Showing posts with label Square Pegs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Square Pegs. Show all posts
Saturday, August 23, 2025
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)
- Catchy Comedy has a binge of Square Pegs and Ferris Bueller tomorrow.
Friday, March 28, 2025
Pat Sajak's Final Spin on Wheel and Return of Jeopardy! Masters; Remembering George Foreman and Wings Hauser
Fan-favorite game shows return Wednesday, April 30, to ABC and next day on Hulu, kicking off with new episodes of Pat Sajak's "Final Spin" as host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), followed by the 2025 Jeopardy! Masters tournament featuring an expanded lineup of contestants (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT). Celebrity Jeopardy! will crown its new champion the week prior on April 23 at 9.
Hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune welcomes celebrity contestants to spin the world's most famous Wheel and solve puzzles for a chance to win $1 million for the charity of their choice. The all-star lineup for Sajak's "Final Spin" as host includes Cameron Brink, Josh Gad, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Rachael Harris, Ellie Kemper, Justin Long, Joe Manganiello, Katharine McPhee, Oscar Nuñez, Randall Park, Andrew Rannells, Sam Richardson, Matt Walsh and Rainn Wilson.
Hosted by Jeopardy! G.O.A.T. Ken Jennings, the third annual Jeopardy! Masters 2025 tournament will feature an expanded lineup of the top-ranked current Jeopardy! contestants, each competing in two action-packed games per hourlong episode for the grand prize of $500,000. Contestants will include reigning champion Victoria Groce, returning finalist Yogesh Raut, 2025 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions winner Neilesh Vinjamuri, TOC finalists Adriana Harmeyer and Isaac Hirsch, 2025 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament champion Matt Amodio, and JIT finalists Roger Craig and Juveria Zaheer. Additionally, this tournament marks the return of Brad Rutter, one of the biggest winners in Jeopardy! history, who will step back onto the Alex Trebek Stage for the first time since 2020's Jeopardy!: The Greatest of All Time event.
Hall of Fame boxer, businessman, and actor George Foreman, who starred as George Foster in the short-lived ABC sitcom George, has died. He died at a hospital in Houston, Texas, on March 21. Mr. Foreman was 76.
Foreman starred as George Foster in the short-lived 1993-1994 ABC sitcom George. George Foster is a retired boxer who runs an after-school program for troubled kids. The show was co-produced by actor and former boxer Tony Danza. The cast included Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tony T. Johnson, Lauren Robinson, Anne Haney, Larry Gilliard Jr., Cleandre Norman, Pablo Irlando, Doniell Spencer, and LáCrystal Cooke.
He appeared as himself in episodes of Sanford and Son in 1976, Good Sports in 1991, Home Improvement in 1992, and The Larry Sanders in 1992. He voiced George Fisticuff in a 1994 episode of Garfield and Friends and himself in a 2003 episode of King of the Hill. He made his television acting debut as Marcus Grayson in a 1976 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man. In 2022, he competed in season eight of The Masked Singer as "Venus Fly Trap".
Foreman starred in the 2016-2018 NBC reality travel show Better Late Than Never. The series is an adaptation of the South Korean Grandpas Over Flowers series. The cast included four "seasoned" North American celebrities William Shatner, Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw, accompanied by younger comedian Jeff Dye, as they travel overseas, experiencing new cultures and checking off their bucket lists.
He won a gold medal in the boxing heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico. He won the world heavyweight title with a stunning second-round knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973. In 1994 at age 45, he won the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer. He was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
Outside boxing, he was a successful entrepreneur and known for his promotion of the George Foreman Grill, which has sold more than 100 million units worldwide by 2011. In 1999, he sold the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million. Previous to that he was being paid about 40 percent of the profits on each grill sold, earning him $4.5 million a month at its peak, so it is estimated he made a total of over $200 million from the endorsement, a sum that is substantially more than he earned as a boxer.
Mr. Foreman was a man of many talents as a boxer, businessman, minister, author, and actor. While he was one of boxing's most feared fighters, he was a funny and gentle giant outside the ring. He was always a great late night talk show guest. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment over the years. Big George will be greatly missed.
Character actor Wings Hauser, who starred as Lt. Ronald Hobbs in The Last Precinct and had a recurring role as Ty Tilden in Roseanne, has died. He died in Santa Monica, California, on March 15. Mr. Hauser was 77.
Hauser starred as Lt. Ronald Hobbs in the short-lived 1986 NBC police comedy-drama The Last Precinct. The series stars Adam West as Captain Rick Wright, leading a group of misfit police academy rejects. Lt. Ronald Hobbs runs the 56th Precinct, Los Angeles' seediest and most woebegone unit. The pilot for the Stephen J. Cannell series debuted after Super Bowl XX in 1986, but the show was canceled within two months of its April premiere. The cast included Jonathan Perpich, Rick Ducommun, Ernie Hudson, Randi Brooks, Vijay Amritraj, Pete Wilcox, Keenan Wynn, Hank Rolike, Lucy Lee Flippin, Yana Nirvana, Geoffrey Elliot, and James Cromwell.
He had a recurring role as Ty Tilden in five episodes of the fifth (1992-1993) season of the ABC sitcom Roseanne. Ty Tilden is a neighbor of Roseanne's, who moved into Kathy Bowman's (Meagen Fay) old house. He is a kind, laid-back, struggling single father of two daughters, Charlotte Tilden (Mara Hobel) and Molly Tilden (Danielle Harris). He owns a Winnebago.
Hauser guest starred as Garnite Giles in two episodes of Arli$$. He played Greg Foster in 15 episodes of The Young and the Restless from 1977 to 2010. He starred as Lt. Col Matthew "Trane" Coltrane in the 1991-1992 first-run syndicated action-adventure series Lightning Force.
Some of his other television guest appearances included Cannon, Movin' On, Baretta, Magnum, P.I. (1981), Jessie (1984), Hunter, Hardcastle and McCormick, MacGruder and Loud, Airwolf, The A-Team (2 episodes), Freddy's Nightmares, China Beach (4 episodes), The Young Riders, Walker, Texas Ranger (1994), JAG, Murder, She Wrote (4 episodes), Beverly Hills, 90210 (6 epiosdes as J. Jay Jones), Kingpin (4 episodes as Doug Duffy), CSI: Miami, Third Watch, House, Monk, Cold Case, Bones, and Castle.
He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male for his role in Tough Guys Don't Dance (1987). Some of his other film credits included Vice Squad (1982), Deadly Force (1983), and The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989). In 1983, he wrote the story for the Paramount Pictures box-office hit Uncommon Valor, which starred Gene Hackman, Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Randall "Tex" Cobb, Robert Stack, Patrick Swayze, Harold Sylvester, and Tim Thomerson.
Mr. Hauser was a prolific character actor who appeared in over 100 television and film productions. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.
We also remember actor Craig Richard Nelson. He starred as Mason Woodruff in Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers and had a recurring role as Mr. Spacek in Square Pegs. He died in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 3. Mr. Nelson was 77.
Nelson starred as Mason Woodruff in the short-lived 1974-1975 CBS sitcom Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers. The series, which starred Paul Sand, centers on a musician in Boston, Massachusetts, and his relationships. The cast included Michael Pataki, Penny Marshall, Dick Wesson, Steve Landesberg, and Jack Gilford.
He appeared as Dr. Osgood in five episodes of the 1976-1977 satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and four episodes of the 1977 satirical comedy talk show Fernwood Tonight. He was a regular on the 1979 ABC summer variety/sketch comedy series Carol Burnett & Company.
Nelson had a recurring role as drama teacher Mr. Spacek in three episodes of the 1982-1983 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. Some of his other sitcom guest apperances included What's Happening!!, Maude, Barney Miller, Hail to the Chief, What's Happening Now!!, The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Doogie Howser, M.D. (1990), Dream On, Night Court (2 episodes in 1987 and 1990), Get a Life, Wings, Grace Under Fire, and Home Improvement.
Some of his other television guest appearances included The Rookies, Cagney & Lacey, Amazing Stories, Stingray, L.A. Law, Dallas (1989), Alien Nation, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Father Dowling Mysteries, Quantum Leap (1992), Diagnosis: Murder (1994), Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes), The Lazarus Man, Charlie Grace, and Star Trek: Voyager.
Nelson starred as Bell, a mean-spirited law student, in The Paper Chase (1973). Some of his other film credits included 3 Women (1977), A Wedding (1978), and My Bodyguard (1980).
Mr. Nelson was a talented and versatile actor. We thank for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
SitcomsOnline Digest: Jon Stewart Set to Return to The Daily Show Once a Week; Ted McGinley to Star in Prime Video Series
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we are hearing about Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show, we're learning about a new Prime Video series, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Jon Stewart is returning to The Daily Show, at least once a week for the next few months, but given that the show itself is a long way from finding a permanent host and that the best option is to apparently bring back the "fresh face" from 1999, it has people wondering what the future of late night talk actually is. (Time)
- Prime Video has acquired a series called The Baxters, which will star Roma Downey and Ted McGinley. (Deadline)
- The Golden Bachelor is turning out to be rather successful for ABC. (Deadline)
- Judy Justice is coming to local syndication in the fall. (Variety)
- Jaleel White is set to host a new game show this fall. (Deadline)
- Antenna TV is having another Super Belle Sunday featuring Designing Women on the day of "the big game." (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2)
- Catchy Comedy has a very special binge this weekend featuring some short-lived sitcoms, including Brooklyn Bridge, the sitcom adaptation of Ferris Bueller, and Square Pegs.
- We've been talking about it for months, and for a while we thought we were just being trolled, but every season of My Three Sons has finally arrived on Prime Video.
Friday, April 23, 2021
Fri-Yay: Netflix's New Jamie Foxx Sitcom Has Potential But Not Quite There Yet; Remembering Felix Silla of The Addams Family and James Hampton of F Troop
It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!
by Vincent
Last week, Netflix premiered Jamie Foxx's new sitcom Dad Stop Embarrasing Me, the latest in a line of big stars taking their comedy stylings to Netflix. Netflix is somewhat lacking in new comedy content as of late - although there was the excellent Never Have I Ever last year, overall the streamer hasn't had a good, reliable sitcom in a while. Dad Stop Embarrasing Me has some potential, and it's a comforting enough classic multi-camera sitcom, but it's also somewhat lacking, mostly due to the way it repeats generic sitcom premises without much in the way of originality.
The show revolves around a tragic circumstance. Brian (Foxx's character) has to become a single parent of his teenage daughter Sasha after the unexpected passing of their mother. Like many sitcoms that started with a similarly sad premise, the show doesn't spend too much time on the serious side of the situation and instead plays up the laughs - which is totally fine, but the laughs aren't as plentiful as you'd hope from a sitcom. The best part of the show is the relationship between Brian and Sasha, and if the show gets renewed, its best path to being a reliable comedy would be to hone in on that relationship. The relationship at the center of the show being so strong is promising - the show just needs to work out its kinks and joke issues. As of now, it's not a hugely encouraging reversal of Netflix's comedy drought as of late, but it does at least have some potential.
Italian-born American actor and stuntman Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt on The Addams Family, has died. He died on April 16 from pancreatic cancer in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Silla was 84.
Silla appeared in the recurring role of Cousin Itt on 17 episodes of the 1964-1966 ABC sitcom The Addams Family. Cousin Itt was Gomez's (John Astin) cousin. The costumed character was composed entirely of floor-length hair accompanied by a bowler hat and sunglasses. He speaks in rapid, unintelligible gibberish that only the family can understand. The voice was provided by studio sound engineer Anthony Magro. Roger Arroyo appeared in two additional episodes as Cousin Itt. The cast included Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Ted Cassidy, Blossom Rock, Ken Weatherwax, Lisa Loring and Ted Cassidy.
Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Grindl, Petticoat Junction, The Monkees, Bewitched, Mork & Mindy (uncredited) and Married with Children. He played the Polka Dotted Horse and various characters on the 1969 NBC children's series H.R. Pufnstuf, which was created by Sid and Marty Krofft. He appeared as Colonel Poom on the 1971-1973 ABC Sid and Marty Krofft series Lidsville.
Silla was responsible for the physical performance of the robot Twiki on the 1979-1981 NBC science fiction adventure series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Twiki's voice was mainly voiced by Mel Blanc, with Bob Elyea being a temporary replacement in 1981.
Some of his drama guest appearances included Bonanza, The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., Night Gallery (uncredited), Battlestar Galactica (uncredited) and The Dukes of Hazzard.
Silla played one of the hang glider Ewoks in the film Return of the Jedi (1983). Some of his other film credits as an actor or stuntman included The Towering Inferno (1974), The Hindenburg (1975), The Black Bird (1975), Spaceballs (1987) and Batman Returns (1992).
Survivors include his wife, Sue, whom he married in 1965, and their children, Bonnie and Michael.
Mr. Silla did a fine job playing the beloved hairy Cousin Itt. He should have been in more episodes. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment he brought us. He will be greatly missed.
Share your memories on our The Addams Family message board. View photos in our galleries.
MeTV will air The Addams Family weeknights at 6:00pm starting Monday, May 3.
Actor, director and screenwriter James Hampton, who starred as Private Hannibal Shirley Dobbs on F Troop, has died. He died of complications from Parkinson's disease on April 7 at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Hampton was 84.
Hampton starred as Private Hannibal Shirley Dobbs on the 1965-1967 ABC sitcom F Troop. Private Hannibal Shirley Dobbs was F Troop's inept bugler, originally from New Orleans, who can only play "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie" with regularity. The series also starred Ken Berry, Forrest Tucker, Larry Storch, Melody Patterson, Frank de Kova, Don Diamond, Bob Steele and Joe Brooks.
He appeared as Leroy B. Simpson, the handyman at the ranch, on the CBS sitcom The Doris Day Show. Hampton was a regular the first season (1968-1969) before appearing in one episode in season two and one episode in season three. The cast in the first season included Doris Day, Denver Pyle, Fran Ryan, Philip Brown, Todd Starke and Naomi Stevens.
Hampton starred as Len Weston on the short-lived 1981-1982 ABC sitcom Maggie. Len Weston was the husband of Maggie Weston (Miriam Flynn). He was vice principal of schools in Dayton, Ohio. The series also starred Doris Roberts, Judith-Marie Bergan, Margie Impert, Billy Jacoby (also known as Billy Jayne) and Christian Jacobs.
Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Who's the Boss?, Punky Brewster, She's the Sheriff, Mama's Family, Full House, Perfect Strangers, Newhart, Get a Life, Evening Shade, The Hogan Family, Hearts Afire, Hope and Gloria and Fired Up.
He later worked as a director for a number of sitcoms. His directing credits included Evening Shade (16 episodes), Hearts Afire (6 episodes), Kirk, Hudson Street, Boston Common (8 episodes), Grace Under Fire (4 episodes), Sister, Sister (9 episodes), The Tony Danza Show (2 episodes), Rude Awakening, Smart Guy (8 episodes), Katie Joplin, Linc's (3 episodes) and Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane (3 episodes).
Some of his drama guest appearances included Dr. Kildare, Death Valley Days, Gunsmkoke, Rawhide, The F.B.I., Mannix, The Rockford Files, The Dukes of Hazzard, Boone, The Greatest American Hero, Matt Houston, Simon & Simon, Murder, She Wrote and Melrose Place.
He starred as Caretaker in The Longest Yard (1974). He played Harold Howard, the father of Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) in Teen Wolf (1985). He voiced Harold Howard on the 1986-1987 animated Teen Wolf series. In 1987, he returned as Uncle Harold Howard in the sequel Teen Wolf Too. Some of his other film credits included Hawmps! (1976), The Cat from Outer Space (1978), The China Syndrome (1979), Condorman (1981), Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988) and Sling Blade (1996).
Survivors include his wife, Mary Deese, sons Jim and Frank and daughter Andrea, and three grandchildren.
Mr. Hampton was very funny and memorable on F Troop. He was a solid and dependable character actor who made a great sidekick. We thank him for the enterainment he brought us during his long career. He will be sorely missed.
Share your memories on our F Troop message board. View photos in our galleries.
Comedy writer Anne Beatts, who worked on Saturday Night Live and was the creator of Square Pegs, has died. She died on April 7 at her home in West Hollywood, California. Ms. Beatts was 74.
Beatts worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live from 1975 to 1980. She received five Emmy nominations, winning once in 1976 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series.
She created the 1982-1983 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. The series follows Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker), two awkward teenage girls desperate to fit in at Weemawee High School. Beatts appeared in two episodes as Miss Rezucha. The series also starred Merritt Butrick, John Femia, Tracy Nelson, Jami Gertz, Claudette Wells, Jon Caliri, Basil Hoffman, Steven Peterman and Caitlin Adams.
Beatts was a producer for the first season (1987-1988) of the NBC sitcom A Different World. Her other sitcom writing credits included Murphy Brown and Committed (2 episodes).
She was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on May 7, 2009.
She is survived by her daughter, Jaylene Beatts.
We thank Ms. Beatts for bringing us the cult-favorite Square Pegs. It's worth checking out on DVD if you've never watched it before. She will be deeply missed.
Discuss Square Pegs on our message board. View photos in our galleries.
Character actor Walter Olkewicz, who appeared as Dougie Boudreau on Grace Under Fire, has died. He died after a long illness on April 6 in Reseda, California. Mr. Olkewicz was 72.
Olkewicz starred as Zach Comstock on the short-lived 1979-1980 CBS sitcom The Last Resort. The series centered on a group of college students working in a hotel kitchen. It also starred Larry Breeding, Stephanie Faracy, Zane Lasky, Ray Underwood, Dorothy Konrad, John Fujioka and Robert Costanzo.
He appeared as Dougie Boudreau on the ABC sitcom Grace Under Fire from 1993 to 1996. Dougie Boudreau was a crew worker at the local oil refinery. He was a regular for the first season before recurring in the second and third seasons. The cast included Brett Butler, Dave Thomas, Julie White (1993-1997), Casey Sander, Jon Paul Steuer (1993-1996), Sam Horrigan (1996-1998), Kaitlin Cullum, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Peggy Rea (1995-1998), Charles Hallahan (1993-1994), Don "D.C." Curry (1997-1998) and Lauren Tom (1997-1998).
Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Alice, Barney Miller (2 episodes), It's a Living, Taxi (2 episodes), Cheers, The Love Boat, Making the Grade, The Duck Factory, Newhart, 227, Designing Women, Family Ties, Married with Children, Mr. Belvedere, Who's the Boss?, Night Court, Seinfeld and Dharma & Greg.
Olkewicz starred as Marko in the short-lived 1983 CBS adventure series Wizards and Warriors. He played Harmon Shain in the short-lived 1984 NBC detective drama Partners in Crime. Some of his drama guest appearances included The Rockford Files, Hart to Hart, Trapper John, M.D., The A-Team, Riptide, Hardcastle and McCormick, Falcon Crest, Moonlighting, L.A. Law, ER and Twin Peaks.
Mr. Olkewicz was a good character actor. He was a familiar face in many TV series over the years. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment he brought us. He will be greatly missed.
Share your memories on our Grace Under Fire message board. View photos in our galleries.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
SitcomsOnline Digest: Nash Bridges Reprisal in the Works?; Season Finale Dates Set for Last Man Standing and MacGyver
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we are hearing about some final episodes of long running series, a reprisal of Nash Bridges, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Don Johnson says that a Nash Bridges with the original cast is coming. (Deadline)
- Fox has set May 20 as the airdate for the finale of Last Man Standing. (TV Insider)
- MacGyver is coming to an end with the fifth season finale. (TVLine)
- Anne Beatts, who was a staff writer on Saturday Night Live in the first few seasons and later created Square Pegs, has died. (NBC News)
- Gloria Henry, known for playing the role of Alice Mitchell on Dennis the Menace, has died. (Hollywood Reporter)
- Jack Hanna, the celebrity zookeeper who has appeared on talk shows since Johnny Carson was the big one, is retiring from public life due to a medical diagnosis. (People)
- Summer schedules are out for ABC and Fox. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 10 - APRIL 16)
- Shameless comes to an end after 11 seasons on Showtime on Sunday.
- Decades has a Police Story binge this weekend.
- The final season of Younger debuts Thursday on Paramount+.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
SitcomsOnline Digest: New Hosting Gig for Craig Ferguson; Wonder Years DVD Music Update; New DVDs from Mill Creek
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest!
This week, we've got news about what may be next for Craig Ferguson, a Wonder Years music update (including which songs are missing), and news of more Mill Creek releases. Let's get started!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- Craig Ferguson may be leaving CBS soon, but it appears that he may be staying in the talk show arena after all, as he is in talks with Tribune to do a half hour talk show that would likely air in the prime access hour, to compete against classic staples such as Entertainment Tonight, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. (TVLine)
- Desperate Housewives has been off the air for two seasons, and now, it appears that Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination lawsuit has ended. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- We used to all watch our favorite TV shows at the same time, but in the era of DVR and video on demand, that is no longer the case... so how long should we wait before revealing spoilers in this new era? (Deadline)
- Grit and Escape, two new broadcast digital networks, are set to launch on Monday at noon. You can check out their websites to see if any of your local stations will carry the networks. (Grit, Escape)
- iHeartRadio, the app that you probably have on your smartphone to play radio stations from ClearChannel, Cumulus, Cox, and several other large radio corporations, is not just for music anymore. NBC will be using it to allow fans to preview the sitcom A to Z before it airs, which debuts this fall. (SitcomsOnline)
HOME MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
- Every week, it seems that we have more news about the release of The Wonder Years - The Complete Series, and this week is no exception, as the studio gave a complete listing of all of the original music that will be included... an astonishing 96% of the original music can be found. And for those who wonder what's missing, a fan of the series on the website Home Theater Forum made a list of songs that appeared in the series that are not on the list provided by StarVista. While we suspect some of the "missing" songs may be oversights (such as public domain songs that StarVista didn't bother to include on their list), it is worth noting that music is notably missing from The Doors, Richie Havens, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
- Mill Creek is re-releasing more Sony DVD sets on October 21, with Married... With Children - Seasons 5 and 6 and Square Pegs - The Complete Series.
- Universal will be re-releasing the classic series Quantum Leap as a complete series on November 4, with Quantum Leap - The Complete Series.
AUGUST 19 HOME MEDIA RELEASES
- The Millers - The First Season (DVD, $49.98): The first season of the CBS sitcom arrives on DVD, along with a nice collection of special features.
- The Mindy Project - Season Two (DVD, $29.98): The sophomore season of the Fox sitcom debuts on DVD with this release.
- Newhart - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD, $29.93): Fans of the classic series can return to the Stratford Inn with this release.
- Parks and Recreation - Season Six (DVD, $39.98): The NBC sitcom starring Amy Poehler returns to DVD once again with this release.
- Three's Company - The Complete Series - Come and Knock on Our Door (DVD, $134.98): Return to the place where the kisses are hers and hers and his with this complete series release, which puts all of the previously released season sets into one box.
FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Antenna TV (Facebook, Twitter),
"A new digital multicast network dedicated to hit movies and classic TV shows."
Claim to Fame: We're not going with a person for our "Follow Me" this week, because people aren't the only thing on Facebook and Twitter. Sometimes, a TV channel or other other similar entity is worth following on Twitter, and Antenna TV is a good example of this. Antenna TV, of course, was the broadcast digital network that debuted on January 1, 2011, and is known primarily for airing several classic TV series and movies. They're worth following since they post meaningful updates about their programming from people who really know and understand the programming seen on Antenna TV (as opposed to other networks, which may tend to just post generic updates reminding fans to watch a show without saying anything special about the episodes) and they're willing to interact with fans.
Pick of the Tweets: "LUCY FANS, get ready for a Lucille Ball double feature, tonight starting with "Yours, Mine and Ours" at 8p ET, and then "The Facts of Life" at 10:30p ET. What is your favorite Lucy movie?" (August 16, 2014)
Monday, October 15, 2007
AOL Video Adds Archie Bunker's Place, What's Happening Now!!, etc.; Nick at Nite Schedule; Fox Cuts Mid-Season Sitcom In Half
The Archie Bunker's Place episodes are the most unique since they are third season episodes, and of course that season not on DVD yet. Among the episodes you will see is the first pilot for Gloria that has been in the syndication package for Archie Bunker's Place. Other episodes include an episode with Reggie Jackson and an episode with Don Rickles. The What's Happening Now!! and Maude episodes are from the first season, which are on DVD already. Over the Top and Square Pegs are not on DVD yet, so they will be fun to see!
A new Nick at Nite schedule starts tonight. Yes, another one. Full House is back to start off each night, while an overnight marathon featuring shows like Fresh Prince, Roseanne, Cosby Show, and Full House from 3-6am will be on everynight. Click HERE for details.
Fox has cut the episode order for its midseason sitcom The Return of Jezebel James from 13 to 7 episodes, including the pilot. Fox says because it has a tight midseason schedule. Among the shows Fox has coming are returning hits 24 and American Idol along with newbies Unhitched, Canterbury's Law and New Amsterdam.
The sitcom stars Parker Posey as a New York book editor who realizes she wants a baby -- and asks her estranged sister (played by Lauren Ambrose) to carry it.
In other Fox news, Fox is expected to pick-up Back to You this week for a full season order. No doubt they will air it a few times at least after Idol to boost the show. Fox also might pick up a few extra scripts of struggling drama K-Ville. Why?
Tune in tonight to the premiere of the sitcom Samantha Who? at 9:30pm et/pt only on ABC! See our review from Saturday if you haven't already! Be good, Sam!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Canada Stations Adds Rare Classics This Fall; Biggest Flintstones Marathon Ever on Boomerang
On TV Land Canada, everything old is new again! New to the TV Land Canada schedule this September is Fantasy Island; Hart to Hart; Love, American Style; and It's Garry Shandling's Show. Also returning to TV Land Canada this fall are: Dallas, Happy Days, Lassie, 21 Jump Street, Petticoat Junction, Joanie Loves Chachi and Wiseguy.
None of those new shows are airing anywhere on cable in the U.S. currently.
We have the full schedule posted. To take a look, please click HERE.
Now let's move on to my personal favorite, DejaView! Starting September 10, they will be adding lots and lots of new shows! Coming to weekdays are: My Secret Identity, Roseanne, Cosby Show, Good Times, Maude, Miami Vice, and Magnum P.I.! On the weekends they will add: The Ropers, Three's a Crowd, Who's the Boss?, The Facts of Life and Square Pegs! Boy I would kill to have this channel. So many rare shows. Shows that will return include classic '70s sitcoms Three's Company and All in the Family. To view the full schedule, I urge you to click HERE!
Sister station TVtropolis, which was known as Prime some years back, will also add some new series. They have moved away from classic TV a bit, putting them on sister net DejaView, but they will still have some classics! First they will add Family Guy and Fresh Prince to the line-up. Returning are Mad About You, Grace Under Fire, The Nanny, Frasier, Seinfeld, Beverly Hills 90210, and Married...with Children. So not much new and not really anything that old.
SUN TV in Canada will also add some new shows. They will add My Secret Identity (wow, this sitcom will be on two channels there!) Wonder Woman, Incredible Hulk, America's Funniest Home Videos, among others. Leave it to Beaver will remain on the fall line-up! View the fall schedule HERE.
We haven't yet obtained CTS TV's Fall 2007 schedule. Currently they air shows like Facts of Life, Happy Days, Full House, Step by Step, and Fresh Prince. No idea what will leave and what will come yet. We'll try to let you know, when we do.
Back to the U.S., the station called Boomerang, will air a huge Flintstones marathon this 4th of July! It is so big that every single episode will air, and it will be commercial free!
Programming an Independence Day tribute it has never before attempted, Boomerang, Cartoon Network's 24-hour commercial-free sister network, brings true fireworks to the Fourth of July holiday weekend with a first-time presentation of every episode of television's first prime time animated series, The Flintstones, including its original pilot, entitled "The Flagstones." The three-and-a-half-day marathon-THE FLAGTONES TO THE FLINTSTONES, featuring all 166 episodes without commercial interruption-will kick off at 6 a.m. (ET) on Wednesday, July 4, and culminate on Saturday, July 7 at 5 p.m. In addition, Boomerang VOD offerings in July also will reflect the FLAGSTONE TO FLINSTONES theme to present several all-time favorite episodes via a "Flintstones Fourth of July" tab for the VOD menu.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
SitcomsOnline.com Exclusive: Interview with AmericanLife TV's Mark Ringwald; Comcast Adds 'Boss', 'Pegs,' and Returns 'Facts'
Mark Ringwald has been good to us for quite some time. He has always provided prompt responses to SitcomsOnline and we thank him for that. This will be our first public interview with him, so I hope you all get a good taste of this fine cable network. So, without further adieu here is our interview with Mark Ringwald, VP of Programming for AmericanLife TV:
"Seven Questions with AmericanLife TV's Mark Ringwald"
SitcomsOnline: Hi Mark, this is Pavan from SitcomsOnline.com, hope you remember me from our previous conversations? First off let me say thanks for this opportunity and for your time. We are very excited for the 20th TV library deal that AmericanLife has struck. How will we see these shows eventually? We know the Sunday night line-up will change in June with Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere and L.A. Law.
Mark: Yes I do and it is always great to talk to you and your readers about great classic TV series.
We are going to be introducing a new night of series each month through October, so that by then there will be at least a few new series on every night. And we have started off with three big dramas. I told our promotions staff that we should create promos just using the theme songs, because they are so popular. In fact after screening the first couple of episodes, I can't get the theme to St. Elsewhere out of my head. I've been humming it in meetings!
SitcomsOnline: As of now, we have heard that you guys possibly have a library deal with CBS Paramount as well. Mission: Impossible was announced, but can we expect any more shows?
Mark: The deal with CBS Paramount was only for the one series, although we license Combat from them also. There is some similarity, at least in my mind, between the two series. They were both so well written and so well acted that it never occurs to you that they are over 30 years old. If you like great television and you start watching a show like Mission: Impossible, then there is no way you can change channels, which is good for AmericanLife TV.
SitcomsOnline: We really love your Saturday line-up of classic sitcoms such as Chico and the Man and Welcome Back, Kotter. Will we see more sitcoms join the line-up, via the Fox, CBS or Warner deals? Also, how are the classic TV shows doing in the ratings?
Mark: Look for a new night of comedies, similar in stature to the dramas, to premiere in July. And because we are not chasing the 18 to 34 audience, we are not relying on ratings as much as the response from viewers. So keep those cards and email coming!
http://www.americanlifetv.com/contact.php
SitcomsOnline: The Warner Bros. deal has carried the network for a number of years. How long will this deal last and can we expect more shows from this library anytime soon?
Mark: At this point a lot of the shows have been airing close to five years, so it is time they took a rest. I am sure we will be doing another deal with them soon; they are after all one of the largest studios.
SitcomsOnline: Fans have asked us quite frequently if AmericanLife will also add classic TV in the mornings/afternoons on weekdays in addition to primetime? Will we see series aired multiple times a week rather just once a week in the future? Most of the classic TV ALN airs is unedited, can we continue to expect that?
Mark: The only problem we have is that there aren't enough hours in the day. As a destination for Baby Boomers our goal is to provide entertainment, information and lifestyle programming that specifically caters to them. So we have to provide a balance of programming. There are fans (including me) of Fixing Dinner and 'Til Debt do Us Part also.
As far as editing, we will continue to air the classic programs uncut. I hate watching badly edited programs as much as the next guy.
SitcomsOnline: I have to ask a personal question here. I am a fan of '80s comedies, and am wondering if Mr. Belvedere and Small Wonder are part of the 20th TV deal? ALN has aired a few '80s comedies in the past such as My Sister Sam, so these would be nice, too. Perfect Strangers from Warner Bros. would also be nice to see.
Mark: Mr. Belvedere is part of the package, but we have no immediate plans to schedule it. Thanks for the suggestions!
SitcomsOnline: Finally, you guys have been known as "the only independent network devoted to the Baby Boomer generation." Competing cable network TV Land has also announced recently that they will also cater to the Baby Boomer generation by adding shows they grew up with (you know, M*A*S*H, Andy Griffith Show, etc) and shows they watch now (Scrubs). Any thoughts on this? And will AmericanLife follow that motto or just air shows that boomers grew up with?
Mark: Our philosophy is that the classic television shows must take them back to a better (a least in quality of the shows) time. If we air a more contemporary show, it must reflect back on those earlier times.
SitcomsOnline: I thank you once again for your time and wish you continued success!
Mark: Thank you very much.
EDIT, 6PM ET: Due to an overwhelming response regarding coverage of this channel, readers flocked in and asked us if AmericanLife will be on more cable or satellite systems soon. Mark kindly got back to us and gave us this response:
Cable companies, Dish and Direct TV have lots of demands for the "space" they have. Beyond lots of channels there is Video on Demand, telephone and high speed internet and now HD programming. We often hear from them that, "consumers haven't been asking for AmericanLife TV." Of course if people haven't heard of us, how do they know they want us, so for those of you that do know about us, please keep calling your cable or satellite operator and letting them know, "I want my AmericanLife TV!!!"
For more information on AmericanLife TV, including to see if it is available in your area or how to get the network, log-on to their website at http://www.americanlifetv.com. And as always, stay tuned right here on the blog for scheduling updates for this wonderful network!
Comcast's free OnDemand service TubeTime will add the short lived '80s sitcom Square Pegs starring Sarah Jessica Parker. The service will also add the long running ABC sitcom Who's the Boss? starring Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano. Both shows should be available to view on the service starting now. The Facts of Life will return to the service after nearly a year and should be available to view now as well.
I'm not sure yet if the current line-up of Diff'rent Strokes, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Soap and What's Happening!! will remain, but most likely they will. We will let you know when we find out.
We'll be back with more news, if there is anything.
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Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Thursday, October 8
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - "Feminine Wiles and Some Tire Thing in Lubbock" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Tensions rise when Mandy and the family side against Georgie in his fight with Mary. Meanwhile, Connor turns to Georgie when he gets himself into trouble.
Eternally Yours - "Pilot" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
ETERNALLY YOURS is a family comedy centered around Charles (Ed Weeks) and Liz (Allegra Edwards) – a vampire couple whose once-passionate romance has devolved into a pulseless marriage after 500 years together. Living in present-day Seattle with their oddball coven, they’ve settled into an eternal rut – until their daughter Emma’s (Helen J Shen) earnest human boyfriend, Max (Jaren Lewison), unexpectedly enters their lives and forces them to confront whether their love can survive forever … or if forever is a life sentence. Max finds his world turned upside down after he discovers the truth about Emma’s mysterious family.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 5)
Thursday, October 8
- Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method) - Catch Michael on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Keri Russell (Running Wilde/Daddy's Girls) - Keri appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Kyle MacLachlan (Carol's Second Act/Sex and the City) - Kyle is a guest on Comedy Central's The Daily Show at 11pm. He also talks about Fictional Selves: A Memoir with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Heather Dubrow (Stark Raving Mad/Jenny/Life with Roger) - Andy Cohen interviews Heather on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 1:30am on Bravo.
- Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry talks about Animals on ABC's Good Morning America sometime betweeen 7-9am.
- Allison Janney (Mom/Mr. Sunshine) - Allison discusses The Diplomat on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
- Ed Weeks (Eternally Yours/LA to Vegas/The Mindy Project and Allegra Edwards (Eternally Yours/Upload) - Ed and Allegra talk about Eternally Yours on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
01/20/26 - The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (Blu-ray)
01/27/26 - The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/11/26 - Tom and Jerry - The Complete CinemaScope Collection (Blu-ray)
03/24/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
04/11/26 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD)
04/21/26 - Famous Studios Champion Collection (Blu-ray) (DVD)
05/19/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (DVD)
05/19/26 - Looney Tunes Cartoons - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
06/16/26 - Difficult People - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
06/30/26 - Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
07/14/26 - The Office - The Complete Series - Superfan Extended Episodes (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Bill Dana Show - The Complete Series (DVD)
07/28/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Paper - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
08/25/26 - Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/08/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 3 (Blu-ray)
09/22/26 - Bridget Loves Bernie - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
10/20/26 - The Quick Draw McGraw Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
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