SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Remembering Hal Williams of Sanford and Son, 227 and More; The CW Renews Sullivan's Crossing

Actor Hal Williams, who had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith in Sanford and Son and starred as Lester Jenkins in 227, has died. He died from natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, on July 15. Mr. Williams was 91.

Williams had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith in 20 episodes of the 1972-1977 NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. LAPD Officer "Smitty" Smith was partners with Officer "Swanny" Swanhauser (Noam Pitlik, 6 episodes in 1972) and Officer Howard "Hoppy" Hopkins (Howard Platt). Smitty usually served as the straight man to comedic moments of the serious, straight-laced, solemn and humorless Swanny and the somewhat inept, but still by the book and capable officer Hoppy. Williams reprised his role in five episodes of the 1980-1981 NBC sitcom Sanford.

He starred as Lester DeMott in the 1975-1976 ABC sitcom On the Rocks. The series, which was based on the British series Porridge, centers on the inmates of Alamesa Minimum Security prison. The main setting is usually the cell block containing Lester DeMott, Hector Fuentes (Jose Perez), and Nicky Palik (Bobby Sandler). It also starred Rick Hurst, Mel Stewart, Tom Poston, Pat Cranshaw, Jack Grimes, and Logan Ramsey.

Williams starred as Sergeant Ted Ross in the 1981-1983 CBS sitcom Private Benjamin. The series is about a spoiled young socialite named Pvt. Judith "Judy" Benjamin (Lorna Patterson) adjusting to life in the army. He had earlier starred as Drill Sergeant L. C. Ross in the 1980 comedy film Private Benjamin, which was directed by Howard Zieff and starred Goldie Hawn. The series also starred Eileen Brennan, Ann Ryerson (1981-1982), Joan Roberts (1981), Joyce Little (1981), Lisa Raggio, Lucy Webb (1981-1982), Francesco Roberts (1981), Damita Jo Freeman, Robert Mandan (1982-1983), Joel Brooks (1982), Wendie Jo Sperber (1982-1983), and Polly Holliday (3 episodes in 1982-1983).

He starred as family patriarch Lester Jenkins in the 1985-1990 NBC sitcom 227. The series, created by C.J. Banks and Bill Boulware, stars Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins, a sharp-tongued, inner-city resident gossip and housewife. Her husband Lester Jenkins is the proprietor of a construction company. The series also starred Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Regina King, Helen Martin, Kia Goodwin (1985-1986), Curtis Baldwin, Countess Vaughn (1988-1989), Toukie A. Smith (1989-1990), Paul Winfield (1989-1990), Barry Sobel (1989-1990), and Stoney Jackson (1989-1990). Williams, Gibbs and Harry appeared in the 227: The Reboot sketch on A Black Lady Sketch Show in 2019.

Williams starred as Rudy Bryan in the 1993-1994 Fox sitcom The Sinbad Show. The series follows the life of David Bryan (Sinbad), a carefree bachelor who works as a video game designer, who becomes a single parent when he adopts two orphaned children, Zana (Erin Davis) and L.J. Beckley (Willie Norwood), who face several issues which they work through together. Rudy and Louise Bryan (Nancy Wilson) are David's parents. The series also starred T. K. Carter and Salma Hayek (3 episodes as Gloria Contreras).

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included That Girl (3 episodes), The Jimmy Stewart Show, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Temperatures Rising, Good Times (3 episodes), What's Happening!!, Webster, The Jeffersons (2 episodes), Gimme a Break!, Night Court (1991), Minor Adjustments, Suddenly Susan, Moesha, The First Family, Parks and Recreation, and Mr. Mayor.

He had a recurring role as Harley Foster in seven episodes of The Waltons from 1973 to 1980. Some of his other television guest appearances included Dan August, The Magician, Cannon (3 episodes), Police Woman, Harry O (3 episodes), Gunsmoke, Caribe, Kung Fu (2 episodes in 1973 and 1975), S.W.A.T. (1975), Police Story, Most Wanted, Quincy, M.E. (1977), The White Shadow, Knots Landing (2 episodes), T.J. Hooker, The Dukes of Hazzard, Hill Street Blues, Magnum, P.I. (2 episodes in 1988), L.A. Law, Tales from the Crypt, Moonlight, and Matlock (2 episodes in 2024-2025).

Mr. Williams was a talented and versatile actor. He was funny and memorable as Smitty and Lester Jenkins. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actor Scott Bryce. He had recurring roles as Rick Bonner in The Facts of Life and as Will Forrest in Murphy Brown. He died in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 12 after a battle with esophageal and stomach cancer. Mr. Bryce was 68.

Bryce had a recurring role as Rick Bonner in four episodes of the ninth and final season of the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life in 1988. Rick Bonner is a free-wheeling musician who meets Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon) at a community center and later marries her.

He had a recurring role as Will Forrest in six episodes of the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown from 1990 to 1992. Louisiana lawyer and writer Will Forrest marries his high school classmate Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford). She humorously and cluelessly amends her on-air surname to "Corky Sherwood-Forest".

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included The Golden Girls, Who's the Boss?, Walter & Emily, Dear John, Hope & Gloria, Chicago Sons (2 episodes), Boston Common, Spin City, Sex and the City, Reba, Whoopi (2 episodes), and 30 Rock (2 episodes).

Bryce starred as Mike McQueen, Brooke's (Leslie Bibb) father who becomes engaged to Sam's (Carly Pope) mother, in the 1999-2001 The WB teen comedy-drama Popular. He starred as Scott Sterling in the short-lived 1992 CBS prime time soap opera 2000 Malibu Road.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Sons and Daughters (1991), The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage, Reasonable Doubts, The Commmish, L.A. Law (4 episodes), Matlock (1993), Homicide: Life on the Street, Diagnosis: Murder, Law & Order (4 episodes), Dellaventura, Early Edition, L.A. Doctors, Pacific Blue, V.I.P. (2 episodes), Judging Amy, ER, Glory Days, Push, Nevada (2002), Gossip Girl, Homeland (2 episodes), Person of Interest, Deception (5 episodes), Blue Bloods (2 episodes), The Good Fight (3 episodes), Chicago P.D., Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes), FBI, Beacon Hill (6 episodes), and The Blacklist.

Bryce was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Craig Montgomery on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. He appeared as Dr. Crosby in six episodes of ABC's One Life to Live in 2006.

Mr. Bryce was twice nominated for Daytime Emmys in 1986 and 1987 for his work on As the World Turns. We thank him for his work on television. He will be sorely missed.

Actor Josh Grisetti starred as Louis Plunk in The Knights of Prosperity. He died by suicide on July 10. Mr. Grisetti was only 44.

Grisetti's first television starring role was as Louis Plunk in the the short-lived 2007 ABC sitcom The Knights of Prosperity. The series follows a group of misfits – the titular Knights – who attempt to rob various celebrities, the first being Mick Jagger (Jagger was also credited as one of the executive producers, along with the creators and David Letterman). It also starred Donal Logue, Sofia Vergara, Lenny Venito, Maz Jobrani, and Kevin Michael Richardson.

He had a recurring role as Ralph, a staff writer at The Gordon Ford Show, in eight episodes of the final season of the Amazon Prime Video period comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He guest starred in a 2012 episode of Nurse Jackie and a 2021 episode of The Good Fight.

Mr. Grisetti was known for his work on Broadway and Off-Broadway. He won one of two Clarence Derwent Awards for "Most Promising Male Actor" in 2015 for his work in It Shoulda Been You. We thank him for his acting work. He will be greatly missed.

Hong Kong actress Wai Ching Ho had a recurring role as Le-Wei in Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens. She died on July 10 of complications from a stroke. She was 82.

She guest starred as Big Auntie in two episodes of the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat in 2016 and 2018. She had a recurring role as Le-Wei in five episodes of the 2020-2023 Comedy Central sitcom Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens. In 2023, she guest starred Mei-Mei in a 2023 episode of Only Murders in the Building. Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included Flight of the Conchords and The Jim Gaffigan Show.

Some of her other television guest appearances included One Life to Live (7 episodes), Law & Order (4 episodes), Swans Crossing (2 episodes), Dellaventura, Wonderland, Deadline, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2 episodes), Queens Supreme, New Amsterdam, The Good Cop, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. She was best known for her role as Madame Gao in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Daredevil (2015–2016), Iron Fist and The Defenders (both 2017).

We thank her for her work on television. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Randolph Mantooth starred as John Gage in Emergency! (1972-1977). He starred in the sitcoms Operation Petticoat and Detective School. He died of complications from pneumonia at a hospice facility in Ventura, California, on July 9. Mr. Mantooth was 80.

Mantooth starred as paramedic John Gage in the 1972-1977 NBC action-adventure medical drama Emergency!. The show's ensemble cast stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe (as Roy DeSoto) as two rescuers, who work as paramedics and firefighters in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The duo formed Squad 51, a medical and rescue unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, working together with the fictional Rampart General Hospital medical staff (portrayed by Robert Fuller, Julie London and Bobby Troup), and with the firefighter engine company at Station 51.

He starred as Lt. Mike Bender in the second season (1978-1979) of the ABC sitcom Operation Petticoat. Based on the classic 1959 Cary Grant and Tony Curtis film, the show follows the misadventures of the U.S.S. Sea Tiger, a fictional American submarine that reluctantly takes on a group of stranded Army nurses. The second season cast included Melinda Naud, Jim Varney, Don Sparks, Richard Brestoff, Jo Ann Pflug, Fred Kareman, Scott McGinnis, Robert Hogan, Warren Berlinger, and Hilary Thompson.

Mantooth starred as Eddie Dawkins in the short-lived 1979 ABC sitcom Detective School. The series was about an assortment of students who went to night school to learn basic detective skills, but who kept being caught up in real criminal cases and getting themselves and their teacher (an inept private investigator) into trouble. It also starred James Gregory, Douglas Fowley, Melinda Naud, Taylor Negron, LaWanda Page, and Pat Proft.

Some of his television guest appearances included Matt Lincoln, The Bold Ones: The Senator, The Virginian, Alias Smith and Jones, Night Gallery, The Bold Ones: The Lawyers, McCloud, Marcus Welby, M.D. (2 episodes), Adam-12 (2 episodes), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (2 episodes), Sierra, Project U.F.O., The Love Boat, Battlestar Galactica, Charlie's Angels, Aloha Paradise, Fantasy Island (1981), Vega$ (2 episodes), Insight, Dallas (1984), Murder, She Wrote (1985), The Fall Guy (3 episodes), L.A. Law, China Beach, MacGyver (1991), Baywatch, JAG, Walker, Texas Ranger (1997), Promised Land, Diagnosis: Murder (2 episodes), Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, and Sons of Anarchy (2 episodes).

He was also known for his work on soap operas. He appeared as Alex Masters in Loving from 1987 to 1995 and The City from 1995 to 1997. He played Harold 'Hal' Todd Munson Jr. in 30 episodes of As the World Turns from 2003 to 2005. In 2007, he appeared as Kirk Harmon in 11 episodes of One Life to Live.

Mr. Mantooth was a talented and versatile actor. He worked in television, documentaries, theater, and film for more than 50 years. We thank him for work on Emergency! and other television series. He will be greatly missed.

Celebrate the lasting legacy of Randolph Mantooth with a special Emergency! marathon honoring the beloved actor whose iconic portrayal of paramedic Johnny Gage inspired generations of first responders. Watch this Sunday (June 19) 9a-3p ET on FETV.

List of episodes, all times Eastern:

9am-S1E1: "Mascot" (OAD: January 22, 1972)
10:10am-S1E10: "Hang-Up" (OAD: April 8, 1972)
11:20am-S3E6: "Snakebite" (OAD: October 27, 1973)
12:30pm-S5E22: "The Nuisance" (OAD: March 6, 1976)
1:45pm-S6E24: "All Night Long" (OAD: May 28, 1977)

Watch Emergency! every night at 9:15pm ET on FETV.

The CW Network announced that hit drama series Sullivan's Crossing from creator Roma Roth and based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Robyn Carr will return for a 10-episode fifth season, set to debut on The CW in 2027. The announcement follows the previously confirmed Season 5 renewal of Sullivan's Crossing by Bell Media’s CTV and Crave, and Fremantle.

Sullivan's Crossing stars Morgan Kohan (When Hope Calls) and Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill). In Season 4, Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) finally feels like life at the Crossing is falling into place, having embraced a new direction for her career and renewed her commitment to Cal (Murray). But when Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), arrives with a shocking revelation, her world is thrown into turmoil once again — leaving Cal questioning whether Maggie can ever truly leave her past behind. The Season 4 finale of Sullivan's Crossing aired Monday, June 22 on The CW.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:10 PM

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: 227, Emergency, Facts of Life, FETV, Murphy Brown, Obits, Sanford and Son, Sullivan's Crossing, The CW, The Knights of Prosperity

Remembering Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman); Celebs for Fox's Season 2 of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

Actor and comedian Paul Reubens, who was best known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman, has died. He died on July 30 from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. At the time of his death he was diagnosed with both myelogenous leukemia and metastatic lung cancer. He had been diagnosed six years earlier, but had not revealed his diagnosis to the public. Mr. Reubens was 70.

Reubens made his sitcom debut in 1979 with two guest appearances as Heimlich, a delivery boy, in Working Stiffs, which starred James Belushi and Michael Keaton. He played Dickie Nimitz in the 1981 Mork & Mindy episode "Long Before We Met." He wears a blue bowtie and suit similar to what his Pee-wee Herman costume would become.

His first appearance as Pee-wee Herman in a sitcom was in Madame's Place in 1982. He appeared as Pee-wee Herman in the 1987 227 episode "Toyland." While visiting a toy shop, Mary and Lester (Marla Gibbs and Hal Williams), run into Pee-wee Herman...and end up in the middle of a robbery.

Reubens had a recurring role as Andrew J. Lansing III in six episodes of the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown between 1995 and 1997. Andrew J. Lansing III is Stan Lansing's (Garry Marshall) sociopathic nephew. He is introduced as one of Murphy's (Candice Bergen) 93 secretaries du jour and was one of only three who measure up to Murphy's standards. The role earned him positive reviews and his first and only non-Pee-wee Emmy nomination, for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 1995.

He appeared as Russell, Amy's (Monica Horan) eccentric brother, in the 2000 Everybody Loves Raymond episode "Hackidu." Some of his other sitcom guest appearances as other characters included Campus Ladies in 2006, Reno 911! in 2006, and 30 Rock in 2007. He played an inbred Austrian prince named Gerhardt Hapsburg in the 30 Rock episode "Black Tie." In 2019, he appeared in episodes of What We Do in the Shadows and The Conners.

Some of his other television credits in various roles included Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ally McBeal, Dirt (3 episodes), Pushing Daisies (2 episodes), Portlandia, The Blacklist (5 episodes as Mr. Vargas), and Gotham (3 episodes).

Reubens starred as Pee-wee Herman on the CBS Saturday morning children's program Pee-wee's Playhouse. It ran for five seasons from 1986 to 1990. The series garnered 15 Emmy Awards during its initial run, and was aired again on late-night television in the 2000s, during which TV Guide dubbed it among the top ten cult classic television programs. Reubens was also a writer, director, executive producer and set decorator. The cast included Laurence Fishburne, Lynne Marie Stewart, Phil Hartman, S. Epatha Merkerson and John Paragon.

He was also known for his voice work. Some of his credits included The Flintstone Comedy Show, Chowder, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Tron: Uprising, American Dad!, and Voltron: Legendary Defender.

Reubens produced, wrote and starred in the feature film, Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), directed by Tim Burton, which was a financial and critical success. He produced, wrote and starred in the sequel Big Top Pee-wee (1988). He co-wrote and starred in the Netflix original film Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016).

Some of his other film credits included Midnight Madness (1980), The Blues Brothers (1980), Cheech & Chong's Next Movie (1980) (as Pee-wee Herman/Desk Clerk), Back to the Beach (1987) (as Pee-wee Herman), Batman Returns (1992), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (voice), Dunston Checks In (1996), Matilda (1996), Buddy (1997), Mystery Men (1999), and Blow (2001).

Mr. Reubens was wonderful as Pee-wee Herman. He created an iconic character who remains very popular to this day. He was part of many childhoods with his films and television series. It was good to see him in his other roles as various characters on sitcoms and other series. We thank him for the many laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be sorely missed.

Share your memories on our message board.

Fox's ultimate celebrity social experiment, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, returns for a second season on September 25, enlisting a troop of household names to endure some of the harshest, most grueling challenges from the playbook of the actual Special Forces selection process.

Meet the 14 celebrity recruits joining the Special Forces:
Former All-American and NFL Star Dez Bryant
Television Personality and Contractor Tyler Cameron
Reality TV Star and Entrepreneur Savannah Chrisley
Actress, Model, Influencer and Entrepreneur Blac Chyna
Actor and 90's Icon Brian Austin Green
Seven Time NBA Champion Robert Horry
Olympic Gold Medalist Speed Skater Erin Jackson
Olympic and World Championship Gold Medalist Alpine Skier Bode Miller
Television Personality and Host Jack Osbourne
Actress and Pop Culture Phenomenon Tara Reid
Lifestyle Television Host, Influencer and Producer Kelly Rizzo
Reality TV Star, Restaurateur and Musician Tom Sandoval
Recording Artist and Global Superstar JoJo Siwa
Award-Winning Podcast Host, Author and Television Personality Nick Viall

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:05 PM

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Fox, Murphy Brown, Obits, Pee-wee's Playhouse

Netflix Renews That '90s Show for Season 2; Remembering Charles Kimbrough of Murphy Brown

Netflix announced a 16-episode season two order for hit comedy series That '90s Show. Season one premiered on January 19, 2023 and immediately reached Netflix's Top 10 English TV list in 35 countries, with more than 41 million hours viewed. It's 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn't her dad. When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she's looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen. With the help of Gwen's friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago. Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer. With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well...Red.

That '90s Show stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos. Also returning to Point Place are creators Bonnie and Terry Turner - this time with their daughter Lindsey Turner - showrunner/executive producer Gregg Mettler, and executive producers Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner. Joining the show are executive producers Jessica Goldstein, Chrissy Pietrosh and Mandy Summers.

Actor Charles Kimbrough, who was best known for his role as the straight-faced anchorman Jim Dial on Murphy Brown, has died. He died in Culver City, California, on January 11. Mr. Kimbrough was 86.

Kimbrough starred as Jim Dial on the 1988-1998 CBS sitcom Murphy Brown. Jim Dial is the trustworthy veteran news anchor for FYI, a fictional CBS television newsmagazine. He affectionately addresses Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) as "Slugger" and reminisces about the glory days of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite. In 1990, his performance in the role earned him a nomination for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series". The cast included Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto, Grant Shaud (1988-1996), Pat Corley (1988-1996), Robert Pastorelli (1988-1994), Ritch Brinkley (1988-1997), John Hostetter and Lily Tomlin (1996-1998).

In 2018, he returned to play Jim Dial in three episodes of the 2018-2019 CBS Murphy Brown revival series. Jim Dial is now in his 80s, widowed and retired. He acts as an informal mentor to the Murphy in the Morning gang.

He provided the voice of Dr. Ficus in a 1992 episode of Dinosaurs. He guest starred as Rich in a 1998 episode of Love Boat: The Next Wave. Some of his other television guest appearances included Another World, Kojak (3 episodes), Great Performances (3 episodes), All My Children, Tales of the Unexpected, American Playhouse (2 episodes), Spenser: For Hire (2 episodes), Hothouse and Ally McBeal.

Kimbrough was also known for his voice work. He was the voice of Victor, the most mature gargoyle in Disney's 1996 animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a role he reprised in its direct-to-video sequel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (2002), and the video game, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. He provided the voice of Jim Dial for a 2000 episode of Family Guy. Some of his other voice credits included Mighty Max, Pinky and the Brain, Hercules, Recess, The Angry Beavers, Batman Beyond and The Zeta Project.

In 1971, he was nominated for a Tony for best featured actor in a musical as Harry in Stephen Sondheim's Company. In 1984, he performed in the original Broadway cast of Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George.

He starred as Mr. Donolly in the 2001 romantic comedy film The Wedding Planner, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. Some of his other film credits included The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979), It's My Turn (1980) and Switching Channels (1988).

Survivors include his son, John Kimbrough, his sister, Linda Kimbrough, and a stepdaughter, Holly Howland. He was married to actress Beth Howland (Vera on Alice) from 2002 until her death in 2015.

Mr. Kimbrough did a fine job portraying the stuffy anchorman Jim Dial for ten seasons on Murphy Brown. It was great to see him return for the multi-episode arc on the revival series. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

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

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Murphy Brown, Netflix, Obits, That '90s Show

New Sitcom Joining AMC Network's Streaming Service; Antenna TV Valentine's Day Marathon and Birthday Celebration Continues

Millennials, the six-episode original sitcom will premiere weekly beginning Thursday, February 25 on AMC Networks' newly relaunched streaming service, ALLBLK, that was announced. The hilarious new comedy is centered on the lives of four 20-something roommates and their neighbors across the hall; as they navigate the chaos of being young and finding success, and themselves, in the city of angels. Omar (Kyle Massey, That's So Raven) is a straight-laced business student with dreams of taking over the corporate world, urging his goofball friends Jaheem (Keraun "King Keraun" Harris), a personal trainer; Travis (Philip Bolden, Are We There Yet?) an insecure YouTuber; and college dropout Todd (Aaron Grady, Everybody Hates Chris) to get their acts together. In each episode, the friends' schemes and antics make it abundantly clear that none of them have it all figured out-- except maybe, their hardworking neighbor Mercedes (Teresa "Topnotch" Celeste, Tales, Wild N' Out), an aspiring actress from Atlanta who often serves as the only voice of reason for the guys. Tanjareen Thomas (Famous in Love), comedian Buddy Lewis (Big Stan, Black Dynamite), and Katherine Florence (social media influencer @katieflorence), also star. The series is created by Rugg Williams and Oren Williams, with Bentley Kyle Evans serving as co-director and executive producer.

This Valentine's Day, cuddle up with your crush and say "I do" with Antenna TV and the "Love is In – and Over – the Air" marathon on Sunday, February 14. You and your sweetheart are in for a full day of romantic episodes from the lineup of Antenna TV shows, including Family Ties, Murphy Brown and Diff'rent Strokes. "Love is In – and Over – the Air" Valentine’s Day Marathon airs Sunday, February 14 starting at 5:00am ET on Antenna TV. All series will air in their regular Sunday timeslots, but with romance/loved themed episodes. Also, Antenna TV has announced on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 5-10pm, AnTENna TV's Birthday Party continues with a ten episode marathon of fan favorite That Girl. Last month on Jan. 10, there was a 10 episode Bewitched marathon, as that series was voted #1 in a fan poll of top Antenna shows. And of course when Antenna TV turned 10 on Jan. 1 they aired an hour each of their top 10 most popular shows (in order from #1 to #10: Bewitched, Three's Company, The Facts of Life, Who's the Boss?, Hazel, Family Ties, I Dream of Jeannie, Alice, The Jeffersons and That Girl). Stay tuned on what will air on March 10 for month three of ten! Visit www.antennatv.tv for the channel finder.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: ALLBLK, AMC, Antenna TV, Diff'rent Strokes, Family Ties, Millennials, Murphy Brown, That Girl

Happy New Year!; Murphy Brown Star Heads to The Conners

Happy New Year to everyone out there! Good riddance to 2020 and hello 2021! Hopefully this year is a little better and things start to get back to normal in the world. Anyway, we have some sitcom news to start the year off! Don't forget to view some New Year's Day marathons such as IFC's Three's Company marathon on today from 2pm-12am!

5-time Emmy Award-winning television legend Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown) will be guest starring on ABC's The Conners in the of role Barb, the mother of Jay R. Ferguson's Ben. Barb is Ben's mother, and their relationship can best be described as cool. Despite being from Lanford, Barb has a superior air and a sharp tongue, but she's much more agreeable when she's had a few drinks. She's judgmental about Ben's relationship with Darlene, and describes the Conner house as, "Like one of those places they break into on that program Cops." Bergen will first appear on The Conners on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 when the series returns with new episodes for its mid-season premiere as TV's #1 Comedy in Adults 18-49. During its fall run, the series also ranked #1 in Total Viewers its new Wednesday 9pm half-hour timeslot. The Conners airs Wednesdays at 9|8c on ABC.

Candice Bergen shined as the feisty eponymous broadcast news legend of the critically acclaimed CBS comedy series Murphy Brown, for which she received five Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards over the 10 year run. She served as an executive producer when she returned to that iconic role in the CBS revival in the fall of 2018. She starred that same year in the box office hit The Book Club alongside Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, and Mary Steenburgen. She is currently starring alongside Meryl Streep and Dianne Wiest in the HBO Max film Let Them All Talk directed by Steven Soderbergh.

The Conners continue to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford. This iconic family – Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. – grapples with parenthood, dating, financial pressures and aging in working-class America. Through it all – the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns – with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails. The series stars John Goodman as Dan, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie, Sara Gilbert as Darlene, Lecy Goranson as Becky, Michael Fishman as D.J., Emma Kenney as Harris, Ames McNamara as Mark, Jayden Rey as Mary and Jay R. Ferguson as Ben. The Conners is executive produced by Tom Werner, along with Sara Gilbert, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, Bruce Rasmussen and Tony Hernandez. The series is from Werner Entertainment.