Showing posts with label Scrubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scrubs. 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)
WEEKLY PLANNER (SEPTEMBER 6 - SEPTEMBER 12)

  • 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, 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)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JULY 12 - JULY 18)

  • Catchy Comedy has a binge of Mama's Family tomorrow.
  • Antenna TV has a Mork & Mindy marathon tomorrow.

Saturday, May 24, 2025

SitcomsOnline Digest: Zach Braff Joins Scrubs Reboot; 7th Heaven Reboot in the Works

   Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's Memorial Day weekend, so summer is just about here, and we're here with more news about reboots (of course!), renewals, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • Zach Braff has joined the Scrubs reboot at ABC. (Variety)
  • A 7th Heaven reboot is in the works, though it seems it won't involve the original cast (but an original cast member is the executive producer). (Deadline)
  • The CW has renewed Scrabble (with new host Craig Ferguson) and Trivial Pursuit. (TV Insider)
  • The Chrisley family has landed a new reality series, even with mom and dad sitting in prison. (Deadline)
  • The Steve Wilkos Show, the last holdout from the tail-end of the golden era of trashy daytime TV talk shows, has been renewed for a 19th season. (Deadline)
  • George Wendt, who played Norm on Cheers, died this week. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 24 - MAY 30)

  • It shouldn't come as a surprise, but tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Cheers in honor of George Wendt, which was changed from the one that was originally planned.
  • A new Antenna TV lineup starts Monday, with 227 returning to the lineup.
  • A new season of Rick and Morty arrives Sunday night on Adult Swim.
  • Adults premieres Wednesday on FX.
  • Animation Domination Thursday starts this week on Fox, with new episodes of favorites from Sunday night.

Saturday, December 07, 2024

SitcomsOnline Digest: Scrubs Reboot in the Works; Family Guy Returning to Adult Swim

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing of a Scrubs reboot, a return of Family Guy to Adult Swim, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • It's official: a Scrubs reboot is in the works at ABC, but hopefully it won't be as bad as the last time when ABC aired Scrubs, when they took what was a beloved NBC series and turned it into something that fans didn't recognize. (Hollywood Reporter)
  • In what is probably a surprise to nobody (given that the network didn't really want to give up the series anyway, and also given that FXX, the network it moved to, is rapidly disappearing from cable lineups these days), Family Guy is finally returning to Adult Swim in January, though it will continue to air on FXX and Comedy Central. (Variety)
  • Julie Bowen has a new comedy series in development at NBC. (Deadline)
  • If you want to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live, your starting salary will be around $3000 an episode, which isn't exactly poverty wages, but less than you'd expect for being a cast member on a nationally broadcast TV show. (Variety)
  • Mark Withers, who appeared on Dynasty as well as other series, has died. (Deadline)
  • There is plenty of Christmas cheer to be found on Pluto TV. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 7 - DECEMBER 13)

  • Catchy Comedy has a binge of The Dick Van Dyke Show this weekend, in honor of his 99th birthday.
  • Up All Night is now streaming on Peacock.

Saturday, October 12, 2024

SitcomsOnline Digest: Spinoff of The Big Bang Theory in the Works; Velma Canceled by Max

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about a spinoff of a series that will seemingly never stop getting spinoffs, a possible reboot of Scrubs, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • It looks like a spinoff (not a reboot, follow-up, or re-imagining) of The Big Bang Theory is in the works at Max. (Variety)
  • Meanwhile, we are getting more casting news for the follow-up of The Office. (Hollywood Reporter)
  • Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence is talking about a potential reboot, but hopefully it won't be anything like the "reboot" (of sorts) that the series did in the final season on ABC. (AV Club)
  • It's a little surprising that it even lasted two seasons, but now, Velma has been canceled by Max. (Deadline)
  • Last week, there was a bit of confusion about the ABC Monday night lineup, and now we are learning that ABC is going all in on Monday Night Football once again. (Hollywood Reporter)
  • Vice TV has announced a new series, Black Comedy in America. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (OCTOBER 12 - OCTOBER 18)

  • It's premiere week on CBS this week, with the series debut of Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage and the season debut of Ghosts on Thursday night.
  • The Family Guy Halloween Special debuts Monday on Hulu.
  • NBC has the debut of Happy's Place and season premiere of Lopez vs. Lopez on Friday night.
  • It's Florida, Man, a new HBO comedy series, debuts on Friday.
  • MeTV Toons has special "Spooktacular Sunday" Halloween programming every Sunday leading up to Halloween, beginning tomorrow.
  • Catchy Comedy has a binge of Laurel & Hardy this weekend.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

SitcomsOnline Digest: A Sequel to A Different World and Reboot for Scrubs?; Cartoon Network Shuts Down Website

  Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning about some reboots, a potential fourth season of Ted Lasso, the shutdown of the Cartoon Network website, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

  • We haven't had a lot of sequel/reboot news lately, but here's a new one: a sequel to A Different World is in the works at Netflix. (Deadline)
  • When asked about a Scrubs reboot, creator Bill Lawrence has responded by saying "we're definitely going to do it." (Screen Rant)
  • There could be a fourth season of Ted Lasso, but it's all in the hands of Jason Sudekis as to whether or not he wants to do it. (Deadline)
  • About a month or so ago, the websites for all of the Paramount cable networks mostly shutdown, scrubbing all of the content and leaving behind just a basic website with the schedule and where to find the channel on your local cable operator, but now, Cartoon Network has gone much further and shut their website down completely and not even offering a schedule, and instead redirecting people to subscribe to Max. (Variety)
  • That isn't quite all for Warner and their efforts to seemingly sunset their cartoon legacy, as they also announced late last week that the Boomerang streaming service is shutting down and merging into Max. (Variety)
  • Steve Martin was the first person that came to mind for many people for playing the role of vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live, though he has reportedly (or perhaps he is bluffing) declined, stating that he is "not an impressionist." (NBC News)
  • We have our first look at Travis Kelce's new game show, Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? (Deadline)
  • Hulu has a full slate of new programming for the fall. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 10 - AUGUST 16)

  • Catchy Comedy has a binge of My Three Sons this weekend, with episodes from the third and fourth season.
  • Both Antenna TV and Rewind TV are going back to school with marathons this weekend, with Facts of Life on Antenna TV and Welcome Back, Kotter on Rewind TV.
  • The third season of Bel-Air arrives Thursday on Peacock.

Friday, July 05, 2024

Sitcom Stars Pair Up on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; TV One Premieres Raising Fame

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell & John Mulaney and Nick Kroll

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire's 25th anniversary premiere episode will feature Kenan & Kel alums and Good Burger 2 stars Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell competing for the grand prize, as well as Oh, Hello on Broadway stars John Mulaney and Nick Kroll. The additional celebrity pairings hold just as close of a bond as they include sitcom stars Full House alums John Stamos and Dave Coulier, Everybody Loves Raymond and Bupkis stars Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, Scrubs alums Zach Braff and Donald Faison, Dave stars Lil Dicky and GaTa, Bookie stars Sebastian Maniscalco and Omar J. Dorsey, Community alums Gillian Jacobs and Danny Pudi, and Another Period stars Natasha Leggero and Jason Ritter.

Other celebrity pairings include siblings Kelly and Jack Osbourne, podcast co-hosts Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata, Rosie O'Donnell and Abbott Elementary star Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Lisa Ann Walter, Ike Barinholtz and Alan Barinholtz, Sophia Bush and Alex Edelman, Jeff Ross and "Cousin Sal" Iacono, and Ron Funches and Reggie Watts. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire premieres Wednesday, July 10 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Who Wants to Be a Millioniare




Raising Fame

Take a peek behind the curtain as the premiere of new docu-series Raising Fame takes center stage Sunday, July 7 at 10P/9C on TV One. Hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O'Neal (mom of Shaquille O'Neal) and Sonya Curry (mom of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry), Raising Fame provides an intimate look into the lives of some of today's biggest stars, told by the people who raised them. Raising Fame delves beyond the glitz and glamour to provide a unique perspective in the words of both the parents and celebrated children themselves. In the premiere, viewers will follow Oscar-nominated actress Danielle Brooks and her parents from her hometown of Simpsonville, SC to the bright lights of Hollywood with an exclusive sit-down moments before she heads to the Academy Awards.

This season also includes an impressive lineup of award-winning athletes, musicians, actors, and their families including Usher, Shaquille O'Neal, John Legend, Fantasia, Magic Johnson, Jon Batiste, Chance the Rapper, Kevin Durant, Billy Porter, the late Chadwick Boseman and more.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

HBO Orders Steve Carell Comedy Series; Bad Monkey Gets Premiere Date

Steve Carell

HBO has given a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for a new half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by eleven-time Emmy® Award nominee Steve Carell (The Office). Emmy®-winner Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Cougar Town, Scrubs) and Emmy®-nominee Matt Tarses (Scrubs, The Goldbergs, Sports Night) will write the first episode and executive produce the upcoming Warner Bros. Television seriess. A single-camera comedy set on a college campus, centering on an author's complicated relationship with his daughter. The untitled project is executive produced by Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold, and Liza Katzer of Doozer Productions and Matt Tarses. The series is produced by Doozer in association with Warner Bros. Television, where both Doozer and Tarses are under overall deals. Starring and executive produced by Steve Carell. The first episode is written by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses.


Bad Monkey - Vince Vaughn

And speaking of Bill Lawrence, Apple TV+ unveiled the premiere date and a first-look at Bad Monkey, the highly anticipated comedy from award-winning executive producer Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Cougar Town, Scrubs) and starring acclaimed actor, producer and screenwriter Vince Vaughn, who also serves as an executive producer. Based on Carl Hiaasen's New York Times Bestselling novel and enduring cult favorite, the 10-episode series makes its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on August 14, 2024 followed by new episodes every Wednesday through October 9. Bad Monkey tells the story of Andrew Yancy (Vaughn) who has been bounced from the Miami Police department and is now a health inspector in the Keys. But after stumbling upon a case that begins with a human arm fished up by tourists, he realizes that if he can prove murder, he'll be back in. He just needs to get past a trove of Floridian oddballs and one bad monkey.

The ensemble cast also includes L. Scott Caldwell (Lost), Rob Delaney (Catastrophe), Meredith Hagner (Search Party), Natalie Martinez (Ordinary Joe), Alex Moffat (Saturday Night Live, Holiday), Michelle Monaghan (Gone Baby Gone, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Ronald Peet (First Reformed) and Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen and Slim), with special guest star John Ortiz (Fast and Furious) and guest stars Zach Braff (Scrubs) and Bill's daughter Charlotte Lawrence in her television debut. Hailing from Warner Bros. Television, Bad Monkey is developed by executive producer and showrunner Lawrence, who executive produced through his Doozer Productions alongside Jeff Ingold, Matt Tarses, Marcos Siega, Vince Vaughn and Liza Katzer.

Monday, August 09, 2021

Remembering Markie Post of Night Court, Hearts Afire & More; Bounce Comedy Johnson Scores in Ratings

Night Court

Actress Markie Post, who starred as Christine Sullivan on Night Court and as Georgie Anne Lahti Hartman on Hearts Afire, has died. She died of cancer in Los Angeles on August 7. She had been diagnosed almost four years earlier. Ms. Post was 70.

Post made her television series debut on a 1979 episode of CHiPs. Some of her early television guest apperances included Barnaby Jones, The Incredible Hulk, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (2 episodes), Hart to Hart, B.J. and the Bear, Eight Is Enough, The Greatest American Hero, Simon & Simon, McClain's Law and Code Red. She played Chris Brennan on the 1981 crime drama television miniseries The Gangster Chronicles.

Her first sitcom starring role was as Barbara Jane Bookman on the short-lived 1980 ABC series Semi-Tough. The slapstick comedy was based on the 1977 film Semi-Tough, which starred Burt Reynolds. The film was based on the novel of the same name by Dan Jenkins. The series starred Bruce McGill, David Hasselhoff, Hugh Gillin, Mary Jo Catlett, Jim McKrell, Ed Peck, Bubba Smith and Freeman King.

Night Court

Post joined the cast of the NBC sitcom Night Court as Christine Sullivan for the third season in the fall of 1985. She made her first appearance as Christine Sullivan on the second season episode "Daddy for the Defense" in 1984. Christine Sullivan was the public defender at New York's Manhattan Night Court. Post appeared in 159 episodes from 1984 to 1992. The cast from seasons 3-9 included Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll, Charlie Robinson (seasons 2-9) Florence Halop (1985-1986) and Marsha Warfield (1986-1992). Post, Anderson and Robinson reprised their roles on the 2008 30 Rock episode, "The One with the Cast of Night Court".

Hearts Afire

She starred as Georgie Anne Lahti Hartman on the 1992-1995 CBS sitcom Hearts Afire. The show was set in Washington, D.C., and centered on a conservative senator's aide (John Ritter) and a liberal political reporter (Post) whose professional disagreements masked a growing attraction for one another. The cast included Billy Bob Thornton, Clark Duke, Wendie Jo Sperber (1992-1993), Doren Fein, Beth Broderick (1992-1993), George Gaynes (1992-1993), Edward Asner (1992-1993), Beah Richards (1992), Adam Carl (1992-1993), Conchata Ferrell (1993-1995), Leslie Jordan (1993-1995), Debbie Gregory (1993-1994), Justin Burnette (1992-1994) and J. Skylar Testa (1994-1995).

Odd Man Out

Post starred as Julia Whitney on the 1999-2000 ABC sitcom Odd Man Out. Julia Whitney was the mother of fifteen-year-old Andrew Whitney (Erik von Detten), the only male in a house full of females. The series also starred Natalia Cigliuti, Agnes Bruckner, Marina Malota, Jessica Capshaw and Trevor Fehrman.

She had a recurring role as Lily Reid, the mother of Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke), on three episodes of Scrubs from 2002 to 2006. She played Betsy on the 2014 web series Rack and Ruin. Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included House Calls, The Love Boat (2 episodes), Cheers, Dave's World (2 episodes), Man Up!, Back in the Game, Santa Clarita Diet and The Kids Are Alright (4 episodes as Helen Portollo).

She starred as bail bondswoman Terri Michaels on the ABC action/adventure series The Fall Guy from 1982 to 1985. She had a recurring role as Barbara "Bunny" Fletcher on 18 episodes of Chicago P.D. from 2014 to 2017. Some of her other drama guest appearances included Matt Houston, Fantasy Island (2 episodes), Glitter, Scene of the Crime, The A-Team (2 episodes), Hotel (3 episodes), VR.5, The District (2 episodes), Ghost Whisperer and Soundtrack. She was the voice of June Darby on the computer animated robot superhero TV series Transformers: Prime.

Post was a card dealer on Card Sharks. She was an associate producer of CBS's Double Dare from 1976 to 1977. Some of her game show appearances included Go, Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour, Body Language, The (New) $25,000 Pyramid, The $100,000 Pyramid, Super Password and Hollywood Squares.

She played Mary's (Cameron Diaz) mom in the 1998 film There's Something About Mary. Some of her TV movie credits included Tricks of the Trade (with Cindy Williams and John Ritter), Glitz, Someone She Knows and Visitors of the Night.

Survivors include her husband, producer and writer Michael A. Ross; and daughters Kate Armstrong Ross and Daisy Schoenborn.

30 Rock - Markie Post, Harry Anderson and Charlie Robinson

Ms. Post was a talented and beautiful actress. She was wonderful as Christine Sullivan and in her many other television roles. We thank her for the many laughs and entertainment she brought us during her career. It's been a very sad last month for Night Court fans as we lost Charlie Robinson on July 11. She will be deeply missed.

Share your memories on our Night Court and Hearts Afire message boards. View photos in our galleries.

Night Court airs weekdays on Laff TV from 8-9am & 2-3am and weekends from 6-8am.


Johnson

The series premiere episodes of the newest Bounce original series Johnson were seen by 2.1 million viewers 2+ in their debut telecasts. The first two episodes of Johnson premiered back-to-back on Bounce on Sunday, Aug. 1st from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET and their initial airing burst within 24 hours included special presentation on Bounce's sister network ION Sunday night. Johnson becomes the most-watched half-hour series launch in Bounce history. Johnson is a single-camera half-hour series that focuses on life-long best friends, all of whom share the same last name, centering around their intriguing and sometimes complicated journey of love, friendship, heartbreak and personal growth. The series is produced in partnership with Cedric The Entertainer and Eric Rhone's A Bird & A Bear Entertainment and Deji LaRay (The show's creator) and Thomas Q. Jones' Midnight Train Productions. Johnson's ensemble cast is led by D.L. Hughley, LaRay (Bosch, Greenleaf), Jones (P. Valley, Luke Cage), Philip Smithey (Switched At Birth, The Rookie), and Derrex Brady (NCIS, First). Bounce premieres new episodes of Johnson Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET, with a primetime play for the west coast at 12 Midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT. They are added to Bounce's streaming service Brown Sugar on Monday mornings.

Thursday, May 06, 2021

E! Reunites TV Casts in Reunion Road Trip; Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Mr. Corman on Apple TV+

Reunion Road Trip

E!, the global, multi-platform brand for all things pop culture, reunites some of the most celebrated TV casts as its new event series Reunion Road Trip, launches on Thursday, June 10 at 9pm ET/PT. The four-part special event series catches up with the beloved cast members as they reconnect with old friends, reflect on their trailblazing shows that helped shape the television landscape, and share surprising revelations and behind-the-scenes scoop. With exclusive, candid conversations with the stars as viewers have never seen them before, each episode delves into their earliest days from auditions to first impressions, their continuing legacy and everything in between. Catch the casts of A Different World, Scrubs and more reunite!

Below is the episode rollout:

Reunion Road Trip: With All of My Children - Premieres Thursday, June 10 at 9pm ET/PT
Fan favorites Rebecca Budig, Eva LaRue, Cameron Mathison and Jacob Young come together at an exclusive Hollywood mansion to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary with surprise visits from former cast members Susan Lucci, Alicia Minshew, Debbi Morgan, Kelly Ripa and Darnell Williams. As one of the most unforgettable soap operas of all time, the group dishes on the show's origins, off-camera romances and series cliffhanger that always left fans wanting more.

Reunion Road Trip: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy - Premieres Thursday, June 17 at 9pm ET/PT
The Original Fab Five, Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley and Jai Rodriguez reassemble in Los Angeles as they makeover Jai for his 40th birthday. As the group works their magic, they think back to their most heartfelt, meaningful makeovers and the impact on the LGBTQ community then and now.

Reunion Road Trip: It's A Different World - Premieres Thursday, June 24 at 9pm ET/PT
For a very special college homecoming, alumni Sinbad and Kadeem Hardison invite Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Dawnn Lewis and Cree Summer for an intimate, sit-down discussion to look back on the sitcom's overall success and long-lasting cultural impact on generations by tackling a range of substantive issues and giving a voice to the Black community. They are joined by the show's director and executive producer Debbie Allen and executive producer Susan Fales-Hill.

Reunion Road Trip: Back in Scrubs - Premieres Thursday, July 1 at 9pm ET/PT
Cast members Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison reconvene as they go on a quest to track down Rowdy, the show's treasured taxidermied dog. Along the way, they reminisce on their time on the groundbreaking sitcom, spill their juiciest behind-the-scenes stories and are surprised by a few of their favorite co-stars, Robert Maschio and Judy Reyes.




Mr. Corman

Apple Original comedy Mr. Corman, created by, directed by and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to make global debut Friday, Aug. 6 on Apple TV+ Mr. Corman, the highly anticipated 10-episode Apple Original comedy series created by, directed by and starring Emmy and SAG Award winner Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who also executive produces, is set to premiere globally on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 on Apple TV+. The series will debut with the first three episodes, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday. Mr. Corman follows the days and nights of Josh Corman, played by Gordon-Levitt, an artist at heart but not by trade. A career in music hasn't panned out, and he teaches fifth grade at a public school in the San Fernando Valley. His ex-fiancé Megan has moved out and his high school buddy Victor has moved in. He knows he has a lot to be thankful for, but finds himself struggling nevertheless through anxiety, loneliness and a sinking suspicion that he sucks as a person. Darkly funny, oddly beautiful and deeply heartfelt, this relatable dramedy speaks for our contemporary generation of 30-somethings - rich with good intentions, poor with student loans and yearning to become real grown-ups sometime before they die.

In addition to Gordon-Levitt, Mr. Corman stars Arturo Castro, Debra Winger, Bobby Hall a.k.a. Logic, Alexander Jo, Juno Temple, Jamie Chung, Shannon Woodward and Hector Hernandez. The series marks a return to TV for Gordon-Levitt, who grew up on the small screen with roles on multiple series, most notably his co-starring turn on the long-running NBC comedy 3rd Rock from the Sun. The comedy is created by, directed by and executive produced by Joseph Gordon Levitt along with Bruce Eric Kaplan, Ravi Nandan and Inman Young. Pamela Harvey-White serves as producer.

Friday, July 03, 2020

Fri-Yay: Streaming Services Remove Episodes of Sitcoms Due to Racial Jokes; The Kominsky Method Final Season Announced

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!

Scrubs

by Vincent

In response to the ongoing protests regarding racial injustice in America, several streaming services have removed episodes of sitcoms due to jokes that might now be viewed as "racially insensitive," mainly regarding instances of the use of blackface. Obviously, this is a very serious issue that's much bigger than a few sitcom episodes. But it has nonetheless sparked an interesting discussion in the TV world about censorship and what to do about jokes that might now seem insensitive. The episodes in question include: three episodes of 30 Rock (featuring the use of blackface and removed at the request of Tina Fey who says she now regrets the episodes), two episodes of Scrubs (removed by creator Bill Lawerence for similar reasons), five episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and one episode each of Community and The Golden Girls. An episode of The Office was also edited to remove a blackface joke. All episodes contained some sort of use of a non-black character painting their face black, although in nearly all instances it was used satirically to make a point about why blackface is wrong and ridicule those who do it.

Many feel that this is mostly a symbolic gesture, though, and removing a few episodes that no one was complaining about is not exactly fixing the issues of racial injustice in society or in the entertainment world. Additionally, fans of Community and The Golden Girls pointed out that the episodes removed, despite having some potentially iffy jokes, actually have quite positive messages (Community's episode dealt with suicide and mental illness and The Golden Girls advocated for the acceptance of mixed race couples.) Perhaps a better method would be to add a disclaimer to the episodes in the same way HBO Max did with Gone with the Wind, noting these episodes contain some jokes that might seem insensitive today but represent a changing of the tides in terms of racial awareness on television. Still, no matter how you feel about the episodes, it's a good reminder that as used to streaming media as we are, episodes and shows can be taken down at any time. Owning physical media is still the best way to ensure the original and unedited copies of all of your favorite TV shows. (Perhaps not coincidentally, box sets of 30 Rock, Scrubs, Community and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia sold out on Amazon after the news of the episodes being pulled.)


The Kominsky Method - Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas

The Kominsky Method has been renewed for a third and final season by Netflix. Acting coach Sandy Kominsky and best friend Norman Newlander keep each other laughing as they navigate the ups and downs of getting older. The sun isn't setting yet on the once famous Sandy Kominsky and his longtime agent Norman Newlander. Academy Award(R) Winners Michael Douglas (Kominsky) and Alan Arkin (Newlander) continue their journey as two friends tackling life's inevitable curveballs as they navigate their later years in Los Angeles, a city that values youth and beauty. Both comedic and emotional, The Kominsky Method is a half-hour single camera comedy created by 8-time Emmy Award Nominee Chuck Lorre. Lorre, Al Higgins and Michael Douglas executive produce the series which is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

SitcomsOnline Digest: Sitcoms Present and Past Deal with Current Racial Issues; Binge Watch Past Favorites on Roku Channel

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing more about how current events are shaping some of our sitcoms (as well as some old ones), looking at some series that you can binge watch online (for free!) and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
  • If you're planning to binge watch every episode of your favorite NBC sitcom from last decade, you'll need to do that on DVD if you want to watch every episode, as episodes of 30 Rock, Community, Scrubs, and a scene from The Office have been scrubbed from streaming platforms (and in some cases will be pulled from syndicated reruns as well) due to containing blackface. (Variety
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine has scrapped the previously written scripts for four planned episodes for the upcoming season in light of current events. (BBC)
  • Meanwhile, The Simpsons and Family Guy will no longer have white actors playing nonwhite roles, which most notably means Mike Henry will no longer voice Cleveland on Family Guy. (Deadline
  • Another series has arrived on streaming media with missing episodes: South Park is missing 5 episodes on HBO Max due to depictions of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. (Deadline)
  • We're all watching streaming media these days, but lets face it, some of us still enjoy linear viewing experiences, and Amazon appears to be taking that into consideration. (Deadline)
  • REELZ has a several episodes of upcoming programs featuring the lives and untimely deaths of past sitcoms stars. (SitcomsOnline

WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 27 - JULY 3)

  • Most of these shows aren't new to the service, but if you've got a Roku, you can binge watch many shows that aren't available on other streaming services for free with commercials, including Head of the Class, Growing Pains, Starsky & Hutch, Rules of Engagement, The Carol Burnett Show, and more.
  • Decades is going west with The Wild Wild West this weekend.
  • There are some shifts in the Antenna TV lineup this weekend.

Tuesday, May 05, 2020

Celebrity IOU Gets 2nd Season; Remembering Sam Lloyd of Scrubs

Celebrity IOU

HGTV has picked up a sophomore season of its smash hit series, Celebrity IOU, which has attracted more than 18.9 million total viewers since its premiere just three weeks ago. In the second season, tentatively slated to premiere in early 2021, additional Hollywood A-listers will express deep gratitude to individuals who had a major impact on their lives - surprising them with big, heartwarming home renovations that bring everyone to tears. The star-studded, uplifting series features HGTV's popular real estate and renovation experts Drew and Jonathan Scott, who also serve as executive producers and work closely with each celebrity to deliver a renovation that is customized to meet the needs of a special person. Celebrity IOU is the #2 new unscripted original series in all of cable among P25-54 and W25-54 so far this year.

Premiering Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT, Celebrity IOU has spotlighted life-changing renovations from Brad Pitt, Melissa McCarthy and Viola Davis, with upcoming episodes this season to feature Michael Bublé and Rebel Wilson.


Sam Lloyd

Actor Sam Lloyd, who was best known for his role as lawyer Ted Buckland in Scrubs, has died. He died on April 30 in Los Angeles due to complications from lung cancer. Mr. Lloyd was 56.

City

Lloyd starred as Lance Armstrong, the obsessive and obnoxious head of the records department for the Department of City Services, in the 1990 CBS sitcom City. The series also starred Valerie Harper, Todd Susman, Tyra Ferrell, Stephen Lee, Liz Torres, Mary Jo Keenen, James Lorinz, LuAnne Ponce and Shay Duffin.

Double Rush

Lloyd starred as Barkley, the spaced-out dispatcher for the Double Rush bicycle messenger service in Manhattan, in the 1995 CBS sitcom Double Rush. The series also starred Robert Pastorelli, David Arquette, Corinne Bohrer, Adam Goldberg, D. L. Hughley and Phil Leeds.

He played Ray Giddeon, the New York City's Battery Park district precinct's sad sack perpetual victim, in the short-lived 2000 NBC sitcom Battery Park. It also starred Elizabeth Perkins, Justin Louis, Jacqueline Obradors, Robert Mailhouse, Jay Paulson, Frank Grillo, Bokeem Woodbine and Wendy Moniz.

Scrubs - Neil Flynn, Sam Lloyd and Zach Braff

He appeared in the recurring role of Ted Buckland, Sacred Heart Hospital's sad sack lawyer, in 95 episodes of the NBC sitcom Scrubs from 2001 to 2009. Lloyd was an accomplished singer with the a cappella group The Blanks, who appeared under the name The Worthless Peons (also known as Ted's Band) in the series. The cast of Scrubs included Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley, Judy Reyes and Neil Flynn.

Lloyd reprised the role of Ted Buckland in three episodes of Cougar Town in 2011 and 2012. He played Ricky, the obsessive TV enthusiast, in the Seinfeld episodes "The Cigar Store Indian" and "The Pie." Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Night Court, Champs, Coach, The Last Frontier, Goode Behavior, Ink, Mad About You, The Drew Carey Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Two Guys, a Girl and Pizza Place, Spin City, Malcolm in the Middle, 'Til Death, The Middle, Marry Me, Dr. Ken, Alex, Inc., Modern Family and American Housewife. He appeared in eight episodes of Desperate Housewives as Dr. Albert Goldfine from 2004 to 2005.

Mr. Lloyd was very good and funny in Scrubs. He did a great job playing sad sack type characters. He will be greatly missed.

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

Saturday, May 02, 2020

SitcomsOnline Digest: New Programming for Pluto TV; Recap of Parks and Recreation Special

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's not been a particularly busy week, but we do have news of some new Pluto TV programming, a recap of the Parks and Recreation special, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
  • Pluto TV has added some new channels, including one from Game Show Network. (Cord Cutters News
  • Here is a recap of the Parks and Recreation special, in case you missed it. (Deadline)
  • The cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (well, minus Janet Hubert, of course) remembered the life of James Avery this week. (LA Times)
  • Sam Lloyd, who appeared on Scrubs and many other series, has died at age 56. (Variety)
  • An animated special for One Day at a Time is in the works. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 2 - MAY 8)

  • It's six hours of Becker today and Coach tomorrow on Antenna TV.
  • It's a Barnaby Jones binge on Decades this weekend.
  • The eleventh season of Archer debuts Wednesday on FXX.
  • ABC has a night of season finales for their sitcoms on Tuesday night.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Fri-Yay: Best Sitcom Episodes for Coronavirus Isolation; Antenna TV Weekend Binge Marathons for Tough Times

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!

Community - Epidemiology

by Vincent

Well, obviously it's a tough time for all of us right now. Wherever you are, it's likely that you're being affected somehow by COVID-19. For the many who are in isolation or quarantine to "flatten the curve" of Coronavirus, you're probably finding yourself with a whole lot of time to watch sitcoms! I've put together a list of some of my favorite sitcom episodes that have some thematic similarities with COVID-19 that could hit right in these circumstances. I tried not to just focus on bottle or quarantine episodes but instead episodes that tie with the anxieties stemming from this uncertain time.

1. Community - Epidemiology
This episode is maybe the most obvious choice on the list. It's a Halloween episode centered around a mysterious disease that surfaces at Greendale's Halloween party that slowly spreads and spreads despite everyone's effort to quarantine everyone, partly because of questionable decisions made by Dean Pelton, the school's leader. Sound familiar? Granted, it's a lot more fun than it sounds, as it's a loving parody of zombie movies scored by the ABBA soundtrack (and Dean Pelton's voice memos). If you want to laugh about a disease outbreak in a silly way, this is the episode for you.

2. 30 Rock - Larry King
"Larry King" is 30 Rock's take on the 2008 financial collapse, another historical event that is very different than our current predicament but nevertheless does share some similarities. The entire episode has an end-of-the-world vibe as the characters watch the collapse of the Japanese markets that seemingly spell doom for their own financial security, and a lot of the behaviors and quotes reflect on the odd feeling many of us are feeling now, particularly Salma Hayek's "The whole world has gone cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!" or when Jack's mentor Don Geiss recommends that you "go home to your loved ones and hold them close" instead of taking action. In the end, the panic turns out to be largely false, started by a fearmongering Tracy Jordan. If only we could be so lucky.

3. Parks and Recreation - The Master Plan
The more obvious Parks and Rec choice would be Flu Season, but personally I felt Leslie's pain in "The Master Plan" more these past few days. "The Master Plan" is the first appearance of Ben and Chris as budget slashers who arrive to slash Pawnee's budget, and the episode (as well as the following one, Freddy Spaghetti) follow Leslie's desperate attempts to save her job from government shutdown before accepting the inevitable, that her job would be shut down until further notice. It all works out okay for Leslie, obviously, so these episodes at the tail end of Parks and Rec's second season serve as a good reminder that it's okay to be stressed about an uncertain future, as well as giving us hope that it'll all work itself out.

4. The Simpsons - Hurricane Neddy
While this episode revolves around a hurricane rather than a pandemic, the hysteria that Springfield residents experience before the hurricane hits is awfully familiar with the pre-Corona hysteria that we all experienced about a week ago. Rationing at the Kwik-E-Mart, storming the shelves, and mistaking Lisa and Ralph Wiggum as pieces of fruit are all examples of some of the crazy measures that Springfield residents go through that suddenly don’t seem so crazy.

5. Scrubs - My Quarantine
Well, this one is obvious. This Season 4 episode of Scrubs deals with the SARS epidemic, when JD initiates a quarantine at the hospital after suspecting a patient has the infectious disease. It's a humorous look at quarantine that might provide some levity to your own social distancing.


Antenna TV's Binge TV for Free

Antenna TV has a new way to bring a smile to your face and help you get through these tough times. Watch feel-good, binge-worthy TV from the comfort of your own home, all for FREE on Antenna TV. Antenna TV will run themed marathons of classic sitcoms including Family Ties, Three's Company, The Facts of Life, Wings, and Welcome Back, Kotter on Saturday and Sundays from 12 noon to midnight ET starting March 28. The news is a little easier to take with marathons of Murphy Brown on Saturday, March 28 and NewsRadio on Sunday, March 29.

The full schedule of Antenna TV's "Binge TV for Free" is as follows:

Saturday 3/28: Murphy Brown, ATV Goes All News with Murphy Brown
Sunday 3/29: NewsRadio, All News Continues with NewsRadio
Saturday 4/4: Alice, Mel's Diner Remains Open
Sunday 4/5: Archie Bunker’s Place, Archie's Bar Remains Open
Saturday 4/11: Head of the Class, School's Still in Session
Sunday 4/12: Welcome Back, Kotter, School's Still in Session
Saturday 4/18: It's A Living, Above the Top Remains Open
Sunday 4/19: Wings, 30th Anniversary Marathon
Saturday 4/25: The Partridge Family, Spend the Day with Family
Sunday 4/26: Three's Company, Spend the Day with Friends
Saturday 5/2: Becker, The Doctor is Here for You
Sunday 5/3: Coach, ATV Still has Sports with Coach
Saturday 5/9: Family Ties, Spend the Day with Family
Sunday 5/10: The Facts of Life, Mother's Day with Mrs. Garrett

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

25 Days of Christmas Now on Multiple Networks of Disney|ABC; Winsanity Returns to GSN

25 Days of Christmas

Cable's biggest programming event of the year is now even bigger. Beginning December 1, Freeform's beloved '25 Days of Christmas' will expand across all Disney|ABC Television Group networks to create the ultimate fan-favorite holiday event. ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will be airing holiday-themed programming and entertainment for the whole family throughout December, leading up to Christmas Day. Viewers can ring in the season with festive specials, classic holiday movies and returning favorites. Freeform will continue to be the home of all your favorite Christmas films with a robust library of holiday favorites including Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause, The Polar Express and many more. The network will also debut its first original Christmas movie, Angry Angel, starring Brenda Song and Jason Biggs. Additionally, Freeform will feature The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, (originally airing on ABC) and premiere Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic, a one-hour holiday special giving viewers an inside look at how holiday magic is created throughout Disney Destinations. Viewers will go behind the scenes as a team of dedicated Disney cast members and Santa's helpers transform Disney theme parks and resorts into a winter wonderland.

ABC will debut new seasons of The Great Christmas Light Fight, a competition series where families transform their homes into festive wonderlands judged by lifestyle expert Carter Oosterhouse and interior designer Taniya Nayak; and The Great American Baking Show, hosted by New York Times best-selling cookbook author Ayesha Curry and former NFL star Anthony "Spice" Adams. ABC is also home to original, holiday-themed episodes of comedies American Housewife, black-ish, Fresh Off the Boat, The Mayor, The Middle and Speechless, plus returning specials Shrek the Halls, The Toy Story That Time Forgot, Disney Prep and Landing, Disney Prep and Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice, A Charlie Brown Christmas and I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown! Weekdays on The Chew, Emmy(R) Award-winning co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly and Carla Hall will deliver a festive daily dose of holiday cheer. This year, viewers will once again experience the holiday magic at Disney Parks with star-studded performances during the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration.

Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Radio Disney will add to the joy with special holiday-themed programming including episodes of hit series Stuck in the Middle, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Sofia the First. Disney Channel, in partnership with Disney Parks, will present a holiday telecast, Disney Parks Presents a Disney Channel Holiday Celebration, featuring performances by fan-favorite Disney Channel stars; and Disney Junior will debut The Lion Guard: Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas.


Winsanity

The all new Winsanity, hosted by actor Donald Faison (Scrubs), will return for a second season airing weeknights at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. CT) starting Monday, November 27. Winsanity, which debuted in June 2016, was watched by nearly 13.5 million viewers during its initial 40-episode run. Changes to the show in season two include a new set, as well as a new format, with two contestants (instead of one) competing against each other for the $10,000 prize. However, the show continues to offer the opportunity for prizes to be won not only by the contestants but also by the studio audience.

In each half hour episode, the two contestants each represents half of the audience, who stand to share in the prize money their contestant wins. The contestants face off against each other, attempting to rank compelling and surprising facts in numerical order (i.e.: Which is greater: the number of marriages each year in the US, or the number of Pope Francis' Twitter followers?). Each correctly stacked fact earns money towards a cash jackpot. In the final round, the contestant with the largest bank will play a final game of timed touch screen stacking without help from the audience. If they correctly put five facts in order, the contestant goes home with $10,000 and their audience section will share in an additional $10,000. If they fail, the contestant and audience section win the amount previously banked.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Iconic Comedic Series to End; Winsanity with Donald Faison on GSN

The Soup

22 years ago, nobody suspected that a new weekly comedy series poking fun at the latest and greatest from the world of entertainment would develop a recipe for long-running success that would be emulated across the television landscape. Now, after thriving on E! for more than two decades, the groundbreaking comedy series The Soup will skewer its final pop culture sacred cow on Friday, December 18 at 10pm ET/PT. Host and Executive Producer Joel McHale, who has fronted the show that made him a bonafide star for 12 years, will once again deliver the laughs as he hangs up his signature skinny tie for the last time. As E! counts down to the final episode on December 18 at 10pm ET/PT, Joel McHale will continue to host new episodes that bring viewers the best of the worst in pop culture and look back at some of the series' most memorable moments from the past 22 years. New episodes will air Fridays at 10pm ET/PT until McHale signs off for the last time and fans say good-bye to the most infamous green screen in TV history, along with the characters that appeared in front of it, including Mankini, Lou the Chihuahua, and of course, the floating talk show heads in the notorious "Chat Stew" graphic.

Over its 22-year history, Talk Soup and The Soup have welcomed some of the most celebrated actors and singers as well as some incredibly desperate X-listers to stand in front of its jolly green screen and poke fun at the most ridiculous moments in television. Stars and "stars" that have stopped by include Norman Reedus, Yvette Nicole Brown, Patrick Warburton, Alison Brie, Seth Green, Lucy Lawless, Chris Hardwick, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ken Jeong, RuPaul, Steven Yeun, Joe Manganiello, Wendy Williams, Simon Pegg, Jon Cryer, Joe Jonas, Kal Penn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Adam Scott, Aaron Paul, Gabourey Sidibe, Larry King, Kelly Ripa, Allison Janney, Adam DeVine, Johnny Weir, Danny Trejo, Jeff Probst, James Corden, Adam Pally, Jane Lynch, Marilyn Manson, Jon Heder, Tyra Banks, Martha Stewart, Nene Leaks, Nancy Grace, Zachary Quinto, George Takei, Chevy Chase, Sean Combs, Evan Rachel Wood, Eminem, Demi Lovato, Sarah Hyland, Jake Pavelka, Katey Sagal, Mayim Bialik, Katie Lee Gifford, Ana Gasteyer, Tyrese Gibson, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Kylie Minogue, Kristin Davis, Shaquille O'Neal, Joan Rivers, Jack Black, Eli Roth, Busy Philipps, Jaime Pressly, Lea DeLaria, WWE Superstar The Miz ... and Carrot Top.

Premiering in 1991 as Talk Soup, the show launched the careers of hosts Greg Kinnear (Talk Soup host 1991-1995), John Henson (Talk Soup host 1995-1999), Hal Sparks (Talk Soup host 1999-2000) and Aisha Tyler (Talk Soup host 2001-2002). Re-Launched as The Soup in 2004 with host Joel McHale - a star was born, and a hit show got even bigger! The series has solidified its place in the pop culture zeitgeist as a take no prisoners comedy series that has mocked the most popular shows on television with3324 episodes to date. The series recently earned a 2014 Emmy Nomination for 'Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program,' and Joel McHale scored 'Best Host' in the 2015 Adweek Watch Awards.


Donald Faison

GSN, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced it has greenlit 40 episodes of a new original game show series, Winsanity, to be hosted by actor and comedian Donald Faison (Scrubs, The Exes). The show will begin shooting in early 2016. Each half-hour episode of Winsanity features a contestant attempting to rank ten compelling and surprising facts in numerical order, from lowest to highest (i.e.: Which is greater: the number of times a man thinks about sex in a day, or the number of words a woman speaks in a day?). Every time a contestant is correct and wins a prize, so does a randomly selected portion of the studio audience. However, if a contestant gives a wrong answer at any point, they, and the audience lose everything, and a new contestant takes his or her place and continues the game, trying to win prizes that increase in value with each round.

Donald Faison, best known to TV viewers for his long-running role on the hit TV series Scrubs and the classic teen film and TV series Clueless, will serve as host of the show. Faison is a two-time winner of the BET Comedy Award and has been nominated multiple times for the NAACP Image Award and Teen Choice Awards.

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Scrubs Reunion on Tonight's LIVE Undateable; The Simpsons Renewed for Seasons 27 and 28

Undateable

Turns out lots of people are up for a date with Undateable, including many stars from the hit sitcom Scrubs. Tonight (Tuesday, May 5) at 9pm ET/PT on NBC, a cadre of comedic stars, as well as one superstar musician, will unite on the Warner Bros. Studios lot to film a special live one-hour episode - twice! - of the hit comedy series from Bill Lawrence and Adam Sztykiel. Guest stars joining the hilarious Undateable cast include Zach Braff (Scrubs, Garden State), Donald Faison (Scrubs, Clueless), Neil Flynn (Scrubs, The Middle), Christa Miller (Scrubs, Cougar Town, The Drew Carey Show), Kate Walsh (Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, The Drew Carey Show), Victoria Justice (Victorious, Zoey 101, Fun Size), Dr. Drew Pinskey, a super popular Grammy Award-nominated musician and others we can't name - even though they really want to. Tune in for the live episode tonight (Tuesday, May 5) on NBC, which will be performed twice so both the East and West Coast audiences will see a different live version, each beginning at 9 p.m.


The Simpsons

Fox has renewed The Simpsons for unprecedented 27th and 28th seasons, which will take the series to 625 episodes. "I've outlasted Letterman, Jon Stewart and 'McDreamy,' because I have something they don't: a costly 200-donut-a-day addiction," said Homer Simpson. The longest-running scripted show in television history, The Simpsons exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Currently airing its record-annihilating 26th season, The Simpsons has won 31 Emmy Awards, 31 Annie Awards, a 2015 People's Choice Award, was the first animated series to win a Peabody Award and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the theatrical short "The Longest Daycare." The Simpsons Movie was a hit feature film, the mega-attraction The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios has received historic expansion updates with the addition of "Springfield" and the show was honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. It has been named the "Best Show of the 20th Century" by Time magazine, and called the "Greatest American Sitcom" by Entertainment Weekly in 2013.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Scrubs, Entourage Join MTV2, Sabrina Comes to Logo; Remembering Mickey Rooney

Scrubs

Scrubs has joined the MTV2 line-up. The Zach Braff comedy is now airing on MTV2 weekdays from 2-5pm and on Saturday mornings from 11am-2pm. As for Entourage, it will air weekend late nights beginning this Sunday (April 13) at 2am. Both Scrubs and Entourage have bounced around in the Viacom family, with networks like TV Land, Spike TV and Comedy Central airing the programs. It appears MTV2 has removed Boy Meets World and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch for now. Saved by the Bell is still airing weekdays from 9-11am, along with weekends play. Other sitcoms airing on MTV2 still include Martin, The Wayans Bros. and Smart Guy. MTV2 removed Family Matters awhile back, but that can still be seen on Viacom-owned BET. Back to Boy Meets World and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, as of now Boy Meets World is not airing on another Viacom property, but Sabrina, the Teenage Witch will be. That sitcom will now join the Logo line-up. It will begin on Thursday (April 10) and will air Thursday afternoons and in late night on Thursdays. Times will vary weekly, so check your listings. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch joins other off-network series on the line-up including Will & Grace, Roseanne, The Golden Girls, 30 Rock, Living Single, and Boston Legal. And finally, Logo seems to have delayed the launch of Designing Women. It was set to launch April 12, but now that isn't happening. Stay with us for continued updated.


Mickey Rooney

Actor and entertainer Mickey Rooney, who made film and television appearances in ten decades, has died. He died surrounded by his family at his home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, on April 6. Mr. Rooney was 93.

Mickey - Sammee Tong and Mickey Rooney

Rooney had starring roles in three sitcoms. His first television starring role was as Mickey Mulligan in The Mickey Rooney Show (aka Hey Mulligan). He played an Irish American television studio page at the fictional International Broadcasting Company in Hollywood. The 1954-1955 NBC sitcom ran for 33 episodes. He next starred in the 1964-1965 NBC sitcom Mickey for 17 episodes. He appeared as Mickey Grady, a retired businessman, who inherits the luxury Newport Arms Hotel in Newport Beach, California, and decides to run it. His real-life son, Tim, played his 16-year-old son Timmy. Rooney won a Golden Globe Award for "Best Actor in a Television Series" in 1964. His final sitcom starring role was in the 1982 NBC sitcom One of the Boys. He played Oliver Nugent, an energetic senior citizen who moves in with his college-aged grandson. The 13-episode series also starred Dana Carvey, Nathan Lane, Scatman Crothers and Meg Ryan. His sitcom guest included December Bride, The Phil Silvers Show, Hennesey, Pete and Gladys, The Lucy Show, The Love Boat, The Golden Girls, Full House and Norm.

The Adventures of the Black Stallion

Rooney's other main television role was as Henry Dailey in The Adventures of the Black Stallion. The Family Channel adventure series ran for 78 episodes from 1990-1993. He had previously played the role in the 1979 film The Black Stallion. Rooney received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. His other television guest appearances included Wagon Train, Checkmate, The Investigators, Naked City, The Dick Powell Theatre, The Twilight Zone, Burke's Law, Rawhide, The Fugitive, Night Gallery, Jack's Place, Murder, She Wrote, ER, Chicken Soul for the Soul and Safe Harbor. He won an Emmy and Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1981 television movie Bill. For a listing of his many film credits, visit his IMDB page.

The Archive of American Television conducted an one-hour interview with him on July 24, 2001. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Jan Chamberlain, as well as eight surviving children, two stepchildren, nineteen grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Mr. Rooney was a wonderful actor and a Hollywood legend. We thank him for all of the entertainment he brought us over the years. He will be greatly missed.

Monday, August 05, 2013

WGN America Fall 2013 Schedule; TCA Summer 2013 Press Tour: ABC; 2013 TCA Awards Winners

WGN America

It's a new week and our second week of looking at the fall 2013 schedules for cable TV and digital TV. Today we will take a look at WGN America's fall 2013 schedule. The newest addition to its schedule will be the off-network debut of Parks & Recreation. We announced already that the comedy was coming, but now we have the airtimes! Parks & Recreation will air in primetime on Monday nights at 9:00pm & 9:30pm and also Mon-Sat nights at 12:30am & 1:00am to add to WGN America's late night comedy block. There will be no other new additions to the schedule, but most of the other comedies will remain including How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement, 30 Rock, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Futurama, 'Til Death and Dharma & Greg - all airing after 11pm. Two series will be leaving the schedule, though. Scrubs and The New Adventures of Old Christine will depart, as Scrubs was a staple for many years. While the comedy airings are all in late night, some primetime blocks will remain from 8-10pm including How I Met Your Mother on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays; Rules of Engagement on Wednesdays, and now Parks & Recreation joins Mondays but 9-10pm only.

There will more drama airings of their older series as well, as Matlock, In the Heat of the Night and Walker Texas Ranger now will also air on Saturday mornings beginning at 11am. Their weekday airings remain untouched, but Walker will now just be twice on weekdays rather than three times, as Law & Order: Criminal Intent gets a second hour on weekdays. View the full WGN America Fall 2013 schedule beginning this September. Discuss what you think on that link as well!




ABC

ABC concluded the TCA summer 2013 press tour yesterday (well PBS still is left, but we are not covering PBS). Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, announced the premiere dates for new midseason series Resurrection and The Quest, along with spring premiere dates for key returning series, now structured into split seasons to allow for fewer or no preemptions or repeats. New drama Resurrection will premiere on Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 pm ET (a week after the Oscars), taking over the timeslot for Betrayal when that show's season concludes. New alternative series The Quest will debut on Thursday, January 2 with a special two-hour premiere from 8:00-10:00 pm, ET, moving into the timeslot held by Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, following its winter finale. Once Upon a Time in Wonderland will return with its second half of its 13 episodes after The Quest finishes its run, but there is no announced date yet. Continuing the network's commitment to the split season strategy announced at this year's Upfront presentation, key returning series Grey's Anatomy, Nashville, Once Upon a Time, Revenge and Scandal will return in the spring, following their winter finales, with all new episodes that will run with few or no repeats to their season finales in May. The returning series' winter finale dates will be announced at a later time, but the spring returns have been announced with Nashville returning from its winter hiatus on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Grey's Anatomy and Scandal will return on Thursday, Feb. 27 and the ABC Sunday stapes Once Upon a Time and Revenge will return on Sunday, March 9 a week after the Oscars and leading into the new premiere of the aforementioned Resurrection.

ABC also announced their own "Shark Week." ABC's hit series Shark Tank, fresh from a TCA Award win for Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming and a 2013 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Reality Program, is eating up ABC's primetime schedule with a special "Shark Tank Week," beginning Sunday, September 8 at 8:00pm. "Shark Tank Week" will conclude on Friday, September 13 at 9:00 pm, gearing up for the Season 5 premiere the following week, on Friday, September 20 at 9:00pm ET on ABC. The Sharks thoughtfully fished out six episodes from the past four seasons. Night one will have Mark Cuban's favorite episode. Night two will have Lori Greiner's favorite episode. Tuesday will have Robert Herjavec's pick, while day four it is Barbara Corcoran turn. Day five will feature Daymond John's pick and the "Shark Tank Week" concludes wonderfully with Mr. Wonderful's (Kevin O'Leary) pick. Shark Tank became a ratings force this past season, regularly finishing as Friday night's No. 1 program on the major networks among Adults 18-49. In addition, the series grew 17% year over year to deliver its highest-rated season ever.

The panels for ABC started with the syndicated series Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, which now has Cedric the Entertainer hosting. A panel for the new comedy Trophy Wife followed. The executive session with Paul Lee was up next into the Once Upon a Time in Wonderland panel. Super Fun Night was the last panel before lunch, as then critics got to see a screening of the Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot during lunch! Then it was back to more panels, with upcoming Sunday drama Betrayal leading it off. Throwback comedy The Goldbergs was next in all of its 1980's glory. Another new Tuesday series was next with Lucky 7 holding its panel. New ABC Comedy Wednesday comedy Back in the Game followed leading into the highly anticipated panel for Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. And finally the night concluded with the All-Star Cocktail Reception.


Finally, The Television Critics Association (TCA) has announced the winners for its 2013 TCA Awards. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, stars of Comedy Central's hit series Key & Peele, hosted the annual invitation-only event, held at the Beverly Hilton hotel on Saturday night in conjunction with the TCA's summer press tour. The non-televised ceremony bestowed awards in 12 categories to recipients in comedy, drama, reality, miniseries, news and youth programming. Members of the TCA, a media organization of more than 220 professional TV critics and journalists from the United States and Canada, voted AMC's celebrated Breaking Bad this season's Program of the Year and honored FX's freshman drama, The Americans, with the award for Outstanding New Program. Cable series continues to dominate awards shows, however CBS' The Big Bang Theory and NBC's Parks and Recreation both were award-winners, tying for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.
Below is the complete list of the 2013 Television Critics Association winners.

Individual Achievement in Drama
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, BBC America)

Individual Achievement in Comedy
Louis C.K. (Louie, FX)

Outstanding Achievement in News and Information
The Central Park Five (PBS)

Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming
Shark Tank (ABC)

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming
Bunheads (ABC Family)

Outstanding New Program
The Americans (FX)

Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials
Behind the Candelabra (HBO)

Outstanding Achievement in Drama
Game of Thrones (HBO)

Outstanding Achievement in Comedy
(Tie) The Big Bang Theory (CBS) AND Parks & Recreation (NBC)

Career Achievement Award
Barbara Walters (ABC)

Heritage Award
All in the Family (CBS)

Program of the Year
Breaking Bad (AMC)

View the full list of nominated programs to see who these winners beat out.


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.

Complete TV Listings


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

The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series Frasier (2023) - Season Two Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered) Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (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)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

09/10 - Netflix Renews Leanne for Season 2; Hazbin Hotel Returns October 29
09/09 - HBO Comedy The Chair Company; Trailer for Disney's Vampirina: Teenage Vampire
09/08 - The Paper Renewed for Season 2, NYC Event on Tuesday; Final Season of Bel-Air
09/07 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 8, 2025)
09/06 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Shifting Gears Picked Up for Three Additional Episodes; The Paper Renewed for Season Two
09/05 - Crutch Premieres November 3 on Paramount+; Trailer for Season 2 of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
09/04 - Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween 2025 Schedule; Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Cast
09/03 - Live Staged Reading of Three's Company Episode; Freeform Acquires According to Jim for October
09/02 - Hulu's Chad Powers Trailer; BET's The Hospital Premieres September 10
09/01 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2025 Include Archie Bunker's Place and George Lopez
08/31 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 1, 2025)
08/30 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Saturday Night Live Cast Changes Loom; NBC Renews Password for Third Season
08/29 - HBO's Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television; Adult Swim Slates Two Series for October
08/28 - NBC's Password Renewed for Season 3 for 2026; Pluto TV Streaming CBS Shows Ahead of Fall Season
08/27 - Hulu's Deli Boys Renewed for Season 2 with Fred Armisen; HBO's I Love LA Premieres November 2
08/26 - English Teacher Returns on FX for Season 2; Jesse Williams Prime Video Series Trailer
08/25 - Doc Season 2 Trailer for Fox; Remembering David Ketchum and Jerry Adler
08/24 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 25, 2025)
08/23 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Home Improvement Cast Members to Reunite on Shifting Gears; The Paper to Have Binge Drop
08/22 - Hulu's Futurama Season 13 Trailer; A Man on the Inside Returns November 20 on Netflix
08/21 - George Lopez Coming to COZI TV; The Morning Show Season 4 Trailer
08/20 - Welcome Back, Kotter 50th Anniversary Marathon on Rewind TV; Apple TV+ Palm Royale Season 2 Premieres November 12
08/19 - Antenna TV's Archie Bunker's Place Labor Day Marathon; Larry the Cable Guy Prime Video Special
08/18 - Nobody Wants This Season 2 Premieres October 23; HGTV and Retta Continue Partnership
08/17 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 18, 2025)
08/16 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Paramount Plans Retool of Cable Networks; King of the Hill Revival Scores Big Ratings
08/15 - Catchy Comedy Acquires Hot in Cleveland; Netflix's Animated Comedy Strip Law Premieres in 2026
08/14 - Dan Levy's Netflix Comedy Series Cast; Betty la Fea: La Historia Continúa Season 2 Premieres Friday
08/13 - Remembering Danielle Spencer of What's Happening!!; Trailer for Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building
08/12 - Netflix's Comedy Kiss or Die Premieres September 9; Lori Harvey Joins Reasonable Doubt
08/11 - Roku Originals Books a Return Trip with Season 2 Renewal of Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross; Netflix's Fixed Trailer
08/10 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 11, 2025)