Showing posts with label King of the Hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King of the Hill. Show all posts
Saturday, September 06, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: Shifting Gears Picked Up for Three Additional Episodes; The Paper Renewed for Season Two
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we are hearing more about the Scrubs reboot, the renewal of The Paper (already!), and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Shifting Gears was picked up for a few additional episodes for the upcoming season, but not quite a full season, which suggests that the reboot of Scrubs will be the midseason replacement for it. (Deadline)
- Speaking of Scrubs, we also learned this week that John McGinley will be returning to his role on the reboot. (Variety)
- Hopefully fans are enjoying The Paper, because it was renewed for a second season before the first season even aired. (Variety)
- King of the Hill and Wednesday have both proven to be major hits on streaming. (Hollywood Reporter)
- Kristen Johnston has been cast in the second season of Going Dutch. (Deadline)
- Going Dutch has a new show runner for the upcoming season. (Deadline)
- We have a season premiere date for Crutch, the spinoff of The Neighborhood that will stream on Paramount+. (TheWrap)
- A live staged reading of a Three's Company episode featuring Adam Devine and Kaley Cuoco is set for next week. (SitcomsOnline)
- A new season of Only Murders in the Building debuts Tuesday on Hulu.
- The new comedy series Kiss or Die debuts Tuesday on Netflix.
- After several weeks of multiple show binges on Catchy Comedy, they go back to one series this weekend with Newhart.
- With so many marathons going on last weekend, we forgot to mention some new series and season debuts from last week, including The Paper (the offshoot of The Office) on Peacock and Beavis and Butt-Head on Comedy Central/Paramount+.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: Paramount Plans Retool of Cable Networks; King of the Hill Revival Scores Big Ratings
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! Once again, it's a light "pre-fall season" week of news, but we're here nonethless. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Cable TV is changing dramatically before our eyes, but Paramount's new owner Skydance is saying that they plan to keep trying with their cable networks, but will potentially retool them (maybe that means MTV will finally end their 5 year marathon of Ridiculousness?). (Deadline)
- The King of the Hill revival is pulling big numbers in the ratings. (IGN)
- Two new sports streaming services launch on Thursday, one from ESPN and the other from Fox, but be prepared to pay a hefty price if you want both. (Deadline)
- Danielle Spencer, who played Dee on What's Happening!!, has died at age 60. (NPR)
- Hot in Cleveland is heading to Catchy Comedy. (SitcomsOnline)
- Just in time for the 60th anniversary of the series, Antenna TV is featuring a 60 episode marathon of I Dream of Jeannie today and tomorrow.
- Catchy Comedy has a binge of Laugh-In tomorrow.
Saturday, August 02, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: Family Guy Specials Coming to Hulu; Jimmy Kimmel Rooting for Emmy for Stephen Colbert
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We have lots of news about late night TV, animated series, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- It isn't leaving Fox, as many speculated when Hulu aired their first Family Guy specials, but two more are coming in upcoming months. (Variety)
- Jimmy Kimmel would rather see Stephen Colbert get an Emmy than himself, and has started a campaign for such. (Variety)
- Meanwhile, Seth Meyers, whom we can probably assume will never get the chance to host The Tonight Show as one would have assumed when he initially took over a decade ago, is concerned that his show could be canceled at any time. (Deadline)
- In the ongoing saga of "streaming actually isn't forever," HBO Max has removed more Cartoon Network library series. (Deadline)
- The Flintstones turns 65 years old at the end of this month, and MeTV Toons is here to celebrate it. (Cartoon Brew)
- And then there were fewer: Spectrum, the cable company formed by the merger of Charter and Time Warner Cable (which had also been built from many, many smaller cable companies), is moving ahead in merging with Cox. (Deadline)
- The creators of South Park are putting Paramount (and incoming parent company Skydance) in a bit of a conundrum, as the show continues to bite the hand the feeds it (Paramount), it is scoring the highest ratings it has seen since 1999. (Deadline)
- The Jeffersons is about to get a new home on cable. (SitcomsOnline)
- After a 15 year "wait" (which wasn't really a wait, because we never expected it was returning), a new season of King of the Hill arrives Monday on Hulu.
- Catchy Comedy has a binge of Sanford & Son and The Royal Family (featuring all but one episode of The Royal Family) tomorrow.
- Appropriately, a new season of Wednesday comes to Netflix on Wednesday.
- It probably shouldn't even be a big deal when a new episode of a current season show airs, but after already a week off following a two year hiatus, South Park is back for a new episode on Wednesday.
Friday, July 25, 2025
TV One Honors Malcolm-Jamal Warner; Comedy Central Season 3 of Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head; Remembering Kenneth Washington of Hogan's Heroes
TV One will celebrate the life of the late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as the beloved Theo Huxtable, with two tribute marathons of The Cosby Show this Friday, July 25 beginning at 6 PM ET and Sunday, July 27 beginning at Noon ET. Both marathons will include memorable episodes featuring Warner's character Theo for viewers to indulge and reminisce about his inaugural acting career.
The marathon is an homage to Warner's iconic role and contributions to the series, which originally aired from 1984 to 1992. TV One invites viewers to celebrate his legacy through these unforgettable performances and the beloved character he brought into homes across America. The Cosby Show also airs weekdays on TV One.
Comedy Central announced the return of the hit animated comedy series, Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head. Season three will premiere on Wednesday, September 3rd. From Emmy(R) Award-winning creator Mike Judge, the beloved misfits return with their signature brand of absurd, hilarious, and often painfully relatable antics - cementing their status as enduring pop culture icons. Stream the first two seasons and the critically acclaimed film, Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe, now on Paramount+.
Having originally premiered in 1993, Emmy(R) Award-winning creator Mike Judge has cemented Beavis and Butt-Head as cornerstones in adult animation. Known for its sharp wit and unfiltered take on adolescence, the show remains a significant part of the cultural zeitgeist. Created and voiced by writer, producer and director Mike Judge, the characters of Beavis and Butt-Head originated in Judge's 1992 short film Frog Baseball, which was broadcast by MTV's animation showcase "Liquid Television."
After MTV commissioned a full series around the characters, Beavis and Butt-Head ran for seven seasons, from March 8, 1993 to Nov. 28, 1997. The series was revived in 2011 with an eighth season airing on MTV. During its initial run, Beavis and Butt-Head received widespread critical acclaim for its satirical, scathing commentary on society. The show's popularity spawned various related media, including the theatrical film Beavis and Butt-Head Do America in 1996.
Actor Kenneth Washington, who starred as Sgt. Richard Baker in the final season of Hogan's Heroes, has died. He died on July 18 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Washington was 88.
Washington starred as Sgt. Richard Baker in the sixth and final (1970-1971) season of the CBS sitcom Hogan's Heroes. Sgt. Richard Baker assumed the duties of Sgt. James Kinchloe after Ivan Dixon left the series. The cast included Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, John Banner, Robert Clary, Richard Dawson, Ivan Dixon (1965-1970), Larry Hovis, Cynthia Lynn (1965-1966), and Sigrid Valdis (1966-1970).
Some of his sitcom guest appearances included I Dream of Jeannie, My Three Sons, Petticoat Junction, and The Paul Lynde Show. He made his final acting appearance as Mercer Gilbert, Whitley Gilbert's (Jasmine Guy) father, in a 1989 episode of A Different World. Mercer Gilbert was originally portrayed by Conroy Gedeon in a 1987 episode before Ron O'Neal took over the role in 1990 for four episodes.
He had a recurring role as Officer Miller in eight episodes of the first season (1968-1969) of the NBC police procedural crime drama Adam-12. Some of his other television guest appearances included Dragnet 1967, Star Trek, The Name of the Game, Marcus Welby, M.D. (1970), O'Hara, U.S. Treasury (1971), Hec Ramsey, The F.B.I., The Rockford Files, and Police Story (4 episodes). He appeared as Technician #2 in the 1973 science fiction western film Westworld.
Mr. Washington was the last surviving cast main cast member of Hogan's Heroes. We thank him for his work on Hogan's Heroes and television. He will be sorely missed.
We also remember Hall of Fame professional wrestler and actor Hulk Hogan. He voiced The Dean in the Adult Swim on Cartoon Network animated sitcom China, IL. He died of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on July 24. He was 71.
Hulk Hogan starred as Randolph J. "Hurricane" Spencer in the 1994 first-run syndicated action-adventure series Thunder in Paradise, which was later rebroadcast on the TNT cable network. Thunder in Paradise follows the adventures of two ex-United States Navy SEALs, Randolph J. "Hurricane" Spencer and Martin "Bru" Brubaker (Chris Lemmon), who work as mercenaries out of their tropical resort headquarters along Florida's Gulf Coast of the United States. The cast also included Carol Alt, Ashley Gorrell, Patrick Macnee, and Russ Wheeler as the voice of Thunder (their futuristic, high-tech boat).
He provided the voice of The Dean in the 2011-2015 Adult Swim on Cartoon Network animated sitcom China, IL. The series takes place at the "Worst School in America", located at the edge of the fictional town of China, Illinois. The Dean is the unnamed and impossibly macho head of the University of China, IL.
Some of his sitcom guest appearances included The Love Boat, Suddenly Susan (2 episodes), and The Goldbergs in 2019. He provided the voice of various characters for four episodes of Robot Chicken. He voiced himself in a 2012 episode of American Dad!.
Hulk Hogan's other television guest appearances included The A-Team (2 episodes), Baywatch, and Walker, Texas Ranger (2001). He co-hosted Saturday Night Live on March 30, 1985. He starred in the 2005-2007 VH1 reality documentary television series Hogan Knows Best. In 2008, he co-hosted the revival series of American Gladiators on NBC.
He played the part of the wrestler Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982). Some of his other film credits included No Holds Barred (1989), Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Suburban Commando (1991), and Mr. Nanny (1993).
Hulk Hogan was widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 1980s. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, and inducted a second time in 2020 as a member of the nWo. We thank him for his work in the ring and as an actor on television and in films. The Hulkster will be greatly missed.
Grammy-winning jazz musician and voice actor Chuck Mangione had a recurring role as a fictional version of himself on King of the Hill. He died of natural causes in his sleep at his Rochester, New York, home on July 22. Mr. Mangione was 84.
Mangione had a recurring role as a fictional version of himself being a celebrity spokesman for the Mega Lo Mart in nine episodes of the Fox animated sitcom King of the Hill from 1997 to 2003. His composition "Feels So Good" was heard frequently, including a running gag in which he worked it into whatever he was playing.
Some of his other guest appearances included the role of Jimmy Nolan in a 1984 episode of Magnum, P.I. and the role of Little Boy Blue in a 1988 episode of Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show on CBC.
He came to prominence as a member of Art Blakey's band in the 1960s, and later co-led the Jazz Brothers with his brother, Gap, achieving international success in 1977 with his jazz-pop single "Feels So Good". He released more than 30 albums, beginning in the 1960s. He won Grammy Awards in 1977 and 1979.
Mr. Mangione was a talented flugelhornist and trumpeter. His appearances on King of the Hill were always funny and memorable. We thank him for his music. He will be deeply missed.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: Scrubs Reboot Headed to ABC; New King of the Hill Trailer Released
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have reboot/spinoff news, some casting news for a Fox series, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- It's official: a Scrubs reboot is coming to ABC, with three of the original cast members on board. (Variety)
- A premiere date has been set for The Office offshoot (it's not really clear what to call it), The Paper. (Deadline)
- We are getting another look into the new season of King of the Hill. (TheWrap)
- Annie Potts has joined the cast of the upcoming Fox series Best Medicine. (Variety)
- HBO Max has ordered Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a Big Bang Theory spinoff. (SitcomsOnline)
- Catchy Comedy has a binge of Mama's Family tomorrow.
- Antenna TV has a Mork & Mindy marathon tomorrow.
Saturday, June 07, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: Fox Cancels Alert: Missing Persons Unit and The Cleaning Lady; Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune Headed to Streaming
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're in the slow summer months of news, but we're here for some nonetheless. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- You'd be forgiven if you've never watched them or even heard of them, even though they've been on for a few seasons, but Fox has canceled Alert: Missing Persons Unit and The Cleaning Lady. (Deadline)
- The ratings for Saturday Night Live were good for season 50. (Variety)
- It's crazy to think that after over a decade of next day streaming being a common thing, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have not been available in that format, but that's about to change this fall. (Variety)
- The creators of Mid-Century Modern want viewers to stop thinking of it as a gay Golden Girls. (Deadline)
- Jonathan Joss, known for his role of John Redcorn on King of the Hill, died after being shot. (BBC)
- We've got early details for the second season of Netflix's Nobody Wants This. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 7 - JUNE 13)
- Catchy Comedy has a binge of Gomer Pyle, USMC tomorrow.
- The 2025 Tony Awards air Sunday on CBS.
- There's a new season of The 1% Club, with a new host, on Fox on Tuesday.
Monday, June 02, 2025
Remembering Loretta Swit of M*A*S*H, Valerie Mahaffey of Young Sheldon, and The Simpsons Composer Alf Clausen
Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit, who starred as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in M*A*S*H, has died. She died at her home in New York City on May 30. Ms. Swit was 87.
She starred as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the 1972-1983 CBS sitcom M*A*S*H. Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan is the Regular Army head nurse of the 4077th and begins allied with Major Frank Burns (Larry Linville) against the more civilian doctors of the unit. She is the extremely capable head nurse of the 4077th MASH, the highest-ranking female officer in the unit, and fiercely protective of the women under her command.
Swit was one of only four cast members to stay for all 11 seasons of the show, from 1972 to 1983 (the others were Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, and William Christopher). She appeared in all but 11 of the total of 256 episodes. She won two Emmy Awards in 1980 and 1982 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series for the role. She was nominated for every season of the series except season one. In 1983, she won People's Choice Award for Favorite Female TV Performer. She appeared in the 1991 CBS retrospective special Memories of M*A*S*H. In 2002, she appeared in the M*A*S*H: 30th Anniversary Reunion on Fox.
She played the role of Christine Cagney in the 1981 CBS movie pilot for the television series Cagney & Lacey. She was forced to decline the role in the series when the producers of M*A*S*H refused to let her out of her contract. The role was played Meg Ryan in the six first season episodes before she was replaced by Sharon Gless in the second season.
Some of her sitcom guest appearances included Love, American Style (2 episodes), Good Heavens, and The Love Boat (5 episodes). She appeared in four episodes of Hawaii Five-O from 1969 to 1972. Some of her other television guest appearances included Mannix, Mission: Impossible, Gunsmoke (3 episodes), Bonanza, Ironside, Petrocelli, Murder, She Wrote (1994), Burke's Law, and Diagnosis: Murder. She hosted Those Incredible Animals on the Discovery Channel for 26 episodes from 1992 to 1994.
She was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on May 10, 2005.
Ms. Swit did a wonderful job portraying Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan for 11 seasons on M*A*S*H. She could do both comedy and drama well. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment that she brought us during her career. She will be deeply missed.
Share your memories on our M*A*S*H message board. View photos in our galleries.
MeTV will remember Loretta Swit this week with special episodes featuring Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan. Watch M*A*S*H weeknights from 6pm-8pm ET and Sundays at 7pm ET.
June 2
7pm: S5E6- "The Nurses" (OAD: October 19, 1976)
7:30pm: S5E3- "Margaret's Engagement" (OAD: September 28, 1976)
June 3
7pm: S6E13- "Comrades in Arms: Part 1" (OAD: December 6, 1977)
7:30pm: S6E14- "Comrades in Arms: Part 2" (OAD: December 13, 1977)
June 4
7pm: S5E1&E2- "Bug Out" (OAD: September 21, 1976)
June 5
7pm: S5E7- "The Abduction of Margaret Houlihan" (OAD: October 26, 1976)
7:30pm: S10E12- "The Birthday Girls" (OAD: January 11, 1982)
June 6
7pm: S8E2- "Are You Now, Margaret?" (OAD: September 24, 1979)
7:30pm: S7E20- "Hot Lips is Back in Town" (OAD: January 29, 1979)
Emmy-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey, who starred as Caitlyn Van Horne in The Powers That Be and who had a recurring role as Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, has died. She died of cancer on May 30 in Los Angeles. Ms. Mahaffey was 71.
Mahaffey began her career starring as Ashley Bennett in the NBC daytime soap opera The Doctors from 1979 to 1981. She was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1980.
She starred as Caitlyn Van Horne in the short-lived 1992-1993 NBC sitcom The Powers That Be. It was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, with Norman Lear as executive producer. At the center of the series is U.S. Senator William Powers (John Forsythe), a parody of the political establishment in Washington, D.C. Margaret (Holland Taylor), the senator's status-hungry wife, treats Charlotte (Elizabeth Berridge), their maid, with comedic disdain. Caitlyn, the senator's daughter, has an eating disorder and is married to Representative Theodore Van Horne (David Hyde Pierce), who is suicidal; their son, Pierce (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), is mature beyond his years from having to care for his unbalanced parents. The series also starred Eve Gordon, Peter MacNicol, and Robin Bartlett.
Mahaffey starred as Jennifer Malone in five episodes of the short-lived 1995 CBS sitcom Women of the House. The series starred Delta Burke, reprising her role of Suzanne Sugarbaker, who had reconciled with producers of Designing Women after a bitter, highly publicized, off-screen battle. Jennifer Malone, known to her co-workers as "Malone", was a vivacious, naïve housewife who was recently left by her husband, and whose children were tyrants. She works as Suzanne's receptionist. Julie Hagerty played Jennifer Malone in two episodes. The cast included Teri Garr, Patricia Heaton, Lisa Rieffel, Jonathan Banks, Brittany Parkyn, and William Newman.
She had a recurring role as Victoria MacElroy in 14 episodes of the CBS sitcom Young Sheldon in seasons 1-3 from 2017 to 2020. Victoria MacElroy is Sheldon's (Iain Armitage) homeroom and English teacher at Medford High.
Mahaffey had a recurring role as Sandy Cooper in three episodes of Wings from 1993 to 1996. In 2009, she had a recurring role as Dr. Ocean in seven episodes of the Showtime comedy-drama United States of Tara. She had a recurring role as Lorna Harding, Jen Harding's (Christina Applegate) mother-in-law, in nine episodes of the Netflix comedy-drama Dead to Me from 2019 to 2022.
Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included Newhart, Cheers, Seinfeld, Baby Talk, Dream On, Caroline in the City, George & Leo, Love & Money, That's My Bush!, Frasier, Good Morning, Miami (2004), Out of Practice, Crumbs, Better with You, Hannah Montana, Raising Hope, The Exes, Kirstie, Workaholics, Impastor, and The Mindy Project.
She had a recurring role as Eve in five episodes the CBS comedy-drama Northern Exposure from 1991 to 1994. In 1992, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as the chronic hypochondriac Eve.
Mahaffey had a recurring role as Alma Hodge, Orson Hodge's (Kyle MacLachlan) first wife, in eight episodes of the third season (2006-2007) the ABC mystery comedy-drama Desperate Housewives. She had a recurring role as Fran Horowitz in the 2013 TNT medical drama Monday Mornings. From 2013 to 2015, she had a recurring role as Olivia Rice on the Lifetime comedy-drama Devious Maids. She starred as Helen Pergman, Ronald's (Brian Geraghty) mother, in the first season (2020-2021) of the ABC crime drama thriller Big Sky.
Some of her other television credits included Father Dowling Mysteries, Quantum Leap (1990), The Young Riders, L.A. Law, The Client (4 episodes as Ellie Foltrigg), ER (4 episodes as Joi Abbott), Ally McBeal, Judging Amy, The West Wing, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Without a Trace, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Private Practice, Boston Legal, Glee (3 episodes as Rose Pillsbury), Grey's Anatomy, Franklin & Bash, Hart of Dixie (3 episodes as Mae Ellen Waterloo), and The Man in the High Castle (3 episodes as Susan), and Echo 3 (3 episodes as Maggie Chesborough).
Ms. Mahaffey was a talented and versatile character actress. She was a familiar face with nearly 100 television and film credits. We thank her for her work on sitcoms and television. She will be sorely missed.
Emmy-winning composer Alf Clausen, who worked on ALF and The Simpsons, has died. He died at his home in Los Angeles on May 29 after a decade-long battle with progressive supernuclear palsy (PSP). Mr. Clausen was 84.
Clausen was the composer for the 1986-1990 NBC sitcom ALF. He co-composed the theme music with Tom Kramer. He served as the composer for the ABC comedy-drama Moonlighting from 1985 to 1989, scoring 63 of the 65 episodes.
He was the sole composer for the Fox animated sitcom The Simpsons between 1990 and 2017. He joined the series in the second season and worked until the end of the 28th season. He received two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on The Simpsons, winning the award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics two years in a row in 1997 and 1998.
Some of his other sitcom composing credits included ABC's Dads (1986-1987), ABC's Harry (1987), ABC's/Fox's animated series The Critic (1994-1995), and CBS' Bette (2000-2001). Some of his other television credits included Wizards and Warriors, Fame, and Lime Street.
He provided additional music for several films including The Beastmaster (1982), Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), Splash (1984), Weird Science (1985), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Dragnet (1987), and The Naked Gun (1988).
We were fortunate enough to interview him for our blog in 2007 when we reviewed The Simpsons: Testify CD. He was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television in 2014 and 2015.
Mr. Clausen scored or orchestrated music for more than 30 films and television shows. With 30 nominations, he received more Emmy nominations to date than any other musician. We thank him for his music on The Simpsons and television. His music made the episodes much better and funnier. He will be greatly missed.
We also remember actor Jonathan Joss. He was best known for providing the voice of John Redcorn on King of the Hill. He was shot to death during an argument with a neighbor in San Antonio on June 1. Mr. Joss was 59.
Joss was the voice of John Redcorn from season 2 to 13 of the Fox animated sitcom King of the Hill, replacing the original actor Victor Aaron after Aaron's death in 1996. John Redcorn is a Native American healer who has given Nancy therapeutic massages for her headaches for years. He is invariably addressed or referred to as "John Redcorn" or "Mr. Redcorn" by every character in the series, and is never addressed or referred to simply as "John".
He was also known for his recurring role as Chief Ken Hotate in five episodes of the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation from 2011 to 2015. Ken Hotate is the leader of Pawnee's local Wamapoke Native American tribe. He also runs a casino in the city.
Joss guest starred in a 2014 episode of the FXX sitcom The League and a 2014 episode of the ABC sitcom Manhattan Love Story. Some of his other television credits included Walker, Texas Ranger (6 episodes), Charmed, ER, In Plain Sight, Friday Night Lights, Ray Donovan (3 episodes), and Tulsa King (2 episodes).
Mr. Joss was memorable as Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation. We thank him for his work on television. He will be missed.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: New King of the Hill Reboot Details; CBS Makes Late Night Changes
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a somewhat busy week, but we've got highlights, including a lot to take in about the King of the Hill reboot. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Not only do we have a premiere date for the King of the Hill reboot, we've even got opening credits... and we suggest watching them and frequently pausing to catch every little detail of what has happened in the past decade and a half. (Deadline)
- Jenna Fischer is talking about her favorite episodes of The Office, and they're mostly ones after Steve Carell left the show. (Deadline)
- CBS is putting Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen in their post-Colbert timeslot next season... again. (Hollywood Reporter)
- The back and forth between CBS and Sony on who owns the distribution rights to Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! is now back to CBS having the rights. (AV Club)
- Former Simpsons music composer Alf Clausen, whom we actually interviewed nearly 20 years ago, has died. (Variety)
- Loretta Swit, known for her role on M*A*S*H (and who played Cagney in the pilot for Cagney & Lacey, but wasn't able to play the role because she couldn't get out of her M*A*S*H contract) has died. (Hollywood Reporter)
- We have our first look at Leanne, a Chuck Lorre sitcom coming to Netflix. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 31 - JUNE 6)
- Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Brooklyn Bridge.
- Antenna TV has an Alice marathon tomorrow.
- Fox has a new season of The Quiz with Balls on Monday.
Saturday, April 19, 2025
SitcomsOnline Digest: Clueless Reboot in the Works at Peacock; King of the Hill Cast Reunion and Revival Preview at ATX TV Festival Next Month
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about a new Clueless series, (a little bit) more about the revival of King of the Hill, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Although she didn't play the role in the ABC/UPN sitcom, Alicia Silverstone is looking to bring her movie role from Clueless to a new TV series at Peacock. (Variety)
- We still don't know when it's going to debut, but we at least have a cast reunion and revival sneak preview set for King of the Hill at the ATX TV Festival next month. (Deadline)
- NBC has Foreign Service, a workplace comedy about working at a U.S. embassy abroad, in the works. (Deadline)
- The back and forth drama between Sony and CBS over distribution of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune continues this week, and now CBS has once again regained control of distribution (at least temporarily), and there are rumors that Sony may be looking to move (or at least offer same day streaming of) the shows to streaming once they regain full control. (Variety)
- We all knew that DVD and Blu-ray sales have dropped since streaming became mainstream, but just how bad is it? A whopping 90% in the past ten years. (Cord Cutters News)
- Nicky Katt, known to TV audiences for his role as Harry Senate in Boston Public, died this week at age 54. (Variety)
- Wink Martindale, one of the last surviving game show hosts from the golden era of game shows, has died. (NPR)
- Classic TV comes to life at an event at the Paley Center in New York City, if you can get there in the next few days. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 19 - APRIL 25)
- Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is The Monkees.
- Antenna TV has a Becker marathon tomorrow.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
SitcomsOnline Digest: Malcolm in the Middle Limited Reboot Headed to Disney+; King of the Hill Reboot Episode Titles Released
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing big news about a reboot of a Fox Sunday night classic (and also less significant news about the reboot of another Fox Sunday night classic), a new role for Jenna Elfman, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- The big news of the week came last week (and really wasn't completely unexpected, as there had been hints of it happening for the past month): a limited four episode Malcolm in the Middle reboot is headed to Disney+. (Variety)
- If that isn't enough for early 00s Sunday night Fox lineup excitement, we also have the titles for the first ten episodes of the King of the Hill reboot on Hulu. (Hypebeast)
- Sesame Street appears to be moving again, as the deal for it to stream on Max is coming to an end and won't be renewed. (Deadline)
- Jenna Elfman is set to have a recurring role on the upcoming ABC Tim Allen sitcom Shifting Gears. (Deadline)
- The Friday Night Lights reboot that has been in the works is officially headed to Peacock. (Deadline)
- Michael Cole, the last surviving star of The Mod Squad, has died. (Entertainment Weekly)
- Antenna TV has set their Christmas and New Year's plans. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 20)
- If you're in the Christmas mood, Catchy Comedy has a whole weekend of Christmas episodes of sitcoms (and other comedy TV series).
- Fast Friends, the Friends themed game show, premieres Thursday on Max.
- Thursday also has the debut of the Peacock comedy series Laid.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
SitcomsOnline Digest: SAG-AFTRA Strike Finally Ends; New Digital TV Broadcast Networks Coming
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we finally have an end to the SAG-AFTRA strike, we're hearing about some new digital TV broadcast networks, and getting an update on the reboot of an animated adult comedy favorite. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- It's over! The SAG-AFTRA strike has ended, and we're getting an idea of how long the season could be for some of our favorite sitcoms (hint: it's not long). (Deadline)
- We don't have many details yet, but some new digital TV broadcast networks (that will also be streaming) are coming soon from a partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, and Gray Television. (Deadline)
- What is lost in the news of these new networks, however, is that Gray Television's current country music digital TV broadcast network, Circle, will be shutting down on December 31 to make way for these new networks, though they say that current programming on Circle will be redistributed elsewhere (and it seems that Circle may maintain a streaming presence as well). (Cord Cutters News)
- We're learning a bit more about the King of the Hill revival, but don't look for it to arrive on Hulu for at least a year, as they're still working out casting details. (TVLine)
- Disney is looking to sell Freeform (which is no longer available on Spectrum, one of the largest cable providers) and other networks to A+E networks. (Cord Cutters News)
- Big Brother, the CBS summer reality series that managed to get stretched all the way into November this year, isn't stopping there, and is having a special two week Christmas themed version next month. (Variety)
- FX has renewed The Bear for a third season. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (NOVEMBER 11 - NOVEMBER 17)
- Catchy Comedy is having a binge of All the Family and Sanford & Son this weekend.
- With little new programming to air, CBS is bringing the British version of Ghosts to the lineup starting Thursday night.
Monday, August 14, 2023
MeTV's Back to School with Me Stunt; Remembering Johnny Hardwick and Shelley Smith
Go "Back to School with Me" with special academic episodes Sunday, August 27! Bid goodbye to carefree summer days with a full day of shows featuring classrooms, sports, tests and teachers! Grab your pencils and pack your lunch for this full day event reliving all the fun of the going back to school, from first class to graduation. And don’t forget your homework! Make the end of summer a little easier with a full day of episodes about learning, teachers, sports and all things back-to-school on MeTV. It all starts Sunday, August 27 at 9A | 8C!
9A | 8C: Saved By The Bell: "The Last Weekend" — It's the last day at the beach resort and Zack and Stacy are hoping to spend it together. Carosi, however, doesn't approve of their romance. Meanwhile, a secret admirer is sending Slater love letters.
9:30A | 8:30C: Saved By The Bell: "The Fight" — Zach and Slater might turn back into rivals when they fall for a new girl from Idaho. Who'll be the one to have a date with her?
10A | 9C: The Flintstones: "Flintstone of Prinstone" — Fred attends night classes and is drafted to be a quarterback on the school football team.
10:30A | 9:30C: The Flintstones: "The Bowling Ballet" —Fred secretly becomes a ballet pupil in order to regain his form for a big bowling match
11A | 10C:The Flintstones: "High School Fred" — Wilma thinks Fred is about to be promoted when Mr. Slate sends Fred to school for two weeks.
11:30A | 10:30C: The Jetsons: "Elroy's Mob" — Elroy brings home the wrong report card by mistake, angering his father, which causes Elroy to run away with Astro.
12P | 11C: The Brady Bunch: "Today, I am a Freshman" —It's the beginning of another school year, and Marcia panics about becoming a freshman, going as far as pretending to be sick. However, after Mike and Carol see through her act, they insist she'd enjoy school if she were involved in extracurricular activities. Marcia then proceeds to join every group or club available. Meanwhile, Peter tries to build a model volcano on the patio.
12:30P | 11:30C: The Brady Bunch: "Getting Greg's Goat" — After he and his teammates swipe a rival school's mascot in retaliation for theirs being stolen first, Greg is tasked with watching Raquel, a goat. Things get out of control when Raquel proves to be hard to handle, easy to feed and not easy to catch.
1P | 12C: Leave It to Beaver: "Wally's Test" — An upcoming test in history, Wally's weakest subject, has Wally studying all weekend and has Larry and Eddie coming up with a plan that will give them good grades on the test.
1:30P | 12:30C: Leave It to Beaver: "Beaver's I.Q." — After learning that he's going to be taking an I.Q. test, Beaver hits the books, scared after his friends tell him that if he doesn't pass he will be sent to "dumb school."
2P | 1C: The Beverly Hillbillies: "Jethro Goes to School" — Jethro announces that Pearl has sent the family a letter. In this letter, Pearl says how she hopes her son is doing well in school. Jed realizes that Jethro should be in the fifth grade and tells him they have to find a school that day. While driving around Beverly Hills, they stop at the first school they see, Mrs. Potts’ exclusive private school.
2:30P | 1:30C: The Beverly Hillbillies: "Jethro's Graduation" — Jethro is very excited about graduating from the sixth grade. But in order to prevent embarrassment, Mrs. Potts gets help from Drysdale and Diana to get Jethro to miss his sixth grade graduation. She schemes to turn Jed and Jethro’s watches back 45 minutes.
3P | 2C: Gilligan's Island: "The Friendly Physician" — A mad scientist lands on the island and takes the castaways to his castle to perform strange experiments on them. Soon they are locked in a dungeon and trapped in the wrong bodies.
3:30P | 2:30C: Gilligan's Island: "A Man With a Net" — Lord Beasley Waterford, a famous butterfly collector, lands on the island searching for the world's rarest butterfly, the pussycat swallowtail.
4P | 3C: Mama's Family: "Mama Learns to Drive" — Fed up with having to chauffeur Mama all over town, the family decides to teach her to drive. But when Mama finally gets her license, the family is too afraid to let her use their cars!
4:30P | 3:30C: Mama's Family: "Educating Mama" — When Bubba enrolls in night school, the family convinces Mama to join him and earn her high school equivalency diploma.
5P | 4C: The Love Boat: "Isaac's Teacher" — Isaac hides from his high-school teacher; a man tries to please his seal; a wife who thinks she's dying wants to choose her successor.
6P | 5C: The Andy Griffith Show: "The Education of Ernest T. Bass" — Ernest T. is back in Mayberry to get his diploma. He is so determined that Andy convinces Helen to allow him to attend class, but Ernest T. isn't exactly classroom material.
Voice actor, comedian, writer and producer Johnny Hardwick, who was best known as the voice of Dale Gribble on King of the Hill, has died. He was found dead at his home Austin, Texas, on August 8. Mr. Hardwick was 64.
Hardwick provided the voice of Dale Gribble on the Fox animated sitcom King of the Hill. The 1997-2010 series centers on the Hills, an American family in the fictional city of Arlen, Texas, as well as their neighbors, co-workers, relatives, classmates, friends, and acquaintances. Dale Gribble is the Hills' chain-smoking, balding, conspiracy-theorist next-door neighbor and Hank's (Mike Judge) best friend. As a result of his paranoia, Dale does not trust the government or "the system". He owns his own pest control business, Dale's Dead Bug, and is also a licensed bounty hunter and President of the Arlen Gun Club. Dale is married to Nancy Hicks-Gribble (Ashley Gardner), a weather reporter and later an anchorwoman for the Channel 84 news. The cast also included Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Brittany Murphy (1997-2009), Stephen Root, Toby Huss, Jonathan Joss, Lauren Tom, Breckin Meyer, and Tom Petty.
At the time of his death, he was set to reprise the role again in the upcoming revival. It was later revealed that he had recorded "a couple" of new episodes for the revival prior to his death.
He was also its staff writer, story editor and producer from 1997 to 2002. He had three Prime Time Emmy Award nominations, and in 1999 he won an Emmy for producing King of the Hill.
Mr. Hardwick did a great job performing the memorable role of Dale Gribble. We thank him for his work on King of the Hill. He will be greatly missed.
Fashion model and actress Shelley Smith, who starred as Sara James on The Associates, has died. She suffered a cardiac arrest on August 5. She died at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California, on August 8. Ms. Smith was 70.
Smith starred as Sara James on the 1979-1980 ABC sitcom The Associates. The series, which was based on the novel of the same name by John Jay Osborn Jr., was the first bonafide starring vehicle for Martin Short and centered on a small group of young novice lawyers who worked at a Wall Street law firm. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. The cast included Wilfrid Hyde-White, Joe Regalbuto, Alley Mills, and Tim Thomerson.
Some of her sitcom guest appearances included The Stockard Channing Show, Angie, The Love Boat (2 episodes), Diff'rent Strokes, and Webster.
She starred as Capt. Carolyn Engel on the 1983-1984 NBC military drama For Love and Honor. Some of her other television guest appearances included Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, The Phoenix, Hart to Hart (2 episodes), Fantasy Island, Hotel, Lady Blue, The New Mike Hammer, Hunter, Magnum, P.I. (2 episodes), Simon & Simon (4 episodes), Dragnet (1989), and Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes).
Ms. Smith was a talented and lovely actress. The Associates had a great cast and was critically acclaimed, but it never found a big audience airing against One Day at a Time. It's too bad ABC didn't give it more of a chance in another time slot. We thank her for work on television. She will be deeply missed.
We also remember actor Nicolas Coster. He had a recurring role as David Warner, the father of Blair Warner, on The Facts of Life. He died on June 26 at a hospital in Florida. Mr. Coster was 89.
Coster had a recurring role as David Warner, Blair Warner's (Lisa Whelchel) father, in five episodes of The Facts of Life from 1982 to 1988. His ex-wife, Monica Warner, was played by Marj Dusay in eight episodes from 1981 to 1987.
Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included No Time for Sergeants, Wendy and Me, Occasional Wife, On Our Own (1978), Husbands, Wives & Lovers (1978), Grandpa Goes to Washington, One Day at a Time, When the Whistle Blows, Police Squad!, Teachers Only (2 episodes), 9 to 5 (3 episodes), Hooperman, Who's the Boss?, Nurses, Coach, 3rd Rock from the Sun (2 episodes), and Crumbs.
Coster starred as Robert Delaney on Another World from 1970 to 1980. He played Anthony Makana in five episodes of One Life to Live. He starred as Lionel Lockridge on Santa Barbara from 1984 to 1993. The role earned him four Daytime Emmy nominations. He starred as Mayor Jack Madison on the digital soap The Bay from 2010 to 2019. The role won him his first Daytime Emmy in 2017. He also worked as a producer from 2010 to 2014.
He played John Eldridge in the 1965 CBS primetime serialized drama Our Private World. He starred as Chief J.E. Carson on The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo (also known as Lobo). In 1983, he starred as Dr. Morris Whitford on the short-lived ABC medical drama Ryan's Four.
Some of his other television guest appearances included The Defenders, The Green Hornet, Charlie's Angels, Little House on the Prairie, Baretta, Family, The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Dallas (3 episodes), Hart to Hart, Quincy, M.E. (1982), Simon & Simon (3 episodes), Magnum, P.I. (1983), Hardcastle and McCormick, T.J. Hooker, Knight Rider (1983), L.A. Law, thirtysomething (1989), Murder, She Wrote (1989), Life Goes On, Star Trek: The Next Generation, MacGyver, Matlock, Law & Order (2 episodes), and Cold Case.
Mr. Coster was a fine character actor. He was a familiar face on many television shows during his long career. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment that he brought us on television. He will be sorely missed.
Saturday, August 12, 2023
SitcomsOnline Digest: The Conners Getting Ready for Syndication; Game Shows a Hit for ABC
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about a (sort of) long running broadcast sitcom heading to syndication, some Jeopardy! fall updates, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- The Conners looks to be heading to syndication in 2024, which it is honestly kind of surprising that it is just now happening. (Variety)
- Jeopardy! plans for the fall are in jeopardy, so to speak, as the executive producer grapples with how to handle the WGA strike. (Deadline)
- Johnny Hardwick, the voice of Dale on King of the Hill (and who was also set to return for the reboot), has died at age 64. (TMZ)
- Jodie Sweetin isn't too thrilled that a new movie that she is starring in was sold to Great American Family. (TVLine)
- Game shows are proving to be very successful for ABC lately, perhaps more than they'd hoped. (Deadline)
- We told you a few weeks ago about how Suits has bizarrely become a huge deal in streaming media, setting records for viewership even, and it seems that the climb to the top hasn't even stopped. (Deadline)
- Quincy, M.E. is headed to FETV. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18)
- Catchy Comedy, with a binge of The Honeymooners this weekend, including lost episodes.
- The final season of Billions premieres tomorrow on Showtime.
- The Upshaws returns for a fourth season on Netflix on Thursday.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Cruel Summer Returns with a Bang; Adult Swim Orders Comedy from King of the Hill Creators
The season two premiere of Cruel Summer scored 2.6 million total viewers across linear and digital platforms based on the first 7 days available, making it Freeform's No. 1 telecast in 2 years - since the Cruel Summer season one finale (June 2021). Viewership for the season two premiere surged by over +1,000% from Live+SD (223,000) to multiplatform viewing through 7 days (2,574,000). Through two episodes, Cruel Summer is averaging 2.3 million total viewers across linear and digital platforms, marking Freeform's most-watched season two series of all-time and Freeform's No. 1 current series. In the initial week available (6/6-12/23), the first two episodes of Cruel Summer season two were the most-watched scripted TV episodes on Hulu [via SVOD on-demand]. Cruel Summer remains Freeform's No. 1 series on Hulu. Episode 4 premieres tonight at 10:00 p.m. on Freeform and tomorrow on Hulu.
Adult Swim, the leader in adult animation and #1 destination for young adults, has greenlit Common Side Effects. The half-hour comedy series delves into the complex reactions to the revelation of the mysterious elixir of life. Common Side Effects was created by Joe Bennett and Steve Hely and is executive produced by King of the Hill creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. Common Side Effects follows former high school lab partners Marshall and Frances who begin to unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the federal government to suppress knowledge of a rare mushroom that may hold the key to curing all the world's diseases.
Saturday, February 04, 2023
SitcomsOnline Digest: New Episodes of King of the Hill and Futurama in the Horizon; Night Court and That '90s Show Get Second Seasons
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This is a very busy week, and we've got about twice as much news as usual, including news about reboots of some Fox animated series (but on Hulu), second season renewals of two recent reboots (or whatever the proper title is for them), and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- It's the news everybody has been excited about this week: King of the Hill is coming back! But there are some issues that fans are wondering about how they will be addressed, such as what will happen with Luanne and Lucky (voiced by Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty, both of whom have died since the series ended), as well as how will the character of Khan (an Asian American voiced by a white man) be handled. (TVLine)
- Meanwhile, Lauren Tom (who just so happens to do voices on King of the Hill as well) has announced a timeline for the return of Futurama. (Game Rant)
- CBS has ordered a Matlock reboot pilot starring Kathy Bates. (AV Club)
- A huge shift in daytime TV is coming, as Dr. Phil will be coming to an end in just a few months. (Deadline)
- That '90s Show is getting a second season on Netflix. (Variety)
- There is a spoof of Seinfeld that can go on forever, thanks to AI. (TechCrunch)
- The Blacklist is coming to an end after 10 seasons at NBC. (Variety)
- Cindy Williams, best known as Shirley in Laverne & Shirley, has died at age 75. (Entertainment Weekly)
- Lisa Loring, who played the original Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, has also died. (Variety)
- It isn't surprising given the initial success that it has had (we'll see if that holds), but Night Court is coming back for a second season. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (FEBRUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 10)
- Decades has a binge of Laverne & Shirley this weekend in remembrance of Cindy Williams.
- All in the Family comes to MeTV starting Sunday night.
- Not Dead Yet, a new ABC comedy, debuts on Wednesday.
- South Park returns for a new season on Comedy Central on Wednesday night, and is followed by the cable premiere of Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head.
Wednesday, February 01, 2023
Hulu to Revive King of the Hill; Apple TV+ Orders Season 3 of Acapulco
Hulu announced a series order for a revival of iconic animated hit King of the Hill, from 20th Television Animation, which will be created and executive produced by original co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, as well as incoming executive producer and showrunner Saladin Patterson. Additionally, 3 Arts' Michael Rotenberg and Howard Klein, and Bandera Entertainment’s Dustin Davis serve as executive producers of the show, which will take place in fictional Arlen, Texas, in present day USA. The animated series will star original voice talent including Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick and Lauren Tom. The reboot has been in the works since the 2017 San Francisco Sketchfest, where Judge and Daniels reconnected with the cast and celebrated the 20th anniversary of King of the Hill.
The Emmy®-winning series, which Time named one of "The Greatest TV Shows of All Time," ran for 13 seasons on Fox and now streams on Hulu. King of the Hill depicted the suburban Texas world with faithfulness and love, presenting characters that were unusually complex and three-dimensional for a cartoon. The show, set in the fictional Arlen, Texas, followed the life of Hank Hill (Mike Judge), an enthusiastic seller of propane and propane accessories; his wife, Peggy (Kathy Najimy), local Boggle champ and substitute teacher; and their 13-year-old son, Bobby (Pamela Adlon), who defies any expectation his father had for a son. Hank's friends – conspiracy theorist Dale (Johnny Hardwick), military barber Bill (Stephen Root) and cool but inarticulate Boomhauer (Judge), along with Peggy’s friends Minh (Lauren Tom) and meteorologist Nancy (Ashley Gardner), and Bobby’s friend Connie (Tom) help the Hills navigate a changing world.
Apple TV+ announced that it's checking back in to Las Colinas for Acapulco season three! Following its globally acclaimed second season, the hit Apple Original comedy series starring and executive produced by Emmy and SAG-Award winner Eugenio Derbez, has been picked up for a 10-episode third season, set to go into production this spring. In Season Three of Acapulco, it's a time of reconciling past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In our present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build…
The upcoming third season will be showrun by Sam Laybourne. In addition to Derbez, the Acapulco ensemble cast returning includes Enrique Arrizon (as Máximo Gallardo), Fernando Carsa (as Memo), Damián Alcázar (Don Pablo), Camila Perez (Julia), Chord Overstreet (Chad), Vanessa Bauche (Nora), Regina Reynoso (Sara), Raphael Alejandro (Hugo), Jessica Collins (Diane), Rafael Cebrián (Hector), Carlos Corona (Esteban) and Regina Orozco (Lupe). Acapulco season two picked up right on the heels of season one, telling the story of 20-something Máximo Gallardo (Arrizon), whose dream comes true when he scores the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco, Las Colinas. In 1985, Máximo must contend with upheaval at the resort, unexpected problems at home and a new love interest who just might rival the girl of his dreams. Under Don Pablo’s guidance, he sets his eyes on one day running the entire Las Colinas operation by becoming the right-hand man of Diane. Meanwhile, in present day, older Máximo (Derbez) returns to Acapulco to make peace with the recent passing of Don Pablo, where he is forced to confront some unfinished business young Máximo left behind.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Family Guy, King of the Hill, The Cleveland Show and Futurama Joining FXX; HBO Max's Ten Year Old Tom Details
FXX cements its status as the go-to cable network for adult animated comedies when the full Family Guy catalog joins the network this week. With the addition of all episodes of past seasons of Family Guy on its schedule, FXX is now the only cable channel that airs such a comprehensive collection of the most popular animated adult comedies of all time, including Archer, Bob Burgers, The Cleveland Show, Family Guy, King of the Hill and The Simpsons (the latter now airing for the first time in a strip daily). In addition to Family Guy, the network is launching King of the Hill and The Cleveland Show this week, while Futurama joins this powerhouse comedy lineup in November 2021.
Family Guy will air weekly Monday-Tuesday (8:00 p.m. - midnight), Thursday (8:00 p.m.-10 p.m.), Saturday (8:00 p.m. - midnight) and Sundays (10:00 p.m.- midnight). The series will also continue to air on Freeform Fridays (4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and stream exclusively on Hulu. Futurama air dates are pending. Family Guy is an American animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter Griffin and Lois Griffin; their children Meg Griffin, Chris Griffin, and Stewie Griffin; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian Griffin. The show is set in the fictional city of Quahog, Rhode Island, and exhibits much of its humor in the form of cutaway gags that often lampoon American culture.
The Max Original Ten Year Old Tom, a bitingly-funny ten episode adult animated comedy series, will debut Thursday, September 30 on HBO Max. The series is created and written by Steve Dildarian (The Life & Times of Tim), who will executive produce with TV animation veteran Nick Weidenfeld (The Boondocks, Rick & Morty). Dildarian plays the lead character Tom alongside a talented cast of actors and comedians including Byron Bowers, Todd Glass, Gillian Jacobs, Edi Patterson and John Malkovich with guest appearances by David Duchovny, Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Lyonne, Mark Proksch, Tim Robinson, George Wallace and more.
Ten Year Old Tom follows the misadventures of an average kid as he contends with questionable guidance from the well-meaning grownups around him. Being a kid is hard enough for Tom, but when bad influences seem to lurk around every corner – from litigious parents and drug dealing bus drivers to school administrators who want to sleep with his mom – it’s downright impossible. While the adults in Tom’s life certainly mean well, they just can’t manage to lead by example.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
SitcomsOnline Digest: Brooklyn Nine-Nine Comes to an End; FXX Goes Full Blown Animation Domination with New Acquisitions
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! Next week is the week we've all been waiting for, the (mostly) beginning of the fall season! But not just that, we've got news of a new home for Fox animated series (a home that has slowly been working toward becoming that), Jeopardy! news, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine came to an end this week, but don't read this unless you're OK with spoilers. (Vulture)
- FXX will have the exclusive cable rights to all seasons of Family Guy and several other animated comedies starting Monday, but with that comes the end of an era, as the series will leave the Adult Swim home that it has had for almost two decades. (Deadline)
- Similarly, another 20 year tradition is about to end at TBS, as Seinfeld leaves to go to Comedy Central (and also Netflix, in an unrelated deal) on October 1. (Deadline)
- It may be a while before we know who'll take over as host of Jeopardy!, but in the meantime, we have two interim hosts. (NPR)
- Hulu's Only Murders in the Building has been renewed for a second season. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (SEPTEMBER 18 - SEPTEMBER 24)
- COZI is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Columbo all day on Saturday.
- CBS Monday night comedies return with new seasons on Monday.
- Meanwhile, over at ABC, new comedies start on Wednesday, including the debut of The Wonder Years remake.
- As previously mentioned, FXX will begin airing every season of Family Guy on Monday, but they'll also be going complete Fox animation lineup by adding King of the Hill and The Cleveland Show to their lineup next week.
- Decades has a little bit of British flavor this weekend, with a binge of The Prisoner.
Monday, November 05, 2018
Antenna TV's Growing Pains Thanksgiving Series Marathon; Hulu Nabs King of the Hill and Exclusive Rights for Other Series
Show me that smile again! This Thanksgiving, share the laughter and love with the Seaver family as Antenna TV airs the "All of Growing Pains Thanksgiving Weekend Marathon." Antenna TV, Tribune Broadcasting's multicast network, will air all 7 seasons (166 episodes) of Growing Pains on Thanksgiving weekend. The popular family sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1992 on ABC starring Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron and later Leonardo DiCaprio, begins with season 1/episode 1 at 8pm ET on Wednesday, November 21 and runs through 8pm ET on Sunday, November 25, 2018 with the series' final episode. Antenna TV regularly airs Growing Pains weeknights 1:30am ET/10:30pm PT and Weekends 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT.
Calling all fans of Hank, Peggy, Bobby and Luanne: Beginning today, Hulu is the exclusive streaming home to every episode of Emmy Award-winning animated series King of The Hill! In a deal that further expands its licensing agreement with 20th Century Fox Television Distribution and cements Hulu as the leading destination for premium animated series, Hulu has added all 13 seasons of King of The Hill exclusively to its service. In addition, the company has locked in the exclusive post-broadcast streaming rights to Emmy-winning comedies Bob's Burgers and Family Guy, as well as American Dad!, and all episodes of library series The Cleveland Show and Emmy-winning Futurama.
Over the past few years, Hulu has struck multiple licensing agreements to build out the best and most comprehensive collection of animated comedies available through a streaming service. Hulu offers thousands of episodes of premium animated content and is now the exclusive subscription streaming home to the largest offering of animated programming from 20th Century Fox Television, as well as hits from other content partners including South Park, Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken, Adventure Time and more. Hulu is also the exclusive post-broadcast streaming home to a full suite of programming from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution series, including drama series The Orville, The Gifted, The Resident, as well as hits Empire, The Last Man on Earth, and more.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Fri-Yay: Orange Is the New Black Season 6: A Tightrope Between Comedy and Drama; King of the Hill Labor Day Marathon on Comedy Central
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
Classifying Orange Is the New Black as a "sitcom" may be stretching it a bit. It's an hour long, and often feels more dramatic than comedic. But in the dog days of summer, it's a little difficult to spot any genuine sitcoms worth discussing. Plus, Orange's balance between comedy and drama is increasingly indicative of the way TV comedy is headed, blending the difference between comedy and drama - after all, shows structured like more traditional sitcoms like One Day at a Time or animated comedies like Bojack Horseman often feel even more dramatic than Orange at times. Genre is becoming increasingly blended, and part of that reality has added to Orange's struggle to keep up its initial quality and interest in its most recent seasons.
Orange was initially presented as a somewhat light-hearted look at life in a women's prison that nevertheless took its characters and the situation they were in seriously. The world that it introduced us to was fairly grim, but the characters were lively, fun, and lovable. We liked hanging out at Litchfield, even if we acknowledged that our characters didn't. Still, because we cared about the characters so deeply, the show was able to cover serious topics well - we wanted these characters to do well, and we got frustrated when the prison system treated them with injustice. It was a delicate, difficult balance that the show managed to navigate incredibly well in its first three seasons.
However, the show took a turn somewhere in season four, a season that was markedly darker than anything the show had attempted before. The season was incredibly grim, shedding a light on issues like the prison industrial complex and showcasing the level of abuse that prisoners may go through. Without spoiling a major plot point, the season ended on an absolutely heartbreaking note - one that wound up being a bit controversial. Whether or not you felt that the season's climax was earned or not, it was clearly a turning point for the series. Since that moment, the show's previous balance has felt off. This is no longer a world we want to spend any time in, and it's gotten to the point where each episode almost feels like we're simply watching characters we love be tortured, as their circumstances somehow get worse and worse. And yet, because the show is presented as a "dramadey", there are still moments of comedy inserted in, which makes the tone feel jumbled. Things are very serious, and yet...the show is still making ill-timed jokes. It's an example of how the blending of tone that shows like to do can be an incredibly difficult balance to make. Frankly, I'm really hoping that the already-ordered seventh season of Orange will be its last. The show's sixth season (released a few weeks ago) had some great moments and was a marked improvement over the incredibly messy fifth season, but it still feels as if the show has lost its sense of what it wants to be, trapped in big, dramatic storylines with seemingly no easy out. Orange was a landmark series for television, but it may be time to for it to gracefully bow out, preserving its legacy before its tone gets even more muddy.
A King of the Hill Labor Day Marathon has been added to Comedy Central's line-up on Monday, September 3, 2018 from 7am-4am. The episodes in the marathon will go in order beginning with the Pilot episode. All 12 first season episodes will air, followed by the entire second season (23 episodes) and the first ten episodes of season three. King of the Hill regularly airs in the late nights on Comedy Central, with times varying, sometimes from 12-1:30am. The series started on the network on July 23, as we mentioned. Comedy Central also airs other off-network series such as Scrubs, The Office, That '70s Show, and Futurama. In King of the Hill, which originally aired on Fox from 1997 to 2010, depicts the life and times of Hank Hill, his family and their neighbors in the fictional suburb of Arlen, Texas, the heartland of America. A hard-working, loyal family man and proud Texan, Hank is assistant manager of Strickland Propane. He's an average Joe who sees himself as the voice of common sense and reason in a world of incompetent sales clerks, meddling bureaucrats and do-good liberals. Created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, King of the Hill is executive produced by Judge, Daniels, Howard Klein, Michael Rotenberg, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky.
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Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Thursday, September 11
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - "Some New York Nonsense" (CBS, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Georgie struggles to balance life, work and family; Mandy worries for Georgie’s wellbeing; and Missy (Raegan Revord) gets into trouble at school.
Ghosts - "I Know What You Did Thirty-Seven Summers Ago" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Sam and Jay host a fundraiser for the mayor to earn a favor for Jay’s restaurant, they learn of his bizarre connection to one of Woodstone’s ghosts. Odessa Adlon returns as Stephanie, the ghost who died on her prom night.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 8)
Thursday, September 11
- America Ferrera (Superstore) - Catch America on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC. She also talks about The Bus on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am and chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Melissa Rauch (Night Court/The Big Bang Theory), Jessica St. Clair (Avenue 5/Playing House/Best Friends Forever/In the Motherhood) and Nico Santos (Superstore) - Melissa, Jessica and Nico are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
- Rainn Wilson (The Office) - Rainn appears on Comedy Central's The Daily Show at 11pm.
- Meagan Good (Cousin Skeeter/Raising Dad) - Meagan and Jonathan Majors talk about their much-talked-about romance, wedding, and the story behind their new fitness brand on Tamron Hall, so check your local listings.
- Zosia Mamet (Laid/Girls) - Zosia talks about Does This Make Me Funny? on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
- Karen Pittman (And Just Like That...) - Karen talks about The Morning Show on CBS Mornings Plus in the 9am hour.
- Patti LaBelle (Out All Night) - Patti talks about The Queens Tour on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
- Dylan Sprouse (The Suite Life on Deck/The Suite Life of Zack & Cody/Grace Under Fire) - Dylan discusses his film Under Fire on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)
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