SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

SitcomsOnline Digest: South Park (or South America?) Returns September 16; City of Los Angeles Prepared for Second Season of Baywatch Reboot

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're coming up on a busy "fall premiere" week (the bigger one comes week after this coming week), but also a little news about the return of South Park (America?), a hope for renewal for the reboot of Baywatch (that hasn't even premiered yet) and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• South Park is coming back in just a few days, and it seems (we're not really sure, the creators sometimes follow through on things like this and sometimes don't) that it'll be renamed South America, a reference to places on the map being renamed by executive order in the past few years. (Hollywood Reporter)
• We haven't even seen the first season of Fox's Baywatch reboot, but the city of Los Angeles is already preparing for a season two. (Deadline)
• The New York Post reported earlier this week that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be canceled at the end of this season, but it seems that ABC and Kimmel are renegotiating a contract. (Deadline)
• Judge Judy is retiring, at least from being on-screen. (TV Insider)
• Disclosure Day has a release date on Peacock. (Variety)
• Rob Reiner has won a posthumous Emmy for his role in The Bear. (Variety)
• Abbott Elementary is getting in on a School House Rock themed episode. (SitcomsOnline)

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

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Labels: Abbott Elementary, Baywatch, Disclosure, Emmys, Jeopardy, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Judy Justice, SitcomsOnline Digest, South Park, The Bear, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at Newlyweds; Fox Orders Comedy from Modern Family Co-Creator

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a busy week with a first look at an upcoming NBC comedy, a new live-action Fox comedy (for the first time in two years), and more, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We're getting our first look at the upcoming NBC comedy Newlyweds. (Deadline)
• Fox hasn't ordered a live-action comedy pilot in over two years, but that dry spell is now ending as they've ordered Mammoth, a comedy from Modern Family co-creator Christopher Lloyd about a man who finds himself frozen in an avalanche in 1983 and has unthawed (and still alive, somehow) decades later. (Variety)
• Norah O'Donnell is returning to CBS Mornings. (TVInsider)
• Peacock will soon debut a series about the legacy and impact of The Office, a sitcom that seemingly defined culture in the second half of the 00s. (Deadline)
• Wheel of Fortune is going to need a new announcer (and will also be redoing announcing for the first few episodes of the upcoming season) after firing Jim Thornton over very serious misconduct allegations. (Variety)
• Is the world ready for a reboot of The OC? Star Ben McKenzie thinks so. (Deadline)
• The COO of Spectrum is touting what he is calling "the great cable comeback," but we're highly skeptical. (Deadline)
• Freeform is getting ready for their annual 31 Days of Halloween. (SitcomsOnline)

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

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Labels: Alice, CBS, Dang!, Famous Last Words, Freeform, Newlyweds, SitcomsOnline Digest, The OC, The Office, Wheel of Fortune

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Exclusive Episodes to Disney+ and Hulu; President Curtis Teaser Trailer

This summer, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune brings 10 all-new episodes exclusively to Disney+ and Hulu beginning Friday, June 12. These episodes are 10 additional episodes for season six and will eventually air on ABC ahead of the new season seven this fall on ABC. Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White welcome celebrity contestants as they SPIN television's most famous wheel for the chance to win up to $1 MILLION for a charity of their choice.

Celebrity guests this season, listed by episode, include the following:
· Members of the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers: Freddie Freeman, Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas
· Actor Michael Urie, actress and comedian Yvone Orji, actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj
· Actress Sarah Chalke, actor and comedian Nat Faxon, and actor and comedian Joel Kim Booster
· An episode featuring cast members from "New Girl," including actress Hannah Simone, actor Lamorne Morris and actor Jake Johnson
· Actress Andrea Savage, actor Brian Austin Green and defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers Cameron Heyward
· Actress Jamie Lynn Sigler, actor Dan Bucatinsky and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella
· Television host Vanessa Lachey, actor and writer Adam Conover, and actor Simon Rex
· Actress Kelly McCreary, actor Billy Gardell and actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis
· Chef and television host Kristen Kish, rapper and chef Action Bronson, and wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks Rashid Shaheed
· Singer and actress Jordin Sparks, writer and actor Scott Auckerman, and actor and comedian Brett Gelman.

President Curtis is a new series coming in July on Adult Swim. A teaser trailer has been released.

President Curtis follows the Commander-in-Chief and his eccentric staff as they tackle the kind of crises that Rick Sanchez could never be bothered with - from interdimensional diplomacy to paranormal investigations and unexplained phenomena. Co-Created by Rick & Morty's Dan Harmon and James Siciliano and headlined by Keith David, the new animated comedy also stars Stephanie Beatriz and Jim Rash.

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

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Labels: ABC, Adult Swim, Disney+, Hulu, President Curtis, Rick & Morty, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: Ben Stiller Teams with Mike Judge for New Apple TV Comedy; Late Show Ends with Spectacular Ratings

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're headed into Memorial Day weekend with news of a new comedy from Mike Judge and Ben Stiller, news about ratings for the final episode of The Late Show, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Ben Stiller is teaming with Mike Judge for an upcoming Apple TV comedy series called Protective Custody. (Deadline)
• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert went out with a bang, scoring the biggest ratings that show has ever seen for a weeknight episode. (Variety)
• There are some new Celebrity Wheel of Fortune episodes coming up that will be exclusive to Disney+ and Hulu. (Deadline)
• Grizz Chapman, who played Grizz on 30 Rock, has died. (TVLine)
• The 29th season of South Park has a premiere date. (Variety)
• MeTV is planning some special theme weeks for The Golden Girls. (SitcomsOnline)

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

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Labels: 30 Rock, Golden Girls, Late Show, MeTV, Protective Custody, Schitt's Creek, SitcomsOnline Digest, South Park, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: Fox and Sony Developing Reimagined Bewitched; Samsung TV Plus Launching AFV Channel

  Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have news of a reimagining of a classic series (a trend that has sort of died down lately), a new FAST channel for a long-running ABC Sunday night staple, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Would you watch a reimagined version of Bewitched in an hourlong form? Sony and Fox hope you will. (Deadline)
• A new America's Funniest Home Videos FAST channel is set to launch, exclusively for Samsung TV Plus. (Deadline)
• Freeform, which is now available to many more cable subscribers once again after returning to Spectrum, has unveiled some details for their 25 Days of Christmas. (Deadline)
• Jon Stewart is sticking around for another year on The Daily Show. (NBC News)
• The on-going legal dispute between Sony and Paramount over distribution of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune has finally been settled. (Variety)
• Best Medicine, a new comedy, will debut in January on Fox. (SitcomsOnline)

• The Paper arrives on NBC (after already airing on Peacock) on Monday night.
• All in the Family is tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy.
• MeTV has their special presentation of the series finale of M*A*S*H on Tuesday for Veterans Day.

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

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Labels: America's Funniest Home Videos, Best Medicine, Bewitched, Daily Show, Freeform, Jeopardy, M*A*S*H, SitcomsOnline Digest, Wheel of Fortune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Labels: 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, ABC, American Idol, Grey's Anatomy, Hulu, Jeopardy, Only Murders in the Building, Scrubs, Shark Tank, Shifting Gears, The Rookie, Wheel of Fortune, Will Trent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Labels: 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, ABC, America's Funniest Home Videos, American Idol, CBS, Dancing with the Stars, Grey's Anatomy, Jeopardy, Late Show, Shark Tank, Shifting Gears, The Bachelor, The Rookie, Wheel of Fortune, Will Trent

SitcomsOnline Digest: Fox Cancels Alert: Missing Persons Unit and The Cleaning Lady; Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune Headed to Streaming

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're in the slow summer months of news, but we're here for some nonetheless. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• You'd be forgiven if you've never watched them or even heard of them, even though they've been on for a few seasons, but Fox has canceled Alert: Missing Persons Unit and The Cleaning Lady. (Deadline)
• The ratings for Saturday Night Live were good for season 50. (Variety)
• It's crazy to think that after over a decade of next day streaming being a common thing, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have not been available in that format, but that's about to change this fall. (Variety)
• The creators of Mid-Century Modern want viewers to stop thinking of it as a gay Golden Girls. (Deadline)
• Jonathan Joss, known for his role of John Redcorn on King of the Hill, died after being shot. (BBC)
• We've got early details for the second season of Netflix's Nobody Wants This. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 7 - JUNE 13)

• Catchy Comedy has a binge of Gomer Pyle, USMC tomorrow.
• The 2025 Tony Awards air Sunday on CBS.
• There's a new season of The 1% Club, with a new host, on Fox on Tuesday.

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

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Labels: Gomer Pyle USMC, Jeopardy, King of the Hill, Mid-Century Modern, Nobody Wants This, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: New King of the Hill Reboot Details; CBS Makes Late Night Changes

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a somewhat busy week, but we've got highlights, including a lot to take in about the King of the Hill reboot. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Not only do we have a premiere date for the King of the Hill reboot, we've even got opening credits... and we suggest watching them and frequently pausing to catch every little detail of what has happened in the past decade and a half. (Deadline)
• Jenna Fischer is talking about her favorite episodes of The Office, and they're mostly ones after Steve Carell left the show. (Deadline)
• CBS is putting Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen in their post-Colbert timeslot next season... again. (Hollywood Reporter)
• The back and forth between CBS and Sony on who owns the distribution rights to Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! is now back to CBS having the rights. (AV Club)
• Former Simpsons music composer Alf Clausen, whom we actually interviewed nearly 20 years ago, has died. (Variety)
• Loretta Swit, known for her role on M*A*S*H (and who played Cagney in the pilot for Cagney & Lacey, but wasn't able to play the role because she couldn't get out of her M*A*S*H contract) has died. (Hollywood Reporter)
• We have our first look at Leanne, a Chuck Lorre sitcom coming to Netflix. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 31 - JUNE 6)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Brooklyn Bridge.
• Antenna TV has an Alice marathon tomorrow.
• Fox has a new season of The Quiz with Balls on Monday.

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

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Labels: Alf Clausen, Brooklyn Bridge, Jeopardy, King of the Hill, Leanne, M*A*S*H, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Office, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: NBC Cancels Night Court and Lopez vs. Lopez; ABC Renews Duo of Game Shows

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we have a pair of NBC sitcom cancelations, some game show renewals at ABC, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Proving that once again that the days of NBC (or really any network anymore) finding a lot of success with long-running sitcoms is over, both Night Court and Lopez vs. Lopez have been canceled. (Hollywood Reporter)
• ABC has renewed Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Jeopardy!. (Deadline)
• Ted has already been a movie and a live-action TV series, and now Peacock has an animated series in the works. (Variety)
• Peacock has picked up a new Amy Poehler comedy, Dig. (Deadline)
• The fall lineup for CBS is out, and other than new shows replacing canceled ones, it seems that CBS is sticking to what works. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MAY 10 - MAY 17)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is I Love Lucy.
• Antenna  TV has a marathon of The Partridge Family tomorrow.
• A streaming "Mother of All Marathons" of The Carol Burnett Show is happening this weekend on The Carol Burnett Show streaming channel.

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

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Labels: CBS, Dig, I Love Lucy, Jeopardy, Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, SitcomsOnline Digest, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: Clueless Reboot in the Works at Peacock; King of the Hill Cast Reunion and Revival Preview at ATX TV Festival Next Month

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about a new Clueless series, (a little bit) more about the revival of King of the Hill, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Although she didn't play the role in the ABC/UPN sitcom, Alicia Silverstone is looking to bring her movie role from Clueless to a new TV series at Peacock. (Variety)
• We still don't know when it's going to debut, but we at least have a cast reunion and revival sneak preview set for King of the Hill at the ATX TV Festival next month. (Deadline)
• NBC has Foreign Service, a workplace comedy about working at a U.S. embassy abroad, in the works. (Deadline)
• The back and forth drama between Sony and CBS over distribution of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune continues this week, and now CBS has once again regained control of distribution (at least temporarily), and there are rumors that Sony may be looking to move (or at least offer same day streaming of) the shows to streaming once they regain full control. (Variety)
• We all knew that DVD and Blu-ray sales have dropped since streaming became mainstream, but just how bad is it? A whopping 90% in the past ten years. (Cord Cutters News)
• Nicky Katt, known to TV audiences for his role as Harry Senate in Boston Public, died this week at age 54. (Variety)
• Wink Martindale, one of the last surviving game show hosts from the golden era of game shows, has died. (NPR)
• Classic TV comes to life at an event at the Paley Center in New York City, if you can get there in the next few days. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 19 - APRIL 25)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is The Monkees.
• Antenna TV has a Becker marathon tomorrow.

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

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Labels: Boston Public, Clueless, Foreign Service, Jeopardy, King of the Hill, SitcomsOnline Digest, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: FX Sets Premiere Date for Adults; Netflix Picks Up Monopoly Themed Reality Competition Series

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a bit of a light week, but we've got some highlights including a new FX comedy, a Monopoly competition series, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• FX has set a premiere date for a new comedy called Adults. (Deadline)
• Netflix has picked up a Monopoly themed reality competition series. (Variety)
• It's more of a technical thing that most viewers wouldn't know or care about, but after distributing Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune for decades, CBS (which took over distribution rights after acquiring Paramount, which in turn had previously acquired King World) has lost distribution rights to both series to Sony (which took over production rights from Merv Griffin Enterprises years ago) following a lengthy court battle. (Variety)
• Jay North, best known for his role as the titular character in the classic sitcom Dennis the Menace, has died. (AP News)
• Bounce TV has renewed Mind Your Business. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 12 - APRIL 18)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Taxi.
• You can now stream both Columbo and CHiPs on Amazon Prime Video.

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

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Labels: Adults, CHiPs, Columbo, Dennis the Menace, Jeopardy, Mind Your Business, Monopoly, SitcomsOnline Digest, Taxi, Wheel of Fortune

Pat Sajak's Final Spin on Wheel and Return of Jeopardy! Masters; Remembering George Foreman and Wings Hauser

Fan-favorite game shows return Wednesday, April 30, to ABC and next day on Hulu, kicking off with new episodes of Pat Sajak's "Final Spin" as host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), followed by the 2025 Jeopardy! Masters tournament featuring an expanded lineup of contestants (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT). Celebrity Jeopardy! will crown its new champion the week prior on April 23 at 9.

Hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune welcomes celebrity contestants to spin the world's most famous Wheel and solve puzzles for a chance to win $1 million for the charity of their choice. The all-star lineup for Sajak's "Final Spin" as host includes Cameron Brink, Josh Gad, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Rachael Harris, Ellie Kemper, Justin Long, Joe Manganiello, Katharine McPhee, Oscar Nuñez, Randall Park, Andrew Rannells, Sam Richardson, Matt Walsh and Rainn Wilson.

Hosted by Jeopardy! G.O.A.T. Ken Jennings, the third annual Jeopardy! Masters 2025 tournament will feature an expanded lineup of the top-ranked current Jeopardy! contestants, each competing in two action-packed games per hourlong episode for the grand prize of $500,000. Contestants will include reigning champion Victoria Groce, returning finalist Yogesh Raut, 2025 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions winner Neilesh Vinjamuri, TOC finalists Adriana Harmeyer and Isaac Hirsch, 2025 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament champion Matt Amodio, and JIT finalists Roger Craig and Juveria Zaheer. Additionally, this tournament marks the return of Brad Rutter, one of the biggest winners in Jeopardy! history, who will step back onto the Alex Trebek Stage for the first time since 2020's Jeopardy!: The Greatest of All Time event.

Hall of Fame boxer, businessman, and actor George Foreman, who starred as George Foster in the short-lived ABC sitcom George, has died. He died at a hospital in Houston, Texas, on March 21. Mr. Foreman was 76.

Foreman starred as George Foster in the short-lived 1993-1994 ABC sitcom George. George Foster is a retired boxer who runs an after-school program for troubled kids. The show was co-produced by actor and former boxer Tony Danza. The cast included Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tony T. Johnson, Lauren Robinson, Anne Haney, Larry Gilliard Jr., Cleandre Norman, Pablo Irlando, Doniell Spencer, and LáCrystal Cooke.

He appeared as himself in episodes of Sanford and Son in 1976, Good Sports in 1991, Home Improvement in 1992, and The Larry Sanders in 1992. He voiced George Fisticuff in a 1994 episode of Garfield and Friends and himself in a 2003 episode of King of the Hill. He made his television acting debut as Marcus Grayson in a 1976 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man. In 2022, he competed in season eight of The Masked Singer as "Venus Fly Trap".

Foreman starred in the 2016-2018 NBC reality travel show Better Late Than Never. The series is an adaptation of the South Korean Grandpas Over Flowers series. The cast included four "seasoned" North American celebrities William Shatner, Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw, accompanied by younger comedian Jeff Dye, as they travel overseas, experiencing new cultures and checking off their bucket lists.

He won a gold medal in the boxing heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico. He won the world heavyweight title with a stunning second-round knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973. In 1994 at age 45, he won the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer. He was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.

Outside boxing, he was a successful entrepreneur and known for his promotion of the George Foreman Grill, which has sold more than 100 million units worldwide by 2011. In 1999, he sold the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million. Previous to that he was being paid about 40 percent of the profits on each grill sold, earning him $4.5 million a month at its peak, so it is estimated he made a total of over $200 million from the endorsement, a sum that is substantially more than he earned as a boxer.

Mr. Foreman was a man of many talents as a boxer, businessman, minister, author, and actor. While he was one of boxing's most feared fighters, he was a funny and gentle giant outside the ring. He was always a great late night talk show guest. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment over the years. Big George will be greatly missed.

Character actor Wings Hauser, who starred as Lt. Ronald Hobbs in The Last Precinct and had a recurring role as Ty Tilden in Roseanne, has died. He died in Santa Monica, California, on March 15. Mr. Hauser was 77.

Hauser starred as Lt. Ronald Hobbs in the short-lived 1986 NBC police comedy-drama The Last Precinct. The series stars Adam West as Captain Rick Wright, leading a group of misfit police academy rejects. Lt. Ronald Hobbs runs the 56th Precinct, Los Angeles' seediest and most woebegone unit. The pilot for the Stephen J. Cannell series debuted after Super Bowl XX in 1986, but the show was canceled within two months of its April premiere. The cast included Jonathan Perpich, Rick Ducommun, Ernie Hudson, Randi Brooks, Vijay Amritraj, Pete Wilcox, Keenan Wynn, Hank Rolike, Lucy Lee Flippin, Yana Nirvana, Geoffrey Elliot, and James Cromwell.

He had a recurring role as Ty Tilden in five episodes of the fifth (1992-1993) season of the ABC sitcom Roseanne. Ty Tilden is a neighbor of Roseanne's, who moved into Kathy Bowman's (Meagen Fay) old house. He is a kind, laid-back, struggling single father of two daughters, Charlotte Tilden (Mara Hobel) and Molly Tilden (Danielle Harris). He owns a Winnebago.

Hauser guest starred as Garnite Giles in two episodes of Arli$$. He played Greg Foster in 15 episodes of The Young and the Restless from 1977 to 2010. He starred as Lt. Col Matthew "Trane" Coltrane in the 1991-1992 first-run syndicated action-adventure series Lightning Force.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Cannon, Movin' On, Baretta, Magnum, P.I. (1981), Jessie (1984), Hunter, Hardcastle and McCormick, MacGruder and Loud, Airwolf, The A-Team (2 episodes), Freddy's Nightmares, China Beach (4 episodes), The Young Riders, Walker, Texas Ranger (1994), JAG, Murder, She Wrote (4 episodes), Beverly Hills, 90210 (6 epiosdes as J. Jay Jones), Kingpin (4 episodes as Doug Duffy), CSI: Miami, Third Watch, House, Monk, Cold Case, Bones, and Castle.

He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male for his role in Tough Guys Don't Dance (1987). Some of his other film credits included Vice Squad (1982), Deadly Force (1983), and The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989). In 1983, he wrote the story for the Paramount Pictures box-office hit Uncommon Valor, which starred Gene Hackman, Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Randall "Tex" Cobb, Robert Stack, Patrick Swayze, Harold Sylvester, and Tim Thomerson.

Mr. Hauser was a prolific character actor who appeared in over 100 television and film productions. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.

We also remember actor Craig Richard Nelson. He starred as Mason Woodruff in Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers and had a recurring role as Mr. Spacek in Square Pegs. He died in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 3. Mr. Nelson was 77.

Nelson starred as Mason Woodruff in the short-lived 1974-1975 CBS sitcom Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers. The series, which starred Paul Sand, centers on a musician in Boston, Massachusetts, and his relationships. The cast included Michael Pataki, Penny Marshall, Dick Wesson, Steve Landesberg, and Jack Gilford.

He appeared as Dr. Osgood in five episodes of the 1976-1977 satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and four episodes of the 1977 satirical comedy talk show Fernwood Tonight. He was a regular on the 1979 ABC summer variety/sketch comedy series Carol Burnett & Company.

Nelson had a recurring role as drama teacher Mr. Spacek in three episodes of the 1982-1983 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. Some of his other sitcom guest apperances included What's Happening!!, Maude, Barney Miller, Hail to the Chief, What's Happening Now!!, The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Doogie Howser, M.D. (1990), Dream On, Night Court (2 episodes in 1987 and 1990), Get a Life, Wings, Grace Under Fire, and Home Improvement.

Some of his other television guest appearances included The Rookies, Cagney & Lacey, Amazing Stories, Stingray, L.A. Law, Dallas (1989), Alien Nation, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Father Dowling Mysteries, Quantum Leap (1992), Diagnosis: Murder (1994), Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes), The Lazarus Man, Charlie Grace, and Star Trek: Voyager.

Nelson starred as Bell, a mean-spirited law student, in The Paper Chase (1973). Some of his other film credits included 3 Women (1977), A Wedding (1978), and My Bodyguard (1980).

Mr. Nelson was a talented and versatile actor. We thank for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:40 PM

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Labels: ABC, Jeopardy, Obits, Roseanne, Square Pegs, Wheel of Fortune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Labels: $100000 Pyramid, 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, ABC, Grey's Anatomy, Hulu, Jeopardy, Press Your Luck, Shark Tank, Shifting Gears, The Bachelor, The Conners, The Jim Gaffigan Show, The Rookie, Wheel of Fortune, Will Trent

SitcomsOnline Digest: Matlock Renewed for Second Season; Happy's Place Off to a Solid Start

Happy Halloween week and welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a little bit of a busier week this week with the announcement of the first renewal of a fall series, some ratings news for a long running game show, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Very few people probably saw this coming when the series was announced, but the reimagined Matlock has already been renewed for a second season. (Variety)
• Happy's Place had a solid start at NBC, but will it maintain that momentum? (Deadline)
• It was NBC, not Lorne Michaels, who decided to fire Shane Gillis from Saturday Night Live back in 2019 before he even appeared in a single episode, and Lorne Michaels was not happy with that decision. (Deadline)
• Wheel of Fortune is experiencing solid ratings with new host Ryan Seacrest. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Alan Sacks, the co-creator of Welcome Back, Kotter, has died at age 81. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Susan Olsen claims that CBS cancelled a proposed revival of The Brady Bunch due to her political views, although it doesn't seem that there were ever any public rumors of a proposed revival. (Deadline)
• The next Family Guy Hulu special is planned, which given that the series is now a midseason series for Fox, leads us to continue to wonder if the future of the entire series might be on Hulu. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1)

• Catchy Comedy is having a binge of Lucy this weekend, with a day of the rarely seen (and oddly, not available on streaming... see why we say to hang on to your DVDs?) Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour today and I Love Lucy tomorrow.
• A new season of American Dad! on debuts Monday on TBS, and with this new season, the series will have officially aired more episodes and seasons on TBS than Fox.
• Cozi TV is having a six hour marathon of The Munsters on Halloween.
• As always for Halloween, Antenna TV is celebrating on Thursday with a day of Bewitched while Rewind TV is having a day of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.

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

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Labels: Brady Bunch, Family Guy, Happy's Place, Matlock, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, Welcome Back Kotter, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: Kathy Bates Matlock Premiere Brings Solid Ratings; Whitney Cummings to Host Friends-themed Game Show

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about ratings success for a new CBS series, a Friends-themed game show, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• The new Matlock series starring Kathy Bates has had a shockingly successful debut and reception has been mostly positive, though it remains to be seen if it will maintain that audience. (Deadline)
• Whitney Cummings has been tapped to host Fast Friends, a four part game show that is themed around the series Friends. (Variety)
• There won't be a third season for Chucky. (Deadline)
• Hoda Kotb is set to leave Today. (NPR)
• Ryan Seacrest's Wheel of Fortune debut week was a ratings winner. (Deadline)
• A pair of new sitcoms is now airing on the Laff lineup. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 4)

• There is a Catchy Comedy binge of Gomer Pyle, USMC this weekend.
• Saturday Night Live returns for a new season tonight, with Jean Smart (for those who haven't watched TV since 1993, she has done so much more than Designing Women since then) as host.
• The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, and Krapopolis all return for a new season on Fox on Sunday.

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

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Labels: Chucky, Friends, Gomer Pyle USMC, LAFF, Matlock, SitcomsOnline Digest, Today, Wheel of Fortune

SitcomsOnline Digest: Martin Prequel in the Works; Wendie Malick to Star in Season 3 of Night Court

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we've got news of a Martin prequel, a new regular on Night Court, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• A prequel to the series Martin, in the form of a drama looking at the teenage years of Martin Lawrence, is in the works. (Deadline)
• Wendie Malick is going to be a regular on Night Court next season, in the role of the prosecutor. (TVLine)
• Just when you thought Pat Sajak was gone, it turns out you were wrong, as he'll be back to host another season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC that haven't even been taped yet. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Jean Smart is set to produce a confederate flag drama series for Max. (Deadline)
• Andy Samberg is talking about why he left Saturday Night Live. (Deadline)
• Benji Gregory, who played Brian Tanner on ALF, has died. (Variety)
• A trailer for season 12 of Futurama has been released. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JUNE 13 - JULY 19)

• Catchy Comedy has a binge of Mayberry RFD this weekend.
• Big Brother returns to CBS on Wednesday.
• ABC is back with more game show season premieres on Thursday, with season 6 of Press Your Luck and the premiere of Lucky 13.

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

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Labels: ALF, Futurama, Mayberry RFD, Night Court, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, Wheel of Fortune

ABC Fall 2024 Premiere Dates; Remembering Doug Sheehan of Day by Day and Clueless and Benji Gregory of ALF

ABC announced premiere dates for the network's action-packed fall, featuring previously announced fan-favorite series, high-octane new dramas and The Bachelor franchise's newest iteration. This news comes on the heels of the network closing out the 2023-2024 season as No. 1 in entertainment among Adults 18-49 for the fifth consecutive season, marking the longest winning streak in over 10 years. Monday Night Football returns for select weeks beginning Sept. 9 (New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers). Then, on Monday, Oct. 7, beloved game shows join the lineup with Pat Sajak's final spin hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune leading into Elizabeth Banks-hosted Press Your Luck.

From Oscar®-nominated writer Drew Goddard and starring Kaitlin Olson, freshman crime procedural High Potential joins ballroom sensation Dancing with the Stars on Tuesdays, kicking off Sept. 17. The Golden Bachelorette makes its debut Wednesday, Sept. 18 with two-hour episodes for the first few weeks, with new leading lady Joan Vassos; and a new season of Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning comedy Abbott Elementary joins the night Oct. 9 at 9:30pm, followed by the ABC News Studios docuseries Scamanda. Then, from executive producer Ryan Murphy and starring Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson, highly anticipated new drama Doctor Odyssey debuts Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9pm, alongside 9-1-1 and the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, Grey's Anatomy.

A new season of ABC News' 20/20 premieres Friday, Sept. 20, and season 16 of Shark Tank dives into the night starting Oct. 18. America’s Funniest Home Videos celebrates its monumental 35th season beginning Sunday, Sept. 29, before The Wonderful World of Disney world television premiere of the live-action The Little Mermaid. Additional films to debut this season include the world television premieres of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Haunted Mansion, as well as the broadcast premiere of Hocus Pocus 2. Airdates and additional movies to be announced at a later date. As previously announced, new seasons of returning dramas The Rookie and Will Trent will debut midseason (January), along with the celebratory farewell season of legacy comedy The Conners. Also returning midseason are American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Jeopardy! and What Would You Do?, while Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, from executive producer Reese Witherspoon and hosted by world-renowned organizing duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit, is also set to debut. These premiere dates will be announced at a later date.

Actor Doug Sheehan, who starred as Brian Harper in Day by Day and as Mel Horowitz in Clueless, has died. He died at his home in Big Horn, Wyoming, on June 29. Mr. Sheehan was 75.

Sheehan starred as Brian Harper in the 1988-1989 NBC sitcom Day by Day. The show centers on Brian and Kate Harper (Linda Kelsey), a married couple with two successful careers (Brian as a stockbroker, Kate as a lawyer) and a teenage son named Ross (Christopher Daniel ("C.B.") Barnes). They open a daycare center in their home. The series also starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Thora Birch.

He starred as Mel Horowitz in the UPN sitcom Clueless for seasons 2 and 3 (1997-1999). Mel Horowitz is Cher Horowitz's (Rachel Blanchard) rich, widowed lawyer. He replaced Michael Lerner, who played Mel Horowitz during the first season (1996-1997), which aired on ABC. The cast included Stacey Dash, Donald Adeosun Faison, Elisa Donovan, Sean Holland, David Lascher (season 1), Twink Caplan (season 1), Wallace Shawn (season 1), Heather Gottlieb (season 1) and Julie Brown.

Sheehan played Edward Spellman, Sabrina Spellman's (Melissa Joan Hart) father, in two episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Cheers, Alice, Dear John and Style & Substance.

His first major role was as Joe Kelly in the daytime soap opera General Hospital from 1979 to 1982. He was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role in 1982.

He starred as journalist Ben Gibson in the CBS primetime soap opera Knots Landing from 1983 to 1987. Ben Gibson was the second husband of Valene Ewing (Joan Van Ark).

Some of his other television guest appearances Charlie's Angels (1978), Kaz, MacGyver (1990), Columbo (1993), Promised Land, Diagnosis: Murder, Passions (6 episodes as Mr. Davis) and That Was Then.

Mr. Sheehan was a talented and versatile actor. Day by Day is a funny show with a great cast, which should have had a longer run. It should be available on DVD or streaming. He will be greatly missed.

Actor Benji Gregory, who starred as Brian Tanner in ALF, has died. On June 13, Gregory and his service dog, Hans, were found dead inside a car at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. However, news of his death was not publicly disclosed until July 11, when the cause of his death was still under investigation. His sister Rebecca said he had suffered from depression, bipolar disorder and a sleep disorder and said he likely died of a heat stroke after falling asleep in his car. On September 13, 2024, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner revealed that Gregory died of both hepatic cirrhosis, with Gregory being revealed to have had a damaged liver, and heat exposure. The death was ruled accidental. Mr. Gregory was only 46.

He starred as Brian Tanner in the 1986-1990 NBC sitcom ALF. The title character, called ALF (an acronym for "Alien Life Form") but whose real name is Gordon Shumway, crash-lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class Tanner family. Brian Tanner is the middlest son of the Tanner family. He is nicknamed 'B' by the rest of the cast. The cast included Paul Fusco (performed and voiced ALF), Max Wright, Anne Scheeden, Liz Sheridan, John LaMotta, Josh Blake, Anne Meara (1987) and Jim J. Bullock (1989-1990).

Gregory appeared as an orphan named Dash in two episodes of Punky Brewster. The final episode in Season 1, titled "Fenster Hall" (aired March 31, 1985), was a failed attempt to create a spin-off of Punky Brewster.

He played Brian in a 1991 episode of Murphy Brown. Some of his other television guest appearances included The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, Amazing Stories and The Twilight Zone (1985). Some of his voice credits included Pound Puppies, Fantastic Max and Back to the Future: The Animated Series (as Biff Tannen Jr.).

He played Harry Carlson, Jr. in Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986). He supplied the voice of Edgar the Mole in the animated feature Once Upon a Forest (1993), which would be his final acting role.

Mr. Gregory was a good child actor. After leaving the acting industry, he served a stint in the U.S. Navy after graduating from school. He enlisted in 2003 and became an aerographer's mate. During his naval career he was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). In 2005, he received an honorable medical discharge from the Navy. We thank him for his work on television and in films and for his service in the Navy. He will be sorely missed.

We also remember television executive Jamie Kellner. He was a founding president of Fox Broadcasting and founded The WB network. He died from cancer on June 21 in Montecito, California. Mr. Kellner was 74.

Kellner was present at the establishment of the Fox Broadcasting Company and held the position as chairman of 20th Century Fox Television from 1986 to 1993. Among the shows that emerged during his seven years at Fox were The Simpsons, Married... with Children, Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000), Melrose Place and In Living Color.

He then spent seven years at the helm of The WB Television Network. He helped launch the new broadcast network in 1994. During his tenure, he began by championing urban sitcoms such as The Wayans Bros., The Parent 'Hood and Sister, Sister, but eventually steered the network in the direction of teen and family-oriented dramas. 7th Heaven, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, Dawson's Creek, Felicity and Charmed all premiered during his presidency.

Kellner was made head of Turner Broadcasting System in 2000, officially succeeding Ted Turner in March 2001. He was chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a division of Time Warner which includes TBS, TNT, and Cartoon Network from 2001 to 2003. He was the chairman of station ownership group ACME Communications, a post held from the company's founding until its folding in 2016.

We thank him for the television shows be brought us at Fox, The WB and Turner. He will be missed.

Television producer and screenwriter Jonathan Axelrod worked on Dave's World. He died in Los Angeles on June 13. Mr. Axelrod was 74.

He was executive producer on the 1993-1997 CBS sitcom Dave's World. The series is based on the writing of Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry. The show focuses on the daily trials and tribulations of columnist Dave Barry (Harry Anderson) and his wife, Beth (DeLane Matthews), along with their sons, Tommy (Zane Carney) and Willie (Andrew Ducote).

Some of his other sitcom producing credits included Can't Hurry Love, Brother's Keeper, Movie Stars and Some of My Best Friends. He was one of the writers of the 1972 comedy film Every Little Crook and Nanny.

We thank him for his work on Dave's World and other sitcoms. He will be missed.

Actress Susan Buckner starred as Lucy Davis in When the Whistle Blows. She died on May 2 in Miami, Florida. Ms. Buckner was 72.

Buckner starred as Lucy Davis in the short-lived 1980 ABC sitcom When the Whistle Blows. The series revolves around a group of construction workers – four males (Norm, Buzz, Randy and Hunk) and one female (Lucy) – for the "Tri-State Construction Company" in Los Angeles and their search for fun both on and off the job. It was filmed single-camera style and without a laugh track. The cast included Doug Brown, Philip Brown, Tim Rossovich, Dolph Sweet, Alice Hirson, Gary Allen, Noble Willingham and Sue Ane Langdon.

She appeared as one of The Krofftettes who performed synchronised swimming routines on the 1976-1997 ABC variety show The Brady Bunch Hour.

Buckner played Kim Patterson in a 1979 episode of The Love Boat. Some of her other television guest appearances included Police Woman, Switch, Starsky & Hutch, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (3 episodes) and B.J. and the Bear.

She portrayed high school cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 summer blockbuster Grease, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. She starred as Vicky Anderson in the 1981 slasher film Deadly Blessing.

Ms. Buckner was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and in September went on to become a top ten finalist in the Miss America 1972 pageant. We thank her for her work on television and in films. She will be deeply missed.

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

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Labels: 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, ABC, ALF, Clueless, Dancing with the Stars, Day by Day, Grey's Anatomy, Jeopardy, Knots Landing, Obits, Press Your Luck, The Bachelor, The Conners, The Rookie, Wheel of Fortune, Will Trent

SitcomsOnline Digest: NBC Cancels Quantum Leap; Airdate Set for Final Pat Sajak Wheel of Fortune Episode

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a slow news week, but we're hearing about the cancellation of an NBC series, an airdate for Pat Sajak's final Wheel of Fortune episode, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• NBC has cancelled Quantum Leap. (Deadline)
• June 7 has been set as the date for Pat Sajak's retirement (or at least when his last new episode will air) from Wheel of Fortune. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Michael J. Fox is open to acting again, if the right role were to come along. (Variety)
• We're sure you've seen all the talk, but the ID docuseries Quiet on the Set has exposed the dark side of children's television, and it sounds like there is more that we haven't heard yet. (Deadline)
• Actor Joe Flaherty has died at age 82. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (APRIL 6 - APRIL 13)

• Catchy Comedy has a binge of The Flip Wilson Show this weekend.
• Saturday Night Live is new tonight, with Kristen Wiig joining the club of those who've hosted the show five times.
• The King of Queens is now available to watch on Paramount+, and the first few seasons are also on Pluto TV.

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

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Labels: King of Queens, Quantum Leap, Quiet on the Set, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Flip Wilson Show, Wheel of Fortune

Sony Pictures and Game Show Network Upfront; ABC Renews Grey's Anatomy and 9-1-1 for 2024-25

Sony Pictures Television Advertiser Sales announced offerings for the 2024 Upfronts will continue to include options in live viewing, integrations, and syndicated programming along with new to the general market top rated diginet Great Entertainment Television (get.) Continuing to deliver top levels of impassioned and engaged viewers watching live and preeminent commercial retention in the industry, opportunities exist with Game Show Network's successful original programming slate and branded entertainment opportunities in America's most successful and long running game shows, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, as well as positions in some of the most iconic shows in syndication. Diginet get. offers popular classic and contemporary programs with enduring appeal.

A top 14 cable network, Game Show Network remains a prolific producer of content, as a result of its continued commitment to delivering high quality original programming and the consistency of a stripped schedule. Game Show Network has greenlit three new strip series, Beat the Bridge, based on the popular UK format from STV Studios, to be hosted by Cameron Mathison (General Hospital, Home & Family) and revived classic Tic Tac Dough hosted by the incomparable Brooke Burns (Master Minds, The Chase). Both shows are scheduled to air this summer. Recently announced Flip Side hosted by Jaleel White (Family Matters) is the new syndicated game show from Game Show Enterprises Studios for CBS Media Ventures premiering in syndication and concurrently on Game Show Network this fall. Rounding out the schedule are the recently premiered comedic game show format Blank Slate (January 2024), hosted by Mario Lopez, Split Second with new episodes in April, hosted by Emmy(R)-Nominated Game Show Host John Michael Higgins (America Says, Pitch Perfect) in his second hit for the network and also returning with new episodes in April is Switch, a quick-moving trivia show where contestants take positions behind large numbers from 1 to 5, hosted by actor Jeff Hephner. All three Game Show Network originals score high in Total Viewers with Blank Slate averaging nearly 400K+ and both Split Second and Switch are averaging over 400K+,

Additional offerings include short-form ad options in America's most successful game shows in history, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, as well as premium commercial environments in the SPT syndicated programming portfolio comprised of S.W.A.T., the critically acclaimed off-network drama airing on network television for seven seasons, laugh-along iconic comedies such as Seinfeld and The Goldbergs as well as the return of courtroom entertainment programming.

ABC has renewed powerhouse Grey's Anatomy for a 21st season for 2024-25 season. Recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series and nominated for multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, Grey's Anatomy is considered one of the great television shows of our time. The high-intensity medical drama, now in its 20th season, follows a team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial who are faced with life-or death decisions on a daily basis. They seek comfort from one another, and, at times, more than just friendship. Together they discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Meawhile, ABC has renewed 9-1-1 for season 8 (and its second season on ABC) for 2024-25. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear reimagine the procedural drama with 9-1-1. The series explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders - including police officers, firefighters and dispatchers - who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives. The show draws from real-life, high-pressure experiences of first responders who regularly face heart-stopping situations that are often unpredictable, intense and uplifting at the same time. The series stars Angela Bassett as Athena Grant, Peter Krause as Bobby Nash, Jennifer Love Hewitt as Maddie Buckley, Oliver Stark as Evan "Buck" Buckley, Kenneth Choi as Howie "Chimney" Han, Aisha Hinds as Henrietta "Hen" Wilson, Ryan Guzman as Eddie Diaz and Gavin McHugh as Christopher Diaz.

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

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Labels: 9-1-1, ABC, Family Matters, Flip Side, getTV, Grey's Anatomy, GSN, Jaleel White, Jeopardy, Seinfeld, Sony Pictures, The Goldbergs, Wheel of Fortune