SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

NBCUniversal Renews Access Hollywood Through 2026; Netflix Picks Up More of The Great Indian Kapil Show

NBCUniversal Syndication Studios has renewed Access Hollywood and its successful brand extension, the daily talk show Access Daily with Mario & Kit, through 2026 in national syndication. The studio has sold the iconic entertainment news tentpole to NBCUniversal Local’s NBC Owned Television Stations, along with leading station groups across the country, for two additional seasons. For the 2023-24 season, which is its 28th in broadcast syndication, Access Hollywood is averaging over 1.1 million viewers each day and ranks as one of the top entertainment news programs in syndication. Access Hollywood continues to deliver for its local station partners and ranks as a top entertainment news program among the key women 25-54 demographic in many of the top markets, including New York (WNBC), Chicago (WMAQ), Philadelphia (WCAU), Dallas (KXAS), Washington, D.C. (WRC) and San Francisco (KNTV). Access Digital reaches over 6.6 million organic followers and is a leader in short-form entertainment news with more than 1 billion views last year.

Get ready to celebrate as Netflix renews The Great Indian Kapil Show for a second season. Following overwhelming success and love from the audience, this renewal underscores Netflix's commitment to delivering blockbuster family entertainment, unique, and quality content that resonates with its members. The ongoing season of The Great Indian Kapil Show featured a diverse array of guests, including superstar Aamir Khan, actor Ranbir Kapoor and his family, cricket heroes Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, international pop icon Ed Sheeran and many icons from the entertainment industry. With the finale slated on June 22, the show engaged the audience with fun and madness week after week with celebrity guests who brought the best version of themselves to the show!

Ranked among Netflix's top two shows in India since its launch, The Great Indian Kapil Show is the first Indian series to stay on the Global Top 10 Non-English TV list for five weeks. With Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda and Rajiv Thakur turning in stellar performances week after week, Kapil Sharma delivering punches one after the other, and Archana Puran Singh helming her beloved 'kursi,' (chair) the series has captivated viewers, making it a standout hit. Netflix is committed to bringing the best and most diverse comedy genre content, making sure there's something for everyone.

People Gets Syndicated Series for Fall 2020; Emmy Winner Michael Schur Reups with Universal Television

Hallmark Channel's Martha Stewart Programming Starts Sept. 13; The Unit Coming to Universal HD, The Network That Airs Becker, Hogan's Heroes

On the heels of the multi-year strategic partnership announced earlier this year, executives from Hallmark Channel and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia have revealed the original "how-to" programming block set to launch exclusively on the cable network this fall. The slate of new programming is anchored by the debut of the Emmy(R) Award-winning series The Martha Stewart Show on Hallmark Channel beginning Monday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m., ET/PT weekdays. The series moves from first-run syndication to cable on The Hallmark Channel!
Following The Martha Stewart Show, Hallmark Channel will air two new series: Between 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., ET/PT, weekdays, the network will air an hour-long topical talk show (at 11 a.m.), executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning writer and director David Steinberg and hosted by Sirius XM's Whatever hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt. The show will have an intimate studio audience and provide a unique platform for the humorous duet to explore the daily headlines and everyday issues on the minds of viewers across the country. The home audience will be engaged through call-in and Skype-ing opportunities throughout the hour.
In the 12:00 p.m. ET/PT half-hour, weekdays, Hallmark Channel will premiere Mad Hungry with Lucinda. Lucinda Scala Quinn is the ubiquitous Executive Food Editor at MSLO, host of the radio show EatDrink on Sirius XM and author of popular cookbooks including her most recent title, Mad Hungry: Feeding Men & Boys. Lucinda's goal with the show is to bring family back to the dinner table. Lucinda will reveal her tips on how she has conquered the challenge of whetting the appetite of her husband and three sons. Then following Lucinda, in the 12:30 p.m. ET/PT half-hour, weekdays, Hallmark will air seasons one through four of the critically acclaimed series Everyday Food, offering quick, easy and practical cooking solutions. The series brings to life MSLO's award-winning Everyday Food magazine and is complemented by the popular iPhone app, Martha's Everyday Food.
From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., ET/PT, weekdays, Hallmark Channel will put the spotlight on select episodes from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's extensive library of programming including From Martha's Kitchen, From Martha's Home and "From Martha's Garden, among others.
There will be encore airings of The Martha Stewart Show back-to-back at 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., ET/PT, weekdays enabling millions of viewers to have access to the program in the afternoon.
So what will happen to your favorite daytime series like Who's the Boss?, The Golden Girls, and I Love Lucy? We're not sure yet, but you'll have to keep checking back with us for that schedule. We have still three months until this happens, so try and enjoy these sitcoms until then, if anything should happen to them.

The Unit will be joining the Universal HD schedule starting Tuesday, July 6. It will air on Tuesday nights, from 8pm-2am ET replacing movies. The Unit also airs on sister network Sleuth, which is owned by Universal. Sleuth/Universal share the show with Viacom's Spike TV/BET. Currently, broadcast reruns are airing on MyNetwork TV on Wednesday nights, but come Fall 2010, The Unit's broadcast run will move to local weekend syndication on local stations and WGN America. We'll have more on that when it is available.
So what else does Universal HD air? They air sitcoms Becker and Hogan's Heroes regularly, with Ted Danson's Becker now airing weekdays 7-8pm and encoring later that night from 2-3am. Hogan's Heroes airs in marathon blocks weekly, usually on Fridays between 9am-7pm mixed in with Becker. Can you imagine Hogan in HD? It has never looked better! Among the other series they air are Six Feet Under, House, Monk, Nash Bridges, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent-- all of which are on other Universal-owned cable networks (USA Network, Bravo).
Universal HD also airs rare stuff. On Friday nights from 8pm-11pm, which an immediate encore from 11pm-2am, they air short-lived series. Currently for the month of June, they are airing Bram and Alice (2002 CBS sitcom starring Alfred Molina), Fat Actress (2005 Showtime sitcom starring Kirstie Alley), First Monday (2002 CBS drama starring Joe Mantegna & James Garner) and South Beach (2006 UPN drama starring Odette Yustman). And if that's not enough, they air Monday marathons of That's Life (2000-2002 CBS comedic drama) from 9am-7pm.
Coming in July to the Friday night URTV block is Cuts (2005-06 UPN sitcom starring Shannon Elizabeth), Love Inc. (2005-06 UPN sitcom starring Holly Robinson Peete), Sex, Love & Secrets (2005 UPN drama starring Denise Richards), and Love Monkey (2006 CBS drama starring Tom Cavanagh). Among the other short-lived series they have aired on and off include Complete Savages, Threshold, Philly, Big Apple, Andy Barker, P.I., My Big Fat Greek Life, among many others.
We try to give you some updates here and there on this HD network, but we will try to more from now on, especially if more short-lived sitcoms are added!

Many Universal Series Seasons Not on DVD on Netflix.com!; Network Notes

Tired of waiting for some of your favorite Universal series to continue on DVD? Now Netflix is giving you the entire run of many series that are not yet complete on DVD from Universal! Shows include Coach, Charles in Charge, Leave it to Beaver, Gimme a Break!, Kate & Allie, Dragnet '67, Adam-12, Emergency!, Kojak, Simon & Simon, McMillian & Wife, Quincy, seaQuest DSV, The Rockford Files, Airwolf, Murder She Wrote and Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. Wow you can watch every episode of Leave it to Beaver! Even season 6! Now you don't have to wait for Universal to complete the series and all the rest of these! All you have to do is to be a Netflix subscriber and you can watch all these episodes instantly on your computer in a nice streaming quality! Don't like that? Get the Netflix Ready Device so you can download these episodes to a device and play them on your TV! I know many of you would like to own the episodes on DVD, but this is a start in watching them.

It's time for more wheelings and dealings...it's network notes! CBS has given a full season order to its new drama The Mentalist, the season's top new freshman series in viewers and adults 25-54 so far. No surprise.
The Mentalist is averaging 16.14 million viewers (No. 7 among all primetime programs), 5.3/12 in adults 25-54 and 3.8/9 in adults 18-49. The series stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. The series joins Fringe and 90210 for full season orders for rookie series.
Meanwhile, NBC's veteran drama Medium returns sometime this mid-season (or earlier I bet) and NBC has ordered three additional episodes. Last season the show had 16 episodes, so we are not sure what the original episode order was for this year. Could be 13 or 16 and you can tack on three more for Patricia Arquette's series.
ABC's Eli Stone will have 4 more episodes this season as well. The show was ordered for 13 episodes in its second season, so you can tack on four more to that at least, pending the ratings being decent enough. ABC has been pleased with the quality and direction so far, thus their decision in adding four more. And if you haven't seen the season premiere yet, you missed out on an excellent season premiere with guest Sigourney Weaver. Catch it on abc.com if you missed it and don't forget to tune in for the second episode this Tuesday at 10PM ET, with special guest star Katie Holmes! As I said before, I saw this episode already from a review screener and she is excellent. Gina Torres and Katey Sagal also guest star. Have faith in Eli!
Finally, it seems that Fox will also air the half-hour political ad from Presidential Candidate Barack Obama on Wednesday, October 29. CBS and NBC have already signed on to air it. However, Major League Baseball would have to push back the start of game six of the World Series, if necessary, so Fox can air the Obama. The game was scheduled to have first pitch at 8:20pm, but Fox and MLB could move it to 8:35pm if necessary. ABC is in discussions as well to air it, but maybe on a different night like Tuesday instead, since they air an hour-long sow (Pushing Daisies) in the time period. CBS has two half-hour sitcoms and will preempt Gary Unmarried on the night and shift Old Christine to 8:30 for this night. NBC will preempt Knight Rider altogether and air a TBD show at 8:30.

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!

DotComedy.com to Cease?; Network Notes; TV Land Announces M*A*S*H Mail Call Stunt

NBC Universal plans to shut down the website DotComedy.com in the near future, according to sources with knowledge of the company's plans, eventually folding the site's content and traffic into NBC.com, Mediaweek reports.
NBCU executives declined to comment, but sources indicated that DotComedy, which launched in mid-2006 as part of the company's enhanced focus on digital media, may or may not continue as a branded channel on NBC.com. Some of the site's original programming, which included original content produced by a team of video bloggers, will likely be redistributed to other sites within the NBCU family. So enjoy Leave it to Beaver while you can!

It's time for another game of...network notes! Yes, this is where we have so much network news, we will round it up all here for you! Let's start with NBC. After last night's terrible numbers, NBC has pulled the reality show The Singing Bee from November sweeps at least...so now we will get an extra half-hour of...you guessed it, The Biggest Loser. That means that series will air two-hours each Wednesday (8-10pm) for sweeps. In other NBC news, they have pulled production on the Heroes spin-off, Heroes: Origins. Two reasons I think...the potential writer's strike or maybe because Heroes is in a sophomore ratings slump? The spin-off was supposed to spell the original series for six weeks in mid-season. Finally, not surprisingly ABC has given a three extra scripts order for the Friday night thriller, Women's Murder Club. I expect a full season pick-up very soon. So, this means Cavemen and Big Shots are the only new ABC series without extra scripts or a full pick-up. Not bad...but I don't expect those two to get any additional orders, unless they pick up drastically in the ratings the next few weeks. November ratings sweeps starts TODAY and ends November 28. Let the games begin!

TV Land officially announced its M*A*S*H Mail Call Weekend today. It's two nights of madcap antics, pranks, love letters, homemade cookies and the latest gossip when TV Land presents a marathon of episodes from the hit series M*A*S*H during "M*A*S*H Mail Call". The marathon begins on Saturday, November 10, at 9:00pm (all times ET/PT) and Sunday, November 11, at 9:00pm (all times ET/PT) and chronicles the many personal letters and packages sent to and from loved ones of the gang at 4077th -- some good, some bad -- but all filled with side-splitting laughter. Fans will be treated to some of the most memorable episodes including "Dear Mildred", "The Winchester Tapes", "Dear Comrade" and the popular three-part series "Dear Dad", "Dear Dad, Again" and "Dear Dad, Three", featuring Hawkeye's comical and heartfelt letters sent to his father back in the United States.

TV One May Highlights; Simpsons: The Ride at Universal Orlando

The month of May is blooming for TV One as they celebrate Mother's Day, Janet Jackson's Birthday, and Memorial day!
On Sunday, May 13 beginning at 1pm, join TV One in a salute to Mother's Day as they present a "Favorite Black TV Moms" sitcom marathon. Mom related episodes in this marathon come from black series such as Amen, All of Us, All About the Andersons, Eve, Martin, Good Times, 227, and For Your Love. The marathon runs from 1pm to 8pm and resumes from midnight to 6am.
On Saturday, May 19 beginning at 1pm, TV One says Happy Birthday to superstar singer/actress Janet Jackson in an all-day Good Times marathon showcasing episodes featuring Miss Jackson's character Penny. This special marathon which also marks the 30th anniversary of Janet joining the Good Times cast in 1977 has an encore play beginning at 2am.
On Monday, May 28 beginning at 12 Noon, It's Mama Payne vs Sheneneh as TV One presents an all-day Martin Comedy Showdown marathon of two of the funniest characters in the history of television. This special Martin marathon features Mama Payne and Sheneneh caught in their most hilarious situations and gives viewers the chance to vote on which character they think is the funniest at www.tvoneonline.com.

"Woo Hoo!" Universal's theme parks add animated fun and excitement to their roster as FOX's blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons, becomes the inspiration for the world's most highly anticipated new theme park ride.
Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson - stars of TV's longest running series - will ride along with guests in a new mega-attraction opening at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2008.
Guests will be rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They'll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride's interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show's cantankerous Krusty the Clown.
It will feature the show's classic humor and many of its instantly recognizable characters - all voiced by the original actors.
The ride will be replacing the Back to the Future Ride. Universal says more TV show rides could be announced soon.