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Remembering George Wendt of Cheers; Platonic Season 2 First Look

Actor George Wendt, who starred as Norm Peterson in Cheers, has died. He died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles on May 20 from cardiac arrest. His death coincided with the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers series finale. Mr. Wendt was 76.

Wendt's first role as a series regular was as Gus Bertoia in the short-lived 1982 CBS sitcom Making the Grade, which was created by Gary David Goldberg. George Bertoia is a physical education teacher at Franklin High School in St. Louis. The series also starred James Naughton, Graham Jarvis, Alley Mills, Steve Peterman, Zane Lasky, Philip Charles MacKenzie, and Veronica Redd.

He starred as Norm Peterson in 1982-1993 NBC sitcom Cheers. Norm Peterson is a bar regular and occasionally employed accountant. He made a prominent entrance to the bar in every episode. He would be greeted by a cheer of "Norm!" and make a wisecrack as he walked to his barstool.

The role earned Wendt six consecutive nominations from 1984 to 1989 for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also directed the episode "Airport V" in 1988. The cast included Ted Danson, Shelley Long (1982-1987), Rhea Perlman, Nicholas Colasanto (1982-1985), John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer (1984-1993), Woody Harrelson (1985-1993), Kirstie Alley (1986-1993), and Bebe Neuwirth (1986-1993).

Wendt appeared as Norm Peterson in a 1985 crossover episode of St. Elsewhere. He also made one guest appearance each in the three other sitcoms set in the Cheers universe: the spin-off The Tortellis in 1987, the Wings episode "The Story of Joe in 1990, and the Frasier episode Cheerful Goodbyes in 2002. Some of his other appearances as Norm Peterson included Mickey's 60th Birthday in 1988, The Magical World of Disney - "Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration" in 1990, and The Earth Day Special in 1990.

He starred as George Coleman in the short-lived 1995 CBS sitcom The George Wendt Show. Based on the NPR radio show Car Talk, the series revolved around George and Dan Coleman (Pat Finn), two wise cracking brothers who own a car garage in Madison, Wisconsin. The series also starred Brian Doyle-Murray, Mark Christopher Lawrence, and Kate Hodge.

Wendt starred as Les Polanski in the second season (1997) of the sitcom The Naked Truth. In the second season, the show switched networks from ABC to NBC and was retooled. Meatball-mogul Les Polanski buys the celebrity tabloid The Comet, intending to make it a respectable publication. The second season also starred Téa Leoni, Holland Taylor, Mark Roberts, Jonathan Penner, and Darryl Sivad.

He had a recurring role as Mike Shelby in six episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch on The WB from 2001 to 2002. Mike Shelby is Sabrina Spellman's (Melissa Joan Hart) boss at the Boston Citizen newspaper.

Wendt starred as Tug Clarke in the short-lived 2006 The WB sitcom Modern Men. Tug Clarke is a retired pro football player who owned a local restaurant. He is the father of Tim Clarke (Josh Braaten) and Molly Clarke (Marla Sokoloff). The series also starred Jane Seymour, Max Greenfield, and Eric Lively.

He starred as Buzzy in the short-lived 2015 TBS sitcom Clipped. Clipped takes place in a Charlestown, Massachusetts barbershop called Buzzy's, named after the original owner who still works there. The series also starred Mike Castle, Ashley Tisdale, Lauren Lapkus, Ryan Pinkston, Matt Cook, and Diona Reasonover.

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Soap, Taxi, Alice, M*A*S*H, Day by Day, Roc, Seinfeld (as himself), Bob (as himself), The Building, The Larry Sanders Show (as himself), The Martin Short Show (as himself), Good Company (as himself), Spin City, Madigan Men (4 episodes as Carl), Becker, Rock Me Baby, George Lopez (2 episodes), Hot in Cleveland, Kickin' It, Kirstie, Childrens Hospital, Fresh Off the Boat, and The Goldbergs.

Wendt hosted Saturday Night Live twice in 1986 and 1990. In the early 1990s, he made cameo appearances on several episodes as Bob Swerski, one of the Chicago Superfans (along with cast members Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Robert Smigel, and one-time host, Joe Mantegna).

Some of his other television guest appearances included Hart to Hart, The Twilight Zone (1986), Tales from the Crypt, Columbo (1995), Masters of Horror, Ghost Whisperer, Harry's Law, and Franklin & Bash.

He had film roles opposite Robert De Niro in 1991's Guilty by Suspicion and with Mel Gibson in 1992's Forever Young. Some of his other film credits included No Small Affair (1984), Dreamscape (1984), Fletch (1985), House (1985), Gung Ho (1986), and Man of the House (1995).

Mr. Wendt was very funny and memorable as Norm Peterson. Wendt, Danson and Perlman were the only three cast members who appeared in every episode of Cheers. Norm's entrances at the bar, such as "It's a dog-eat-dog world, Sammy, and I'm wearing Milk-Bone underwear" were always hilarious. We thank him for the many laughs he brought us on Cheers and television during his legendary career. He will be greatly missed.

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

Watch a special Catchy Binge and tribute to George Wendt this Sunday (May 25) starting at 6a ET | 3a PT, featuring some of his most memorable episodes of Cheers. Tune in and raise a glass as Catchy Comedy remembers George Wendt all Sunday long.

Apple TV+ today revealed a first look at the second season of Platonic, the critically acclaimed half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. The 10-episode sophomore season will premiere globally on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 with the first two episodes, followed by one episode weekly until October 1, 2025. Co-created, directed and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, Platonic season two picks up with everyone’s favorite pair of best friends (Rogen and Byrne) as they contend with new mid-life hurdles including work, weddings and partners in crises. The duo tries their best to be each other’s rock — but sometimes rocks break things. The season two cast also includes Luke Macfarlane and Carla Gallo, and introduces Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennett as guest stars.

Platonic is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller’s Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce along with Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver for Point Grey Pictures. In addition to Platonic, Rogen stars in Apple TV+'s comedy The Studio, which he wrote, directed and executive produced alongside Goldberg, and Byrne stars in Apple TV+’s dark comedy Physical.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:10 PM

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Labels: Apple TV+, Catchy Comedy, Cheers, Obits, Physical, Platonic, The Studio

Apple TV+ Renews Platonic; Lisa Kudrow Joins Ray Romano in Netflix Comedy

Apple TV+ announced that Platonic, its hit half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, has been renewed for a second season. Co-created, directed and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, the critically acclaimed first season of Platonic is now streaming globally on Apple TV+. Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Rogen and Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift. The duo's friendship becomes all consuming - and destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way. In addition to Rogen and Byrne, Platonic season one starred Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Andrew Lopez and Carla Gallo. Platonic is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller's Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Rogen, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce. The series marks the latest collaboration for Apple TV+ and Byrne, who also stars in Apple's dark comedy Platonic. In addition to Platonic, Rogen is set to star in an upcoming, untitled comedy series for Apple TV+ that he will write, direct and executive produce alongside Evan Goldberg.

Netflix announced that Emmy Award-winning actress Lisa Kudrow will star in No Good Deed, a new dark comedy series from creator and executive producer Liz Feldman (Dead to Me). She joins previously announced co-star Ray Romano. Lisa Kudrow (Friends, Time Bandits, Booksmart) will play "Lydia Morgan" - A highly-talented (and highly-strung) former concert pianist, Lydia is a devoted wife to Paul (Ray Romano) and loving-though-flawed mother to their two children. She is distraught by the idea of selling their Los Feliz home, a place filled with happy memories and dark secrets. No Good Deed is a half hour, dark comedy that follows three very different families vying to buy the very same 1920s Spanish style villa that they think will solve all their problems. But as the sellers have already discovered, sometimes the home of your dreams can be a total nightmare. 8 episodes have been ordered.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, Netflix, No Good Deed, Platonic

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Returns in June; Apple TV+ Releases Details on Platonic

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia returns for season 16 on Wednesday, June 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FXX and streaming the next day on Hulu. The premiere will include the first two episodes, with a new episode each following week. Season 16 of Sunny will be available on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories. The Gang(TM) is ripping straight from the headlines - Inflation, US-Russian relations, mental health, gender equality, injury liability, gun control, and... celebrity-branded products. But here's a headline for you: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Returns for Sweet Season 16!"

But there's nothing sweet about them as Ronald "Mac" MacDonald (Rob McElhenney), Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day), Dennis Reynolds (Glenn Howerton), Dee Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito) yearn for the past as they attempt to survive in 2023. This year alone, Mac battles with allergies and long-distance dating, Charlie takes on his long-forgotten sisters, Dee fights for rent control and women's athletics, Frank wrestles for his gun, and Dennis struggles to improve his mental health. At the end of the day, they're navigating 2023 with 16 years of baggage as a few figures from their past rear their heads.

Apple TV+ debuted the trailer for Platonic, the upcoming 10-episode comedy series starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen and co-created, directed, and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco. The half-hour comedy is set to make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday. Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Rogen and Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift. The duo's friendship becomes all consuming—and destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way. In addition to Rogen and Byrne, the ensemble cast includes Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Andrew Lopez and Carla Gallo. Platonic is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller’s Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Rogen, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, FXX, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Platonic

Platonic Gets Premiere Date on Apple TV+; SNL April Guest Hosts and Music Guests

Apple TV+ unveiled the premiere date and a first look at Platonic, the upcoming 10-episode comedy series starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen and co-created, directed, and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco. The half-hour comedy is set to make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday. Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift. The duo's friendship becomes all consuming - and destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way. The ensemble cast also stars Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Carla Gallo, and Andrew Lopez.

Saturday Night Live returns April 1 with Emmy Award winner Quinta Brunson making her hosting debut. Brunson is the creator, executive producer, writer and star of ABC's Abbott Elementary. Lil Yachty will perform as musical guest for the first time. His latest album, "Let's Start Here," debuted at #1 on Billboard's top rock and alternative charts. Molly Shannon will return to Studio 8H to host SNL for the second time on April 8. Shannon stars in A Good Person, currently in theaters, and the third season of The Other Two, premiering May 4 on HBO Max. Jonas Brothers will take the stage as musical guest for the third time. Their new album, "The Album," featuring the upcoming single "Waffle House," is set to be released May 12. Academy Award nominee Ana de Armas will host SNL for the first time on April 15. De Armas stars in Ghosted, premiering April 21 on Apple TV+. Karol G will make her first appearance as musical guest. Her newest album, "Mañana Será Bonito," is the first all-Spanish album by a female artist to hit #1 the Billboard 200 chart.

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

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Labels: Abbott Elementary, Apple TV+, NBC, Platonic, Saturday Night Live

COZI TV Halloween Marathons of The Munsters & Roseanne; Apple TV+ Orders Another Comedy, This Time with Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen

COZI TV invites viewers to celebrate Halloween with a holiday treat, a "Halloweenathon" special. Starting at 9 AM on Saturday, October 31, viewers can watch 22 back-to-back episodes of the iconic television series, The Munsters, followed by eight straight hilarious Halloween-themed episodes of Roseanne at 8 PM. (check local listings). The Munsters follows the hilariously spooky Munster family as they try to lead a regular life at 1313 Mockingbird Lane. The marathon of The Munsters includes a wide range of favorite episodes, including "My Fair Munster," where Grandpa slips a love potion into his granddaughter's oatmeal for her to find a boyfriend and "Autumn Croakus," where Grandpa writes a love letter to a matrimonial agency in hopes of finding a wife. The Roseanne series is well-known for their annual Halloween episodes and will include the episode "Boo," which introduces the family's love for the holiday and the annual prank wars between characters Roseanne and Dan. It also features "Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down," where the Conner family's neighbor discovers Dan gutted and bloody on the kitchen table as part of another classic prank. COZI TV viewers can watch The Munsters and Roseanne regularly seven days a week at 7 PM and 9 PM respectively.

Apple TV+ will expand its award-winning offering of comedy series with Platonic, a new series starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominees Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco (Friends from College). The series will be produced for Apple by Sony Pictures Television. The series reunites Byrne and Rogen with director Nick Stoller following their collaboration on the Neighbors films. Platonic is a 10-episode, half-hour comedy which explores the inner workings of platonic friendship. A pair of former best friends who met in their youth (played by Byrne and Rogen) reconnect as adults and try to mend the rift that led to their falling out. As their friendship becomes more consuming, it destabilizes their lives and causes them to reevaluate their choices.

In addition to writing, Stoller will direct. Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen and Conor Welch will serve as executive producers on the series. Platonic will premiere alongside upcoming Apple Original comedy series including Physical, also starring Rose Byrne; The Afterparty, a new comedy from Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe Award winners Chris Miller and Phil Lord, and Sony Pictures Television; Schmigadoon!, a musical comedy project executive produced by Lorne Michaels; Mr. Corman, directed, written and executive produced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt; as well as returning series including Peabody Award winner Dickinson, and critically acclaimed comedies Ted Lasso and Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:10 PM

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Labels: Apple TV+, Cozi TV, Platonic, Roseanne, The Munsters