Saturday, March 09, 2024
SitcomsOnline Digest: Tim Allen Headlining ABC Comedy Pilot; NBC Developing Bewitched Inspired Sitcom
Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a pretty busy week this week with news of a new Tim Allen sitcom, a NBC series under development that is inspired by a classic series (but not a reboot), a reformatting of a major cable network, and more. Let's get going!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB
- It looks like Tim Allen is headed to ABC for his third sitcom, with Allen playing a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop who has his estranged daughter and her teenage children move in. (Deadline)
- This isn't the Bewitched reboot that we were talking about a few weeks ago nor is it officially even connected to the series, but NBC is developing a separate series, a multi-camera comedy that has similar themes as Bewitched and will pay homage to classic sitcoms, and now they've cast the starring role. (Deadline)
- It looks like TruTV, which was originally CourtTV, is evolving again as Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking to turn it into a sports network; meanwhile, the network's one popular series, Impractical Jokers, is moving to TBS. (Cord Cutters News)
- You can now stream every episode of Grey's Anatomy on Hulu. (Variety)
- The Evansville, IN house used for exterior shots on Roseanne and The Conners is currently on the market, and in today's real estate market, it's a pretty good deal. (TV Line)
- This one is truly out of the blue and very surprising: just when you thought daytime soap operas were dead, it looks like CBS is actually developing a new one that will in fact air on CBS, and not on Paramount+. (Hollywood Reporter)
- Although there was an effort to find a new streaming service to carry it, that did not happen and Our Flag Means Death is now officially canceled. (Deadline)
- Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik are reprising their roles from The Big Bang Theory on the final episode of Young Sheldon. (SitcomsOnline)
WEEKLY PLANNER (MARCH 9 - MARCH 15)
- Catchy Comedy has a Brady Bunch binge this weekend.
- ABC has new seasons of Grey's Anatomy (season 20!), Station 19, and the ABC debut of 9-1-1 on Thursday night.
- Girls5eva returns on Thursday, but this time it is moving from Peacock to Netflix.
Friday, June 16, 2023
truTV's Tacoma FD Returns July 20; Max Renews Velma, Clone High and More; Remembering Treat Williams

truTV will premiere season four of Tacoma FD on Thursday, July 20 at 10:00PM ET/PT with 13 new episodes. Kevin Heffernan (Chief Terry McConky) and Steve Lemme (Captain Eddie Penisi) return as TV's funniest firefighters who lead their eclectic crew, Marcus Henderson (Granny), Gabriel Hogan (Ike), and Hassie Harrison (Lucy) through new emergencies, a station renovation, and welcoming a new recruit Mickleberry, played by Chris Avila.
Tacoma FD is set in a firehouse in one of America's rainiest cities. These firefighters keep themselves entertained with creative competitions, friendly first responder rivalries and bizarre emergency calls. Joining the hijinks this season are celebrity guests Tony Danza as a guardian angel, David Arquette as Teddy Dickosi, Captain Penisi’s rival for the approval of the Chief, and more including Dexter Loomis, MC Gainey, Timothy Murphy & Amin Joseph. Returning favorites Joey Pantoliano, Paul Soter, Jim Rash, Jon Rudnitsky, Maria Russell and Jamie Kaler also appear throughout the 13 new episodes.
Suzanna Makkos, Executive Vice President, Original Comedy and Adult Animation, Max and Adult Swim, showcased the Max Original Adult Animation Slate at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival during her "Share With" session, unveiling the official second season trailer for the Max Original Ten Year Old Tom and revealing a first look image from the Max Original Young Love.
The presentation showcased Max Originals programming currently in development including Anything Factory, Uptown Bodega, and Keeping Up With the Joneses, detailed below. These programs in development are in addition to Makkos' current Max Originals slate that includes Harley Quinn, which Makkos announced will return for its fourth season this summer, Velma, Clone High, with season two currently in production for a 2024 debut, Fired on Mars, and the upcoming Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake, Scavengers Reign (in competition at Annecy), and DC's Harley Quinn spinoff Kite Man: Hell Yeah! (formerly announced with the working title Noonan's) and Creature Commandos, from producers James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Actor Treat Williams, who starred as Dr. Andy Brown on Everwood, has died. He was involved in a motorcycle crash on June 13 on Vermont Route 30, near Dorset. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he was pronounced dead. Mr. Williams was 71.
Williams starred as Jack Harold on the 1993-1994 CBS sitcom Good Advice. Divorce attorney Jack Harold is the love interest of Dr. Susan DeRuzza (Shelley Long), a successful marriage therapist and the author of a best-selling book on the subject, Giving and Forgiving. The series aired for 2 seasons and 17 episodes (plus 2 unaired episodes). The cast included George Wyner, Estelle Harris (season 1), Ross Malinger, Lightfield Lewis, Teri Garr (season 2) and Henriette Mantel (season 2).
He starred as Dr. Andrew "Andy" Brown on The WB 2002-2006 drama Everwood. The series is about a widowed neurosurgeon moving from New York City to the fictional small town of Everwood, Colorado with his two children. Williams was twice nominated in 2003 and 2004 for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor.
Williams starred as Eddie Dodd on the short-lived 1991 ABC drama Eddie Dodd. He starred as Dr. Nathaniel "Nate" Grant on the short-lived 2007 TNT medical drama Heartland. He played Don Kowalski on the 2011 Lifetime police drama Against the Wall. In 2015, he starred as Colonel Stephen Glen on the NBC action thriller American Odyssey. He starred as Mick O'Brien on the 2016-2022 Hallmark Channel drama Chesapeake Shores.
He appeared as David Morton in six episodes of Brothers & Sisters in 2006. He had recurring roles as Samuel Phelps/James Bennett in six episodes of White Collar from 2012 to 2013. He played Benjamin "Benny" Severide in 16 episodes of Chicago Fire from 2013 to 2018. He appeared as Lenny Ross, the former police partner of Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), in six episodes of Blue Bloods from 2016 to 2023.
Williams voiced himself and film character William Sullivan in a 2012 episode of The Simpsons. Some of his other television guest appearances included Tales from the Crypt, Road to Avonlea, Going to California, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Leverage, Hawaii Five-0 (2 episodes in 2013) and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his role as Michael Ovitz in the 1996 HBO movie The Late Shift.
He received Golden Globe nominations for his roles as George Berger in Hair (1979) and as Daniel Ciello in Prince of the City (1981). Some of his other film credits included 1941 (1979), The Pursuit of D. B. Cooper (1981), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Flashpoint (1984), Smooth Talk (1985), Dead Heat (1988), The Phantom (1996), The Devil's Own (1997), Deep Rising (1998), The Substitute franchise (1998–2001), The Deep End of the Ocean (1999), Miss Congeniality 2 (2005) and 127 Hours (2010).
Mr. Williams was a talented and dependable actor. He made everything he appeared in much better. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.
Share your memories on Everwood message board. View photos in our galleries.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2023; Sarah Silverman HBO Special Premieres May 27

The eleven-episode second season of the Max Original series And Just Like That..., from executive producer Michael Patrick King, will debut with two episodes on Thursday, June 22 on Max. The following nine episodes will premiere weekly on Thursdays.
Returning series regulars include Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sara Ramírez, Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker, Karen Pittman, Mario Cantone, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Christopher Jackson, Niall Cunningham, Cathy Ang and Alexa Swinton.
Max has ordered Conan O'Brien Must Go, a new international travel series from Conan O'Brien. The four-episode series is currently in production and will feature O'Brien visiting new friends he’s met through his podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan, where he dives deep with listeners from across the country and the world. Produced by Conaco, Conan O'Brien Must Go is executive produced by O'Brien and Jeff Ross.
TBS takes prank TV to a whole new level with a re-imagined version of The Joe Schmo Show premiering next year, it was announced today by Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery, during the company's 2023 Upfront presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Hosted by five-time Emmy Award nominee, Cat Deeley, this show within a show takes aim at the absurdity of reality TV by making a regular guy believe he is competing on a reality show, when he is in fact, surrounded by a cast of highly skilled improv comedians. Reality TV has come a long way since 2003 when the original Joe Schmo Show was watched by more than 44 million viewers. This new take on the iconic format promises to be even bigger, wilder, and more mind-blowing.
The Max Original docuseries Downey's Dream Cars debuts with two episodes Thursday, June 22 on Max, with two new episodes debuting each Thursday leading up to the final two episodes on July 6. The official trailer was revealed exclusively during Warner Bros. Discovery's Upfront presentation in New York today.
Robert Downey Jr. loves restoring classic cars. But he's also become dedicated to fighting climate change. So he's bringing his beloved old cars into the future, making them faster, more powerful, and more efficient while keeping their souls intact.

The HBO Original stand-up comedy special Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love debuts Saturday, May 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET on Max and will air at 10:15 p.m. ET / PT on HBO. Emmy®-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer Sarah Silverman returns with her first HBO comedy special since 2013's acclaimed Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles. Filmed at The Wilbur Theater in Boston, Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love features the New England native showcasing her fearless chutzpah.
Thursday, December 22, 2022
truTV Throwback Includes Hangin' with Mr. Cooper and Step by Step; AMC Launches Highly Anticipated Series in January

truTV is winding down the year with a throwback marathon that is sure to bring back memories for you and yours. These top shows from the '90s will keep your family laughing as you remember the familiar antics from years past. Join truTV for two three-day marathons of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper and Step by Step! Ring in Christmas with your favorite NBA player turned substitute teacher Mark Cooper (Mark Curry) in the hit sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper! Watch as Mark navigates his new school-teacher role with help (and setbacks) from his roommate and future fiancee, Vanessa (Holly Robinson Peete); his best friend, Robin (Dawnn Lewis); and his school coworkers. You may even spot a young Raven-Symoné in one of her earliest roles! Catch Mark and the gang from Friday, December 23 8PM ET/PT - Sunday, December 25 10:30PM ET/PT.
After the holidays wrap up, let the new year countdown begin with another three-day marathon starring your favorite dysfunctional family in the classic sitcom Step by Step. Follow Frank Lambert and Carol Foster as they adjust to their new lives together–much to the dismay of their 6 kids! As you reminisce on the chaotic nature of the holiday season, watch Frank, Carol, J.T., Al, Brendan, Dana, Karen, and Mark turn their hectic household into a harmonious one. Don't miss a moment of Step by Step starring Suzanne Somers, Patrick Duffy, Christine Lakin & more airing on Friday, December 30 5PM ET/PT - Sunday, January 1 3:30AM ET/PT.
This January, AMC Networks will feature the highly anticipated new series Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches across all live of its linear networks with BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV and WEtv joining AMC and AMC+ for a world premiere event on Sunday, January 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Based on Anne Rice's best-selling trilogy, Lives of the Mayfair Witches, the 8-episode series focuses on an intuitive young neurosurgeon, Rowan (Alexandra Daddario), who discovers that she is the unlikely heir to a family of witches. As she grapples with her newfound powers, she must contend with a sinister presence that has haunted her family for generations. Mark Johnson (Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Halt and Catch Fire, Rectify), who is overseeing the Anne Rice Immortal Universe is executive producing, along with Esta Spalding (Masters of Sex, On Becoming a God in Central Florida) and Michelle Ashford (Masters of Sex, The Pacific, John Adams) who are both executive producers and writers of the series. Spalding serves as showrunner. This second series in an expanding Anne Rice Universe, it follows the breakout hit series this fall, Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. Series stars also include Jack Huston (Fargo, Manhunt), Tongayi Chirisa (Another Life, The Jim Gaffigan Show) and Harry Hamlin (Mad Men, L.A. Law).
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
CBS Upfront 2022-23: Fall 2022 Schedule; Turner Upfront Updates
Fall 2022
Mondays
8:00PM The Neighborhood
8:30PM Bob ♥ Abishola
9:00PM NCIS
10:00PM NCIS: Hawaiʻi
Tuesdays
8:00PM FBI
9:00PM FBI: International
10:00PM FBI: Most Wanted
Wednesdays
8:00PM Survivor
9:00PM The Amazing Race
10:00PM The Real Love Boat (NEW!)
Thursdays
8:00PM Young Sheldon
8:30PM Ghosts (new time period)
9:00PM So Help Me Todd (NEW!)
10:00PM CSI: Vegas (new time period)
Fridays
8:00PM S.W.A.T. (new time period)
9:00PM Fire Country (NEW!)
10:00PM Blue Bloods
Saturdays
8:00PM Saturday Encores
9:00PM Saturday Encores
10:00PM 48 Hours
Sundays
7:00PM 60 Minutes
8:00PM The Equalizer
9:00PM East New York (NEW!)
10:00PM NCIS: Los Angeles (new time period)
Unscheduled Mid-Season 2023:
New Comedy:
New Drama: True Lies
New Reality/Unscripted: Lingo, Superfan
Returning Drama:
Returning Reality/Unscripted: Secret Celebrity Renovation, Tough as Nails
NOTES: CBS today announced its 2022-2023 primetime programming lineup of CBS Originals, featuring four new dramas, one alternative series, special event programming and 18 returning series. For 2021-2022, the Network finished #1 for the 14th straight season, winning 19 of the past 20 seasons.
The four new series for fall are the dramas East New York, starring Amanda Warren as the newly promoted boss of the 74th Precinct located on the edge of Brooklyn; Fire Country, from Jerry Bruckheimer and inspired by series star Max Thieriot’s (SEAL TEAM) experiences growing up in Northern California fire country; humorous legal drama So Help Me Todd, starring Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden as a meticulous successful attorney and Skylar Astin as her aimless private detective son she hires to work for her law firm; and the reality romance adventure The Real Love Boat, inspired by the classic hit scripted series The Love Boat. The fall schedule of CBS Original series also includes the return of #1 broadcast series NCIS, #1 comedy Young Sheldon, #1 new series and comedy Ghosts, #1 new drama NCIS: Hawai’i and #1 news program 60 Minutes.
The new series debuting later in the season is the drama True Lies, inspired by James Cameron’s hit action/comedy film of the same name.
In addition to CBS’ new and returning top series, its year-round schedule of original programming also features annual marquee events, including the Grammy Awards, the CMT Music Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, the Tony Awards, NFL playoffs in January and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in March, among other special event programming.
Upcoming previously announced alternative series include Superfan, a musical spectacle disguised as a game show; Lingo, a word-twisting, fast-thinking game show executive-produced and hosted by Emmy Award winner RuPaul Charles; Tough as Nails; and Secret Celebrity Renovation.
Also, CBS will ring in the holidays with three original movies: When Christmas Was Young, executive-produced by award-winning musician Sheryl Crow; Fit for Christmas, starring The Talk's Amanda Kloots, who will also executive-produce; and Must Love Christmas, from prolific holiday film writer and producer Mark Amato.
Discuss CBS's 2022-23 lineup and view the full press release.
Warner Bros. Discovery showcased its annual Upfront presentation to advertisers this morning at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, presenting its iconic collection of networks and titles across its sports, news, and lifestyle and entertainment brands. Unveiling a powerful, combined portfolio to marketers for the first time, Warner Bros. Discovery presented its newly unified organization with a message to audiences everywhere: Our Story Starts with You.
Hosted by David Zaslav, President and CEO, and Jon Steinlauf, Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer, the Upfront showcased Warner Bros. Discovery's expansive content offerings and ability to drive demand for brands with bold advertising solutions.
Jennifer Hudson, host of the forthcoming Warner Bros. Unscripted TV daytime talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, kicked off the event with a spotlight on the importance of telling powerful stories, establishing fresh perspectives and amplifying dynamic voices. Attendees were then treated to a star-studded show demonstrating a vast array of brands, talent and content across Warner Bros. Discovery. The show concluded with a special performance from Hudson.
During the event, the company unveiled its 2022-23 programming highlights across linear, streaming and digital platforms. Guests heard from leadership and talent across brands such as Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, CNN, discovery+, Discovery Channel, Food Network, HBO Max, HGTV, Magnolia, OWN, TLC, TNT, TBS and truTV. In addition to Hudson, on-stage talent (in order of appearance) included Shaun Robinson, Grant Hill, Anderson Cooper, Bobby Flay, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Shaquille O'Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Pedro Martinez, Jonathan Scott, Lil Jon, John Cena, Nicole Byer, Mike Rowe, Shaun White, Mindy Kaling, Andy Garcia, Gloria Estefan and Lizzo.
CNN announced today at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation that the award-winning actress, producer, director, and activist Eva Longoria is coming to the cable network with her upcoming CNN Original Series Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. Produced by RAW TV, the film and television company behind the Emmy® Award winning Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, the six-part series will premiere in 2023 on CNN.
Adult Swim, the leader in adult animation and #1 destination for young adults, announced the greenlight of two all-new anime series: Rick and Morty: The Anime from director Takashi Sano (Tower of God) and Ninja Kamui from director Sunghoo Park (God of High School, Jujutsu Kaisen). Both series are in production and will premiere on Adult Swim and HBO Max.
The Eric Andre Show is back and more devilish than ever. Adult Swim, the leader in adult animation and #1 destination for young adults, announced today a season six pickup of the popular anti-late-night talk show hosted by comedian Eric Andre.
HBO Max and Cartoon Network announced today that Sacha Baron Cohen (Academy Award-nominated Borat and Who Is America?) has teamed up with Greg Daniels (King of the Hill) and Mike Judge (King of the Hill) of the newly formed Bandera Entertainment, as well as Michael Koman (SNL, Co-Creator of Nathan for You, and Executive Producer of HBO’s How To with John Wilson) to bring their fresh wit to new, younger audiences with the family-oriented animated special, Chelm: The Smartest Place on Earth.
HBO Max announced three live-action acquisitions that will join the expanded list of kids and family programming on the streamer. They include Hank Zipzer, co-written by Emmy® Award-winner Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver; the paranormal adventures of My Babysitter’s a Vampire; and a new season of the cult favorite teen dance series, The Next Step. Additionally, seasons 5-7 of The Next Step will be available this summer.
Based on the New York Times best-selling book series Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever, and inspired by Winkler’s true-life experiences, all three seasons of Hank Zipzer debuted May 13 on HBO Max. Also streaming now is the entire 14-season library of Degrassi: The Next Generation, the longest running and most popular installment of the Degrassi franchise, with the new Degrassi series premiering in 2023.
truTV, a Warner Bros. Discovery brand, has greenlit ten half-hour episodes of Semi Pro, a new formatted reality sitcom from Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano that shines a bright stadium light on the biggest, loudest, most hilarious characters in semi-pro football and brings this gridiron glory to cable.
Friday, May 06, 2022
Hulu Comedy Maggie Gets Premiere Date; Chad Returns July 11 on TBS, While HBO Max Series Get Second Runs on TBS and TNT; Remembering David Birney of Bridget Loves Bernie

Hulu original comedy series Maggie will premiere all episodes on Wednesday, July 6! The Rebecca Rittenhouse series was originally set for ABC, but was moved to Hulu. In the series, dating is hard enough - it’s even harder when you also happen to be a psychic. Maggie's gift allows her to see into the future of her friends, parents, clients, and random people on the street. But when she begins to see glimpses of her own destiny after meeting an unexpected stranger, her romantic life suddenly gets a lot more complicated. Can you let yourself fall in love when you think you know how it ends? She probably should have seen this coming... Series regulars include Rebecca Rittenhouse, David Del Rio, Nichole Sakura, Leonardo Nam, Angelique Cabral, Ray Ford, Chloe Bridges, Kerri Kenney and Chris Elliott. Maggie is written and executive produced by Justin Adler and Maggie Mull. Evan Hayes and Jeff Morton also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.
TBS and truTV announce July premiere dates for Chad, The Big D and 101 Places to Party Before You Die. In addition, the second seasons of Max Originals Titans and Love Life will air on TBS and TNT respectively as part of Front Row, the networks' premium, limited commercial interruption content destination for select Max Original series and key TBS and TNT content. These titles join the previously announced summer premiere of TNT's Animal Kingdom on June 19 with back-to-back episodes starting at 9:00pm ET/PT.
2021's #1 new scripted cable comedy series, Chad returns on Monday, July 11 at 10:00pm ET/PT (it was previously set to return in April), starring creator, executive producer, and showrunner, Nasim Pedrad (Saturday Night Live, Aladdin). The second season of HBO Max's Love Life will launch on Sunday, July 31 at 10:00pm ET/PT on Front Row on TBS. The second season of HBO Max's Titans will launch on Tuesday, July 5 at 10:00pm ET/PT on Front Row on TNT.
Actor David Birney, who starred as Bernie Steinberg on Bridget Loves Bernie, has died. He died from complications of Alzheimer's disease on April 27 at his home in Santa Monica, California, four days after his 83rd birthday.
Birney starred as Bernie Steinberg on the 1972-1973 CBS sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie. The series depicts an interfaith marriage between an Irish Catholic teacher (Bridget Fitzgerald played by Meredith Baxter) from a wealthy family and a Jewish cab driver who aspires to be a playwright (Bernie Steinberg), whom she had met at a bus stop. It was based loosely on the premise of the 1920s Broadway play and 1940s radio show Abie's Irish Rose. CBS canceled the show after only one season and 24 episodes, despite high ratings. It aired on Saturday nights between All in the Family and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It finished #5 in the ratings among all shows for the 1972-73 television season and obtained a 24.2 rating, tying The NBC Sunday Mystery Movie. CBS executives canceled the show in response to negative reactions to the characters' marriage. Birney and Baxter married in real life in 1974. The cast included Harold J. Stone, Bibi Osterwald, Audra Lindley, David Doyle, Ned Glass, Robert Sampson, William Elliott and Ivor Barry.
He starred as Frank Serpico, an unorthodox NYPD detective who battles corrupt members of the police force, on the 1976-1977 NBC police drama Serpico. He portrayed Dr. Ben Samuels on the first season of the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere from 1982 until 1983. He played Sam Dillon, a star reporter at the fictional Glitter magazine, on the 1984-1985 ABC drama Glitter. In 1995, he starred as Harry Chandler Moore ("The Beacon of Truth"), the vain, pompous senior news anchor at KXZX, on the drama Live Shot, which aired on UPN from 1995 to 1996.
He guest starred on four episodes of The Love Boat from 1978 to 1982 and one episode of Love Boat: The Next Wave in 1998.
Some of his television drama guest appearances included The Edge of Night, A World Apart, The F.B.I., Circle of Fear, McMillan & Wife, Police Woman, Bronk, Cannon (2 episodes), Medical Center (2 episodes), The Streets of San Francisco, Police Story (2 episodes), Tales of the Unexpected, Hawaii Five-0 (3 episodes), Fantasy Island, Family, The Twilight Zone (1986), Matlock, Murder, She Wrote (4 episodes), Burke's Law, Sliders, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Poltergeist: The Legacy and Without a Trace.
Birney was a classically trained theatre actor who found success on the stage, including on Broadway. He began his career at the prestigious Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, after winning the Barter Theatre Award in 1965. His New York debut was with Joe Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival as Antipholus of Syracuse in William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. In 1968, he played the lead in Summertree at New York's Lincoln Centre, winning the Clarence Derwent Award and the Theatre World Award.
Survivors include his life partner Michele Roberge and his children with Meredith Baxter, his daughters Kate and Mollie Birney and a son, Peter Baxter; a stepdaughter, Eva Bush, and a stepson, Ted Bush, Ms. Baxter's children from a previous marriage; two grandchildren; and his brothers, Glenn and Gregory. He was married to Meredith Baxter from 1974 until they divorced in 1989.
Mr. Birney was a talented and versatile actor. He was great on Bridget Loves Bernie. The one-year wonder is worth checking out on DVD (read our review). We thank him for the entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be greatly missed.
Share your memories on our Bridget Loves Bernie message board. View photos in our galleries.
Monday, April 04, 2022
Remembering Estelle Harris of Seinfeld and Barrie Youngfellow of It's a Living; Impractical Jokers Returns in June with Celebrity Guests

Actress Estelle Harris, who was best known for her role as Estelle Costanza on Seinfeld, has died. She died of natural causes on April 2 at her home in Palm Desert, California. Ms. Harris was 93.
Harris had a supporting role as Estelle Costanza on the 1989-1998 NBC sitcom Seinfeld. She was credited on 27 episodes from 1992 to 1998. Estelle Costanza is George's (Jason Alexander) highly obnoxious and melodramatic mother. She constantly squabbles with Frank (Jerry Stiller) and George about their actions but is the closest thing to reason in the Costanza household. The cast included Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards.
She played Ronnie Cohen on five episodes of the first season of the 1993-1994 CBS sitcom Good Advice. Ronnie Cohen is a receptionist at an office. She is the mother of Artie Cohen (George Wyner). The cast included Shelley Long, Treat Williams, Ross Malinger, Lightfield Lewis, Teri Garr (1994) and Henriette Mantel (1994).
Harris had a recurring role as Muriel on 14 episodes of the 2005-2008 Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Muriel is the saucy hotel maid who conceals her goodly nature beneath a veneer of acidic sarcasm, and spends more time sneaking in naps and robbing guests of loose change than doing any actual cleaning. The cast included Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Brenda Song, Ashley Tisdale, Phill Lewis and Kim Rhodes.
She played Nana on 12 episodes of the 2012 web comedy series Greetings from Home. The cast included Dash Mihok, Missi Pyle, Evie Thompson, Hudson Thames, Nicole Randall Johnson, Kristina Sexton, Cherilyn Wilson and Skyler Stone.
Some of her sitcom guest appearances included Night Court (3 episodes as Easy Mary), Married with Children, Brooklyn Bridge, Mad About You, In the House, Moesha, Living Single, Cybill, The Parkers, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2001), Half & Half, Regular Joe, Phil of the Future (voice), iCarly, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Sonny with a Chance, Retired at 35, Are You There, Chelsea? (2 episodes) and The Exes.
Some of her other television guest appearances included Law & Order, Chicago Hope, Fallen Angels, Star Trek: Voyager, Sunset Beach (3 episodes), Providence and ER.
Harris was known for her exaggerated shrill, grating voice. She was the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise in Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019). In 2005, she lent her voice to Mama Gunda in Tarzan II. She was the voice of Lula on the 2004-2005 Disney Channel animated series Dave the Barbarian. Some of her other voice credits included Aladdin (1995), The Tick (1996), Hercules, The Wild Thornberrys, The Brothers Flub, Family Guy, House of Mouse, The Proud Family, Kim Possible, American Dad!, Futurama and Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
She is survived by her three children, as well as three grandsons and a great-grandson. Her husband Sy died on January 11, 2021.
Ms. Harris was hilarious as Estelle Costanza. She was perfectly cast in the role. It's surprising that she appeared on only 27 Seinfeld episodes. Her appearances were always so funny and memorable. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment she brought us during her career. She will be deeply missed.
Share your memories on our Seinfeld message board. View photos in our galleries.
Actress Barrie Youngfellow, who starred as Jan Hoffmeyer Gray on It's a Living, has died. She died on March 28. She called Woodstock, New York, her home since 1989. Ms. Youngfellow was 75.
Youngfellow starred as Dr. Gloria Manners on the short-lived 1978 ABC sitcom A.E.S. Hudson Street. The series, which ran for five episodes, follows the antics of the staff of a run-down Ambulance Emergency Service hospital on Hudson Street, on the lower west side of Manhattan. The cast included Gregory Sierra, Rosana DeSoto, Stefan Gierasch, Susan Peretz, Ralph Manza, Ray Stewart, Bill Cort and Allan Miller.
She starred as sharp-tongued and sarcastic waitress Jan Hoffmeyer Gray on the 1980-1982 ABC and 1985-1989 first-run syndicated sitcom It's a Living. The show follows the lives of the waitresses at the posh restaurant Above the Top, located at the top of the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Jan is a single mom who later marries Richie Gray (Richard Kline). The cast included Marian Mercer, Susan Sullivan (1980-1981), Gail Edwards, Wendy Schaal (1980-1981), Ann Jillian (1980-1986), Paul Kreppel, Bert Remsen (1980-1981), Louise Lasser (1981-1982), Earl Boen (1981-1982), Crystal Bernard (1985-1989), Richard Stahl (1985-1989) and Sheryl Lee Ralph (1986-1989).
She played Barbara Russo, Blossom Russo's (Mayim Bialik) mother, on the 1990 pilot episode of Blossom. She did not continue with the project when NBC picked it up as a regular series.
Some of her sitcom guest appearances included The New Temperatures Rising Show, Carter Country, Barney Miller (2 episodes), WKRP in Cincinnati, The Jeffersons, Three's Company, Good Time Harry and It Takes Two. She was a frequent guest on Fernwood 2 Night as Linda Barry.
Some of her other television guest appearances included The Streets of San Francisco, Police Woman, Emergency!, Trapper John, M.D. (2 episodes), Murder, She Wrote (1989) and Law & Order.
She was married to her husband of 39 years, stage and screen actor Sam Freed, who was almost as important to her as her dogs and cats. She is also survived by her sister Heide Rivchun of Cleveland and her sister Kim Rivchun of Providence, Rhode Island.
Ms. Youngfellow had a unique appeal among actresses of the late 1970s and 1980s. She was one of only four cast members who appeared on all six seasons of It's a Living. We thank her for her work on It's a Living and her other television roles. She will be greatly missed.
Share your memories on our It's a Living message board. View photos in our galleres.
The boys are back, along with a few new friends! truTV announced the long-running franchise Impractical Jokers will return with new episodes Thursday, June 16 at 10:00PM ET/PT, featuring a different celebrity guest in each episode joining Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray & Sal Vulcano for more laughs and mischief in the series' ninth season. Joining the spectacle and upping the antics will be a variety of heavy weight star-power including Staten Islanders Method Man (Wu-Tang Clan) and Colin Jost (Saturday Night Live), Chris Jericho (All Elite Wrestling), film star Brooke Shields (The Blue Lagoon), as well as hilarious comedians Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street), Adam Pally (Sonic, Happy Endings), Jon Gabrus (Game Over, Man!) and David Cross (Arrested Development), along with Rob Riggle (Holey Moley) and others.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
TBS Schedules Chad Season 2 for April; truTV Announces Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus Series

TBS announced that 2021’s #1 new scripted cable comedy series, Chad returns on Monday, April 11 at 10:00pm ET/PT. The network also released a teaser of the upcoming second season starring creator, executive producer, and showrunner, Nasim Pedrad (Saturday Night Live, Aladdin). Summer break is over and it’s sophomore year for newly elected class president, Chad Amani (Pedrad). In this hilarious second season, Chad deals with a scandal that quickly ends his presidency, has a surprising new love interest, and gets a visit from his tough-as-nails Iranian grandmother - all while continuing to worry about his popularity, and discovering new ways to relate to his Persian cultural roots. Chad’s epic path to teenage self-realization is not always a straight line--but the support from his family and best friend Peter (Jake Ryan) keep Chad on track, giving him the confidence to help him become who he has always wanted to be – the most American boy in the history of the world.
Returning cast for season two will include Jake Ryan as Peter; Paul Chahidi as Uncle Hamid; Saba Homayoon as Naz, Chad’s mother; Ella Mika as Chad’s sister, Niki; Alexa Loo as Denise; and Thomas Barbusca as Reid. Sara Malal Rowe has also been added to the lineup this season.
While your travel plans may have been recently thwarted, truTV has the answer to satiate your wanderlust. The network announced that it has greenlit 101 Places to Party Before You Die, based on the best-selling book "101 Places to Get ****** Up Before You Die." Currently in production and slated for premiere this summer, the eight half-hour, travel-comedy series takes audiences on adventures of exploration with hilarious improvers and real-life best buds Adam Pally (Happy Endings) and Jon Gabrus (Game Over, Man!) as they consume and devour local life in Maui, Moab, Miami, Puerto Rico, Portland, Richmond, Atlanta and Denver. A bromance for the ages, 101 Places to Party Before You Die follows accidental travel hosts Pally and Gabrus who are given a wife-sanctioned three-day weekend escape to venture across the U.S. to different destinations to experience everything they have to offer. Stepping off the beaten path, the guys champion the authenticities of each stop and share with viewers their love of the unexplored. Even after 15 years of friendship and adventure, there’s still so much for them to discover from unique foods and drinks to local sites, and other idiosyncrasies that make each city tick.
Friday, January 07, 2022
Fri-Yay: ABC's Abbott Elementary Is a Solid and Promising New Sitcom; Fast Foodies Brings More Comedic Guests for Season 2

by Vincent
This week, ABC premiered Abbott Elementary, one of the more anticipated comedies of the year for me. I watched the premiere last night after the show's pretty extensive marketing campaign (and solid ratings so far for the preview episode in December and even higher this week for its premiere), and I thought it was a really promising new comedy with an interesting premise. While it's far from perfect, it was refreshing to see a workplace comedy surrounded around a school, something we haven't seen depicted as often as some other workplaces like offices, TV shows or police forces.
Abbott Elementary is a "mockumentary," in the vein of The Office, Modern Family and Parks and Rec. It's a sitcom format that was huge in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but hasn't gotten as much play lately, so it's an interesting stylistic choice, and one that does play for a lot of laughs. The characters are also funny, although it will be interesting to see them graduate beyond roles such as "desperate white ally" or "incompetent principal." All in all, Abbott Elementary is a very promising new show and I'm really excited to see where it goes next.
truTV is bringing new mouthwatering delights for the second season of the hit cooking reality series, Fast Foodies, returning on Thursday, January 27 to truTV at 10PM. The 12-episode season brings a raucous slew of fresh celebrity guests with fast food cravings. New guests in the deliciously fun cooking competition series include Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street), Keith and Kenneth Lucas (Just for Laughs), Adam Pally (Happy Endings),”), Jon Gabrus (Game Over, Man!) Horatio Sanz (Saturday Night Live) and returning fan-favorite foodie Joel McHale (Community). Previously announced guests included Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), NBA legend Baron Davis, Nikki Glaser (FBOY ISLAND), Chris Jericho (AEW), Reggie Watts (The Late Late Show with James Corden), Natasha Leggero (The Honeymoon Stand Up Special), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live) and more.
In Fast Foodies, Top Chef winners Kristen Kish, Jeremy Ford and Iron Chef winner Justin Sutherland compete to perfectly recreate and then skillfully reimagine a celebrity guest’s favorite fast-food dish. These culinary masters come prepared to showcase their love of pop culture, fast-food legends and their expert skills to win the "Chompionship Trophy." The inaugural season reached over 20 million viewers across linear and digital platform to date and featured Joel McHale, James Van Der Beek (Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23), Andy Richter (Conan), Amanda Seales (Insecure), Ron Funches (Top Secret Videos), Charlotte McKinney (Fantasy Island), Kevin Heffernan & Steve Lemme (Tacoma FD), Fortune Feimster (Sweet & Salty), GaTa (Dave), and Bobby Lee (Splitting Up Together).
Thursday, September 23, 2021
TBS, TNT and truTV Launch Fall-O-Ween, a Programming Block of Halloween Classics; HBO Max Comedy from Mindy Kaling Debuts November 18

The TNets (TBS, TNT, truTV) are celebrating spooky season with the launch of Fall-O-Ween, a programming block of your favorite Halloween classics to keep the Fall vibes going beginning Wednesday, September 22. Programming includes the launch of Young Sheldon on TBS, which premieres September 27; Network TV premiere of Joker on TNT October 2; the Animal Kingdom season 5 finale on TNT October 3; Network TV premiere of IT: Chapter 2 on TNT October 24; A new American Dad! Halloween special on TBS October 25; The Last O.G season 3 premiere on TBS October 26; Network TV premiere of The Witches on TBS October 31; and the network TV premiere of Angel Has Fallen on TNT November 1. Sitcom related schedule is below:
Monday, September 27
TBS
“Young Sheldon” Launch – 5pm-7:30pm ET/PT
Tuesday, October 5
TBS – Cuffing Season: Love is On the Air Marathon
“Friends” Marathon – 11am – 4:30pm ET/PT
“The Big Bang Theory” – 8pm – 10:30pm ET/PT
Saturday, October 23
truTV – Comfort Food Marathon
“Tacoma FD” – 11am – 12pm ET/PT
Monday, October 25
TBS – Halloween Animation Marathon
“Bob’s Burgers” – 5pm – 7:30pm ET/PT
“American Dad” Halloween Special Marathon – 7:30pm – 9pm ET/PT
New “American Dad” Halloween Special – 9:30pm ET/PT
Tuesday, October 26
TBS
Season 3 Premiere of “The Last O.G.” – 10pm ET/PT
Saturday, October 30
TBS
“The Big Bang Theory” Halloween Marathon – 7pm – 10pm ET/PT
Sunday, October 31
TBS
“Family Matters” Halloween Episodes Marathon – 6am – 8am ET/PT
“George Lopez” Halloween Episodes Marathon – 8am – 10am ET/PT
“American Dad” Halloween Special Marathon – 10am – 11am ET/PT
truTV
“Tacoma FD” Halloween Back-To-Back Episodes – 11pm – 12am ET/PT
The Max Original comedy The Sex Lives of College Girls debuts on HBO Max with the first two episodes Thursday, November 18. The ten-episode series continues with three new episodes on November 25 and December 2, leading up to the final two episodes of the season on December 9. Created by Emmy®-nominated writer/producer Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, The Sex Lives of College Girls follows four college roommates as they arrive at New England’s prestigious Essex College. A bundle of contradictions and hormones, these girls are equal parts lovable and infuriating as they live out their new, free lives on campus. The series stars Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Additional series regulars include Midori Francis, Gavin Leatherwood, Chris Meyer, Ilia Isorelys Paulino, Lauren Spencer, and Renika Williams.
Monday, September 20, 2021
73rd Primetime Emmy Awards Winners; Turner Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with George Lopez, Tacoma FD and More

The Television Academy celebrated the 73rd Emmy® Awards last night, recognizing excellence in primetime programming and individual achievement for the 2020-2021 television season. The 73rd Emmy® Awards were broadcast live from L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on the CBS Television Network, hosted by Cedric The Entertainer and produced by Done+Dusted and Hudlin Entertainment. The telecast featured awards in 27 Emmy categories, plus the Governors Award, presented by top talent from some of television’s most acclaimed programs. Presenters and surprise guests included Uzo Aduba, Paulina Alexis, Anthony Anderson, Annaleigh Ashford, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Adrien Brody, Aidy Bryant, Sophia Bush, Stephen Colbert, Jennifer Coolidge, Misty Copeland, Kaley Cuoco, Michael Douglas, Ava DuVernay, Lane Factor, Beanie Feldstein, Allyson Felix, America Ferrera, Sterlin Harjo, Taraji P. Henson, Gayle King, LL COOL J, Devery Jacobs, Ken Jeong, Mindy Kaling, Daniel Dae Kim, Vanessa Lachey, Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Jessica Long, Annie Murphy, Catherine O’Hara, Dolly Parton, Sarah Paulson, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Amy Poehler, Ellen Pompeo, Billy Porter, Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez, Seth Rogen, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Patrick Stewart, Wilmer Valderrama, Kerry Washington, Rita Wilson, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Bowen Yang and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Among the big winners were The Crown and The Queen's Gambit with 11 wins each, SNL with 8 wins, Ted Lasso with 7 wins along with The Mandalorian also with 7 wins. Either Ted Lasso or Hacks swept the entire major comedy categories with Lead Actor, Lead Actress, Writing, Directing, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and Outstanding Comedy! View the complete list of winners.
The TNets (TBS, TNT, truTV) are honoring Latinx Heritage Month by airing an exciting array of programming across the networks that celebrate, honor, and recognize members of the Latinx community. Programming includes a Latinx Heritage movie marathon of Overboard (2018), Hot Pursuit and The Hitman's Bodyguard on TNT & TBS; a Tacoma FD marathon on truTV September 26 & October 10 both from 12pm-2pm; a George Lopez marathon on TBS October 2 from 6am-12pm; and a prime time showing of Fast & Furious and Fast Five on TNT October 15.
Monday, July 19, 2021
Melrose Place Reunion on Fox's New Fantasy Island; Tacoma FD Returns Sept. 16 on truTV

This summer, don't miss a special Melrose Place reunion on Fox's all-new Fantasy Island, when Laura Leighton, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga guest star as friends whose island birthday bashes expose the fault lines in their friendships. This August, Fox travels to Fantasy Island, with an all-new version of the classic show. A modern drama series, Fantasy Island takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected. Delving into the "what if" questions -- both big and small -- that keep us awake at night, each episode will tell emotional, provocative stories about people who arrive with dreams and desires and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island. Serving as steward of this mysterious island is Elena Roarke (Roselyn Sanchez, Devious Maids, Grand Hotel), a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke. Elena set aside her own ambitions, and even the love of her life, to uphold her family's legacy. Sophisticated, insightful and always charming, her calm exterior masks the challenges of the responsibilities she has assumed. Assisting Elena is Ruby Akuda (Kiara Barnes, The Bold and the Beautiful), a young woman with an old soul who arrives on Fantasy Island with a terminal illness and is given a new lease on life there; and pilot Javier (John Gabriel Rodriquez, Miranda's Rights, Rosewood), who also is the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades.
The all-new version of the classic show from Sony Pictures Television, Gemstone Studios and Fox Entertainment will premiere Tuesday, Aug. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. But first don't miss the half-hout special Welcome to the New Fantasy Island, airing Sunday, Aug. 8 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on Fox. Production is currently underway on location in Puerto Rico.
The third season of truTV's blazing-hot firefighter comedy Tacoma FD is set to premiere Thursday, September 16, 2021 on truTV. The scripted series returns with 13 episodes as the crew deals with all new shenanigans including quarantines, prank wars, upgrades to Station 24 and the Annual Pickleball Tournament. Tacoma FD, a Top 10 Comedy on ad-supported cable in 2020, is set in a firehouse in one of America's rainiest cities. These firefighters keep themselves entertained with creative competitions, friendly first responder rivalries and no shortage of bizarre emergency calls. Chief Terry McConky (Kevin Heffernan) and Captain Eddie Penisi (Steve Lemme) lead the firehouse antics and are joined by an eclectic crew played by Eugene Cordero (Andy), Marcus Henderson (Granny), Gabriel Hogan (Ike), and Hassie Harrison (Lucy).
Tacoma FD premieres Thursday, September 16, at 10pm ET. The new season will feature 13 episodes, with new episodes airing Thursdays at 10pm. Season 1 and 2 episodes are available for catch up and streaming on HBO Max.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
TNets Upfront: Chad and Wipeout Renewed for Second Seasons in 2022; The Dick Van Dyke Show in Color on CBS Friday (May 21)

The TNets (TBS, TNT and truTV) underscore their commitment to original unscripted and scripted programming in 2022, announcing second season renewals for freshman series Wipeout, Fast Foodies and Chad. These recent pickups join critically acclaimed scripted series, Snowpiercer, which was previously greenlit for a third season, the fifth and sixth seasons of Animal Kingdom, and unscripted series The Cube, The Big D, Rat in the Kitchen and Rhodes to the Top.
The TNets continue to grow from strength to strength dominating comedy in 2021 with four of the top five slots (Wipeout, Impractical Jokers, Go-Big Show and Chad). Wipeout premiered as the #1 New Cable Unscripted Series; Chad premiered as the #1 Scripted Cable Comedy; Go-Big Show ranks as the #3 Cable Comedy reaching more than 34 million viewers; and Impractical Jokers currently ranks as the #1 Cable Comedy for 2021.
Cable's #1 Scripted Comedy Series, Chad is a single-camera comedy that follows a 14-year-old pubescent Persian boy, played by Nasim Pedrad (SNL, New Girl, Aladdin) as he navigates his first year of high school on a mission to become popular. Chad's friendships and sanity are pushed to the limits as he uses every tactic at his disposal to befriend the cool kids, while enduring his mother's new dating life and reconciling with his cultural identity. Chad is currently airing on TBS on Tuesdays at 10:30pm ET/PT.
The TNets announced the July premiere dates for new and returning unscripted and scripted series. Kicking off July 1st, truTV fans can join The Tenderloins for their first-ever Awards Special, Impractical Jokers Awards Show celebrating the most iconic moments from the franchise's 200+ episodes at 10:00pm ET/PT, followed by the network premiere of Impractical Jokers: The Movie at 10:30pm ET/PT. On July 8th, new episodes from the ninth season of Impractical Jokers return at 10:00pm ET/PT on truTV, followed by, the series premiere of Backyard Bar Wars at 10:30pm ET/PT.
These shows join the previously announced launches of TBS' new high-stakes game show The Cube with host Dwyane Wade on Thursday, June 10th at 9:00pm ET/PT; the fifth season of TNT's critically acclaimed crime drama Animal Kingdom on July 11th at 9:00pm ET/PT; and a new installment of TBS' top-rated anthology, Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail on July 13th at 10:30pm ET/PT.
The third season of the top-rated anthology comedy series Miracle Workers, this time transporting cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Karan Soni and Jon Bass to the American Old West will premiere on July 13th. Set in the year 1844, Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail follows an idealistic small-town preacher (Radcliffe) who teams up with a wanted outlaw (Buscemi) and an adventurous prairie wife (Viswanathan) to lead a wagon train west on the Oregon Trail across an American landscape which, much like today, is fraught with both promise and peril.
The Dick Van Dyke Show: Now In Living Color! is a new, one-hour special featuring two freshly colorized classic episodes of the beloved 1960s series airing back-to-back on Friday, May 21 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. The special features the season four episode "Baby Fat," written by Garry Marshall and Jerry Belson, and the season five episode “The Bottom of Mel Cooley's Heart," written by John Whedon. The main titles and end credits of the two episodes are seamlessly combined into one set —at the beginning and end of the hour—with no interruption between each. The Emmy Award-winning series starred Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore as television comedy writer Rob and his wife, Laura Petrie; Larry Matthews as their son Ritchie; Morey Amsterdam and Rose Marie as Buddy Sorrell and Sally Rogers, co-writers on the fictional The Alan Brady Show; Carl Reiner as Alan Brady; Richard Deacon as Mel Cooley; Jerry Paris as Dr. Jerry Helper; and Ann Morgan Guilbert as Millie Krumbermacher Helper.
In "Baby Fat," Alan Brady calls on Rob to ghostwrite some new material for a troubled Broadway play he's starring in. The episode is based on an incident that actually happened to co-writer Garry Marshall: he was tapped to fix a play for comedian Jack Carter, who insisted that the ghostwriter make himself scarce whenever the official playwright showed up. The episode first aired on April 21, 1965, during season four. "The Bottom of Mel Cooley's Heart," which aired late in the show's final season, served as a kind of "curtain call" for longtime supporting actor Richard Deacon, who finally got to take center stage when Mel Cooley stands up to brother-in-law/employer Alan Brady (played by Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner). The episode first aired on Feb. 9, 1966. The Dick Van Dyke Show originally aired on CBS from Oct. 3, 1961, through June 1, 1966, finishing in the Nielsen Top 10 in three of its five seasons, and peaking at #3 during the 1963-1964 season. The show received 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, including three Emmys for Dick Van Dyke, five for Carl Reiner and two for Mary Tyler Moore.
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
ABC Picks Up Comedy Home Economics for Midseason 2021; TNT, TBS and truTV Holiday Programming Lineup

ABC has picked up single-camera comedy pilot Home Economics to series. The series order will begin to air sometime this midseason 2021 and will join the ABC comedy brand. ABC has ordered 8 episodes. Three adult siblings and their spouses live blocks apart: one household is in the 1 percent (Connor), one is middle-class (Tom), and one is barely holding on (Sarah). Based on the lives of writer Michael Colton, his sister who has trouble making ends meet, and his brother who's got too much money. The series stars Topher Grace as Tom, Caitlin McGee as Sarah, Jimmy Tatro as Connor, Karla Souza as Marina (Tom's wife), and Sasheer Zamata as Denise (Sarah's wife). More info to come.
ABC has also picked up a full season for new thrilling drama Big Sky from David E. Kelley. The Tuesday drama had an episode order of 10 episodes (shorter than the usual 13 episodes due to the pandemic), but now it has picked up 6 more episodes, totaling 16 episodes for the season. The winter finale (episode 5) will air Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 10pm before returning for 11 more episodes starting Jan. 26. Big Sky stars Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, Brian Geraghty as Ronald Pergman, Dedee Pfeiffer as Denise Brisbane, Natalie Alyn Lind as Danielle Sullivan, Jade Pettyjohn as Grace Sullivan, Jesse James Keitel as Jerrie Kennedy, Valerie Mahaffey as Helen Pergman with John Carroll Lynch as Rick Legarski and Ryan Phillippe as Cody Hoyt.
TNT, TBS and truTV celebrate this holly jolly season with iconic holiday films and sitcom episodes throughout December. On December 17, truTV will feature a new Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party episode, celebrating holiday meals and memories. TBS will air all-new Christmas-themed episodes of American Dad on December 21 and The Misery Index on December 23, as well as festive marathons of American Dad!, Family Guy, Friends, Seinfeld and The Big Bang Theory.
An annual tradition since 1997, TBS and TNT will host a 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story from Christmas Eve to Christmas. This marathon is consistently among television’s highest-rated programs around Christmas, and last year's marathon reached nearly 35 million viewers across TBS and TNT. This year throughout the marathon, interstitials will feature fan-favorite AEW wrestlers performing a special table read of some of the film's most iconic scenes. Additionally, the table read will be available to view at TNT.tv and on TNT's YouTube page.
Thursday, August 06, 2020
Tacoma FD Gets Season 3; Stars Come Aboard HBO Pandemic Comedy Event

truTV has ordered a 13-episode third season of its hit comedy series Tacoma FD. From co-creators and stars Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme, the series' second season returned earlier this year, ranking among ad-supported cable's top five comedy series and demonstrating season-over-season ratings growth. To date, Tacoma FD Season 2 has reached 11 million viewers.
The general manager of truTV surprises Heffernan and Lemme with the Season 3 pick-up announcement on tonight's episode of Talkoma FD, airing on August 6 at 10:30pm ET/PT on truTV. Tacoma FD is a half-hour comedy set in a firehouse in one of America’s rainiest cities. These firefighters keep themselves entertained with creative competitions, friendly first responder rivalries and no shortage of bizarre emergency calls. Chief Terry McConky (Heffernan) and Captain Eddie Penisi (Lemme) lead the firehouse antics and are joined by an eclectic crew played by Eugene Cordero (Andy), Marcus Henderson (Granny), Gabriel Hogan (Ike), and Hassie Harrison (Lucy). New episodes of Tacoma FD air each Thursday at 10:00pm ET/PT, with the after show Talkoma FD airing at 10:30pm ET/PT on truTV.
From playwright and screenwriter Paul Rudnick and directed by Jay Roach, HBO's socially distanced comedy Coastal Elites debuts Saturday, September 12 from 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The comedic satire tells contemporary stories of characters breaking down and breaking through as they grapple with politics, culture, and the pandemic. Bette Midler (Tony Award winner for Hello, Dolly!), Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable, Last Man Standing), Dan Levy (Emmy nominee for Schitt's Creek), Sarah Paulson (Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award winner for American Crime Story) and Issa Rae (Emmy nominee for HBO's Insecure) star in this special presentation that explores our current world of deeply divided politics and the universal pursuit of human connection.
Originally conceived for the Public Theater in New York, Coastal Elites took the leap from the stage to the screen at the beginning of the pandemic and evolved in real time as the unprecedented events of 2020 unfolded. Filming took place earlier this summer under quarantine guidelines. Coastal Elites spotlights five distinct and impassioned points-of-view across the United States. When the shutdown forces these characters to cope in isolation, they react with frustration, hilarity and introspection.
Miriam Nessler (Bette Midler) is a long-time teacher in the New York City public school system, who loves her students, the New York Times and the theater, and who finds herself in police custody. Sharynn Tarrows (Kaitlyn Dever) is a young nurse from Wyoming who flies to New York to volunteer at a hospital at the height of the area’s COVID-19 crisis. Mark Hesterman (Dan Levy) is a young actor in West Hollywood videoconferencing with his therapist at a moment of peak career and personal stress. Clarissa Montgomery (Sarah Paulson) is a YouTube personality filming episode 28 of her Mindful Meditations, hoping to soothe, inspire and heal her followers. Callie Josephson (Issa Rae) is a well-connected philanthropist whose prep school network leads her to the highest levels of government.
Thursday, July 09, 2020
NBC Reviving Weakest Link; truTV's I'm Sorry Gets Charitable

NBC is bringing back hit British import and international game show phenomenon Weakest Link, co-produced by BBC Studios' Los Angeles production arm and Universal Television Alternative Studio. The network has greenlit 13 episodes of the rapid-fire quiz show with Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning host and actress Jane Lynch (Hollywood Game Night, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Glee) set to host and executive produce. Weakest Link will begin production later this year. The new version of Weakest Link will deliver the fast-paced and quick-witted pillars of the original British format created by the BBC with a few modern twists. The hybrid game show sees contestants answer general knowledge questions to bank prize money across multiple rounds. At the end of each round, the contestants vote out who they perceive to be the "Weakest Link" remaining. The original NBC version aired for 2 seasons between 2001-2002.
truTV's scripted comedy I'm Sorry is offering fans a chance to step into the world created by series star Andrea Savage. Partnering with Prizeo for a sweepstakes to benefit Communities in Schools of Los Angeles, entrants can donate as little as $10 for a chance to win a role at a virtual table read of the series pilot with Savage.* Ten winners will be chosen for speaking parts in the episode, with surprise cameos from a few of Savage's castmates and celebrity friends popping in to watch. Fans can enter for a chance to win here.
Greenlit for a third season, I'm Sorry follows a confident comedy writer, wife and mom Andrea (played by Savage), who comically exposes her inner immaturity and neuroses through unexpected life situations. She is joined by her husband Mike (Tom Everett Scott), their inquisitive daughter Amelia (Olive Petrucci), and her divorced parents (Kathy Baker and Martin Mull), as well as a close circle of friends. Throughout its first two seasons, I'm Sorry has explored hilariously absurd yet undoubtedly relatable situations and been lauded for its refreshing take and nuanced portrayal of the TV mom.
Monday, June 15, 2020
truTV Announces Tacoma FD Return and More; NBC Brings Back Freshman Drama, Cancels Two Others

The mid-season premieres are making for a scorching summer on truTV with your favorite hot-sauce fanatics and firefighters. First, on Tuesday, July 14, tune in to Hot Ones: The Game Show to see host Sean Evans set eager contestants' mouths on fire with the spiciest hot sauces around for a chance to win $25,000. Then join Chief Terry McConky (Kevin Heffernan) and Captain Eddie Penisi (Steve Lemme) in the firehouse for workplace antics and comradery in Tacoma FD on Thursday, July 23. Stick around to join Kevin and Steve for the return of the series after show Takoma FD, as they break down the episode and tease what's still to come this season. This lineup may be too hot to handle.
NBC is bringing more song and dance to the network with the season two renewal of its critically acclaimed and buzzworthy new series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. The series centers on Zoey Clarke, a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event, Zoey, who always preferred podcasts over pop songs, suddenly starts to hear the innermost wants, thoughts and desires of the people around her - her family, co-workers and complete strangers - through popular songs. At first, she questions her own sanity, but after getting some guidance from her musically adept neighbor, Mo, and making a breakthrough with her ailing father, Zoey soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift as she connects with the world like never before. The series stars Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, with Peter Gallagher and Mary Steenburgen. Lauren Graham is special guest star.
Meanwhile, NBC has officially canceled comedy Perfect Harmony and called it quits on crime drama Lincoln Rhyme. No word yet on freshman sitcom Indebted and second year drama Manifest, but the latter is expected to be picked up for a third season. NBC and ABC still have not announced a formal fall schedule, but ABC has announced pickups and renewals. NBC previously announced straight to series orders for Young Rock and Mr. Mayor, along with Canadian drama import Transplant.
Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Friday, September 12
Vampirina: Teenage Vampire - "First Year to Watch" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
As Vee arrives at Wilson Hall, she learns that performing arts boarding school might have more challenges than she thought; Demi vows to protect Vee from Van Helsings.
Vampirina: Teenage Vampire - "First Day of School" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Vee's plans to have an amazing first day of school are threatened by a dire warning from the Vampire Council; Demi continues his search for Van Helsings.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 8)
Friday, September 12
- Regina King (The Boondocks/Leap of Faith/227) - Watch Regina on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Michael Chiklis (Daddio) - Michael is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Drew Barrymore (Santa Clarita Diet) - Drew appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Kumail Nanjiani (Bless the Harts/Silicon Valley) - Kumail is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Domhnall Gleeson (The Paper) - Domhnall appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Emily Osment (Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage/Young Sheldon/Young & Hungry/Hannah Montana), Tien Tran (How I Met Your Father) and Vinny Thomas (Platonic) - Emily, Tien and Vinny are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
- Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken/Community) - Ken talks about 99 to Beat on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Michael Urie (Shrinking/Krapopolis/Partners) - Michael talks about Broadway's Oh, Mary! and Shrinking on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Zosia Mamet (Laid/Girls) - Zosia talks about Does This Make Me Funny? on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
- Emeril Lagasse (Emeril) - Sunny Anderson gets a big surprise from Drew – cooking with the legendary Emeril Lagasse on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Jennifer Aniston (Friends/Muddling Through/Ferris Bueller/Molloy) - Drew is chatting with Jennifer about the new season of The Morning Show, her kids cookbook, Cook with Clydeo, and her haircare line on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Hannah Pilkes (Leanne) - Hannah is a guest on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:30am.
- Charlie Sheen (Anger Management/Two and a Half Men/Spin City) - Real Time with Bill Maher features a one-on-one interview with Charlie Sheen, actor and subject of the new two-part documentary aka Charlie Sheen on Netflix, and author of the new book The Book of Sheen: A Memoir at 10pm on HBO.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)
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