SitcomsOnline.com News Blog: This TV

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

ThisTV Adds The Addams Family, In the Heat of the Night; GSN, MeTV Honor Marcia Wallace

With Tribune now controlling This TV, there will be some changes. We already mentioned that some of its series (like Mister Ed, Green Acres, Patty Duke) will be moving to new sister network Antenna TV in November. Now we know what This TV will be doing to its schedule. On weekdays, they will fully expand to movies all-day starting Monday (Nov. 4), with the exception of late night/early morning airings of Sea Hunt and Highway Patrol from 4-6am. On weekends however, there will be some new additions. One key series of note for us is that '60s comedy The Addams Family will be airing on weekends on This TV airing 4-6am on both mornings and also Sundays from 1-2pm. Not bad! They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, indeed. Also joining the This TV schedule will be the Carroll O'Connor drama In the Heat of the Night, airing Sundays from 6-10pm leading into Stargate SG-1 and The Outer Limits from 10pm-2am. That's about it with everything else either moved to Antenna TV or removed (like the animation block featuring Inspector Gadget). Stay with us for continued updates. Hopefully some more series are added, especially on weekdays.

Marcia Wallace

GSN announced today that the network will pay tribute to the brilliant comedienne, actress, and game-show panelist Marcia Wallace with a special morning marathon on Friday, November 1. A mainstay of TV game shows, Wallace appeared on numerous shows throughout the 1970s and '80s. GSN will broadcast iconic moments from Wallace's game show appearances throughout the years. The Marcia Wallace marathon will air on Friday, November 1, from 8 am ET until 12 pm ET. The entire marathon includes four episodes of Match Game; two episodes of Password Plus; and two episodes of The $100,000 Pyramid.

And The MeTV Network will have a special tribute to late actress Marcia Wallace tonight, Wednesday, October 30 at 10:00pm ET, during the regular Bob Newhart Show night and time on MeTV. MeTV will feature episodes of The Bob Newhart Show, centered around the character of Carol Kester Bondurant, the chatty, lovelorn receptionist that Wallace played to perfection on the long running TV series. The episodes airing are "The Crash of 29 Years Old" and "Carol's Wedding."

Friday, November 02, 2012

This TV Adds Green Acres; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 5, 2012)

This TV quietly added Green Acres to their schedule yesterday morning. The first two episodes of the series, "Oliver Buys a Farm" and "Lisa's First Day on the Farm", aired at 5-6am. It will air weekdays at 5-6am and weekends at 7-8am. The 7am weekend airing will occasionally be pre-empted when they have a longer movie on the schedule. Check their show page for any additional airings. Green Acres last aired on MeTV earlier this year from June 20 to September 1 as part of their "Summer of Me" block.

Highway Patrol, Sea Hunt, Bat Masterson (which was airing on Sundays at 7am) and The Outer Limits (1963) have been taken off the lineup. The first three of those classic series were produced by Ziv Television Programs. As we mentioned back in September, This TV also airs The Patty Duke Show and Mister Ed. In addition to its regular 6am timeslot, The Patty Duke Show will receive additional airings some weekdays and weekends at 4am. Mister Ed will air some weekdays and weekends at 4:30am plus their regular 6:30am timeslot. Stargate SG-1 remains on Sundays at 9pm and 10pm. The rest of their schedule includes animated series from the Cookie Jar Toons archive like Inspector Gagdget, Hurricanes, Action Man, Metajets, and Sabrina, the Animated Series. Movies or E/I programming fill out the rest of their lineup.

This TV is a free over the air digital station that brings you award winning films, box office hits, cult classics, retro TV series and all your favorite Hollywood stars. Whether it's on satellite, your local cable provider, or your over-the-air digital signal, it doesn't get better than This! This TV is the place to be! Stay with us for any further schedule changes.

It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of November 5-9, 2012, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory) - Watch Simon on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
Katey Sagal (Married with Children/8 Simple Rules) - Katey drops by Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
Ellen Barkin (The New Normal) - Ellen is a guest on Chelsea Lately on E! at 11pm.
Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program) - Sarah appears on Conan at 11pm on TBS.
Brian Austin Green (Wedding Band) - Brian stops by Conan at 11pm on TBS.
Julie Bowen (Modern Family) - Julie visits The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.
Peter Facinelli (Nurse Jackie) - Peter is a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.
Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years) - Danica talks about her latest book on Marie on Hallmark Channel at 12pm ET/PT.
Krysten Ritter (Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23) - Krysten appears on Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
Jay Mohr (Gary Unmarried/Action) - Jay visits Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project/The Office) - Watch Mindy on Conan at 11pm on TBS. She also appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) - Simon and Kunal are guests on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith and Michael Strahan (Brothers) - Kelly and Michael appear on Katie, so check your local listings.
Garret Dillahunt (Raising Hope) - Garret talks about working with Cloris Leachman on Marie on Hallmark Channel at 12pm ET/PT.
Keke Palmer (True Jackson, VP) - Keke guest co-hosts Anderson Live on Tuesday and Thursday, so check your local listings.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

John Goodman (Roseanne) - Watch John on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 12am on ABC.
Eliza Coupe (Happy Endings/Scrubs) - Eliza appears on Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
Peri Gilpin (Frasier) - Peri visits The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
Josh Peck (Drake & Josh) - Josh stops by LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
Fran Drescher (Happily Divorced/The Nanny) - Fran chats on Marie on Hallmark Channel at 12pm ET/PT.
Alicia Silverstone (Suburgatory) - Alicia appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.
Michael J. Fox (Family Ties/Spin City) - Michael is a guest on Katie, so check your local listings.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Robin Williams (Mork & Mindy) - Catch Robin on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
Sally Field (Gidget/The Flying Nun) - Sally visits The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at 11:35pm on NBC.
Kirstie Alley (Cheers/Veronica's Closet) - Kirstie drops by Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 12am on ABC.
Brian Austin Green (Wedding Band) - Brian talks about his TV new series, Wedding Band, on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Debi Mazar (Entourage) - Debi chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Steve Harvey (The Steve Harvey Show) - Steve is a guest on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) - Tune in to see Miley on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Matthew Perry (Go On/Mr. Sunshine/Friends) - Watch Matthew on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
T.J. Miller (Carpoolers) - T.J. drops by Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
Kirstie Alley (Cheers/Veronica's Closet) - Kirstie continues to make the rounds on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.
David Alan Basche (The Exes/Oh, Grow Up/Three Sisters) - David is a guest on Marie on Hallmark Channel at 12pm ET/PT.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric stops by Steve Harvey, so check your local listings.

Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Friday feature! We do listen!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

This TV Fall 2012 Schedule Has Inspector Gadget; ABC Family Orders Three Pilots, Including Two Sitcoms

This TV has announced its Fall 2012 schedule and changes are being made to its "This Is For Kids" morning block. The block is weekdays from 7-10am and features animated series from the Cookie Jar Toons archive. Of note to us is that they will bring back animated comedy Inspector Gadget, voiced by Don Adams, back to its schedule and air it weekdays at 7am beginning Oct. 1. Wowsers! New additions to the line-up include Sabrina, the Animated Series, which will air weekday mornings at 9am. Rounding out the block is Hurricanes, Action Man, Metajets, Prostars, Stargate Infinity, Flight Squad and Horseland. Only the latter is five days a week, at 9:30am, while those other series are either Mon, Wed, Fri or Tues, Thurs. Leaving the schedule will be The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills, Super Duper Sumos and Liberty's Kids. On weekends, animated series include Country Mouse & City Mouse Adventures, Danger Rangers, Emily of New Moon, Mona the Vampire and Madeline.

Besides the animated series, there are no other changes, so you can expect weekdays from 4am-7am to remain the same with vintage retro TV series with The Outer Limits, Highway Patrol, Sea Hunt, The Patty Duke Show, and Mister Ed. On Sundays, Bat Masterson remains at 7am, while Stargate SG-1 remains at 9pm & 10pm. The rest of the schedule is filled with movies or E/I programming.
This TV is a free over the air digital station that brings you award winning films, box office hits, cult classics, retro TV series and all your favorite Hollywood stars! Whether it's on satellite, your local cable provider, or your over-the-air digital signal, it doesn't get better than This!

ABC Family has greenlit three additional pilots to add to its production slate -- Terminales, a one hour drama pilot adapted from a successful Televisa series, and two new sitcom pilots, Phys Ed and Continuing Fred. The three pilots will go into production this fall along with the previously announced drama pilots The Fosters (working title), from executive producer Jennifer Lopez, and Socio, from executive producer Gavin Polone. The two sitcom pilots are in consideration to join the network's successful sitcom hour of Melissa & Joey and Baby Daddy. Here are the details on the sitcom pilots: Phys Ed is a half-hour multi-camera comedy pilot about a high school's star jock who returns to teach at his former alma mater only to find that, even though he's changed, nothing else really has. The pilot is written and-executive produced by David H. Steinberg. It is produced by Prodco, Inc. Continuing Fred is a half-hour multi-camera sitcom pilot about 20-something Winifred "Fred" Harris, a newly-graduated slacker with an overbearing family who surprisingly finds purpose when she begins to teach at a local elementary school. Written by Bill Daly (Mike and Molly), the pilot is also produced by Prodco, Inc.

Stay with us if any of these pilots heads to series. Most likely most will, given ABC Family's track record of picking up pilots.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Help Us Get Amy Davidson On ABC's Suburgatory; MeTV and ThisTV To Air Classic Holiday Specials

Today we are starting a campaign to get actress Amy Davidson (8 Simple Rules) on ABC's new comedy Suburgatory! The hit comedy Suburgatory has premiered on ABC's popular Laugh On Wednesday comedy block. As we know, the series stars break-out star Jane Levy about a father and daughter moving from Manhattan to the suburbs. Single father George (Jeremy Sisto) only wants the best for his 16-year-old daughter, Tessa (Jane Levy). So when he finds a box of condoms on her nightstand, he moves them both out of their apartment in New York City to a house in the suburbs. But all Tessa sees is the horror of over-manicured lawns and plastic Franken-moms. Being in the 'burbs can be hell, but it also may just bring Tessa and George closer than they've ever been.

We at SitcomsOnline.com love the comedy and think it is the best new comedy this fall! While watching the pilot, we thought it would be great to have actress Amy Davidson (8 Simple Rules) either guest star or recur on this comedy as a cousin or any other character the producers/casting have in mind. She would be a perfect match for this series because she is so much like Jane Levy -- a talented comedic star! And she also is spitting image of Jane!

Amy Davidson of course is best known for playing Kerry Hennessy on the popular ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules, which starred TV legend John Ritter. She showed her comedic chops on that sitcom and had great chemistry with John Ritter and the entire cast. John Ritter even called Amy Davidson "very talented." Amy has also worked with other great TV stars in her career such as Betty White, Katey Sagal, Ted Danson, James Garner, David Spade, Richard Thomas, Kaley Cuoco, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Tom Cavanagh, and Sharon Lawrence.
Amy is a versatile actress with broad range in comedy and drama. Her latest TV appearance on a chilling episode of CSI was riveting television. She also showed her versatility in a great performance on the TV mini-series The Capture of the Green River Killer. But since we love comedy, we want to see Amy back on a TV comedy showing more of her great talent! We urge all of you to please sign this because Suburgatory and Amy Davidson are a perfect match and would make for great TV!

Please leave your name and comments to help us get Amy Davidson on this wonderful show! We will be sending this along to the producers and casting for the series! Thanks and spread the word! Follow Amy Davidson on Twitter and "Like" Amy Davidson on Facebook.

Onto some news, Broadcast Partners has announced it had entered into a license deal with both MeTV Network and ThisTV to bring its 2011 holiday package to life. MeTV and ThisTV will be airing ten great timeless holiday classics: He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special, The Legend of Frosty, Cricket on The Hearth, Fat Albert Christmas Special, First Snow of Christmas, Forgotten Toy's Christmas, Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas, Santa's Last Christmas, Second Star to the Left, and Snow White Christmas. MeTV and ThisTV are bringing a huge national audience to some amazing titles that frankly have been unseen in years, notes Broadcast's Partner's President Neal Ardman. He adds, how wonderful it is for parents to now be able to share some of these holiday memories with their own children. These classics include star voices like Bill Cosby, Hugh Laurie, Danny Thomas and Ed Ames and even a song by funny man Burt Reynolds!
Stay with us for more on these specials when MeTV Network and ThisTV announce their 2011 holiday schedules! Let's hope for some cool sitcom holiday episode stunts, too!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Updates on Me-TV National Network, Plus Local Me-TV/Me-Too; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of December 13, 2010)

A couple of weeks ago we announced that Me-TV would be going national and now we have an update on that! Me-TV Network was originally slated to launch this past Wednesday (Dec. 8), but now it will launch next week on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
But first we have gotten a lot of questions on what will happen to the local Me-TV in Chicago and the local Me-TV in Milwaukee as a result of this new national network? Chicago will get the national Me-TV Network feed come December 15, therefore Me-TV Chicago feed will no longer be needed. However starting Dec. 15, sister station Me-Too in Chicago will join forces with the local Me-TV Chicago feed and will air the shows that the national Me-TV Network doesn't have national rights to on its schedule (which includes shows even from Sony Pictures Television), on the new Me-Too in Chicago. As we know, the national Me-TV Network will primarily air the CBS Paramount and 20th Century Fox series. Chicago's Me-Too will now air the comedies you loved on Me-TV Chicago as well as the dramas you currently love on Me-Too. View the schedule for the new Me-Too in Chicago starting Dec. 15. So for you in Chicago, it's time to rescan for new channels, so you know where everything is. The national Me-TV Network (no longer local Me-TV) will be on 26.3, the new Me-Too (combines local Me-TV and Me-Too) will be on 26.4, while MGM's THIS tv moves to the new 26.5. Launching Wednesday, January 5 will be The U Too, which we mentioned before, but now it will be on channel 26.2. View their launch schedule.
Milwaukee will also turn its local Me-TV station into the national Me-TV Network feed come Dec. 15. Then in first quarter 2011, they will add a Me-Too in Milwaukee, so all of the current shows you all like in Milwaukee that currently air on Me-TV Milwaukee but won't air on the national network, will return. We will have the schedule for Me-Too Milwaukee closer to launch. Me-TV airs on channel 49 in Milwaukee and looks like will remain that way with the national network.
Finally, for the rest of us, Me-TV Network will launch Dec. 15. Affiliate info is still not known, but we have learned that MGM will be handling distribution for the network, like they do with THIS tv. So stay with us for more! We will bring you the affiliate listings as soon as we know, but they won't be announced soon. They are just getting started and in most markets have a couple of options that have to be explored and negotiated. So they are not in a rush, and hope people understand this takes more than "flipping a switch" for a broadcaster to commit to programming, says Me-TV. So, Chicago, Milwaukee and I think South Bend are among the stations launching the national Me-TV Dec. 15. We'll keep you updated as MGM announces affiliates for Me-TV Network, but you can do you part by calling/emailing your local stations to add Me-TV Network to their digital substations! It will make a difference!

Since we mentioned THIS tv above (another digital substation), I'd like to mention that they recently started an animation block on weekday mornings with Heathcliff, Tex Avery, Inspector Gadget, and Pink Panther among the series they air from 7am-9am. Saturday mornings has an E/I series block which includes shows like The Busy World of Richard Scarry. A Sunday morning block has Sonic Underground, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Evolution, and Stargate Infinity starting at 8am. We already knew they air sitcoms The Patty Duke Show and Mister Ed every weekday mornings in the 6am hour, as we mentioned back in 2008 on their launch story. Among the other series they air are Sea Hunt, Highway Patrol, The Outer Limits, Stargate SG-1, and Bat Masterson. The schedule consist mainly of MGM films.
THIS tv will be airing two Pink Panther animated specials: the 1980 special Olym-pinks on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 10am followed by the 1978 holiday special A Pink Christmas at 10:30am. The latter also airs on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7:30pm.
View the THIS tv website for a list of stations airing this network. As we mentioned back in May, Tribune stations picked it up on many of their stations, including NY's WPIX.

It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars (but we won't cover movie stars like Tom Hanks or John Travolta, since they won't be talking about their past sitcoms likely), so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of Dec. 13-17, 2010, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Tom Arnold (Roseanne/Jackie Thomas Show/The Tom Show) - Watch Tom on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Catch the Emmy winner on Lopez Tonight on TBS at 12am.
Marlo Thomas (That Girl) - Marlo appears on The Fran Drescher Tawk Show that has appeared airing on some Fox stations recently.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Steve Carell (The Office) - Catch Steve on The Ellen DeGeneres Show so check listings.
Amy Yasbeck (Wings/Alright Already/Life on a Stick) - Watch a repeat of Amy on The Rachel Ray Show so check your listings.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Mila Kunis (That '70s Show/Family Guy) - Catch Mila on an all-new Lopez Tonight on TBS at 12am.
Ted Danson (Cheers/Becker/Bored to Dead/Help Me Help You) - Catch Ted with his wife on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm PT-CT.
Tony Danza (Who's the Boss?/Taxi) - Catch a repeat of Tony on The Oprah Show, so check listings.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother) - Catch Jason on The Tonight Show at 11:35pm on NBC.

Friday, December 17, 2010

None.

Michael J. Fox appears on Weekend TODAY show on Sunday (Dec. 12) at 9am on NBC.

Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Friday feature! We do listen!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

CBS Summer 2010 Schedule; Tribune Stations Adding This TV to Digital, Includes New York

At long last CBS has "sort of" announced its summer schedule. This summer on CBS there will be plenty of repeats, but there are some scripted options along with the return of reality staple Big Brother. On Fridays, effective Friday, June 4, 2010, an all-new season of crime drama Flashpoint returns to CBS airing Fridays at 9pm leading into burn-off episodes of the canceled drama Miami Medical at 10pm. The very next day, Saturday, June 5, 2010, CBS will burn-off episodes of medical drama Three Rivers on Saturdays at 8pm.
On Friday, July 2 at 10pm, Miami Medical has its series finale, while Three Rivers will have its series finale the very next night (Saturday, July 3) at 8pm. On Friday, July 9, 2010 CBS will air two all-new back-to-back episodes of Flashpoint from 9-11pm, before it moves to 10pm starting July 16. Repeats of Medium is currently slated to air at 9pm starting July 16. Replacing Three Rivers on Saturdays will be Canadian import The Bridge starting Saturday, July 10 at 8pm.
Moving on to reality, Big Brother returns for its 12th season starting Thursday, July 8 at 8pm. The series will air this season on Thursdays at 8pm, Sundays at 8pm (starting July 11), and Wednesdays at 8pm (starting July 14). As of now, everything else in the summer are pretty much repeats. CBS airs the 64th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 13 from 8-11pm and the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday, June 27 from 9-11pm. And on Saturday, July 3, 2010, CBS presents the network premiere of the film Die Another Day.
In other CBS updates, Paula Abdul has been named an executive producer, creative partner and lead judge for Got to Dance (working title), a new reality-competition series for CBS. She will also serve as coach, mentor and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process, providing critical input and guidance while sharing her experience with hopeful contestants. No word yet when the series will air, but it could possibly air in January 2011. The series is based on the British hit that debuted earlier this year and has been a ratings sensation for Britain's Sky 1, making it one of the UK's top-rated pay TV series this season.
View the full CBS Summer 2010 schedule thus far. We will update it as we get information, so keep checking it!

Tribune Broadcasting has signed a long-term affiliation agreement to air MGM's This TV on Tribune's digital channels. This TV will pick up Tribune stations as new affiliates in New York (WPIX), Miami (WSFL), St. Louis (KPLR), San Diego (KSWB) and Grand Rapids (WXMI). At the same time, This TV has renewed its existing affiliation agreements with Tribune stations in Los Angeles (KTLA), Philadelphia (WPHL), Washington, D.C. (WDCW), Denver (KWGN), Indianapolis/Bloomington (WTTV/WTIC), Hartford (WTIC) and New Orleans (WNOL).
This TV is a 24/7 free, ad-supported network that offers classic movies and TV shows from MGM's library; informational and educational children's programming; opportunities for TV stations to customize the network for their local markets; and no paid programming. This TV, which was created and is operated jointly by MGM and Weigel Broadcasting, was launched in November of 2008. MGM and Tribune have also formed a strategic partnership designed to continue to grow the digital network, which is now carried by stations reaching over 85% of the country. MGM also announced it has reached an agreement with The Nielsen Company, which will provide national ratings for This TV.
This TV airs classic series such as Mister Ed, The Patty Duke Show, and The Outer Limits.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Remembering Farrah Fawcett, Charlie's Angels Marathon on WGN America Among the Tributes; CBS and NBC Fall 2009 Premiere Dates

As everyone already knows, Farrah Fawcett passed away yesterday. We mentioned it on our blog yesterday that we would do a tribute for her today and we will keep our promise!
Farrah Fawcett, who soared to fame as a national sex symbol in the late 1970s on television's Charlie's Angels and in a swimsuit poster that showcased her feathery mane and made her a generation's favorite pinup, died Thursday (June 25, 2009) Fawcett, whose celebrity overshadowed her ability as a serious actress, was diagnosed with a rare anal cancer in 2006, died about 9:30 a.m. PT at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica.
Three months after she was declared cancer-free in 2007, doctors at UCLA Medical Center told her the cancer had returned, spreading to her liver, and she repeatedly sought experimental treatment in Germany.
As an actress, Fawcett was initially dismissed for her role as Jill Munroe in Charlie's Angels, one of the "jiggle" series on ABC in the late 1970s. Fawcett quit the series that brought her initial fame in 1977 after a single season, saying producers were preventing her from growing as an actress. With Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith, Fawcett played a private investigator. She returned for 6 episodes as a special guest star.
She transformed her career and some popular perceptions in 1984 with The Burning Bed, a NBC television movie about a battered wife that brought her the first of three Emmy nominations. She further established herself as an actress in the play and later feature film Extremities in 1986, about a rape victim who takes revenge on her attacker. In 1989 she starred in the ABC TV mini-series Small Sacrifices opposite Ryan O'Neal, giving her an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination. Her other Golden Globe nominated roles on TV-movies include ABC's Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfeld Story and NBC's Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story.
Among Farrah's other cedits includes the short lived CBS sitcom in 1991 called Good Sports starring her and boyfriend Ryan O'Neal, and guest appearances on many other TV series over the years such as Mayberry RFD, I Dream of Jeannie, The Flying Nun, The Partridge Family, Owen Marshall, The Girl with Something Extra, McCloud, Apple's Way, Marcus Welby, S.W.A.T., The Brady Bunch Hour, The Battle of the Network Stars, Larry Sanders Show, Ally McBeal, and So noTORIous. And recurring appearances on Harry-O, The Six Million Dollar Man, Spin City, and The Guardian. She had her own reality series in 2005 on TV Land called Chasing Farrah, where she made her last rounds on talk shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Show with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Regis & Kelly. During the 2006 Emmy Awards, the same year she was diagnosed with cancer, she and her fellow Charlie's Angels paid tribute to the late Aaron Spelling on stage. Recently she documented Farrah's Story for NBC about her daily life with anal cancer.
Farrah will certainly be missed as there were two primetime specials on her last night on ABC and NBC at 10pm. Take some time this weekend to watch tributes and marathons dedicated to Farrah. Her death was overshadowed by the untimely death of Michael Jackson, but she is certainly not forgotten. She was 62.

As we mentioned yesterday, there will be a lot of tributes and marathons to Farrah this weekend, so let's go over them here. The biggest one is on WGN America where they will air Charlie's Angels on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday we get the two most famous episodes she did probably, the first episode and "Angels in Chains." in primetime from 8-10pm ET (5-7pm PT). Then on Sunday, WGN America will air a Charlie's Angels marathon from 5-10pm ET and 11pm-2am ET during their Outta Sight Retro Night. Eight episodes will air on this day including "Lady Killer" and "Blue Angels." And if you're in Chicago, Me-TV will air Charlie's Angels all next week, Mon-Fri at 11am and 12pm CT featuring some of her best Charlie's Angels performances as Jill Munroe. All week long, Chicago viewers will see back-to-back episodes of Charlie's Angels, highlighting Fawcett's first and only full season - along with her guest appearances from the third and fourth seasons.
TV Land will also air Charlie's Angels on Saturday but from 7-9pm (first episode and "Angels in Chains") and also air the first two episodes of its 2005 original series Chasing Farrah in primetime on Saturday from 9-10pm ET/PT. The series chronicled her daily life as one of the most recognized stars in the history of celebrity. TVLand.com will feature a Memorial Spot, which will also run on-air, and an Obituary section.
Bio TV will salute Farrah by reairing her Biography episode this Monday at 10pm, retitled Biography Remembers: Farrah Fawcett. Before that, Bio TV will air Biography episodes of Aaron Spelling and Charlie's Angels at 8 and 9pm, as a lead-in. And Michael Jackson fans, Biography Remembers: Michael Jackson will follow at 11pm on Monday (in addition to its already scheduled airings on Saturday at 10 and 11pm).
Movie wise, BET will air her last movie The Cookout from 2004 on Saturday at 8:30pm and again on Sunday at 1:30pm. BET is currently airing Michael Jackson programming all-day today, as are most other music channels like VH-1 Classic. Other movies airing for Farrah are The Burning Bed on Tuesday, June 30 on ENCORE Drama and Dr. T and the Women on TMC later in the week. This TV will air two classic TV movies of her. Beginning this Saturday, THIS tv Network remembers the television and film career of Farrah Fawcett. She was a critically acclaimed movie actor. This week, THIStv Network pays tribute to her life and career with two of her finest ABC TV-movie performances in The Nazi Hunter: Beate Klarsfeld Story at 2pm on Saturday and Small Sacrifices at 4pm on Saturday, with encores during next week for both.
And if you missed the documentary Farrah's Story, NBC and Oxygen will re-air it. NBC will air it tonight from 8-10pm ET/PT and Oxygen on Saturday starting at 3:30pm.
We will keep you up to date if we hear anything else. View the full list.

We mentioned some Michael Jackson tributes above, and we would also like to pay tribute to Michael a bit. There were lots of tributes yesterday for him with ABC and NBC airing specials at 9pm and CBS at 10pm. ABC also devoted Nightline to Michael last night. ABC will have another special 20/20 on Jackson tonight at 9pm, while NBC will air yet another Dateline special tonight at 10. TV Land will reair the 1992 five-hour miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream on Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 2pm–7pm ET/PT with an immediate encore presentation from 7pm–12am ET/PT, breaking into its regularly scheduled Married...with Children marathon. Fox will reair a Michael Jackson themed episode of American Idol from this past season on Monday from 8-10pm ET/PT. We mentioned Bio TV will reair his Biography multiple times and nearly all the music channels are playing his videos or is doing special programming on him. Michael was only 50.

Back to some news--we have the CBS and NBC Fall premiere dates now, joining ABC, Fox, and The CW.
CBS's new season roll-out officially begins on Monday, Sept. 21 with How I Met Your Mother moving to 8:00 PM, ET/PT, the premiere of the new comedy Accidentally on Purpose at 8:30 PM, ET/PT, the seventh season premiere of television's number one comedy Two and a Half Men at 9:00 PM, ET/PT, the third season premiere of The Big Bang Theory in its new time period of 9:30 PM, ET/PT and the eighth season premiere of CSI: Miami at 10:00 PM, ET/PT.
NCIS begins its seventh season on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT, followed by the new NCIS: LA spin-off at 9:00 PM, ET/PT and the freshman drama The Good Wife at 10:00 PM, ET/PT.
CBS returns its Wednesday comedy block on Sept. 23 with the fifth season of The New Adventures of Old Christine at 8:00 PM, ET/PT and sophomore comedy Gary Unmarried at 8:30 PM, ET/PT, followed by the fifth season premiere of Criminal Minds at 9:00 PM, ET/PT and the sixth season premiere of CSI: NY at10:00 PM, ET/PT.
Survivor: Samoa, the 19th installment of the hit reality series, will debut a week prior to the formal start of the season, on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT). CSI returns for its 10th season on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 9:00 PM, ET/PT followed by the new night and time period premiere of last season's No. 1 new hit The Mentalist at 10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT.
The Network's top-rated Friday lineup returns on Sept. 25 with the fifth season premiere of Ghost Whisperer at 8:00 PM, ET/PT, the CBS debut of the popular drama Medium at 9:00 PM, ET/PT, followed by the sixth season premiere of NUMB3RS at 10:00 PM, ET/PT.
CBS's Saturday schedule premieres Sept. 26 with the return of 48 Hours Mystery at10:00 PM, ET/PT, preceded by two hours of crime repeats from 8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT.
60 Minutes returns for its 42nd season on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 PM, ET/PT, followed by a special two-hour debut of the 15th edition The Amazing Race from 8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT and the seventh season premiere of Cold Case in its new time period of 10:00 PM, ET/PT. Premiering a week later on Sunday, Oct. 4 is the new drama Three Rivers at 9:00 PM, ET/PT.

NBC kicks off the Fall 2009 season with NBC Sunday Night Football, beginning September 13 with a classic match-up: the Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers. Then on Monday, September 14 the primetime debut of The Jay Leno Show from 10-11 p.m. ET/PT kicks off its new weeknight hour. On Tuesday, September 15 from 8-10 p.m., The Biggest Loser returns with all new two-hour episodes, featuring more inspiration and real-life drama as this season's contestants challenge themselves to reach their weight-loss goals. Then the premiere of the network's night of comedy on Thursday, September 17, as Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday (8pm) and new series Community (9:30) join Parks and Recreation (8:30) and Emmy winner The Office (9pm). Emmy winner 30 Rock returns to the Thursday comedy line-up on October 15 at 9:30, as Community moves to 8pm on Oct. 8.
A two-hour Heroes will start the actual premiere week on Monday, September 21 from 8-10 p.m. and the new high-octane Trauma will premiere the following Monday, September 28 from 9-10 p.m. ET, as Heroes moves to 8pm. The compelling family drama Parenthood premieres on Wednesday, September 23 from 8-9 p.m. ET leading into Law & Order: SVU from 9-10 p.m. ET. On Fridays, beginning September 25, the venerable Law & Order returns for a record 20th season at 8 p.m., followed by the acclaimed drama Southland at 9 p.m. ET. Beginning September 26, Saturdays in primetime will be a showcase for Dateline NBC at 8 p.m. ET and encore presentations of Trauma at 9 p.m. ET and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit at 10 p.m. ET. In addition, Saturday Night Live returns for its 35th season on September 26 from 11:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m. ET/PT.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

MGM/Weigel's This TV Cleared for More Stations; NATPE 2009 Day 1 Update; ION Television Sees Ratings Growth

On the opening day of the National Association of Television Program Executives conference (NATPE), MGM Domestic Television (MGM) and Weigel Broadcasting announced key stations from Tribune Broadcasting Company have been added as new affiliates for "This TV," the new digital service featuring hit movies and TV series from the expansive and treasured MGM library. TV series include Mister Ed and The Patty Duke Show. The clearance level is now over 60% of the country. New stations include the digital feeds of the following: Tribune's KTLA-TV (Los Angeles), WPHL-TV (Philadelphia), WDCW-TV (Washington D.C.), WTIC-TV/WTXX (Hartford) and WGNO/WNOL (New Orleans) as well as Sunbeam's WHDH (Boston). The digital network has also added 15 additional stations from Raycom, including WUAB (Cleveland), WXIX (Cincinnati), WMC (Memphis), WAVE (Louisville), and WNTZ (Knoxville). In addition, Quincy Newspapers, Inc. affiliates: WKOW (Madison), KWWL (Cedar Rapids), WSJV (South Bend), and WAOW (Wausau).
If you're in those markets, check those affiliates' digital subchannels to see if This TV has already launched. They are expected to launch immediately, if they haven't already.

In other NATPE news, Disney-ABC's Legend of the Seeker will return for a second season next season and CBS Television Distribution's Star Trek: The Next Generation will return to syndication this fall airing mostly weekdays in the late nights. Star Trek: The Next Generation will air on top Tribune stations, and has already been bought by WGN America on cable, which they started airing last week. Litton Entertainment announced that Storm Stories will return for a second season in syndication. It mostly airs on the weekends in many markets and allows TV stations to incorporate local weather talent and news into the show. Litton's first-run series Street Court, starring Michael "Judge Mazz" Mazzariello, is a firm go for fall 2009, with 65% of the country cleared, including WPIX in New York and WCIU in Chicago.
View the full list of shows being offered for stations to buy. Now this doesn't mean they will air next fall, but this is what is being offered for 2009-10 in syndication. We will have a better idea what is confirmed and a firm go by the end of NATPE. For example, first-run talk show Marie is not yet a firm go, but Street Court, The Wendy Williams Show, and Dr. Mehmet Oz are firm gos. Judge Jeanine Pirro is entering first-run syndication for its second season coming off its run on The CW Daytime however it is not a firm go yet, while Tyra Banks Show will leave syndication and move to The CW Daytime.
Other series leaving syndication: Twentieth Television's The Morning Show With Mike and Juliet, Debmar-Mercury's Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, and Sony Pictures Television's Judge David Young and Judge Karen. They are all canceled and will not return. A few other shows are also almost dead, such as Twentieth's third-year series Cristina's Court. The Doctors has been confirmed it will return next season, and some of the other series expected to come back are Deal Or No Deal, Family Court With Judge Penny, and The Bonnie Hunt Show, though all of those have not done exceptional in the ratings.
We will keep you up to date of more clearances, especially the off-network reruns such as Everybody Hates Chris, The Office, My Name is Earl, Bones, Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy, and The E! True Hollywood Story. Check out the offer list above!

ION Television ended 2008 with significant growth in primetime viewership, including marked growth in the adults 25-54 and 18-49 demos. ION TV's primetime household viewership has grown 67%, jumping from a 0.3 to 0.5 household rating, since the introduction of the network's new, robust slate of critically acclaimed off-net series in September. This viewership growth has well positioned ION TV as one of the fastest growing entertainment networks, up 26% among adults 18-49, ranking second, and up 25% among adults 25-54, ranking third, of all major broadcast and cable networks, in a year over year growth comparison.
View the full press release.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Former RTN in Buffalo Turns to This TV; ABC and ABC Studios Announce Reorganization

Former RTN affiliate WNGS, is now an affiliate of MGM/Weigel's This TV. If you all recall, a few RTN stations that were owned by Equity (like Buffalo and Little Rock), had to remove RTN programming starting Jan. 5 because of an expired deal (and that Equity is now bankrupt). RTN is still looking to replace the missing affiliates in those cities with other affiliates. However, the former RTN in Buffalo is now with This TV. The This TV programming started on Tuesday. They air MGM-owned movies and TV series, but primarily movies. The TV series include Mister Ed and The Patty Duke Show. While this is semi-good news for Buffalo, let's hope Buffalo can find another spot for RTN in the near future!
Speaking of RTN, I don't have much to report, but some areas are back on their local schedule rather than the national feed.
Please continue to give us feedback on if your station is back on your local feed or if the national schedule is continuing for your RTN station. We hope to have more RTN news soon.. So please stay with us!

Responding to the changing realities of the entertainment landscape, and addressing an opportunity to streamline the creative process, ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios will be operated as a coordinated business unit entitled ABC Entertainment Group, it was announced today by Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney-Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group.
This newly formed unit will be managed by President Stephen McPherson, who had previously served as president, ABC Entertainment. Now McPherson will serve as president of ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios. Mark Pedowitz, former president of ABC Studios, has moved into a new role as senior advisor to the Office of the Co-Chairman, where he will work alongside Ms. Sweeney on a myriad of evolving business, labor relations and emerging media issues.
The newly formed ABC Entertainment Group will combine ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment, with all operations of the two separate units reporting to Mr. McPherson. The new division's primary mandate will be to develop and produce compelling programming for broadcast on ABC. However, when appropriate, the studio will look for outside opportunities. The successful partnership between ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment prior to this announcement has delivered some of the most successful, talked-about and evolutionary series on television today, including Desperate Housewives, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters. Mr. McPherson will spend the next few months integrating the units, with input from Mr. Pedowitz.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Early Show Celebrates 5 Decades; This TV Comes to Houston in December; Beaver's Tony Dow An Artist?

All this week CBS's Early Show has been looking at the past 5 decades in every way, including of course television. We didn't get word until about Wednesday, so it was too late to promote it...but we will recap it here today. On Monday, Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith took a walk down memory lane and had a chat with the former child stars of the 1950's, who made TV's golden age shimmer. Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver) of Leave it to Beaver, Jon Provost (Timmy) of Lassie, Paul Petersen (Jeff Stone) of The Donna Reed Show, Keith Thibodeaux (Little Ricky Ricardo) of I Love Lucy all joined The Early Show to reminisce of the good old days of TV. View the 50s segment.
On Tuesday, Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith sat down with four leading ladies of the 1960's, Barbara Eden (Jeannie) of I Dream of Jeannie, Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) of Gilligan's Island, Barbara Feldon (Agent 99) of Get Smart and Kathy Garver (Cissy) of Family Affair to chat about how their characters changed their lives. You can view this 60s segment.
On Wednesday, The Early Show celebrated the 1970's. There were no actual reunions or stars on, though, but they talked about the 70s and dressed in 70s clothing. Gloria Gaynor did perform her hits, though. View the 70s segment.
On Thursday it was time to celebrate the 1980's. Actress Joan Collins, who played Alexis Carrington, John Forsythe's vindictive ex-wife on Dynasty, helped to set the bar when it came to malicious scheming, cat-fighting and starting fashion trends. Today, Collins continues to challenge herself with writing books and columns, as well as roles on television and the big screen. The legendary 75-year-old actress sat down with Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith to chat about her iconic status during the '80s and dish on her secret to looking youthful. You can view that here.
Finally, today it was the '90s turn. Talk show host Maury Povich talked with Harry Smith and Julie Chen about Maury and other 90s talk shows. Tabloid talk shows in the '90s were loud and controversial and oftentimes over the top, but as crazy and uncensored as it may have been, it helped to define the decade. View this video.

We of course mentioned a few weeks ago that new digital station This TV has launched in a few markets on Halloween, now This TV will launch in Houston on December 1 as one of KPRC's (Channel 2) digital stations. This TV will replace the NBC WeatherPlus signal that currently airs on KPRC's digital signal 2.2 and at channel 320 on Comcast cable.
This TV is from MGM and Weigel Broadcasting and airs TV series such as Patty Duke Show, Mister Ed and The Outer Limits. The network mainly airs MGM movies, such as The Misfits, They Call Me Mister Tibbs, Diggstown, The Terminator, The Three Amigos and How to Stuff a Wild Bikini.

The actor most notably recognized as 'Wally' on the classic television sitcom, Leave it to Beaver is set to showcase his artistic talents in Paris, France. Tony Dow will display an abstract sculpture in Paris' historical Louvre museum this December. The showcase will run from December 11 to December 14.
Since the end of his run on Leave it to Beaver Dow has worked on several television shows as a director and producer, as well as acting here and there.
Dow, 63, now lives in Los Angeles and has expressed excitement about his upcoming debut stating, "Having something shown at the Louvre is about as good as you can get... I'm a little humbled by the whole thing but grateful nonetheless." Dow also stated, "Of course, I'm really proud of Leave It to Beaver and my directing career in television...but this is interesting because I don't think they know anything about that at the Louvre."

Monday, November 03, 2008

This TV Launches with Mr. Ed and Patty Duke; TV Land Changes; Samantha Who and Kath & Kim Renewed

Back in late July we told you new digital station "This TV" was launching in October, and as promised, they have launched! They launched on Halloween with a a marathon of scary movies like Amityville II & Amityville 3-D. This TV is owned by MGM and Weigel Broadcasting...Weigel also owns the popular Me-TV and Me-Too.
As of now, clearances are only in Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Columbus, Albany, Richmond, and Dayton, OH. They are primarily airing MGM movies like 12 Angry Men, Something Wild, & Great Balls of Fire, but a few MGM TV series have been mixed in as well such as the original Outer Limits, The Patty Duke Show and Mister Ed. They all air between 4-7am ET on weekdays, 4-10am on Saturdays, and 6-9am on Sundays. This TV also airs children's programming such as Miss Mallard Mystery, Paddington Bear, Flight Squad, Robinson Sucroe, Animal Crackers, Spider Riders and Ripley's Believe It or Not! ...these air weekdays 7-10am and Sundays 8am-11am. Another block airs on Saturday mornings from 10am-1pm with children's series such as Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures, Busy World of Richard Scarry, and Wimzie's House.
If you get this in your area right now, call yourself lucky to see Patty Duke & Mister Ed!

TV Land has made a schedule change starting late this afternoon (November 3). Hogan's Heroes goes from weekdays 5-6pm to weekdays from 4-5pm, replacing Beverly Hillbillies, which will remain 1-2pm. Now airing 5-6pm on weekdays is more Leave it to Beaver! Also, it seems 3rd Rock from the Sun is doing well for TV Land, in addition to its TV Land PRIME marathon this week (Nov. 3-7, 9pm-12am), it will get weekend plays from 12-7pm this Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 8-9). TV Land has also added a marathon of Three's Company this Saturday night (November 8) in the overnight from 2am-6am. Tune in!
View the full TV Land November 2008 highlights that we gave previously.

ABC has picked-up a full season of sophomore sitcom Samantha Who? It is no surprise, as the sitcom is a solid player for the network. It also is critically acclaimed with Christina Applegate winning a Golden Globe and Jean Smart winning an Emmy for the show. ABC will air 20 episodes this season, with three already have aired (fourth one airs tonight at 9:30pm ET/PT). Usually non-freshman shows already have 22 episode orders, but due to the strike last season, most second year shows got only 13 episode orders. The sitcom joins fellow ABC sophomore series Private Practice in getting picked up for a full season. They will not air the normal 22 for Sam, because they have a lot coming this mid-season comedy wise like The Goode Family, Single with Parents, Better off Ted...and returning series According to Jim and Scrubs. Speaking of those latter two, both could launch in December now. Previously as we stated, According to Jim was set to launch Dec. 2, Tuesdays 9-10pm, but I now hear that will be Scrubs. It is not official yet, but as soon as it is, I'll let you all know. Jim would air Tuesdays 8-9pm I think leading into Scrubs starting the following week, Dec. 9. Both shows have 18 episode orders.

Meanwhile, NBC has a fast trigger...in a good way though. They have picked-up nine more episodes of freshman sitcom Kath & Kim, despite low ratings. The last two airings have only been 4.99 and 5.44 million in its Thursday slot, but I guess NBC believes in the show and liked the little jump to 5.44 million after the series low? I cannot believe they picked-it up for a full 22 episodes already, but good news for fans of Molly Shannon and Selma Blair. The show has been blasted by critics.

Monday, July 28, 2008

RTN's New Line-Up and Answers To Fan Questions; New Digital TV Channel Coming Nationwide With MGM Classics

As many of you with Retro Television Network (RTN) affiliates already know, RTN changed their line-up last week (July 21). They primarily had CBS-Paramount shows on their line-up such as Perry Mason, Happy Days, The Beverly Hillbillies, Family Ties, Gomer Pyle, Get Smart, etc. But they also had other studio shows mixed in such as NBC Universal and Stephen J. Cannell. They also seem to have a few Sony shows on some affiliates still, such as The Monkees and The Partridge Family. Now the CBS-Paramount deal has expired, so those shows are gone, and RTN currently has Universal and Cannell shows only. Some of these shows were already airing on many RTN affiliates, but now more are added such as Leave it to Beaver, Adam-12, Dragnet, Kate & Allie, McHale's Navy, and That's Incredible! With of course the classics like The A-Team, Knight Rider, Magnum P.I., Rockford Files, Ironside and many others remaining.
After this new schedule started, all the affiliates are almost the same (more uniform than before) as RTN is trying to air a nationwide line-up, as this might help them. This NBC Universal and Stephen J. Cannell line-up can let them do that, as some of the CBS-Paramount shows were also in syndication on another station in other markets (such as Matlock), that's why some shows weren't available in some markets. That is not to say the CBS-Paramount shows will ever return, but if this works, you can see them return. Also, RTN is not ruling out by signing more studio deals, such as Sony and Warner Bros. They are all for the viewers and classic TV.
Also, many of your local RTN affiliates have some rare programs listed on your local RTN TV listings such as Bachelor Father and Operation Petticoat listed but they haven't actually aired yet and more Leave it to Beaver is airing instead. Why? Because some of these shows have been stuck inside Universal's vault for many years and they are just now getting them out. Honestly, can you think of the last time Bachelor Father was aired? Also, if you recall there was a fire at Universal a few months ago, so that is a cause for this delay, too. RTN has told me they will indeed air these shows not airing yet. They will most likely start by this weekend (if not sooner), so keep checking! If not by this weekend, for sure at the latest by sometime next week. They will air! So get those DVRs/VCR's ready for rare Universal stuff like Operation Petticoat, Wagon Train, Run For Your Life, The Bold Ones, and Bachelor Father. Kudos to RTN for trying and bringing out the classics from the vault that have been barely seen in the last few decades.
Many of you also asked how come there hasn't been more announcements for some new RTN affiliates? Well, they were recently bought by another company (as we mentioned), and they are just settling in. You will see more announcements of new stations in the near future! If you don't have an RTN affiliate yet, don't worry, you could be next! RTN is very happy to note that Washington, D.C.'s RTN has gone live today! A big step! Nothing for New York yet, but those of you in the NY market, e-mail WCBS, WABC, WNBC or WNYW (Fox) and suggest to add RTN to their digital broadcasts.
So how can YOU help RTN? RTN says if you really like RTN, e-mail/call your local affiliates and tell them you love RTN and watch it everyday. This is the best way to help RTN as this shows the affiliates that viewers are happy and tuning in. The comments about RTN are then sent to RTN themselves, so they get each comment you make to your local affiliate. So go to your local station's website or call them (if you don't know your RTN's website, email me and I'll tell you!)!
Head on over to our RTN thread where you can see/post RTN schedules, see press releases, post your comments and more! It is 22 pages so far and growing!

From the people who brought you Me-TV and Me-Too in Chicago will bring you "This TV" coming nationwide to a digital channel near you in October! Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) is rolling out "This TV," a new ad-supported around-the-clock linear digital channel designed for broadcast stations' digital spectrum. The new network, a partnership with Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting (Me-TV, Me-Too, WCIU owners), will launch this fall. It gets immediate carriage with Weigel stations in Chicago, Milwaukee and South Bend, Ind. The idea is for MGM is to leverage its library of more than 4,100 films and 10,000 hours of television programming, but also to give stations the chance to localize the look.
This TV will offer stations programming all day every day, but stations signing on have the right to a certain number of pre-emptions so that they can localize the channel with sports, news and weather if they want.
The lineup will be film-heavy, with possible MGM titles including 12 Angry Men and Class, starring Rob Lowe. It also will have some MGM classic television shows mixed in there ranging from The Addams Family to Thirtysomething. We're working on a full list of shows they will air, so come on back...but beware the channel will mainly be a film network.
The line-up will also feature children's programming from Cookie Jar Entertainment, with shows such as Johnny Test, The Doodlebops and Caillou.
The goal for the network is at least a 40% clearance across the country within the first year.
We will have more on This TV for sure soon! So stay tuned!

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