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Netflix Renews That '90s Show for Season 2; Remembering Charles Kimbrough of Murphy Brown

Netflix announced a 16-episode season two order for hit comedy series That '90s Show. Season one premiered on January 19, 2023 and immediately reached Netflix's Top 10 English TV list in 35 countries, with more than 41 million hours viewed. It's 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn't her dad. When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she's looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen. With the help of Gwen's friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago. Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer. With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well...Red.

That '90s Show stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos. Also returning to Point Place are creators Bonnie and Terry Turner - this time with their daughter Lindsey Turner - showrunner/executive producer Gregg Mettler, and executive producers Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner. Joining the show are executive producers Jessica Goldstein, Chrissy Pietrosh and Mandy Summers.

Actor Charles Kimbrough, who was best known for his role as the straight-faced anchorman Jim Dial on Murphy Brown, has died. He died in Culver City, California, on January 11. Mr. Kimbrough was 86.

Kimbrough starred as Jim Dial on the 1988-1998 CBS sitcom Murphy Brown. Jim Dial is the trustworthy veteran news anchor for FYI, a fictional CBS television newsmagazine. He affectionately addresses Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) as "Slugger" and reminisces about the glory days of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite. In 1990, his performance in the role earned him a nomination for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series". The cast included Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto, Grant Shaud (1988-1996), Pat Corley (1988-1996), Robert Pastorelli (1988-1994), Ritch Brinkley (1988-1997), John Hostetter and Lily Tomlin (1996-1998).

In 2018, he returned to play Jim Dial in three episodes of the 2018-2019 CBS Murphy Brown revival series. Jim Dial is now in his 80s, widowed and retired. He acts as an informal mentor to the Murphy in the Morning gang.

He provided the voice of Dr. Ficus in a 1992 episode of Dinosaurs. He guest starred as Rich in a 1998 episode of Love Boat: The Next Wave. Some of his other television guest appearances included Another World, Kojak (3 episodes), Great Performances (3 episodes), All My Children, Tales of the Unexpected, American Playhouse (2 episodes), Spenser: For Hire (2 episodes), Hothouse and Ally McBeal.

Kimbrough was also known for his voice work. He was the voice of Victor, the most mature gargoyle in Disney's 1996 animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a role he reprised in its direct-to-video sequel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (2002), and the video game, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. He provided the voice of Jim Dial for a 2000 episode of Family Guy. Some of his other voice credits included Mighty Max, Pinky and the Brain, Hercules, Recess, The Angry Beavers, Batman Beyond and The Zeta Project.

In 1971, he was nominated for a Tony for best featured actor in a musical as Harry in Stephen Sondheim's Company. In 1984, he performed in the original Broadway cast of Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George.

He starred as Mr. Donolly in the 2001 romantic comedy film The Wedding Planner, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. Some of his other film credits included The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979), It's My Turn (1980) and Switching Channels (1988).

Survivors include his son, John Kimbrough, his sister, Linda Kimbrough, and a stepdaughter, Holly Howland. He was married to actress Beth Howland (Vera on Alice) from 2002 until her death in 2015.

Mr. Kimbrough did a fine job portraying the stuffy anchorman Jim Dial for ten seasons on Murphy Brown. It was great to see him return for the multi-episode arc on the revival series. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

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

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

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Labels: Murphy Brown, Netflix, Obits, That '90s Show

SitcomsOnline Digest: New Episodes of King of the Hill and Futurama in the Horizon; Night Court and That '90s Show Get Second Seasons

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This is a very busy week, and we've got about twice as much news as usual, including news about reboots of some Fox animated series (but on Hulu), second season renewals of two recent reboots (or whatever the proper title is for them), and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• It's the news everybody has been excited about this week: King of the Hill is coming back! But there are some issues that fans are wondering about how they will be addressed, such as what will happen with Luanne and Lucky (voiced by Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty, both of whom have died since the series ended), as well as how will the character of Khan (an Asian American voiced by a white man) be handled. (TVLine)
• Meanwhile, Lauren Tom (who just so happens to do voices on King of the Hill as well) has announced a timeline for the return of Futurama. (Game Rant)
• CBS has ordered a Matlock reboot pilot starring Kathy Bates. (AV Club)
• A huge shift in daytime TV is coming, as Dr. Phil will be coming to an end in just a few months. (Deadline)
• That '90s Show is getting a second season on Netflix. (Variety)
• There is a spoof of Seinfeld that can go on forever, thanks to AI. (TechCrunch)
• The Blacklist is coming to an end after 10 seasons at NBC. (Variety)
• Cindy Williams, best known as Shirley in Laverne & Shirley, has died at age 75. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Lisa Loring, who played the original Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, has also died. (Variety)
• It isn't surprising given the initial success that it has had (we'll see if that holds), but Night Court is coming back for a second season. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (FEBRUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 10)

• Decades has a binge of Laverne & Shirley this weekend in remembrance of Cindy Williams.
• All in the Family comes to MeTV starting Sunday night.
• Not Dead Yet, a new ABC comedy, debuts on Wednesday.
• South Park returns for a new season on Comedy Central on Wednesday night, and is followed by the cable premiere of Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head.

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

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Labels: All in the Family, Futurama, King of the Hill, Laverne and Shirley, Matlock, Night Court, Not Dead Yet, Seinfeld, SitcomsOnline Digest, That '90s Show, The Addams Family, The Blacklist

That '90s Show Trailer, Premieres Jan. 19; Catch Up on American Auto on Peacock for Holiday Binge

Netflix has released the official trailer for That '90s Show, premiering globally on January 19, 2023. Additionally, Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama will appear as special guests on the show. Hello, Wisconsin! That '90s Show is coming to Netflix on January 19. It's 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn't her dad. When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she's looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen. With the help of Gwen's friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago. Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer. With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well...Red.

That '90s Show stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos. Also returning to Point Place are creators Bonnie and Terry Turner - this time with their daughter Lindsey Turner - showrunner/executive producer Gregg Mettler, and executive producers Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner. Joining the show are executive producers Jessica Goldstein and Chrissy Pietrosh. Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama will appear as special guests in That '90s Show. Netflix also teased that Jay (Mace Coronel) is the son of Kelso and Jackie!

'Tis the season to catch up on NBC's dynamic workplace comedy American Auto ahead of its 2023 Season 2 Premiere on Tuesday, January 24! Catch up on season 1, all episodes are streaming now on Peacock. Spend some time with the crew in their workplace while you take time away from yours. The dynamic workplace comedy American Auto is back for a second season and ready to take the wheels off the automobile industry. We return to Payne Motors as the executive team finds themselves embroiled in a recall scandal and Katherine is fighting to keep her job as CEO. With stock issues, comeback attempts, and the entire team juggling complicated personal lives, the Payne Motors staff are in for a bumpy ride. The cast includes Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, Humphrey Ker, Michael B. Washington, Tye White and X Mayo. Happy Holiday Binging!

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

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Labels: American Auto, NBC, Netflix, That '90s Show

SitcomsOnline Digest: Dan Harmon Talks About Upcoming Community Movie; That '90s Show Preview Released

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! Hopefully you're keeping warm during this very cold Christmas weekend (depending upon where you are!). We've got news about the upcoming Community movie, another preview of That '90s Show, and plenty of marathons to keep you inside this weekend. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Dan Harmon is talking more about the upcoming Community movie, which won't feature any paintball scenes. (Deadline)
• It isn't the first preview we've gotten of That '90s Show, but now we have a longer trailer for the first season. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Is Disney thinking about spinning off ESPN and ABC? Some analysts think that is their best path forward. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Broadcast TV is changing, and many are wondering where it will fit in over the long run. (Deadline)
• Cecily Strong made her last appearance as a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live last week, a move that surprised many people. (Entertainment Tonight)
• The cable network truTV is really straying away from its roots this weekend (and next) with some sitcom marathons. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 30)

• It's not exactly Christmas (other than being a Christmas Carol), but Decades has a binge of The Carol Burnett Show this weekend.
• It's one of the most out of the blue things that we've seen, but TruTV has a marathon of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper this weekend, then a marathon of Step by Step next weekend.
• There is a very long list of special Christmas programming and marathons that we could list here, but it is better summarized in this post from yesterday.

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

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Labels: Carol Burnett Show, Community, ESPN, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, Step by Step, That '90s Show

SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at That '90s Show; Warner Bros. Discovery Makes More Changes, Including Ending Live News at HLN

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're seeing our first preview of That '90s Show, hearing of more destruction (but one piece of news that is a positive!) of assets owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• That '90s Show is coming, and we have a preview (and, for what it's worth, we are further removed from the 90s now than we were in 1998 when That '70s Show debuted). (Deadline)
• Warner Bros. Discovery, which we think we can objectively say is set on destroying anything that does not involve Chip and Joanna Gaines or sisters who weight 1000 pounds, has now put the final nail in the coffin of HLN, as the network will now completely exit the live news business. (Variety)
• That isn't all for America's most loathed entertainment empire this week, as HBO has canceled Los Espookys. (Variety)
• Finally, something positive about Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO Max will begin streaming past seasons of Call Me Kat and Bob ♥ Abishola next week. (Deadline)
• Steve Martin and Martin Short are going to be hosting Saturday Night Live next weekend. (Vulture)
• GSN is getting into the holiday mood with some classic Christmas themed game show episodes. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 9)

• WKRP in Cincinnati is this weekend's binge on Decades.
• You can see the first three seasons of Bob ♥ Abishola starting Friday on HBO Max.

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

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Labels: Bob ♥ Abishola, Call Me Kat, HLN, Los Espookys, SitcomsOnline Digest, That '70s Show, That '90s Show

That '90s Show Premieres Jan. 19; The CW Midseason 2023 Schedule

Welcome back to your favorite basement. Same Formans, new friends. It's 1995 and Leia Forman, daughter of Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents for the summer, where she bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids under the watchful eye of Kitty and the stern glare of Red. Coming soon to Netflix. Dope. That '90s Show: Say Hello to Wisconsin on January 19, 2023! Netflix released the official teaser and first look photos of That '90s Show, premiering globally on January 19, 2023 with 10 half-hour episodes.

It's 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn't her dad. When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she's looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen. With the help of Gwen's friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago. Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer. With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well...Red.

That '90s Show stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos. Also returning to Point Place are creators Bonnie and Terry Turner - this time with their daughter Lindsey Turner - showrunner/executive producer Gregg Mettler, and executive producers Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner. Joining the show are executive producers Jessica Goldstein and Chrissy Pietrosh.

The CW Network announced midseason premiere dates for returning favorite series, including the hit dramas Walker and All American, alternative franchises Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Whose Line Is It Anyway?, as well as freshman dramas Walker Independence and The Winchesters. Walker continues its action-packed third season on Thursday, January 12, 2023 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the midseason premiere of Walker Independence (9:00pm-10:00pm ET/PT). The star-studded magic competition continues with new episodes of Criss Angel's Magic with the Stars beginning on Saturday, January 14, 2023 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the hilarious midseason return of World's Funniest Animals (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT). The year's finest in film and television are honored when comedian Chelsea Handler hosts The 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards airing LIVE on Sunday, January 15, 2023 (7:00-10:00pm ET/PT - check local listings) from the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

The CW's most-watched alternative series of the fall Penn & Teller: Fool Us continues its ninth season on Friday, January 20, 2023 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by new episodes of the classic improv series Whose Line Is It Anyway? (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT). The hit drama All American resumes its fifth season on Monday, January 23, 2023 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the midseason premiere of All American: Homecoming (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). Freshman drama series The Winchesters returns on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at a new time (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The third season of Kung Fu kicks back into high gear on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). Hosted by Dean Cain, the alternative series Masters of Illusion premieres its ninth season of awe-inspiring magic on Saturday, February 11, 2023 (8:00-8:30pm ET/PT).

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

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Labels: Netflix, That '90s Show, The CW, Whose Line Is It Anyway

That '70s Show Cast to Reunite on That '90s Show; Teri Hatcher and James Denton Reunite Again

That '90s Show gets a '70s vibe with legacy cast making special guest appearances! Making appearances on the Netflix series are Topher Grace as Eric Forman, Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart, Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso, Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti and Wilmer Valderrama as Fez. They will join previously announced series regulars (and legacy cast members) and executive producers Kurtwood Smith (Red) and Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty). The new series regulars are Ashley Aufderheide, Callie Haverda, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos. The multicam sitcom will have 10 episodes from showrunner Gregg Mettler. Executive Producers/Creators/Writers are Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner and Lindsey Turner, along with Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner under The Carsey-Werner Company.

In the revival sitcom... Hello, Wisconsin! It's 1995 and Leia Forman, daughter of Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents for the summer, where she bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids under the watchful eye of Kitty and the stern glare of Red. Sex, drugs and rock 'n roll never dies, it just changes clothes.

And in more reunion news... Teri Hatcher and James Denton are set to reunite (Desperate Housewives) again as they guest star on Fox's Fantasy Island in the upcoming season, in the third episode. Andy Richter to also guest star. The series is currently in production in Puerto Rico. Liz Craft and Sarah Fain are showrunners and executive producers. Anne Clements is also an executive producer. Fantasy Island is a co-production between Sony Pictures Television, Gemstone Studios and Fox Entertainment. Fantasy Island returns for its sophomore run on Tuesday, May 31 at 9 p.m ET/PT. The series stars Roselyn Sánchez, Kiara Barnes, John Gabriel Rodriquez. In Episode 203, empty nesters Dolly (Hatcher) and Dutch (Denton) seek clarity on how to spend their next chapter. Meanwhile, Helene (recurring Alexa Mansour) helps Ruby (Barnes) tap into her newfound youth. Javier (Rodriquez) opens up to Roarke (Sánchez) as he wrestles with his new role. Hatcher and Denton most recently reunited this past holiday season. James Denton was an executive producer and starred in the Hallmark Channel holiday movie, A Kiss Before Christmas, which reunited him with his Desperate Housewives co-star, Teri Hatcher, which was one of Hallmark's highest rated Christmas movies of 2021.

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

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Labels: Desperate Housewives, Fantasy Island, Fox, Hallmark Channel, Netflix, That '70s Show, That '90s Show

Netflix Orders That '90s Show Featuring Red and Kitty; Nash Bridges Movie Premieres Nov. 27 on USA Network

Hello, Wisconsin! Netflix has ordered That '90s Show, a spin-off from the creators of Fox's That '70s Show! The series will have Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp reprising their roles and will also serve as executive producers. That '70s Show alum Gregg Mettler will serve as showrunner, with original series creators Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner as Executive Producers. The original series aired from 1998-2006 for 200 episodes. In the new series, Hello, Wisconsin...it's 1995 and Leia Forman, daughter of Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents for the summer where she bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids under the watchful eye of Kitty (Rupp) and the stern glare of Red (Smith). Sex, drugs and rock 'n roll never dies, it just changes clothes. The multi-camera sitcom will have a 10 episode order. Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner under The Carsey-Werner Company, will also executive produce. More casting is still to be announced, but we wonder if more original stars will at least guest star? We shall see! Stay tuned.

USA Network will premiere its two-hour film Nash Bridges on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The film brings back original cast members Don Johnson and Cheech Marin as elite investigators for the San Francisco Police Department's Special Investigations Unit. The cast also includes Joe Dinicol, Diarra Kilpatrick, Angela Ko, Paul James, Alexia Garcia, Bonnie Sommerville and Jeff Perry. Produced by Village Roadshow Television, the film was written by Bill Chais and directed by Greg Beeman. It is based on the original series created by Carlton Cuse. Don Johnson, Bill Chais, Greg Beeman and Carlton Cuse will executive produce. Nash Bridges originally ran for six seasons (1996-2001) on CBS.

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

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Labels: CBS, Fox, Nash Bridges, Netflix, That '70s Show, That '90s Show, USA Network

SitcomsOnline Digest: Netflix Orders That '70s Show Spinoff Featuring Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith; Nash Bridges Revival Movie Premiere Date Set

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning of a new spinoff of That '70s Show, getting more info on the Nash Bridges revival (which is just a movie... for now), and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Netflix has ordered That '90s Show, a spinoff of That '70s Show that will star Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith (but hopefully won't be as bad as That '80s Show). (Variety)
• The Nash Bridges revival movie, which could potentially lead to a revival series, has a Thanksgiving weekend premiere date for USA Network. (Deadline)
• Will streaming services and networks ever get it right when it comes to changing aspect ratios when fans don't even want it? Probably not. (Deadline)
• Law & Order is coming back, and it looks like Anthony Anderson may reprise his role in the series. (Deadline)
• Judge Judy is no more, and the judge is now headed to her new show, Judy Justice, but she has a new bailiff and her old one is speaking out about being dumped for somebody who will make a lower salary. (Entertainment Weekly)
• It's that time of the year where the Peanuts holiday specials start to invade our lives, and we've got info on where you can see them, as well as info on a new one. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15)

• The new homes for Seinfeld keep coming, and this time, it is about today's debut on Comedy Central.
• Decades has a binge of The Adventures of Superman this weekend.
• Left out of CBS Thursday night premiere week this past week, a new season of B Positive debuts on Thursday.
• The second half of the seasons of two Tyler Perry series, House of Payne and Assisted Living, debut on Tuesday on BET.
• The 10th anniversary festivities at Antenna TV continue with a 10 episode marathon of Hazel that will air on Sunday.

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

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Labels: Law and Order, Nash Bridges, Peanuts, Seinfeld, SitcomsOnline Digest, That '70s Show, That '90s Show