SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Jerrod Carmichael's 4th HBO Comedy Special; HBO's Pee-wee as Himself Premieres May 23

The HBO Original comedy special from Jerrod Carmichael Don't Be Gay debuts Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Emmy®-winning comedian Jerrod Carmichael returns to the stage for his fourth HBO stand-up special. Jerrod Carmichael is an Emmy®-winning comedian from Winston-Salem, N.C. His series The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, as well as his most recent special Rothaniel (2022), are available to stream on Max.

The HBO Original two-part documentary Pee-wee as Himself, directed by Matt Wolf (HBO's The Stroll), debuts Friday, May 23 (8:00 p.m.-11:20 p.m. ET/PT) with both parts airing back-to-back on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

Driven by a soul-baring interview with Paul Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, Pee-wee as Himself is the definitive portrait of the comedic performer, and a window into his never before discussed personal life. Determined to correct the record and tell the factual story of his life, Reubens excavates his kaleidoscopic influences, origins in the circus and avant-garde performance theater, and career choices, while reflecting on the reasoning behind, and the consequences of, severing his beloved alter ego from his authentic self.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: HBO, Pee-wee's Playhouse, The Carmichael Show

Remembering John Lawlor, Michelle Trachtenberg, Lynne Marie Stewart, Alice Hirson, Isaac Ruiz Jr., and Others We Lost in February

Actor John Lawlor, who starred as Leonard Marsh in Phyllis and as Steven Bradley in The Facts of Life, has died. He died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 13. Mr. Lawlor was 83.

Lawlor starred as Leonard Marsh in the second season (1976-1977) of the CBS sitcom Phyllis. Leonard Marsh is a politician who works in the same office as Dan Valenti (Carmine Caridi) and Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman). Leonard is sometimes extremely dim, but is able to good look on camera and give a quotable soundbite. Lawlor guest starred as Officer Hale in the first season episode "Crazy Mama". The season two cast included Henry Jones, Jane Rose, Lisa Gerritsen, Judith Lowry, Garn Stephens, Burt Mustin (1976), and Craig Wasson (1977).

He starred as Steven Bradley in the first season (1979-1980) of the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. Mr. Bradley is Eastland's headmaster. Mr. Bradley was succeeded as headmaster by the seldom-seen Mr. Harris (Kenneth Mars) and then by Mr. Charles Parker (Roger Perry) in the third season until the beginning of the fifth season. The season one cast included Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Jenny O'Hara (1979), Felice Schacter, Julie Piekarski, Julie Anne Haddock, and Molly Ringwald.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Alice, Barney Miller, A New Kind of Family, Condo, Newhart, Sledge Hammer!, She's the Sheriff, and Mr. Belvedere.

Lawlor played Walter Talbert in four episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful from 1988 to 1989. He guest starred in four episodes of Knots Landing from 1992 to 1993. Some of his other television guest appearances included The Rockford Files, Ellery Queen, Joe Forrester, Black Sheep Squadron, Here's Boomer, T.J. Hooker, Simon & Simon, Stingray, Highway to Heaven (2 episodes), The New Lassie, L.A. Law, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Cold Case, In Plain Sight, Scoundrels (3 episodes), Breaking Bad, Longmire, and Graves. His final credits were as Elmer Knowland in four episodes of the 2017 Netflix western miniseries Godless.

In a 1980s TV commercial for Malt-O-Meal hot cereal, he played a father telling his son's invisible friend that Malt-O-Meal was, "Good stuff, Maynard!" a line which became a popular phrase.

Mr. Lawlor was a solid and dependable chracter actor. We thank him for his work on Phyllis, The Facts of Life, and his other television roles. He will be greatly missed.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred as Nona F. Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, has died. She died on February 26 in her New York City apartment. The primary cause of death was complications of diabetes, which is sometimes a side effect of organ transplantation. Ms. Trachtenberg was only 39.

Trachtenberg made her television debut in her first credited role as Nona F. Mecklenberg in the Nickelodeon sitcom The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She had a recurring role in 14 episodes in seasons two and three (1994-1996). Nona F. Mecklenberg is Little Pete's (Danny Tamberelli) best friend. James "Pop" Mecklenberg (Iggy Pop) is Nona's loving and occasionally overprotective dad. The series also starred Michael Maronna, Hardy Rawls, Judy Grafe, Alison Fanelli, and Toby Huss.

She starred as Maggie Parker in the short-lived 1997 CBS sitcom Meego. The series starred Bronson Pinchot in the title role as an alien masquerading as a human being who, after his spaceship crashlands on Earth, unexpectedly becomes the nanny to a single father's (Ed Begley Jr. as Dr. Edward Parker) three children: Trip (Will Estes, played by Erik von Detten in the pilot), Maggie and Alex Parker (Jonathan Lipnicki). In 1997, she won a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series – Supporting Young Actress for the role.

Trachtenberg's first credited television role was as Elsie Soaperstein in a 1993 episode of Clarissa Explains It All. She guest starred on Dave's World in 1996 and Guys Like Us in 1998.

She starred as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), in The WB and UPN supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. Dawn Summers is introduced in season five ("Buffy vs. Dracula"). The role won her another Young Artist Award in 2001 and earned her three Saturn Award nominations.

Trachtenberg had a recurring role as Georgina Sparks in 28 episodes of The CW teen drama Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012. Georgina Sparks is a troublesome schemer and Serena van der Woodsen's (Blake Lively) former friend. In 2022, she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the second season of the HBO revival of Gossip Girl.

She starred as Chloe Payne in the 2009-2010 NBC medical drama Mercy. She played Lily Montgomary in three episodes of All My Children in 1994. Some of her other television credits included Space Cases, Six Feet Under (4 episodes), House, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Love Bites (3 episodes), Weeds (5 episodes as Emma Karlin), Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Sleepy Hollow (2 episodes).

Trachtenberg's film career began in 1996 with the title role in Harriet the Spy. Some of her other film credits included Inspector Gadget (1999), EuroTrip (2004), Mysterious Skin (2004), Ice Princess (2005), Black Christmas (2006), and 17 Again (2009).

Ms. Trachtenberg was a talented and versatile young actress. She had a lot of success with many roles in her career. We thank her for her work on television and in films. She will be deeply missed.

Actress Lynne Marie Stewart, who had a recurring role as Bonnie Kelly in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died. She died in Los Angeles on February 21 from cancer, which was found near her liver and gallbladder. Ms. Stewart was 78.

Stewart starred as Joy Bellini in the short-lived 1978 CBS sitcom Husbands, Wives & Lovers. Created by Joan Rivers, the series focused on the relationships of five suburban couples living in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. Joy Bellini is married to Harry Bellini (Eddie Barth), a blue-collar self-made man who owns a fleet of garbage trucks. The series also starred JEsse Welles, Ron Rifkin, Stephen Pearlman, Cynthia Harris, Mark Lonow, Randee Heller, Charles Siebert, and Claudette Nevins.

She had a recurring role as Bonnie Kelly, Charlie Kelly's (Charlie Day) mother, in 18 episodes of the FX/FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia from 2005 to 2023. Bonnie Kelly is a sweet and timid woman who is attracted to cruel men.

Some of her early sitcom guest appearances included Madame's Place (2 episodes), One Day at a Time, Laverne & Shirley (7 episodes as various chracters), The Duck Factory (1990), The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Herman's Head, Hope & Gloria, Dream On, Suddenly Susan, Caroline in the City, Alright Already, Almost Perfect, Working, and The Brian Benben Show.

Some of her 2000s and later sitcom guest appearances included Spin City, The Brothers Garcia, Son of the Beach (11 episodes), According to Jim, Arrested Development, Significant Others (2 episodes), Curb Your Enthusiasm, Austin & Ally, Good Luck Charlie, Benched, 2 Broke Girls (2 episodes), Nobodies (2 episodes), and The Cool Kids. She was an audience member (the lady in the frumpy dress with the glasses) in 31 episodes of the comedy show Night Stand with Dick Dietrick from 1995 to 1996.

She provided Shirley's voice in the Saturday morning cartoon Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour and Laverne & Shirley in the Army. Some of her other voice credits included The Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Show, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, and Life with Louie (6 episodes).

Stewart was widely known for her performance as Miss Yvonne, "the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land", in the 1986-1990 CBS children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse. She originated the role in the 1981 stage show The Pee-wee Herman Show. She continued it in the 2010 Los Angeles stage revival and the Broadway production, which opened in November 2010 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

Ms. Stewart was a funny and memorable actress. She was a familiar face in many sitcoms. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment. She will be sorely missed.

Actress Alice Hirson, who had a recurring role as Lois Morgan in Ellen, has died. She died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles on February 14. Ms. Hirson was 95.

Hirson starred as Nana in the short-lived 1992 NBC sitcom Home Fires. Nana is Anne Kramer's (Kate Burton) busybody mother who drove everyone crazy. The series also starred Michael Brandon, Nicole Eggert, Jarrad Paul, Tyagi Schwartz, and Norman Lloyd.

She had a recurring role as Claire Tanner in three episodes of the ABC sitcom Full House in 1987. Granny Tanny is Danny's (Bob Saget) mother. She helped Danny raise the girls in the first few months after the death of Danny's wife, Pam, prior to Jesse and Joey moving into the house. Claire Tanner was later played by Doris Roberts in a 1990 episode.

Hirson had a recurring role as Lois Morgan in 28 episodes of the 1994-1998 ABC sitcom Ellen. Lois is Ellen Inez Morgan's (Ellen DeGeneres) mother. Lois spends much of her time nosing and interfering in Ellen's life. Before Ellen comes out of the closet, Lois is obsessed with finding Ellen a husband.

Some of her sitcom guest appeances included Maude, The Ropers, Barney Miller, Taxi, Foley Square, Dear John, Murphy Brown (3 episodes), and Just Shoot Me!.

She appeared as Marsha Davis in 43 episodes of the NBC soap opera Another World in 1970. She played Eileen Riley Siegel in 59 episodes of the ABC soap opera One Life to Live from 1972 to 1976. In 1982, she appeared as Mrs. Van Gelder in four episodes of General Hospital. She had a recurring role as Mavis Anderson, friend and confidante of Miss Ellie Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes), in 26 episodes of the CBS prime time soap opera Dallas from 1982 to 1988.

From 1996 to 2006, she appeared in eight episodes of The WB family drama 7th Heaven playing Jenny Jackson, mother of Annie Camden (Catherine Hicks), whose illness and death occurred as the series began in 1996.

Ms. Hirson was funny as Ellen's mother. We thank her for her work as sitcom moms. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Isaac Ruiz Jr., who had a recurring role as Mando in Chico and the Man, has died. He died in his home in Los Angeles on February 10. He was recently diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mr. Ruiz was 81.

Ruiz had a recurring role as Mando, Chico's friend, in seven episodes of the 1974-1978 NBC sitcom Chico and the Man. The series stars Jack Albertson as Ed Brown (the Man), the cantankerous owner of a run-down garage in an East Los Angeles barrio, and Freddie Prinze (until Prinze's suicide in the third season) as Chico Rodriguez, an upbeat, optimistic young Mexican American who comes in looking for a job.

Some of his other television appearances included Delvecchio, The Rockford Files, Project U.F.O., and Charlie's Angels (1978). He played Tico in the 1978 adventure comedy film Corvette Summer, which starred Mark Hamill and Annie Potts.

Mr. Ruiz originally auditioned for the role of Chico. He lost out to Freddie Prinze, but creator and producer James Komack liked him enough to create a new character for him. We thank him for his work as the lovable Mando on Chico and the Man. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actor and professional football player Peter "Navy" Tuiasosopo. He had a recurring as Big Bob in New Girl. He died from heart complications in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 10. Mr. Tuiasosopo was 61.

Tuiasosopo co-starred in his first television series with Adam West as the strong-armed detective Al Hamoki in the short-lived 1993 Fox half-hour comedy anthology series Danger Theatre. He appeared in four episodes of the series, which was hosted by Robert Vaughn.

He appeared as Big Bob in three episodes of New Girl from 2013 to 2016. He played Steve in an earlier episode in 2012. Some of his other sitcom credits included Down the Shore (2 episodes), The Jamie Foxx Show, Jenny, Accidentally on Purpose, Mr. Sunshine, Workaholics, Kickin' It, and black-ish.

Tuiasosopo starred as Officer Kaleo in the short-lived 2004 NBC police drama Hawaii. Some of his other television credits included Silk Stalkings, Dragnet (2003), Big Love, Women's Murder Club, Easy Money (6 episodes), The Young and the Restless (7 episodes), NCIS, Mob City, Ray Donovan, Mayans M.C., and Magnum P.I. (2021).

His film debut was as Laikai "The Slender" Manumana in the 1991 sports comedy Necessary Roughness. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Edmond Honda in the live action movie Street Fighter (1994)

Mr. Tuiasosopo played football as a center in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams in 1987. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

Actor Tony Roberts starred as Ted Bolen in the 1984 CBS sitcom The Four Seasons, as Jim Gordon in the 1985 CBS sitcom The Lucie Arnaz Show, and as Sloan Thorn in the 1988 ABC sitcom The Thorns. He died of lung cancer at his Manhattan home on February 7. Mr. Roberts was 85.

Roberts starred as Ted Bolen in the short-lived 1984 CBS sitcom The Four Seasons. The series was based on the 1981 film The Four Seasons, which was written and directed by and starred Alan Alda. It also starred Jack Weston, Marcia Rodd, Barbara Babcock, Allan Arbus, Joanna Kerns, Beatrice Alda, Elizabeth Alda, and Lori Carrell.

He starred as Jim Gordon in the short-lived 1985 CBS The Lucie Arnaz Show. Dr. Jane Lucas (Lucie Arnaz) is a psychologist who answers questions from the public on her radio show ("The Jane Lucas Show") and in a magazine. Jim Gordon is her boss. The series also starred Karen Jablons-Alexander, Lee Bryant, and Todd Waring.

Roberts starred as Sloan Thorn in the short-lived 1988 ABC sitcom The Thorns. The Thorns are a dysfunctional married couple trying to climb their way up the social ladder in New York while dealing with their children and a grandmother moving in. The series also starred Kelly Bishop, Marilyn Cooper, Lori Petty, Mary Louise Wilson, Adam Biesk, Lisa Rieffel, Jesse Tendler, Maureen Stapleton, and Kathryn Marcopulos.

Some of his sitcom guest apparances included Love, American Style (1971), Phyllis, The Love Boat (3 episodes), and Married to the Kellys. Hee starred as Joseph Rosetti in the short-lived 1977 law drama Rosetti and Ryan.

Mr. Roberts was best known for his collaborations with filmmaker Woody Allen, having acted in six of his films, most notably Annie Hall (1977). We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 2:00 PM

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Adventures of Pete and Pete, Chico and the Man, Ellen, Facts of Life, Full House, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Obits, Pee-wee's Playhouse, Phyllis

Pee-wee Forever on August 27 on Shout! TV; The Lincoln Lawyer Is Back This October

Spark creativity and imagination with Shout! TV's Pee-wee Forever – a 24-hour marathon of every episode of the iconic television series Pee-wee's Playhouse. The marathon streams all-day on August 27 in honor of Paul Reubens and his beloved character Pee-wee Herman. Join Pee-wee, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Chairry, Conky and more for adventures at the fantastic Playhouse. Stay tuned between episodes for brand-new and exclusive special greetings from Paul’s friends and castmates including acclaimed actor David Arquette, horror hostess Cassandra Peterson, series composer and co-founder of Devo Mark Mothersbaugh, actress Lynne Stewart (Miss Yvonne, the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land), voice actor Gregory Harrison, puppeteer Kevin Carlson, series restoration manager Jim Hardy and producers Alycia Rossiter and Rich Abramson.

The Pee-wee Forever Marathon can be viewed on Shout! TV; as well as the Shout! TV app on Roku, Android, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV; and the following digital streaming platforms – Samsung TV Plus, Local Now, Plex, Sling Freestream, LG Channels, available on LG Smart TVs, Fubo, XUMO and LiveTVx, available on Google devices.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is back in court as LA's best defense attorney ready to service justice while tackling his most difficult case yet. The Lincoln Lawyer S3 - all episodes are premiering October 17 only on Netflix. Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), an iconoclastic idealist, runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln, as he takes on cases big and small across the expansive city of Los Angeles. Based on the series of bestselling novels by renowned author Michael Connelly, the third season is based on the fifth book in The Lincoln Lawyer series, The Gods of Guilt.

The Lincoln Lawyer also stars Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson and Yaya DaCosta. The series was created for television by David E Kelley and was developed for television by Ted Humphrey, who serves as co-showrunner alongside Dailyn Rodriguez. Connelly is an executive producer and writer on the series. Ross Fineman and Kelley are also executive producers. The series is produced by A+E Studios and Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson serve as executive producers. Recurring & Guest Stars: Neve Campbell, Merrin Dungey, Elliott Gould, Devon Graye, Michael Irby, Maisie Klompus, Allyn Moriyon, Wolé Parks, John Pirruccello, Fiona Rene, Philip Anthony-Rodriguez, Jon Tenney, Krista Warner.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Netflix, Pee-wee's Playhouse, Shout!

SitcomsOnline Digest: Spinoff of The Neighborhood Headed to Paramount+; Fox Cancels HouseBroken

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! As networks prepare for the fall season (which isn't going to be hampered by any strikes this time), we're hearing lots about renewals and cancellations, and much more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• A "spinoff" (we're not totally sure that is the right word) of The Office about the staff at a dying midwestern newspaper is headed to Peacock. (Variety)
• It looks like Crutch, a spinoff of The Neighborhood starring Tracy Morgan, is on the way too, set to be streamed on Paramount+. (Deadline)
• HouseBroken has been cancelled at Fox after two seasons. (Variety)
• With Young Sheldon coming to an end, Annie Potts is worried that she may have had her last TV role. (Deadline)
• Not Dead Yet actually is dead, as it wasn't renewed for another season. (TVLine)
• Shout! has acquired expanded rights to Pee-wee's Playhouse. (Deadline)
• NBC has picked up a new sitcom starring Reba McEntire, but Extended Family has been cancelled. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 11 - MAY 17)

• Catchy Comedy is continuing a run of rural comedy binges (that will continue into next week as well), with a binge of Green Acres this weekend.
• Sunday is Mother's Day, and Antenna TV is celebrating with a Family Ties marathon focusing on Elyse episodes, while FETV has a Leave it to Beaver marathon featuring June Cleaver.
• The final episode of Young Sheldon is set to air Thursday night on CBS, but don't worry, the Big Bang Theory universe of sitcoms isn't going to end just yet as a spinoff is coming in the fall.
• As we mentioned, Shout! has acquired the rights to Pee-wee's Playhouse, and you can now watch every episode on Tubi.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Crutch, Extended Family, Housebroken, Not Dead Yet, Pee-wee's Playhouse, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Neighborhood, The Office, Young Sheldon

SitcomsOnline Digest: Marsha Warfield Gets New TV Role; Paul Reubens Dies at Age 70

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a bit of a slow paced news week, but we're hearing about some casting news for The Upshaws, the death of Paul Reubens, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We may not be getting Marsha Warfield as a regular on Night Court (whenever that comes back), but she will be in season 4 of The Upshaws. (Deadline)
• Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman, has died after a long (and secret) battle with cancer. (NBC News)
• In the midst of a writers strike, in which reality TV may be taking center stage, allegations against NBCUniversal involving a shady underworld of what actually goes on behind the scenes of these shows have arisen, and it involves sex, alcohol, and violence. (Deadline)
• Suzanne Somers is battling breast cancer for a second time. (CBS News)
• We're about 15 years removed from when Conan O'Brien was last host of Late Night on NBC, but as it turns out, he didn't like that title all along anyway. (Entertainment Weekly)
• CBS has set their fall premiere dates, full of reality and "repurposed" series. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 11)

• It's a weekend of "roasts" on Catchy Comedy, with a binge of The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast.
• The Chi returns to Showtime for a new season on Sunday.
• Only Murders in the Building returns for a third season on Hulu on Tuesday.
• Antenna TV's Sunday Special this weekend features Silver Spoons.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Conan O'Brien, Late Night, Pee-wee's Playhouse, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Upshaws

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

HBO Orders 2-Part Documentary on Paul Reubens; Netflix Announces Date for 2nd Season of Special

HBO Documentary Films is in production on a two-part documentary about the life of Paul Reubens. A kaleidoscopic portrait told in two parts, the Paul Reubens documentary traces the life of the imaginative artist behind one of pop culture's most celebrated and unlikely icons: Pee-wee Herman. The documentary is an HBO Documentary Films and Elara production, directed by Matt Wolf (Spaceship Earth) and produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff (The Irishman, Joker), Sebastian Bear-McClard (Uncut Gems, Good Time), and Josh and Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time).

Spring is going to be extra Special this year – the second and final season of the groundbreaking show arrives on Netflix on May 20. Eight episodes will air. In the comedy, the hilarious and heartwarming story centers on a gay man with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity as an accident victim and finally go after the life he wants. Ryan O'Connell stars in this semi-autobiographical series, which he also wrote and executive produced. The series also stars: Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel, Marla Mindelle, Augustus Prew, and Patrick Fabian. Jim Parsons, Eric Norsoph and Todd Spiewak serve as executive producers for That's Wonderful Productions.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: HBO, Netflix, Pee-wee's Playhouse, Special

Fri-Yay: An Appreciation for Mike Schur's Comedies; IFC Acquires Pee-wee's Playhouse

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

Recently, I've been engaging on a rewatch of Parks and Recreation. It's a show I haven't revisited too much since its end, and it's made me forget just what a delightful little show it was. It was funny, optimistic and filled with likable characters, and while its optimistic view on politics already seems somewhat outdated, the show's strengths more than make up for it. What else I saw it in, though, was a little bit of Mike Schur's future sitcoms - Brooklyn Nine-Nine and especially The Good Place. In many ways, the critical adoration of Parks and Recreation could be directly traced to those two shows. So in this blog post, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge Parks and the world of Mike Schur comedies it created.

Although these three shows seem very different in some ways, one thing remains true about them - after you watch them, you feel good about the state of the world. Even The Good Place, with its huge twists and turns, is ultimately a show about how people can change and get better. This is baked into the DNA of Parks, a show that seems to believe anything is possible if you really work hard enough and surround yourself with the right people. That's evident in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, too, a show about how things are a little easier if you surround yourself with a close group of friends. And The Good Place, for all of its intricate plotting, has a similar sunny message. Watching Parks, I can see the DNA for all of these shows, and I can better understand the state of mind that Mike Schur is keeping in mind when keeping his new shows. If you're into either Good Place or Brooklyn Nine-Nine and want to see where it all began, I highly recommend jumping into Parks and Rec - it is, in many ways, where it all began.

The secret word is "Pee-wee" as IFC announced that it will begin airing the cult Saturday morning classic Pee-wee's Playhouse starring Paul Reubens starting on Thanksgiving. The network will kick off its run of the series during a 24-hour marathon, including the iconic holiday special Christmas at Pee-wee's Playhouse, on Thursday, November 22 starting at 6AM. Subsequently, the show will return to its rightful home on Saturday mornings beginning November 24. Watch, scream out loud and share Pee-wee's return to the silver screen in an all new promo here.

For over 30 years, the enormously popular Pee-wee Herman and innovative television series Pee-Wee's Playhouse, created by, and starring Paul Reubens, has captured a special place in the hearts of millions of viewers, young and old. Since its initial premiere on CBS in 1986, this multiple Emmy(R)-winning children's program became Saturday morning appointment viewing for kids in the 80s and 90s and has been a staple in the pop culture zeitgeist ever since. TV Guide named Pee-Wee's Playhouse "one of the top ten cult television classics of all time."

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fri-Yay, IFC, Parks and Recreation, Pee-wee's Playhouse, The Good Place

Pee-wee Returns in 2015 with New Movie; TBS Orders New Comedy to Series from Daily Show Producers

Netflix, the world's leading Internet TV network, will premiere exclusively in all of its territories the new feature film, Pee-wee's Big Holiday, starring Paul Reubens as the beloved fun-loving hero of TV, stage and film, Pee-wee Herman. Judd Apatow (Anchorman, Bridesmaids) and Reubens, who worked together to bring the project to fruition, will produce the film. Reubens and Paul Rust (Comedy Bang! Bang!, Arrested Development) wrote the film. John Lee (Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer) makes his feature film directorial debut with production beginning in early 2015. In Pee-wee's Big Holiday, a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny.

Paul Reubens of course created the iconic character, Pee-wee Herman, while a member of the famed Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings. The Pee-wee Herman Show premiered at The Groundlings Theatre on February 7, 1981 at midnight. It quickly moved to The Roxy on Sunset Strip where it ran for an unprecedented five months. The HBO broadcast of the show introduced Pee-wee to a national audience. Pee-wee Herman was brought to the big screen in the hit 1985 comedy Pee-wee's Big Adventure, which Paul Reubens co-wrote and marked Tim Burton's directorial debut. Reubens went on to create, co-write and co-direct Pee-wee's Playhouse on CBS where the series earned 22 Emmy(R) Awards during its five year run. Reubens has been nominated for 14 Emmy(R) Awards, winning twice. In January of 2010, Reubens starred in, produced and co-wrote The Pee-wee Herman Show which completed a critically acclaimed four week run at LA Live's Club Nokia in Los Angeles. With the incredible success in Los Angeles, Reubens brought The Pee-wee Herman Show to Broadway which opened November 11, 2010 to rave reviews with The New York Times calling the show, "Yummier than chocolate;" New York saying, "Welcome Back, Pee-wee! You were sorely missed;" and the New York Post saying, "the audience screams for joy!" Three decades after his first HBO special, Reubens returned to the network with an exclusive version of the hit Broadway show.

TBS is hitting the road with a 10-episode order for a new comedy series from The Daily Show's Jason Jones & Samantha Bee. Jones stars in the series, which is inspired by his and Bee's own experiences with family getaways. Also starring are Natalie Zea (Justified, The Following), Ashley Gerasimovich (Louie, We Need to Talk about Kevin) and Liam Carroll (The Neighbors). Production is slated to begin this summer, with the TBS launch scheduled for Q4 2015. An honest and darkly comedic look at family, TBS's new series will follow a couple and their two young kids as they take a road trip to Florida. Jones stars as unfiltered dad Nate, who packs his wife, Robin (Zea), along with their rebellious daughter Delilah (Gerasimovich) and simpleton son Jared (Carroll), into the family car for what Nate is convinced will be the adventure of a lifetime. Every leg of their trip, however, is fraught with unforeseen disaster as they encounter one hellish turn after another. Plans call for each season of the show to chronicle a different family adventure.

With the addition of Bee and Jones' new series, TBS now has four scripted comedies set to debut in 2015, including Angie Tribeca, starring Rashida Jones and created by Daily Show alum Steve Carell and Nancy Carell; Your Family or Mine, a domestic comedy with a twist starring Kyle Howard, Kat Foster, Richard Dreyfuss, Ed Begley Jr. and Cynthia Stevenson; and Buzzy's, a workplace comedy with Ashley Tisdale, Mike Castle, Lauren Lapkus, Ryan Pinkston, Matt Cook and George Wendt.

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

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Labels: Netflix, Pee-wee's Playhouse, TBS