SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at Trailer for A Different World; SCTV Headed to Netflix

  Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have a busy week of news with a preview of a new reboot, news of a classic comedy series coming to Netflix, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We've got our first look at a trailer for the reboot of A Different World. (Variety)
• You may or may not have noticed, but late night television kind of went dark this summer, with Jimmy Fallon being about the only one regularly having new episodes. (Deadline)
• We don't know how edited it is going to be, since full versions with musical performances haven't been seen in about four decades, but SCTV is headed to Netflix. (Screen Crush)
• It's getting harder to produce Jury Duty as seasons go on, but there will be a third season and we have an idea of what it won't be like at least. (Deadline)
• Beth Behrs will have a guest role in the upcoming season of Shifting Gears, reuniting her with 2 Broke Girls costar Kat Dennings.
• MeTV Toons has some changes coming next month, including the additions of Quick Draw McGraw, Heathcliff, and Sonic the Hedgehog. (Cord Cutters News)
• While there is no animosity, Josh Radnor says he is not close to his How I Met Your Mother costars at all. (Variety)
• The number of cable companies is rapidly dwindling (as cable itself is rapidly dwindling), with Charter/Spectrum completing their acquisition of Cox Communications. (Deadline)
• We've got out first look at season two of Apple TV's Bad Monkey. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 22 - AUGUST 28)

ABC Renews Shifting Gears and Scrubs for 2026-27; AMC Upfront 2026

ABC has renewed the rest of its returning comedy line-up, to join Abbott Elementary for the 2026-27 season. Hop in, we're driving to season 3️⃣ 🏎️ Shifting Gears is returning for a new season! And just what the doctor ordered: [scrubs] will be back for another season 💙.

Shifting Gears stars Tim Allen as Matt, the stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. When Matt's estranged daughter (Kat Dennings) and her kids move into his house, the real restoration begins.

In Scrubs, JD and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time: Medicine has changed; interns have changed; but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way. The 30-minute revival comedy series stars Zach Braff as John "J.D." Dorian, Donald Faison as Christopher Turk and Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid.

AMC Global Media presented its 2026 Upfront Content Showcase at New York City's Spring Studios. Stars of AMC Global Media's hit shows and upcoming series were also present including Brooke Shields (You're Killing Me for Acorn TV), Sam Reid, Jacob Anderson, Eric Bogosian (Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat for AMC/AMC+), Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan (The Walking Dead: Dead City for AMC/AMC+), Melissa McBride (The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon for AMC/AMC+), Dennis Quaid and Peaches, his beloved English Bulldog (Thunder Road for AMC/AMC+), Hilarie Burton Morgan (True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here AMC+/SundanceTV), Alexandra Daddario, Harry Hamlin, Betsy Brandtand Tongayi Chirisa (Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches for AMC/AMC+), Billy Magnussen, Simon Helberg and Meaghan Rath (The Audacity for AMC/AMC+), Dan Stevens, CCH Pounder and Judith Light (The Terror: Devil in Silver for AMC+/Shudder), Mark Duplass (The Creep Tapes for AMC+/Shudder), Alexandra Shipp (Forbidden Fruits for Shudder), June Shannon (Mama June for All Reality/We TV), Dracmorda Boulet and Swanthula Boulet (The Boulet Brothers' Dragula for Shudder), and TNA World Champion Mike Santana and TNA World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy (TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! for AMC/AMC+).

Attendees were treated to a special look at the new drama series The Audacity which was brought to life through a captivating live performance of "Across the Universe" from music legend Rufus Wainwright, and the legendary New York City Gay Men's Chorus followed with a showstopping rendition of “Dancing With Myself,” celebrating The Vampire Lestat's recently released cover of Billy Idol’s iconic song.

ABC Wednesday Comedies Find Valentine's Magic; Netflix Announces Dang!

ABC Wednesday comedies deliver audience milestones as romance blooms with Valentine's Day episodes. Shifting Gears Season Finale roared to best multiplatform audience since premiere, while Abbott Elementary rose by triple digits over initial Live+Same Day Audience. Shifting Gears (8:00 p.m. ET/PT) earned 6.90 million Total Viewers and 0.99 rating among Adults 18-49, after seven days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms with a suspenseful season finale in which Matt (Tim Allen) makes a bold decision about his romantic future with Eve (guest star Jenna Elfman). Rising +59% among Total Viewers (vs. 4.33 million) and +154% among Adults 18-49 (vs. 0.39 rating) over its initial Live+Same Day audience, Shifting Gears wrapped Season 2 on a high note with the best audience since fall premiere - since 10/1/25.

Cupid also struck on Abbott Elementary (8:30 p.m. ET/PT), with the award-winning comedy earning 5.93 million Total Viewers and a 1.72 rating among Adults 18-49 after seven days of multiplatform viewing, rising by triple digits over its initial Live+Same Day audience in both measures (+110%; vs. 2.83 million) and (+310%; vs. 0.42 rating). On linear over seven days, Abbott Elementary delivered the show's strongest performance in Total Viewers (3.88 million) and Adults 18-49 (0.64 rating - tied) in nearly four months - since 10/15/25. Abbott Elementary returns with a new episode on March 4 (airing on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, streaming next day on Hulu). Janine asks Ava for a classroom aide, and the school seeks out a new gym teacher. Meanwhile, Dominic confides in Jacob.

Netflix announced an all-new adult animated comedy series, Dang!, from executive producers Andrew Law, Matt Murray and Mike Schur. Dang! follows a brother and sister duo whose fun, messy lives in New York City are interrupted when their worst nightmare comes true: their high-achieving older sister shows up and wants to hang out with them.

Voice Talent: Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Rocky Horror Show), Poppy Liu (His & Hers, Hacks) and Andrew Law.

The series joins a robust slate of adult animated comedies including upcoming series Strip Law, Mating Season, Alley Cats and Haunted Hotel season 2; fan favorites Big Mouth and BoJack Horseman; and the critically acclaimed Long Story Short, which has been renewed for a second season.

CBS Renews 10 More Series for 2026-27; Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary Return Big in January

CBS announced that it has renewed 10 additional series for the 2026-2027 broadcast season. The renewed CBS Original series include: Tracker, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Matlock, Elsbeth, Fire Country, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. They join previous series orders for the 2026-2027 season: Boston Blue, Sheriff Country, FBI, Ghosts, and new Cupertino and Einstein. This brings the total number of series ordered for the 2026-2027 season to 16. Additional series orders and renewals will be made at future dates.

ABC's Wednesday comedies are back in style. Shifting Gears (8 p.m. ET/PT) roared back for its midseason premiere, earning 6.88 million Total Viewers after seven days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, rising +58% (vs. 4.36 million) over the show's initial Live+Same Day audience. The show scored its biggest total audience since the season debut (10/1/25). Abbott Elementary (8:30 p.m. ET/PT) also returned on a high note, earning 5.81 million Total Viewers after seven days of multiplatform viewing, rising +112% (vs. 2.74 million) over the initial Live+Same Day audience with its best audience in five weeks (since 10/22/25).

Standing as the top two shows of the night, Shifting Gears (0.57 rating) and Abbott Elementary (0.56 rating) dominated the linear landscape as the No. 2 and No. 3 scripted shows of the week in Adults 18-49, respectively, behind only ABC's High Potential. Coming up next week (Jan. 28 on ABC, streaming next day on Hulu), Matt is thrilled to show off his military-hero son Sam on Shifting Gears (8 p.m. ET/PT), but a shift in Sam's career could finally give Riley a chance to be the golden child. Meanwhile, Andy's singing hits all the wrong notes for Riley. Jesse Williams and Luke Macfarlane guest star. And on Abbott Elementary (8:30 p.m. ET/PT), when picture day catches the teachers at Abbott by surprise, chaos ensues.

ABC Midseason 2026 Schedule; Hulu Renews Only Murders in the Building for Season 6, Now in London

Following a phenomenal fall season of unprecedented success across the schedule, ABC announced its 2026 midseason premiere dates featuring a slate of hilarious comedies, thrilling dramas, and high-stakes unscripted series. America's Funniest Home Videos kicks off the week Sunday, January 4 at 7pm. Star and executive producer Ramón Rodríguez directs the Season 4 premiere of Will Trent Tuesday, January 6, followed by the midseason return of High Potential which continues to be a powerhouse, ranking as the No. 1 original broadcast series across platforms for the second season in a row among Adults 18-49, and the Season 8 premiere of The Rookie. Both Will Trent and The Rookie enjoyed tremendous ratings success last season, surging year over year and posting several new streaming highs. Both series consistently delivered over 10 million Total Viewers in multiplatform viewing.

Wednesday night comedies Shifting Gears and Emmy(R) Award-winning Abbott Elementary return for a night of laughs Wednesday, January 7, followed by the return of Shark Tank. The following day, ratings juggernaut dramas 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Nashville and Grey's Anatomy return to the Thursday night lineup on January 8. Rounding out the week, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and Friday's most-watched newsmagazine, ABC News' "20/20," return to the schedule Friday, January 9. NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC returns for select Saturdays beginning January 24 (Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks).

American Idol premieres its ninth season on ABC and 24th season overall with a new schedule, airing Mondays beginning January 26. Music superstars Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood return as judges alongside Emmy Award-winning host Ryan Seacrest. For the first time ever, American Idol will bring the iconic Hollywood Week round to Nashville. Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover will feature one round only as the hopefuls from all musical genres take the stage for a make-or-break performance, facing the biggest Hollywood Week cut in "Idol" history.

Premiering Wednesday, February 25, ABC is scrubbing back in for Sacred Heart Hospital with back-to-back episodes of comedy Scrubs starring Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke. Ken Jennings-hosted Celebrity Jeopardy! returns for Season 4 with a brand-new All-Stars Tournament Friday, February 27, while the drama-filled season premiere of The Bachelorette starring The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul and hosted by Jesse Palmer kicks off on its new night, Sunday, March 22. As previously announced, new drama series RJ Decker (working title) starring Scott Speedman will debut in 2026. The premiere date will be announced at a later time. With this newest addition to the schedule, ABC ups its drama count to seven series, and 10 scripted series overall.

Hulu Original comedy series Only Murders in the Building, which hails from 20th Television, has been renewed for a sixth season consisting of 10 episodes. The series will film overseas for the first time, with the beloved crime-solving trio leaving New York City to investigate London's newest mystery.

Season five features a star-studded cast, including the return of multi-Oscar(R)/Emmy(R) winner Meryl Streep and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Bobby Cannavale, Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz, Téa Leoni, Keegan-Michael Key, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest, and Jermaine Fowler. They joined stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez and Michael Cyril Creighton. Season five is now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the US and on Disney+ internationally. Season five finale became available yesterday, October 28.

ABC Wednesday Comedies Premiere Strong; Sebastian Maniscalco's Hulu Comedy Special Date

Shifting Gears cruised back for season two and after seven days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, scored 7.57 million Total Viewers and 1.17 rating among Adults 18-49 - rising over the show's initial Live+Same Day audience by +73% in Total Viewers (vs. 4.37 million) and +234% among Adults 18-49 (vs. 0.35 rating). The acclaimed comedy starring Tim Allen as Matt, the stubborn widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, earned the biggest audience since the show's Valentine's Day episode on 2/12/25, rising over the show's season one finale by +6% in Total Viewers (7.57 million vs. 7.12 million on 3/19/25).

It was back to school with ABC's award-winning comedy Abbott Elementary and after seven days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, the season five premiere earned 6.64 million Total Viewers and a 1.90 rating among Adults 18-49, growing by triple digits in Total Viewers (+135%; 2.83 million) and six times among Adults 18-49 (+555%; 0.29 rating) over the show's initial Live+Same Day audience. The Abbott Elementary premiere also jumped over the show's season four premiere among Total Viewers (+8% - 6.64 million vs. 6.16 million on 10/9/24) as well as the season four average (+4% - 6.64 million vs. 6.38 million), with the show's biggest audience since 3/12/25.

Both shows return tonight - Wednesday, October 15 (airing at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively EDT/PDT on ABC and streaming next day on Hulu). On Shifting Gears, when Carter's job pays more than Riley's, she decides to find her forever career and clashes with Matt over her future. Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias drops by Parker Customs, and Matt debates letting go of a piece of the past. Lori Greiner guest stars. Then at 8:30 p.m. on Abbott Elementary, the Abbott crew heads to the ballpark for Teachers' Appreciation Night at the Philadelphia Phillies game.

We have a premiere date! Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain't Right premieres Friday, November 21 on Hulu, and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers, in the US, and on Disney+ internationally. Filmed live at the legendary United Center arena in Chicago, Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain't Right goes all in on family chaos, aging, and the little things that drive us all nuts—with his one-of-a-kind comedic bite.

Sarah Sherman HBO Comedy Special in December; Huluween Programming for 2025

Sarah Sherman's unholy alter ego, Sarah Squirm, slithers onto your screen this December with her first stand-up special, Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh, debuting on HBO and streaming on HBO Max. After four seasons (and counting) on Saturday Night Live, Sherman rips off the straitjacket, unleashing a festering hour of bodily fluids, open-wound confessionals, and jokes that will leave skid marks on your soul. The special taped at The Bell House in Brooklyn, New York earlier this year.

Sarah Sherman, aka Sarah Squirm, is entering her fifth season as a cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live. In 2023, she co-starred with Adam Sandler in the Netflix film You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! and is set to appear in the upcoming Sandler-produced Netflix feature Roommates. Sarah was selected as a New Face at the 2021 Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and is known for her popular live show Helltrap Nightmare. Sarah previously opened for Eric André on his national tour and was a writer on The Eric Andre Show. She was staffed on the Adult Swim series Three Busy Debras and Netflix's Magic for Humans. She was previously named one of Vulture's Comics to Watch in 2018 and one of Time Out magazine's Five Comics to Watch in 2017.

Halloween has returned, and Disney+ and Hulu have a spellbinding selection of new and classic programming, all under one haunted roof with Huluween on Disney+. Disney+ has an enchanting selection of premieres this fall, including Marvel Animation's ghoulish new series Marvel Zombies and Halloween-themed episodes of new series Vampirina: Teenage Vampire, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Electric Bloom and Kiff. Other beloved Halloween classics now streaming include Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Haunted Mansion. And for the first time on Disney+, subscribers will be able to browse the Halloween Collection's scare level sets from A Little Fear to Completely Terrified to find the perfect streaming trick or treat.

For preschoolers, the Disney Jr. Halloween offerings on Disney+ include themed episodes of Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Marvel's Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, SuperKitties, and the brand-new stop-motion shorts Mickey & Minnie’s Holiday Songs: Halloween. For the first time in Halloween history, 36 Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episodes — and a few scary surprises — will be playing on an exclusive Disney+ Stream. Beginning now, tune in to become possessed by 13 (the scariest number) bone-chilling hours of terrifyingly bed-wetting Simpsons tales of horror and horrifyingness and Homer!

Additionally, there are three bewitching new nonstop Streams now available on Disney+, offering Premium subscribers a Halloween lineup to die for. Whether it’s for a Halloween party or a quiet night at home, the curated selection of favorites is ready to stream anytime. Streams include Hallowstream, a stream of Halloween classics; Villains, an ode to all the best villains in cinema; and Waverly Place, a destination for Wizards of all ages.

Huluween is back again and streaming on Disney+, creating the ultimate Halloween destination for bundle subscribers. This year's lineup offers a chilling mix of premieres, including new movies Hand that Rocks the Cradle, The Man in My Basement and Stay, plus a new Family Guy Halloween special. Fans can also revisit breakout hits like Longlegs, The Monkey, and Hell of a Summer, alongside classics from M. Night Shyamalan such as The Sixth Sense, The Happening, and The Village. For those looking for nonstop frights, Huluween features the complete Saw and Blade film collections, as well as recent TV premieres like FX's Alien: Earth and the highly anticipated return of UK dark comedy Obituary. And ABC's Halloween episodes of hits such as AFV, Abbott Elementary, 9-1-1, Dancing with the Stars, High Potential and Shifting Gears. With the Disney+, Hulu Bundle, Huluween on Disney+ brings all the scares together under one haunted roof.

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)

SitcomsOnline Digest: Home Improvement Cast Members to Reunite on Shifting Gears; The Paper to Have Binge Drop

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have news about a Home Improvement reunion (sort of), an update on The Paper, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• A Home Improvement reunion (including Patricia Richardson, who called Tim Allen a liar in an interview when he claimed an actual reboot series is coming) is happening this season on Shifting Gears. (Deadline)
• The Paper, the followup series to The Office, will have a binge drop rather than a weekly drop. (Deadline)
• We're getting our first look at season 2 of A Man on the Inside. (Variety)
• Lorne Michaels is making it clear that season 51 of Saturday Night Live will include some cast departures, but we don't know exactly who just yet. (Entertainment Weekly)
• South Park, which has had very few new episodes in recent years, will only be having a new episode every other week for the foreseeable future. (Consequence)
• We're not expecting a Family Matters animated reboot, but the idea is out there nonetheless. (Deadline)
• Local broadcast television has been getting a lot less "local" lately, and it's about to go even further, as Nexstar is buying Tegna. (AP News)
• Dave Ketchum, known for his role as Agent 13 on Get Smart, has died at age 97. (Hollywood Reporter)
• George Lopez is heading to COZI. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29)

ABC Fall 2025 Premiere Dates; The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to End in May 2026

ABC unveiled its fall 2025 premiere dates, showcasing a lineup of fan-favorite reality shows, heartwarming comedies and thrilling dramas, including the highly anticipated new series, 9-1-1: Nashville. Monday Night Football returns on most Mondays beginning September 8 (Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears). Breakout hit and last season's No. 1 new program, High Potential, returns for its second season Tuesday, September 16, following ballroom sensation Dancing with the Stars, which will celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary. The Golden Bachelor returns Wednesday, September 24, with a two-hour premiere featuring new leading man Mel Owens, followed by a new season of Shark Tank. The sophomore season of Shifting Gears and a new season of Emmy and Golden Globe(R) Award-winning comedy Abbott Elementary join Wednesday nights beginning October 1.

From executive producer Ryan Murphy, the newest iteration of the 9-1-1 universe, 9-1-1: Nashville, debuts Thursday, October 16, alongside principal series 9-1-1 and the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, Grey's Anatomy. Ryan Seacrest hosts his inaugural season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune alongside the legendary Vanna White when the beloved game show premieres Friday, September 26, followed by new episodes of ABC News' 20/20. America's Funniest Home Videos returns Sunday, September 28, before The Wonderful World of Disney broadcast premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Additional movies to air this fall include the broadcast premieres of Elemental, Avatar: The Way of Water and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

As previously announced, new seasons of returning series American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Jeopardy!, The Rookie and Will Trent will debut in 2026, as well as the recently picked up comedy series Scrubs. These premiere dates will be announced at a later date.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026 at the close of the 2025-26 broadcast season. Colbert announced the news during tonight's taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Official statement: "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.

This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.

Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult. Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas. The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen's comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation's zeitgeist.

The accomplishments of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are memorable and significant in performance, quality and stature. With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers."

SitcomsOnline Digest: Fox Renews Three Animated Series and Brings Back a Fourth for Four More Seasons; ABC Renews Shifting Gears

   Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing of some renewals, a long anticipated return of South Park, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• There have been worries about American Dad! being renewed, as well as questions about the future of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob's Burgers on Fox, but this week Fox made it clear that all four are here to stay, as the network confirmed they renewed all four (which also means American Dad! is moving back to Fox after a decade on TBS). (Variety)
• After two whole years of not having new episodes, South Park finally returns with new episodes in July. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Although ratings have had a significant decline since the debut and it isn't exactly firing on all cylinders in streaming, ABC has went ahead and renewed Shifting Gears. (Deadline)
• Grey's Anatomy is becoming a never-ending show, as ABC has renewed it for season 22. (TV Insider)
• Kenan Thompson really isn't interested in leaving Saturday Night Live anytime soon. (Deadline)
• After 30 years, Deborah Norville is leaving Inside Edition. (Hollywood Reporter)
• A season 8 premiere date has been set for Rick and Morty. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 5 - APRIL 11)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Cheers.
• A new season of Hacks arrives Thursday on Max.

ABC 2025-26 Season Renewals for Scripted Series; New Season of Phineas and Ferb Returns June 5

ABC has renewed most of its hit scripted line-up. 9-1-1 for Season 9 (and the third on ABC), Grey's Anatomy for Season 22, The Rookie for Season 8, Shifting Gears for Season 2 and Will Trent for Season 4 all for the 2025-26 Season. These join the previosuly picked up High Potential for Season 2 and Abbott Elementary for Season 5. ABC has also picked up new drama 9-1-1: Nashville, while The Conners is ending. Still no word on a second season for Doctor Odyssey. Stay tuned, as ABC will still announce its unscripted pick-ups (Shark Tank, AFV, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and more are all expected to return).

Disney Branded Television is rolling out the teal carpet for the highly anticipated return of the five-time Emmy® Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated Phineas and Ferb. The new season will premiere on Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. PDT/EDT on Disney Channel and Disney XD with two episodes, and the first episode will be available the same day on Disney Channel YouTube. The first 10 episodes of the season will premiere on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets on Friday, June 6, with additional markets to follow later this year. The episodes will also be available to stream on Disney Channel on Demand. A special sneak peek will debut on Monday, May 26, at 11:35 a.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Channel YouTube.

Rewind TV February 2025 Schedule; Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary Score Big for Premieres

Rewind TV will be making some minor schedule changes beginning Monday, Febrary 3 to its weekday lineup. The most notable change is Dear John now airing at 6am ET (replacing Head of the Class, which now is off of weekdays) and 4pm ET (replacing Who's the Boss?, which slides to 2pm). The John Larroquette Show will air weeknights at 5pm ET now replacing 227, which slides to 3pm. The Hogan Family is also now off of weekdays, as its 2pm slot now is Who's the Boss? The timeslot shuffling is from 12pm-11pm, with the exception of Sabrina the Teenage Witch which remains at 8pm.

After seven days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, ABC's acclaimed new comedy Shifting Gears has revved up a total cross-platform audience of nearly 17 million Total Viewers, representing a 173% lift over the show's initial Live+Same Day delivery (16.95 million vs. 6.20 million). Excluding linear encores, Tim Allen's triumphant return to ABC as Matt, the stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, garnered 12.45 million Total Viewers and 2.94 rating in Adults 18-49, growing 101% in Total Viewers over the show's Live+Same Day audience (12.45 million vs. 6.20 million) and +339% in Adults 18-49 (2.94 rating vs. 0.67 rating). Shifting Gears stood as ABC's strongest series debut in over six years - since 10/16/18 with The Conners, and marks the most-watched ABC series premiere on streaming to date, based on views in its first seven days on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

On linear, Shifting Gears earned an impressive 7.82 million Total Viewers becoming one of the most-watched broadcast series premieres of the season and growing markedly over the show's initial Live+Same Day Audience, where it topped the night in Total Viewers (+26% - 7.82 million vs. 6.20 million). Among Adults 18-49, Shifting Gears earned an 0.87 rating, standing as the strongest premiere of the season in the key Adult demographic, excluding NFL-inflated lead-ins. Meanwhile, Abbott Elementary returned for its winter premiere with a highly anticipated crossover event, featuring FXX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, reaching a series high in Total Viewers (8.05 million) and Adults 18-49 (2.57 rating) in multiplatform viewing, excluding the show's post-Oscars(R) episode (3/10/24).

On linear, the Abbott Elementary midseason return scored 4.90 million Total Viewers and a 0.90 rating in Adults 18-49, rising nicely over the show's initial Live+Same Day audience (+28% - 4.90 million vs. 3.82 million) and Adults 18-49 (+32% - 0.90 rating vs. 0.68 rating), topping the night among Adults 18-49. The midseason debut scored an all-time series high for episode views on streaming, based on the first seven days on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. Hulu is the streaming home to both Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, making this crossover episode a must-watch for subscribers.

SitcomsOnline Digest: Frasier Reboot Canceled at Paramount+; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Coming to MeTV Toons

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! After a few slow news weeks, we have more than we can even fit in here this week, including the cancelation of a reboot, a spinoff of a popular CBS show, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• The reboot of Frasier has been canceled after two seasons, though it is possible that new episodes may land elsewhere. (Hollywood Reporter)
• The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is headed to MeTV Toons. (Cord Cutters News)
• If anything can bring an audience to broadcast TV, it's nostalgia, which makes it no surprise that Tim Allen's new show Shifting Gears is setting records for ABC that haven't been seen since the premiere of The Conners (another show with a nostalgic connection). (Deadline)
• The Neighborhood may be getting a second spinoff. (Deadline)
• St. Denis Medical has been renewed for a second season. (NBC)
• Sally Struthers has had an interesting week, and we now know that she really didn't like Norman Lear or Betty White. (New York Daily News)
• There have been a lot of television related deaths this week, including Bob Uecker and David Lynch, among others. (SitcomsOnline)
• FETV has a new lineup coming that will feature uncut episodes of their series, and My Three Sons (no word on which seasons, as it is rare for any network to air all of them) will be part of that lineup. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JANUARY 18 - JANUARY 25)

• The Jeffersons is 50 years old today, and Antenna TV will celebrate that with a 50 hour marathon starting tonight at 8:30 PM ET.
• Tomorrow's Catchy Binge on Catchy Comedy is Gilligan's Island.
• Saturday Night Live is new tonight, with host Dave Chappelle.

SitcomsOnline Digest: HBO Cancels The Franchise; Alice Actress Linda Lavin Dies

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're still in that slow Christmas week of news, but we still have a few headlines, including the cancellation of an HBO series and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• HBO has canceled The Franchise. (Deadline)
• Remember when cable companies used to offer free preview weekends of movie channels? Apple TV+ is doing something like that this weekend. (Cord Cutters News)
• Linda Lavin died earlier this week, and she had already finished 7 of the 10 episodes of the upcoming Hulu series that she had a role in, Mid-Century Modern, making it unclear how they will proceed now. (TheWrap)
• Catchy Comedy has a new Saturday lineup, which features a recreation of the 1970s CBS lineup at night. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JANUARY 4 - JANUARY 10)

• You can catch an Alice marathon as a tribute to Linda Lavin this weekend on Antenna TV.
• Catchy Comedy debuts a new Saturday lineup this weekend, which includes a recreation of the CBS Saturday night lineup from the 70s, today, followed by a Night Court binge tomorrow.
• The crossover event that features the cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Abbott Elementary airs Wednesday on ABC.
• Shifting Gears also debuts Wednesday night on ABC.
• CBS brings back a new version of Hollywood Squares on Thursday night.

Happy New Year; Antenna TV's New Year's Day Fresh Start Marathon; ABC's Shifting Gears Official Trailer

Happy New Year to everyone out there! Hello 2025! It's another year and we are bringing another year of news. Non-stop since 2005 (7,079 consecutive days)! Let's get to what we do best, news!

Start the new year fresh and resolve to watch a marathon of premiere episodes from your favorite shows! Refresh your memory and revisit classic television moments with the “New Year’s Day Fresh Start Marathon” on Antenna TV, January 1 starting at 5 am Eastern. View the full schedule.

Look for the Shifting Gears series premiere January 8 at 8:00/7:00c on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Shifting Gears stars Tim Allen as Matt, the stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. When Matt's estranged daughter (Kat Dennings) and her kids move into his house, the real restoration begins.

Tim Allen executive produces alongside Michelle Nader, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Richard Baker, Rick Messina, John Pasquin, Jim Patterson, Bob Daily and John Amodeo. Pasquin also directed the pilot episode. Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully are executive producers on the pilot episode. Kat Dennings is a producer. The ABC series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

SitcomsOnline Digest: Malcolm in the Middle Limited Reboot Headed to Disney+; King of the Hill Reboot Episode Titles Released

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing big news about a reboot of a Fox Sunday night classic (and also less significant news about the reboot of another Fox Sunday night classic), a new role for Jenna Elfman, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• The big news of the week came last week (and really wasn't completely unexpected, as there had been hints of it happening for the past month): a limited four episode Malcolm in the Middle reboot is headed to Disney+. (Variety)
• If that isn't enough for early 00s Sunday night Fox lineup excitement, we also have the titles for the first ten episodes of the King of the Hill reboot on Hulu. (Hypebeast)
• Sesame Street appears to be moving again, as the deal for it to stream on Max is coming to an end and won't be renewed. (Deadline)
• Jenna Elfman is set to have a recurring role on the upcoming ABC Tim Allen sitcom Shifting Gears. (Deadline)
• The Friday Night Lights reboot that has been in the works is officially headed to Peacock. (Deadline)
• Michael Cole, the last surviving star of The Mod Squad, has died. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Antenna TV has set their Christmas and New Year's plans. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 20)

• If you're in the Christmas mood, Catchy Comedy has a whole weekend of Christmas episodes of sitcoms (and other comedy TV series).
• Fast Friends, the Friends themed game show, premieres Thursday on Max.
• Thursday also has the debut of the Peacock comedy series Laid.

ABC Midseason 2025 Schedule; Jim Gaffigan Gets First Hulu Comedy Special

ABC announced its 2025 midseason premiere dates, featuring a slate of laugh-out-loud comedies, high-octane dramas and fan-favorite unscripted series. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition makes its long-awaited return to ABC with all the feels beginning Thursday, January 2. The new iteration, hosted by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, co-founders of the global lifestyle brand The Home Edit, will be followed by the exclusive broadcast premiere of season two of the Emmy® Award-nominated Hulu Original comedy Only Murders in the Building. Will Trent premieres Tuesday, January 7, followed by the midseason return of High Potential and a new season of The Rookie.

Tim Allen and Kat Dennings star in new comedy series Shifting Gears premiering Wednesday, January 8, followed by the highly anticipated Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover episode, which kicks off the Emmy Award-winning series’ midseason return. New episodes of Celebrity Jeopardy!, hosted by Ken Jennings, and What Would You Do? round out the evening. NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC returns for select Saturdays beginning January 25 (Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors). On Monday, January 27, Grant Ellis begins his journey on The Bachelor, followed by the exclusive broadcast debut of season one of Hulu's most-watched unscripted season premiere this year, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. ABC News' Scamanda and Hulu's Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini will air beginning Thursday, January 30 from 9-11pm, before the fan-favorite drama series 9-1-1, Doctor Odyssey and Grey's Anatomy return to the iconic Thursday night lineup on March 6.

The search for a superstar begins when American Idol premieres Sunday, March 9, on ABC, with Carrie Underwood joining Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest a remarkable 20 years after she claimed the title. The $100,000 Pyramid has been renewed for season eight and will join the Sunday night lineup following Idol. The farewell season of The Conners will return in March 2025 with a night and time to be announced. And Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and Press Your Luck will also return in the new year, but airdates to be announced at a later date (they both will air Holiday episodes this December, though).

It's Jim like you've never seen him before. In his new #Hularious stand-up special The Skinny, Jim Gaffigan weighs in on everything from teenagers to brunch to weight-loss medication - but he's never light on laughs. Considered one of the most prolific comedians working today, 7 time Grammy nominee Jim Gaffigan provides the skinny on everything from appetite suppressants to raising teenagers in Hulu's very first comedy special. Stream Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny November 22 on #Hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus.

SitcomsOnline Digest: ABC Gives Series Order to Tim Allen Sitcom; Two Saturday Night Live Cast Members Leave Ahead of 50th Season

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning more about Tim Allen's new upcoming sitcom on ABC, some Saturday Night Live casting news, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Here we go again: ABC is "gearing up" for their third attempt at a sitcom starring Tim Allen, with Shifting Gears. (Hollywood Reporter)
• As always, Saturday Night Live is getting casting together for the upcoming season (the 50th, by the way), and while two will be leaving the cast, it looks like we'll (not surprisingly) be seeing a lot of Maya Rudolph. (The Daily Beast)
• The next batch of new episodes of That '90s Show will be arriving earlier than expected. (Deadline)
• Up until about 20 years ago, being an anchor on the nightly news on one of the broadcast networks was one of the most stable jobs you could get, but since Dan Rather left in 2005, no anchor on CBS has lasted longer than five years, and now Norah O'Donnell is being moved to a new role to make room for another reformatting of the program. (Variety)
• While it is still being shopped around and thus is not dead yet, the Battlestar Galactica reboot at Peacock will not be happening. (Variety)
• FX has picked up a new comedy, Snowflakes. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 9)

• Catchy Comedy has a binge of Full House this weekend.
• Cozi TV is airing Married... with Children starting with a marathon today, then weekdays starting Monday.
• Mr. Throwback debuts Thursday on Peacock.