what will you remember the most from the period that you knew him?
Amy Davidson: John Ritter has forever changed my life. It's been almost 10 years (since he passed) and I swear I think about this man every day. When I was blessed to work with John I grew...I grew and grew as an actor and as a person. John ALWAYS told you how well you were doing. When he wasn't giving a compliment or doing one of his "bits" he was educating us. I remember when we were shooting the pilot, he and I were on the couch chatting and he said how lucky we were to be working. I was blown away that such a huge talent, a huge star was saying this. I understand now. Jobs come and go. Tragedies happen...but jobs and new experiences are always around the corner. John taught me gratitude. He taught me humility. And most of all, John gave me something to believe in.
SitcomsOnline: After 8 Simple Rules ended (which I was sort of surprised since the show was doing decently on Friday nights in season three and syndication was looming), you showcased more into drama and were certainly showing off your "so talented" skills that John mentioned. You had some great guest spots on shows like House, CSI, CSI NY, Criminal Minds and most recently on TNT's Major Crimes and the CBS freshman drama Vegas, along with great TV movie turns on The Capture of the Green River Killer and Annie's Point, opposite Betty White! Do you like drama as equally as comedy, since you're good in both?
Amy Davidson: I LOVE drama! Yet comedy is just as close to my heart. I want to always do both. Be that multifaceted actor that you never expect what I will do next. After 8 Simple Rules ended I chose to focus on drama. I thought that was where I wanted to be. Now I realize I can and want to do both!! At the moment I am creating a show that is a comedy. I'm choosing to go back to my roots. I realized how much I missed making people laughs vs. making them cry! (LOL!) Either way, my goal is to always give the audience something to feel. Sometimes you need to laugh and other times you need that emotional release.
SitcomsOnline: We're still trying to get you on the ABC comedy Suburgatory (see our campaign)! Our campaign is still alive and we'll continue to ask/suggest series creator Emily Kapnek! It only makes sense for you to be on that show opposite Jane Levy, who reminds us so much of you. Maybe it's a red-head thing, but you both would be perfect together on the same screen. It's such a fun show and I thought of you right away after seeing the pilot. So for the record, you would love to be on the show, right??
Amy Davidson: You are so very kind! Yes, I would love to be on Suburgatory! It is such a great show with so many talented actors! I would love to play with them. I met Jane last year, we were chatting and had a laugh about how we would play perfect sisters. The ideas are endless!
SitcomsOnline: We really miss you on a regular series. What are some of your favorite current TV sitcoms (or any other TV series)? And what can fans expect to see you in next? I think everyone is hoping to see you put on those dancing shoes and dance on Dancing with the Stars in the future! We're sure you have the dance moves like Kerry Hennessy did on the 8 Simple Rules episode "Son-in-Law!"
Amy Davidson: Like I said, the ideas are endless! And so are the opportunities!!! What is directly in front of me right now is this comedy pilot I am creating. Unfortunately I cannot say anymore than that at this point. But, I am EXTREMELY excited about it! This is an idea/story that is very close to my heart and truly has never been told this particular way. So, god speed!
We definitely appreciate Amy for taking the time to give us an interview! She is a very nice young woman and we hope nothing but success for her future projects! That'll do it for this installment of "Seven Questions," stay tuned next time for another brand new interview! But first, don't forget to check out Amy Davidson all over the web and social media. Follow her everywhere!
ABC Family has announced its red-hot summer line-up with the premiere of four new original series including reality competition series Dancing Fools, family drama The Fosters, mystery drama Twisted and docu-soap The Vineyard. Summer premiere dates are also set for returning original series Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy, Switched at Birth and Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family's summer season kicks off on Wednesday, May 29 with two hit sitcoms. Melissa & Joey, the hit comedy starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, returns for the third season airing Wednesdays at 8:00pm ET/PT once again. Baby Daddy, the #1 new cable comedy of Summer 2012 in key female demos, returns with new episodes for its second season airing Wednesdays at 8:30pm ET/PT once again. Then new comedic reality series Dancing Fools premieres on the same night at 9:00pm ET/PT. The half-hour comedy clip show features the funniest, most outrageous and memorable dances caught on camera. The dancers from the top two clips of the week compete on stage for a chance to win $10,000. The series will air for eight weeks and is hosted by Melissa Peterman, who also stars in ABC Family's Baby Daddy (which is the lead-in) and in the upcoming ABC spring reality series Bet on Your Baby. Catch her in THREE series! After 8 weeks, new drama The Vineyard premieres on Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00pm ET/PT. It is a dramatic coming-of-age docu-soap that follows a handful of 20-somethings on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Tight quarters, new friends and new rivals, all living, working and playing together, make this picturesque playground ripe for mischief and romance.
Moving on to Mondays, from executive producer Jennifer Lopez (American Idol, The Back-Up Plan), ABC Family's new original series The Fosters will premiere on Monday, June 3, at 9:00pm ET/PT, following the series finale of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The one-hour drama centers on two moms (Teri Polo and Sherri Saum) raising a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids. The series also stars Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci and Cierra Ramirez. Then Switched at Birth returns with all new episodes on Monday, June 10, 8:00pm. ET/PT to finish up its second season. The first half of the season finishes up on March 11. On Tuesdays, Pretty Little Liars returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET/PT. The hit series is currently in its third season and the season finale is on March 19. And finally, new drama Twisted premieres on Tuesday, June 11 at 9:00pm ET/PT, following Pretty Little Liars' season premiere. The series is a one-hour mystery full of twists and turns that is centered on a charismatic 16-year-old with a troubled past (Avan Jogia) who has recently reconnected with his two female best friends from childhood (Maddie Hasson and Kylie Bunbury). He becomes the prime suspect when a fellow student is found dead in her home. The series also stars Kimberly Quinn, Sam Robards, Ashton Moio and Denise Richards. Stay with us for continued updates and if any other series is scheduled or picked-up, as ABC Family has a few series still in development like the sitcom pilots Phys Ed and Continuing Fred (which both taped in late 2012).
"Seven Questions with Amy Davidson From 8 Simple Rules"
SitcomsOnline: Thanks Amy for doing this interview! We have been a fan of your work since 8 Simple Rules and you are such an accomplished actress, so it is an honor to interview you. We usually start our questions with actors/actresses by asking them how they got into acting, so let's start there. At what point did you realize you wanted to get into this business and can you share some memories from your first experiences? Was it as you thought it would be?
Amy Davidson: I think I was around five years old when I realized I wanted to be an actress. I remember sitting in front of the TV watching Kids Incorporated and thinking, 'I want to do that!' I was always on stage dancing and performing, but it wasn't until I was about twelve years old that I actually took my first acting class. At age 19, I moved to Los Angeles and really started pursuing my dream. This business is the ultimate roller coaster. There are many ups and downs, but the ones who stay on the ride will have a fruitful experience. For me, I have to remember to go with the flow...the cream rises to the top!
SitcomsOnline: Some of your first TV appearances were on a handful of episodes of the short-lived Olsen twins sitcom So Little Time from 2001-2002. What was it like working with them when they were teenagers and post-Full House? And was this role that got the attention of ABC and the producers of 8 Simple Rules in 2002?
Amy Davidson: Working with the Olsen twins was so fun! It was my first recurring role and solid experience being on set. I got a hug every morning from the girls and they quickly accepted me into their television world. Luckily my role grew as they chose to focus on high school. So it was a win-win. At first it was a trip because I watched Full House growing up - remember I was not a child star. So working with these girls took a minute to adjust to! If it wasn't for So Little Time I may have not gone back to my roots and remained a redhead! I then decided to stay red and 8 Simple Rules came a few months later. So many reasons to say thank you :)
SitcomsOnline: Can you share some of your experiences on getting that call to go in for that 8 Simple Rules reading and did you think this was going to be something special? I believe they cast the roles of the three children before they signed on John Ritter and Katey Sagal right? How many pilots had you done prior to this?
Amy Davidson: 8 Simple Rules was my first pilot. It was my first test! The audition process was just like any other, except there was something a little magical about it. The casting director read me, paused and said you would be perfect for this. She wrote my callback time to read for the producers on a post-it note and I was on my way. The next day I auditioned for the producers, no one said a word and I left. You never know, sometimes they have you do it 12 different ways, sometimes they say nothing. I got a call from my manager and she said they wanted to test me in two weeks. I continued to have a few more pilot auditions, knowing 8 Simple Rules was in my back pocket, but none of them seem as special. The tests were amazing, I got the call, the call that changes your world, "you are employed" and the rest is history! Later the creator of 8 Simple Rules told me that I was the first Kerry they saw and after I left the room they (producers) looked at each other and said 'no way...could the first girl we saw be her?' They knew :) And yes, all three of us kids were cast first, then later John signed on and then Katey.
SitcomsOnline: John Ritter has called you "so talented" and he was so right! His judgment was always spot on, just like how his work was always perfection. We all know John was the "nicest guy in Hollywood" (and yes, along with his pal Henry Winkler) and he was always the life of the party (or in this case, of the set), but what did you learn from him? And what will you remember the most from the period that you knew him?
Amy Davidson: John Ritter has forever changed my life. It's been almost 10 years (since he passed) and I swear I think about this man every day. When I was blessed to work with John I grew...I grew and grew as an actor and as a person. John ALWAYS told you how well you were doing. When he wasn't giving a compliment or doing one of his "bits" he was educating us. I remember when we were shooting the pilot, he and I were on the couch chatting and he said how lucky we were to be working. I was blown away that such a huge talent, a huge star was saying this. I understand now. Jobs come and go. Tragedies happen...but jobs and new experiences are always around the corner. John taught me gratitude. He taught me humility. And most of all, John gave me something to believe in.
SitcomsOnline: After 8 Simple Rules ended (which I was sort of surprised since the show was doing decently on Friday nights in season three and syndication was looming), you showcased more into drama and were certainly showing off your "so talented" skills that John mentioned. You had some great guest spots on shows like House, CSI, CSI NY, Criminal Minds and most recently on TNT's Major Crimes and the CBS freshman drama Vegas, along with great TV movie turns on The Capture of the Green River Killer and Annie's Point, opposite Betty White! Do you like drama as equally as comedy, since you're good in both?
Amy Davidson: I LOVE drama! Yet comedy is just as close to my heart. I want to always do both. Be that multifaceted actor that you never expect what I will do next. After 8 Simple Rules ended I chose to focus on drama. I thought that was where I wanted to be. Now I realize I can and want to do both!! At the moment I am creating a show that is a comedy. I'm choosing to go back to my roots. I realized how much I missed making people laughs vs. making them cry! (LOL!) Either way, my goal is to always give the audience something to feel. Sometimes you need to laugh and other times you need that emotional release.
SitcomsOnline: We're still trying to get you on the ABC comedy Suburgatory (see our campaign)! Our campaign is still alive and we'll continue to ask/suggest series creator Emily Kapnek! It only makes sense for you to be on that show opposite Jane Levy, who reminds us so much of you. Maybe it's a red-head thing, but you both would be perfect together on the same screen. It's such a fun show and I thought of you right away after seeing the pilot. So for the record, you would love to be on the show, right??
Amy Davidson: You are so very kind! Yes, I would love to be on Suburgatory! It is such a great show with so many talented actors! I would love to play with them. I met Jane last year, we were chatting and had a laugh about how we would play perfect sisters. The ideas are endless!
SitcomsOnline: We really miss you on a regular series. What are some of your favorite current TV sitcoms (or any other TV series)? And what can fans expect to see you in next? I think everyone is hoping to see you put on those dancing shoes and dance on Dancing with the Stars in the future! We're sure you have the dance moves like Kerry Hennessy did on the 8 Simple Rules episode "Son-in-Law!"
Amy Davidson: Like I said, the ideas are endless! And so are the opportunities!!! What is directly in front of me right now is this comedy pilot I am creating. Unfortunately I cannot say anymore than that at this point. But, I am EXTREMELY excited about it! This is an idea/story that is very close to my heart and truly has never been told this particular way. So, god speed!
We definitely appreciate Amy for taking the time to give us an interview! She is a very nice young woman and we hope nothing but success for her future projects! That'll do it for this installment of "Seven Questions," stay tuned next time for another brand new interview! But first, don't forget to check out Amy Davidson all over the web and social media. Follow her everywhere!
- Amy Davidson Official Website
- Amy Davidson on Twitter
- Amy Davidson on Facebook
- Amy Davidson on Instagram
- Amy Davidson on Tumblr
- Amy Davidson on Pinterest
ABC Family has announced its red-hot summer line-up with the premiere of four new original series including reality competition series Dancing Fools, family drama The Fosters, mystery drama Twisted and docu-soap The Vineyard. Summer premiere dates are also set for returning original series Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy, Switched at Birth and Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family's summer season kicks off on Wednesday, May 29 with two hit sitcoms. Melissa & Joey, the hit comedy starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, returns for the third season airing Wednesdays at 8:00pm ET/PT once again. Baby Daddy, the #1 new cable comedy of Summer 2012 in key female demos, returns with new episodes for its second season airing Wednesdays at 8:30pm ET/PT once again. Then new comedic reality series Dancing Fools premieres on the same night at 9:00pm ET/PT. The half-hour comedy clip show features the funniest, most outrageous and memorable dances caught on camera. The dancers from the top two clips of the week compete on stage for a chance to win $10,000. The series will air for eight weeks and is hosted by Melissa Peterman, who also stars in ABC Family's Baby Daddy (which is the lead-in) and in the upcoming ABC spring reality series Bet on Your Baby. Catch her in THREE series! After 8 weeks, new drama The Vineyard premieres on Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00pm ET/PT. It is a dramatic coming-of-age docu-soap that follows a handful of 20-somethings on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Tight quarters, new friends and new rivals, all living, working and playing together, make this picturesque playground ripe for mischief and romance.
Moving on to Mondays, from executive producer Jennifer Lopez (American Idol, The Back-Up Plan), ABC Family's new original series The Fosters will premiere on Monday, June 3, at 9:00pm ET/PT, following the series finale of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The one-hour drama centers on two moms (Teri Polo and Sherri Saum) raising a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids. The series also stars Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci and Cierra Ramirez. Then Switched at Birth returns with all new episodes on Monday, June 10, 8:00pm. ET/PT to finish up its second season. The first half of the season finishes up on March 11. On Tuesdays, Pretty Little Liars returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET/PT. The hit series is currently in its third season and the season finale is on March 19. And finally, new drama Twisted premieres on Tuesday, June 11 at 9:00pm ET/PT, following Pretty Little Liars' season premiere. The series is a one-hour mystery full of twists and turns that is centered on a charismatic 16-year-old with a troubled past (Avan Jogia) who has recently reconnected with his two female best friends from childhood (Maddie Hasson and Kylie Bunbury). He becomes the prime suspect when a fellow student is found dead in her home. The series also stars Kimberly Quinn, Sam Robards, Ashton Moio and Denise Richards. Stay with us for continued updates and if any other series is scheduled or picked-up, as ABC Family has a few series still in development like the sitcom pilots Phys Ed and Continuing Fred (which both taped in late 2012).
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Kaley Cuoco Returns to Host People's Choice Awards; John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health Running At ING New York City Marathon
Kaley Cuoco, the female lead of CBS's The Big Bang Theory, will return to host The People's Choice Awards 2013 for a second consecutive year, LIVE from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 from 9:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT, on CBS. The People's Choice Awards is the only major awards show where fans determine the categories, nominees and winners across multiple genres of movies, music and television. Beginning Oct. 23, fans will have the opportunity to narrow down a selection of nominees in each of more than 40 categories. Voting will take place online at www.Peopleschoice.com/nominees until Friday, Nov. 2.
Prior to her role as "Penny" on The Big Bang Theory, winner of the 2010 People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy, Kaley Cuoco was best known to television audiences for her role as Bridget Hennesy in the sitcom 8 Simple Rules, winner of the 2003 People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy. This year, Cuoco starred opposite Rob Lowe in the Lifetime movie Untouchable: The Drew Peterson Story. She was also seen in The Last Ride, an independent film which tells the story of Hank Williams's final days, and in 2011, she co-starred in the family comedy HOP, with James Marsden and Russell Brand. Recently, Cuoco wrapped production on Scribble, an indie comedy about a group of aspiring writers.
Stay with us for full details on the nominations for the 39th annual event in a few weeks!
The late great John Ritter continues to do good for the world. His youngest son Tyler Ritter, Watkins Little (the "Ridiculously Photogenic Guy"), thoracic aortic disease survivors and an aortic surgeon will be among the 15 Team Ritter runners dedicated to raising money for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health (JRF) at the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. Funds from the NYC Marathon raised for the JRF will go to the John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases (JRRP) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) to support research to identify genetic risks for aortic dissections. To donate, visit Edward Norton's Crowdrise online fundraising community.
"We are so proud and grateful to be one of the official charities of this year's NYC Marathon and have the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for life-saving research and education," said actress, writer and aortic health advocate Amy Yasbeck, the widow of legendary comic actor John Ritter, who died from an acute aortic dissection in 2003. "For Team Ritter, we looked for people who are passionate about increasing awareness of aortic dissection and its risk factors and committed to raising funds to support the JRF." As we all know John Ritter, 54, died from an undiagnosed aortic dissection on Sept. 11, 2003 after he experienced chest pain while rehearsing for an episode of his ABC hit comedy 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. After John's death, his brother was found to be at an increased risk for an aortic dissection and underwent surgery to prevent the dissection. Yasbeck formed the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health after John's death and the John Ritter Research Program at UTHealth was established in 2010. John's youngest son Tyler Ritter will be joined in the race by his wife, actress Lelia Parma, whose grandfather suffers from thoracic aortic disease. "By joining Team Ritter, we hope we can raise awareness that will help in effectively diagnosing and treating the disease at its earliest stages," Ritter said.
Other team members include aortic disease survivors; family or friends of people who have suffered from aortic and other cardiovascular diseases; and medical professionals who treat patients with aortic disease. The following are stories of their very personal journeys to the starting line of the ING New York City Marathon.
Please donate for this very good cause and help do good in the world like John Ritter did and how his name will always do. Watch the "Marathon Morning Across America" broadcast on WABC-7 throughout the NYC tri-state area from 9:00am to 2:00pm ET and on ESPN2 nationally from 9:00am to 12:30pm. A national highlight show will air on all ABC stations from 4:00 to 6:00pm ET/PT. Go Team Ritter!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Blog Book Review: With Love and Laughter, John Ritter (Sept. 7); Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 6, 2010)
Today we have a very special blog book review for sitcom fans and John Ritter fans. With Love and Laughter, John Ritter is actress Amy Yasbeck's most enduring memory of the life she shared with her husband, John Ritter. He was one of America's most popular and beloved film and television actors and no stranger to this website. We welcomed him into our homes weekly with his Emmy Award-winning portrayal of Jack Tripper on Three's Company and his hit comedy 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, along with many many other roles. In this powerful memoir Amy Yasbeck shares her deeply personal and ultimately hopeful journey of surviving the devastating loss of her husband. Yasbeck looks back with anecdotes and memories from both John's life and her own. Here are the unforgettable times she shared with a man who was adored for finding humor in everyday encounters, never failing to energize and entertain everyone around him. His philosophy was summed up by his favorite autograph for his fans, With Love and Laughter, John Ritter. Amy Yasbeck's powerful story reminds us that love never dies...and the laughter doesn't have to end.
See my Blog Book Review of With Love and Laughter, John Ritter:
With Love and Laughter, John Ritter - by Amy Yasbeck (Simon & Schuster, $26.00) was how John Ritter usually signed autographs and now it will be a hit book! In this wonderful, loving, funny and sad book, we get personal stories and details from life of John Ritter in the words of his wife, Amy Yasbeck. There are all kinds of very interesting and detailed stories in this book and the book has about 249 pages, but you breeze right through it because it is very well-written and so enduring. You can't put it down and I'm sure when you all get it, you'll see why. Amy does a very good job in the writing and picks the perfect stories. We get personal stories from both her life before John and with John. And of course we get stories from some of John's acting work. We all know he was the nicest guy and Amy proves that even more with her stories. The man was also very smart. John was of course funny, caring, nice and smart. You'll see all those qualities in these stories.
The book has twenty-six chapters, but of course there is no chapter thirteen. Amy hilariously notes that actors are superstitious, so chapter thirteen is a no-no! Ha that number thirteen is to be feared! There is also a seven-page pre-face before chapter 1. The book starts off with some background information on John's childhood life in chapter one and in chapter two we get info on Amy's childhood life in Ohio. The next chapter delves into John's early roles guest starring on shows like Kojak. Amy gives us a hilarious story from that role, when they caught a rerun of that episode in 1997. Chapter four is titled "Daddy No Beard." That is what his daughter Stella called him whenever she saw a rerun of Three's Company on Nick at Nite. Stella was used to the bearded John Ritter. Even Stella is funny! This chapter discusses Three's Company. The next chapter has Amy detailing her move to New York in 1983. I never knew about this story at all, so it was very fascinating. We get a taste of how Amy got into "the business."
Chapter six is titled "Icon Tact." Among the items discussed in this chapter are why John Ritter never hosted Saturday Night Live, despite being offered to host it. The next chapter we get more of Amy's early work and then in chapter eight is where Amy meets John on September 25, 1989 at Dennis Dugan's house. Dugan directed the feature film Problem Child, which starred both John and Amy. In Chapter nine, we move into the 1990's! The chapter starts off with John and Amy's guest appearance on The Cosby Show. We get so many behind-the-scenes stories here. The chapter also highlights stories from Hearts Afire, where John met his good buddy Billy Bob Thornton.
Without detailing every chapter, the best of the book has great stories like Amy on Wings, John working with Andy Griffith on the TV-movie Gramps (Amy also worked with Andy on Matlock), their summer trip in Italy & France in 1996, going to Elizabeth Taylor's house in 1997, more of John's TV movies like Last Man on the List & Holy Joe, the cool stories and treatment at World's Greatest Magic IV, the birth of Stella and why they named her Stella, the marriage, the play The Dinner Party with Henry Winkler, a hilarious recall on Henry & John's early 90s TV movie The Only Way Out, living in New York in 2000, Clifford the Big Red Dog, 8 Simple Rules and John's final day. There are also over 25 nice color photos in the middle of the book, from John & Amy in Venice, Hawaii, with Stella, and more!
The last few chapters talks about life after John, including the Ritter Rules, which are life-saving reminders to recognize, treat, and prevent thoracic aortic dissection. The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is saving so many lives and is a great tribute to John Ritter. In the book, Amy also mentions in detail on how John's brother Tom was saved from an aortic dissection. This foundation is truly saving lives and will for many years to come! Chapter twenty-six is titled, "John But Not Forgotten," and he certainly will never be forgotten.
Fans of John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck will surely want to get this book. It is a great read and so interesting. I think fans of television/sitcoms in general will enjoy it. There are so many interesting behind-the-scenes stories that television fans will find cool. The book is out this coming Tuesday (Sept. 7), so I hope you have pre-ordered it? If not, please click the link below and pre-order today! This book needs to be in the top 10 best-sellers because it really deserves to be! Catch Amy Yasbeck promoting the book on the following programs/locations:
- Tuesday, September 7, 2010
KTTV-Fox, Los Angeles GOOD DAY L.A. 9:00AM
- Monday, September 13, 2010
NBC, DAILY CONNECTION 12:30PM
- Tuesday, September 14, 2010
NBC, TODAY Show 8:00AM
- Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ABC, THE VIEW 11:00AM ET/10:00AM CT/PT
- Tuesday, September 14, 2010
HLN, THE JOY BEHAR SHOW 9:00PM
- Thursday, September 16, 2010
PREMIERE RADIO NETWORK 8:00AM
- Thursday, September 16, 2010
SIRIUS XM Radio 11:30AM
- Saturday, September 18, 2010
BARNES & NOBLE 2:00PM
7800 Montgomery Rd in Cincinnati, OH
- Monday, September 20, 2010
Syndicated, RACHAEL RAY SHOW 10:00AM (WABC)
- Monday, September 20, 2010
Syndicated, BETTER TV (check local listings)
- Thursday, September 23, 2010
BARNES & NOBLE 7:00PM
189 The Grove Drive in Los Angeles, CA
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(5/5 stars)
To purchase this book, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars (but we won't cover movie stars like Tom Hanks or John Travolta, since they won't be talking about their past sitcoms likely), so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of Sept. 6-10, 2010, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, September 6, 2010
See my Blog Book Review of With Love and Laughter, John Ritter:
With Love and Laughter, John Ritter - by Amy Yasbeck (Simon & Schuster, $26.00) was how John Ritter usually signed autographs and now it will be a hit book! In this wonderful, loving, funny and sad book, we get personal stories and details from life of John Ritter in the words of his wife, Amy Yasbeck. There are all kinds of very interesting and detailed stories in this book and the book has about 249 pages, but you breeze right through it because it is very well-written and so enduring. You can't put it down and I'm sure when you all get it, you'll see why. Amy does a very good job in the writing and picks the perfect stories. We get personal stories from both her life before John and with John. And of course we get stories from some of John's acting work. We all know he was the nicest guy and Amy proves that even more with her stories. The man was also very smart. John was of course funny, caring, nice and smart. You'll see all those qualities in these stories.
The book has twenty-six chapters, but of course there is no chapter thirteen. Amy hilariously notes that actors are superstitious, so chapter thirteen is a no-no! Ha that number thirteen is to be feared! There is also a seven-page pre-face before chapter 1. The book starts off with some background information on John's childhood life in chapter one and in chapter two we get info on Amy's childhood life in Ohio. The next chapter delves into John's early roles guest starring on shows like Kojak. Amy gives us a hilarious story from that role, when they caught a rerun of that episode in 1997. Chapter four is titled "Daddy No Beard." That is what his daughter Stella called him whenever she saw a rerun of Three's Company on Nick at Nite. Stella was used to the bearded John Ritter. Even Stella is funny! This chapter discusses Three's Company. The next chapter has Amy detailing her move to New York in 1983. I never knew about this story at all, so it was very fascinating. We get a taste of how Amy got into "the business."
Chapter six is titled "Icon Tact." Among the items discussed in this chapter are why John Ritter never hosted Saturday Night Live, despite being offered to host it. The next chapter we get more of Amy's early work and then in chapter eight is where Amy meets John on September 25, 1989 at Dennis Dugan's house. Dugan directed the feature film Problem Child, which starred both John and Amy. In Chapter nine, we move into the 1990's! The chapter starts off with John and Amy's guest appearance on The Cosby Show. We get so many behind-the-scenes stories here. The chapter also highlights stories from Hearts Afire, where John met his good buddy Billy Bob Thornton.
Without detailing every chapter, the best of the book has great stories like Amy on Wings, John working with Andy Griffith on the TV-movie Gramps (Amy also worked with Andy on Matlock), their summer trip in Italy & France in 1996, going to Elizabeth Taylor's house in 1997, more of John's TV movies like Last Man on the List & Holy Joe, the cool stories and treatment at World's Greatest Magic IV, the birth of Stella and why they named her Stella, the marriage, the play The Dinner Party with Henry Winkler, a hilarious recall on Henry & John's early 90s TV movie The Only Way Out, living in New York in 2000, Clifford the Big Red Dog, 8 Simple Rules and John's final day. There are also over 25 nice color photos in the middle of the book, from John & Amy in Venice, Hawaii, with Stella, and more!
The last few chapters talks about life after John, including the Ritter Rules, which are life-saving reminders to recognize, treat, and prevent thoracic aortic dissection. The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is saving so many lives and is a great tribute to John Ritter. In the book, Amy also mentions in detail on how John's brother Tom was saved from an aortic dissection. This foundation is truly saving lives and will for many years to come! Chapter twenty-six is titled, "John But Not Forgotten," and he certainly will never be forgotten.
Fans of John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck will surely want to get this book. It is a great read and so interesting. I think fans of television/sitcoms in general will enjoy it. There are so many interesting behind-the-scenes stories that television fans will find cool. The book is out this coming Tuesday (Sept. 7), so I hope you have pre-ordered it? If not, please click the link below and pre-order today! This book needs to be in the top 10 best-sellers because it really deserves to be! Catch Amy Yasbeck promoting the book on the following programs/locations:
- Tuesday, September 7, 2010
KTTV-Fox, Los Angeles GOOD DAY L.A. 9:00AM
- Monday, September 13, 2010
NBC, DAILY CONNECTION 12:30PM
- Tuesday, September 14, 2010
NBC, TODAY Show 8:00AM
- Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ABC, THE VIEW 11:00AM ET/10:00AM CT/PT
- Tuesday, September 14, 2010
HLN, THE JOY BEHAR SHOW 9:00PM
- Thursday, September 16, 2010
PREMIERE RADIO NETWORK 8:00AM
- Thursday, September 16, 2010
SIRIUS XM Radio 11:30AM
- Saturday, September 18, 2010
BARNES & NOBLE 2:00PM
7800 Montgomery Rd in Cincinnati, OH
- Monday, September 20, 2010
Syndicated, RACHAEL RAY SHOW 10:00AM (WABC)
- Monday, September 20, 2010
Syndicated, BETTER TV (check local listings)
- Thursday, September 23, 2010
BARNES & NOBLE 7:00PM
189 The Grove Drive in Los Angeles, CA
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(5/5 stars)To purchase this book, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars (but we won't cover movie stars like Tom Hanks or John Travolta, since they won't be talking about their past sitcoms likely), so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of Sept. 6-10, 2010, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, September 6, 2010
- John Larroquette (Night Court/John Larroquette Show/Happy Family) - Catch John on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:35am on CBS.
- The Cast of The Game - Watch the cast of the sitcom on this repeat of The Mo'nique Show on BET at 11pm!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
- Chris Kattan (The Middle) - Catch Chris on an all-new Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:35am on CBS.
- Mario Lopez (Saved by the Bell) - Watch Mario on a repeat of The Rachel Ray Show, so check your listings.
- Kevin Nealon (Weeds) - Kevin appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 12:05am on ABC.
- Jerry O'Connell (Carpoolers) - Catch Jerry on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:35am on CBS.
- Terry Crews (Are We There Yet?) - Watch funnyman Terry on a repeat of The Mo'nique Show on BET at 11pm!
- Donal Logue (Knights of Prosperity/Grounded for Life) - Catch Donal on an all-new Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 12:05am on ABC.
- The Cast of The Brady Bunch - Catch some of the stars (Susan Olsen, Mike Lookinland, and Christopher Knight) reuniting for Lloyd Schwartz's book Brady, Brady Brady on Good Morning America on ABC sometime between 7-9am.
- Sofia Vergara (Modern Family/Knights of Prosperity/Hot Properties) - Watch Sofia on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show so check your local listings.
- Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Catch the Emmy winner on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am! Dun dun...hey hey!
- Donald Glover (Community) - Watch Donald on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, at 12:35am on CBS!
- Katey Sagal (8 Simple Rules/Married...with Children/Tucker) - Catch Katey also on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:35am on CBS!
- Donal Logue (Knights of Prosperity/Grounded for Life) - Donal continues his rounds, this time on Tavis Smiley on PBS. Check your listings for time.
- Danny DeVito (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia/Taxi) - Catch Danny on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- John Corbett (United States of Tara) - Catch John on a repeat of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your listings.
- Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation/George Lopez) - Watch Nick on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC. This show is always in repeats!
Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Friday feature! We do listen!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nick at Nite April 2010 Highlights; Ritter Rules Created to Help Prevent Aortic Health Issues, Join Facebook Page
Highlights wise, the weekend of April 3-4 will see some movies air. On Saturday, April 3 from 9-11pm ET/PT (and again on Sunday, April 4 from 7-9pm), the movie What A Girl Wants airs. The movie is about a 17-year old free spirit Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes), raised by her equally free-spirited mother, goes to England to meet her father, who turns out to be a wealthy aristocrat (Colin Firth). Daphne then must struggle with a snobby half-sister and with following the social obligations expected of her while maintaining her own identity. Also airing is an encore of the movie Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging on Sunday, April 4 from 9-11pm ET/PT.
Finally, an all-new episode of Glenn Martin, DDS will air Monday, April 12 at 8pm. A special airing of that episode will also air on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 8pm. I do not have episode details yet, but it seems it will be a Tax Day related episode since it is airing on Tax Day. Stay with us for more.
For now, view the full Nick at Nite April 2010 schedule and highlights.
As you all know here John Ritter passed away in 2003 of a torn aorta and a large aneurysm, but he was treated for a heart attack, and died later that night. In a lawsuit that followed his death, the family's lawyers claimed his life could have been saved. After John passed away, his widow, actress Amy Yasbeck, started looking for information on the condition that killed him. She began searching online and making connections with people who've been affected by similar heart conditions.
Since then, Amy has created the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health (which we have mentioned many times here and we here at SitcomsOnline are big supporters of) and campaigns for greater public awareness of the disease with The Thoracic Aortic Disease (TAD) Coalition.
Amy Yasbeck was on the CBS morning program The Early Show last week announcing "The Ritter Rules." The rules will help people with detection and treatment of the disease. Dr. Dianna Milewicz, of the University of Texas Medical School, who developed "The Ritter Rules" also appeared on the broadcast. View the video of this interview, especially if you missed it.
And next week (March 31), the Foundation will have a new design to its website. Recently, the Foundation joined Facebook, and as of this writing, has over 840 fans already. And many people are being helped and guided who have this condition or knows someone who does! It is just amazing. Amy is personally assisting everyone! John's name is going into a good cause and is going to save many lives for years to come! What better way to preserve John Ritter's memory! PLEASE be a fan of The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health on Facebook! It really is making a difference and I'm so proud to promote this!
Friday, February 05, 2010
ABC Family Makes Schedule Changes, 8 Simple Rules Now Weekdays; John Ritter Book Coming in September Written by Amy Yasbeck
There will be changes to weekends, too. Starting Saturday, Feb. 13 on Saturdays from 7am-10am will now be That '70s Show replacing two hours of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and an hour of Full House. 8 Simple Rules will remain in the 10am hour on Saturday, Feb. 13, but starting Saturday, Feb. 20, That '70s Show takes this hour as well, expanding to 7am-11am on most Saturdays depending on movie start times. Movies take over the mornings now on most Sundays, but there could be a That '70s Show sighting on Sundays in the 7am hour leading into movies. That '70s Show airs weeknights in the 7pm hour, but most of the time it is preempted due to originals, movies, or various programming, so the weekend morning airings are better. It will continue to air on TeenNick every night as well.
We mentioned a while back that Amy Yasbeck (actress and the widow of John Ritter) is working on a book on the life of her late husband, but now we have more details! With Love and Laughter, John Ritter will be published by Simon & Schuster in September, on the seventh anniversary of Ritter's death from an undiagnosed aortic dissection. I still cannot believe it will be 7 years already next September. That was a horrific day.
"It's about John's take on everything, and what it was like to live with him," says Yasbeck, who met Ritter shooting Problem Child in 1989. "People have seen him as the celebrity, but this will be about the friend, the dad and the husband."
Shortly after his death in 2003, Yasbeck started the John Ritter Foundation to promote awareness about aortic aneurysm and dissection (Johnritterfoundation.org).
Amy continues to raise awareness of aortic dissection, as she recently spoke to ABC13 (KTRK) in Houston on this issue. She is doing a great job and is working with Dr. Milewicz and her UT-Houston team to find the genes that lead to Ritter's death. In these freezers are samples from 10,000 people which have helped them isolate four of the genes that are related to aortic aneurysm. Amy is certainly making a difference in the world by doing this. She will save many lives and needs to be honored for her fine work. The name John Ritter continues to spread a positive message, just as it did when he was alive.
View the video of ABC13's story. Everyone should take a look at this.
Friday, September 11, 2009
TV Land and Hallmark Make Changes Starting Sept. 14; Chris Does Well for Nick at Nite; John Ritter Anniversary
Meanwhile, it wouldn't be a week without a Hallmark Channel schedule change. It seems like every week we have a schedule change now. This schedule change is a bit more drastic than the usual changes. The changes start this Monday (Sept. 14) with Paid Programming replacing The Golden Girls in the 8am hour. Not to worry is that The Golden Girls will retain that hour by airing at 12pm replacing the start of a movie. Golden Girls will now air between 9am-1pm every weekday morning. Murder, She Wrote returns to the line-up airing at 1pm (replacing the continuation of the afternoon movie) and 2pm (replacing a Little House airing). Little House has been cut to 3-5pm. The final change is in the late night, with another hour of The Golden Girls replacing an hour of Cheers. So, Golden Girls late night is now 11pm-2am, while Cheers is cut to 2-3am. Looks like Hallmark Channel thanks you for being a friend!
Nick at Nite's latest prime-time addition to its family-programming lineup, Everybody Hates Chris (Monday, Sept. 7, 10 p.m. ET/PT), scored 1.8 million total viewers in its Labor Day premiere. The series also drew double-digit gains with adults 18-49 (+25%) and women 18-49 (+20%) and ranked as the most-watched live action premiere for the net with adults 18-49 since the debut of Home Improvement (September 2007).
The premiere scored 1.8 million total viewers (+8 %) and double-digit gains over last year's like time period with adults 18-49 (+25%) and women 18-49 (+20%), averaging a 0.5 A18-49 rating and 592,000 viewers A18-49 and a 0.6 W18-49 rating and 372,000 viewers W18-49.
Chris has of course George Lopez as its lead-in, which is the #1 program on the network averaging well over 2 million viewers an airing.
And finally, today is September 11...we of course remember the lives of all the victims of the 9/11 attack in 2001, but we also remember the tragic passing of John Ritter on this date in 2003. I cannot believe it has been 6 years to this day that we lost such a great actor and more importantly a wonderful human being. The best way you can remember John today is by of course watching his great work on TV or DVD, or by saying something nice and funny to someone, but also by donating to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. I've made my annual donation today, and I think we should all do the same. We miss you John!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Nick at Nite April 2009: Whole Lotta Lopez Week; New Three's Company Features on Retroality.TV Includes News on a Biography Episode
Nick at Nite is bringing you George Lopez for five full nights! Join Nick at Nite for the kind of laughter and excitement as only George can provide. Watch out!
Catch the first 103 episodes of this hilarious show (but not counting holiday episodes, which means Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day.) So the following episodes are skipped: 8, 13, 15, 17, 18, 35, 38, 40, 52, 61, 63, 64, 66, 85, 91 (#52 is actually not a holiday episode but the 3D Disneyland episode).
So if you have never seen the show, now is your chance to get in on the action from the beginning! It is quite funny, too. I got this, as George would say. Sabes que, just watch and see yourself!
And coming this May to Nick at Nite will be The Nanny joining the regular schedule. So stay tuned for news on that very soon! But for now view the Nick at Nite April 2009 schedule and highlights.
About ten days ago Chris Mann posted his interview with Three's Company's Joyce DeWitt and also an interview with me...and now Chris has more Three's Company updates! March 2009 is all about Three's Company at Chris' Retroality.TV as Three's Company celebrated 32 years on the air. Chris is labeling all this as the Three's Company 32nd Anniversary Retrospecial!
First up, on his very creative Quit Yer Kitschin' blog section, Chris sums up all of the "Retrospecial" coverage while offering some "extras" about me, Andy Hermann and a person named Ryan Mooney, who wrote a new Internet sitcom pilot called Something About Ryan that's a bit of a contemporary take on Three's Company's comedy of misunderstandings and sexual innuendo, Chris says.
Chris also use this blog entry to break news about a new, in-the-works Biography episode on Three's Company. Believe it or not, Biography has never done a full special on the show, but they have done Biography episodes on John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. We will keep you up to date on this breaking news. It'll likely air on the Biography Channel instead of A&E, as most of the Biography episodes do now.
Chris also pays tribute to John on this blog entry and shares his journey with him where his book Come and Knock on Our Door is concerned (including all the publicity he did and the documentaries that resulted). It is a great story! I urge you to read this creative, informative and interesting blog story!
And that is not all! Remember our good friends Nick Digilo and Andy Hermann of WGN Radio? Chris also interviews them for the Three's Company Retrospecial! If you don't know, Nick is a host of a popular radio show on WGN Radio on weekends and is a big pop-culture fan. Andy is the producer of that show and is a big Three's Company buff. He even does a semi-regular Three's Company Trivia Throwdowns on-air! He is good! I even sent him questions many times, and he has done good. They have interviewed Priscilla Barnes (Terri from Three's Company) and Richard Kline (Larry from Three's Company) on-air on separate occasions, so they were fun to hear! They also did interviews with Chris Mann on-air a few times. Good stuff! You can hear all that on their website, if you missed it. But first be sure to check out the interview Chris does with both Nick and Andy in the Retroality Radio Q&A!
Wow, that's "a whole lotta Company!" We started the blog today with "a whole lotta Lopez" and end with "a whole lotta Company!"
Friday, September 12, 2008
CBS Fall Pilot Review: Worst Week - Premieres September 22; Five Year Anniversary for John Ritter's Passing
Worst Week - Mondays 9:30PM ET/PT on CBS
Premieres Monday, September 22, 2008 at 9:30PM ET/PT
Worst Week is a comedy about Sam Briggs, an entertainment magazine editor who will do anything to please his girlfriend's parents ... but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he's around them. Sam and his girlfriend, Melanie Clayton, have only one hurdle left to clear as they start their life together: breaking the news to Mel's conservative parents that they have a wedding in the works and a baby on the way. Dick, a stern Judge, and his wife, Angela, are protective of their daughter, and are really trying to let go of the anger they feel toward Sam ... after all, disaster follows whenever he visits their house. But despite his best efforts, every time Sam takes one positive step forward in winning over his future in-laws, he inevitably takes two crushing steps back. But with support and love from Melanie who stands up for him despite his knack for making himself look bad, Sam will hopefully charm his way into her family. It's all a funny week but it is the worst week for Sam! From Universal Media Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television comes Worst Week, a single-camera sitcom based on the BBC series The Worst Week of My Life, airing Mondays at 9:30PM on CBS!
Cast Details:
* Kyle Bornheimer as Sam Briggs
* Erinn Hayes as Melanie Clayton
* Nancy Lenehan as Angela Clayton
* Kurtwood Smith as Dick Clayton
Kyle Bornheimer's (Sam) television credits include guest starring roles on How I Met Your Mother, The Unit and Jericho, all on CBS, as well as the series The Office, Will & Grace, Medium, Monk and Breaking Bad. Movie wise, he appeared on Blades of Glory.
Erinn Hayes' (Melanie) first series regular role was in On The Spot opposite comedy legend Tim Conway. More recently, Hayes appeared as the female lead in the short-lived sitcom The Winner. Her other television credits include Kitchen Confidential, Unhitched, Notes From the Underbelly, Will & Grace and Shark, which was on CBS In addition, Hayes starred as "Pam Dawber aka Mindy" in the television movie Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Mork and Mindy.
Nancy Lenehan's (Angela) television credits include My Name is Earl, Malcolm in the Middle, Grace Under Fire and Ellen. Recently, she appeared as a series regular on Married to the Kellys. Her feature film credits include Catch Me If You Can and Door To Door.
Kurtwood Smith (Dick) is most recognizable to television audiences for his eight seasons playing Red Forman on That '70s Show. His other television credits include appearances in Medium, House, Malcolm In The Middle, The X-Files, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Star Trek: Voyager and Picket Fences, which was on CBS. His television movie credits include A Bright Shining Lie, The Magnificent Seven, While Justice Sleeps, Doorways, The Christmas Gift and The Nightmare Years, for which he received a Cable Ace Award nomination for best supporting actor. Smith's feature film credits include the Academy Award winners Dead Poets Society and Girl, Interrupted, as well as Broken Arrow, Citizen Ruth, A Time to Kill, To Die For, The Crush, True Believer, and in the memorable role of Clarence Boddicker in Robocop. Smith also starred in a short film, 12:01 P.M., about a man caught in a time warp, which was nominated for an Oscar in the "Best Short Film" category.
Pilot Plot:
#1 Pilot
When Sam and Melanie decide to break their life-changing news to her conservative parents, Sam's disastrous antics delay their plans. A lot of very bad things (but funny!) happen! For instance, Sam misses the train when he decides to help a drunk woman go home and so many bad (and pretty wild and funny) things happen after that. Let's just say, at the end he ends up at Mel's house naked. Find out how when you watch the pilot yourself. To top it all off, Dick, who had a concussion earlier from slipping on Sam's urine, collapses on the sidewalk near a funeral home and the undertaker makes him rest inside the funeral home. Sam of course misunderstands the undertaker's phone call and thinks Dick died. All this and more wild and funny stuff on the pilot!
Analysis:
The pilot is for sure funny. I think just about everyone who saw it so far will tell you that. But will people like this type of comedy for the rest of the season? The pilot is very wild and outrageous things happen. Some of these things would never happen in real life, but this is a TV show and things are made for entertainment...and you'll certainly be entertained by this pilot. I laughed out loud a few times actually. When I finished watching the pilot, I thought to myself this is a crazy show. So many wild things happen that that is what this pilot is about. It's like Meet the Parents: The Sitcom. If you like that movie, then you might find some similarities here. It's a simple story: Sam is in love with Mel, but her parents don't know. They want to get married and they also have a child on the way already. And Sam has bad luck. It's as simple is that! So, the plot revolves around Sam's luck.
Will this series work for CBS? Originally Fox was developing this series in 2006 but it was passed on. The Fox pilot had a completely different cast (Zachary Levi, Jamie King, JoBeth Williams and David Odgen Stiers). This sitcom is based on the hilarious British sitcom The Worst Week of My Life, which aired on BBC for two seasons. This series is a single-camera sitcom, something CBS is not known for at all. They didn't have success this past season in Welcome to The Captain, but in all fairness that was fed to the writers' strike and aired after repeats of their multi-camera sitcoms.
Conclusion:
Honestly, I did enjoy the show despite the wildness. It might be too wild even. I just don't understand how this sitcom can last for a number of years with the title Worst Week? Will they still be on that week in season 4? I guess they'll worry about that when that happens. The BBC series lasted only two seasons and three specials. And their seasons are very short, while our sitcoms get 22 episodes a season usually. So if this show gets 22 episodes this season, it'll pass the BBC episodes already. Also, this sitcom will probably be a bit serialized, something CBS shows are not known for.
The series will air after the highest rated sitcom on television right now...Two and a Half Men. But that is a multi-camera sitcom. I think it will get sampled for sure, though...it's on opposite Dancing with the Stars/Samantha Who, Heroes, Prison Break, and One Tree Hill, so the competition is there but it should be able to beat everything in viewers if it can hold a good portion of the Men audience but Dancing and maybe Heroes. It won't face Samantha Who until the fourth week of the season (Oct. 13), so by then the show should be finding itself and start to have consistent numbers...either good or bad. Can CBS break the mold and find success with a single-camera sitcom and join the other networks in airing these type of sitcoms? We shall see. Give the pilot a try on Sept. 22...if you find yourself liking all this wild stuff, then stick around for more!
Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):
Watchability: 4/5
Funniness: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5
-- Reviewed by pavanbadal on 09/12/08
Discuss the show after you watch it on Monday, September 22 on our message board.
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Yesterday was of course the fifth anniversary of John Ritter's passing and we will pay tribute to one of the best ever today. Actually, everyone heard about John's passing on this day (Friday, Sept. 12, 2003), so it makes more sense to pay tribute to him today. John passed away Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 10:30pm PT or so, so that would make it 1:30am ET on Friday, September 12 anyway. And even more, this is the first time that John's passing will be remembered the same day he passed away. That makes it more special this year.
John was my all-time favorite because he was not only a wonderful actor but a good human being. I admired his work of course but I even admired him more as a person. He genuinely was a real person and didn't have the typical celebrity written on him. He was a huge star and a legend but he thought about others first and made everyone feel special...whether it be a homeless guy or George Clooney.
I will never forget that morning when I found out. I was in utter shock and in denial, thinking how could this of happened? I never want to go through something like that again. Unfortunately, I never got to meet John in person but I have written to him (and of course he responded with a wonderful autographed personal photo) and spoke indirectly to him through his press assistant (the very nice Susan Wilcox). I had the chance to go to his Broadway show in 2000, but I never got around to it. Fortunately, many fans got to meet him and told me the stories and they were ALL positive and John made them feel like they knew him personally for over 20 years. An amazing man. An amazing actor. And the best. His wife actress Amy Yasbeck plans to write a book about John for Simon & Schuster. A month after he passed away, Amy started the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health (http://www.johnritterfoundation.org/). "Through the foundation, people are literally getting their lives saved," she told the Sept. 8-14 TV Guide. I urge you all to visit the website to learn more about aortic health and to view some moving stories about how John's story saved others. Chris Mann, author of the Three's Company book, Come and Knock on Our Door, is also planning on writing a book about John. So two books for John. We will keep you up to date on both projects.
So, today's blog is for John. We miss you and we wish you were still here making us laugh and cry. John would have been 60 next Wednesday (Sept. 17).
Share your memories and stories of John.
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Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Saturday, October 10
none scheduled
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 5)
Friday, October 9
- Jamie Foxx (The Jamie Foxx Show) - Watch Jamie on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Ke Huy Quan (Head of the Class/Together We Stand) - Ke appears on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Lili Reinhart (Surviving Jack) - Lili is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Caroline Rhea (Sydney to the Max/Sabrina, the Teenage Witch/Pride & Joy) and Tommy Davidson (The Varnell Hill Show/The Proud Family/Malcolm & Eddie/Between Brothers) - Caroline and Tommy will be on a repeat of Funny You Should Ask at 12:37am on CBS.
- Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method) - Michael is interviewed on Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO at 10pm.
- Gabourey Sidibe (Difficult People/The Big C) - Gabourey chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Mikey Madison (Better Things) and Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) - Drew is joined by The Social Reckoning cast members Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White and director Aaron Sorkin on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Danny Pintauro (Who's the Boss?) - Danny opens up about going viral for working as a delivery driver, the realities of being a working actor, and finding purpose beyond his childhood fame on Who’s the Boss? on Tamron Hall, so check your local listings.
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