Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sci-Fi and G4 Acquire Lost Reruns
The deal gives both G4 and Sci-Fi rights to existing episodes of Lost, which the networks will debut in primetime in fall 2008, extending through all six seasons of the series.
Fans can get Lost all over again with Sci-Fi's weekly 4-hour primetime stack of the hit drama beginning in the fall of 2008. Sci-Fi will be the only place on television to see weekly mini-marathons of the popular drama, allowing viewers to remain engaged with the exciting and often surprising ongoing storyline. Additionally, Sci-FI has obtained the right to stream a limited number of episodes of Lost on SciFi.COM, the most heavily trafficked destination for the genre on the Internet.
G4, the network that's plugged into what young men want, is adding an extensive interactive update to Lost, which will offer audiences a variety of ways to participate during each episode. Lost 2.0 will feature multiple interactive and web-enabled elements, tapping into a huge online following that the hit series has generated since its inception. G4 additionally obtained exclusive cable weekend rights for the series, as well as the right to stream a limited number of episodes of the series on the network's popular web site, G4tv.com.
We'll be back with more news a bit later.
Tonight in sitcom land is the third week for newbies Cavemen & Carpoolers on ABC. The crazyness starts at 8/7 central on ABC! Tune in!
Speaking of new sitcoms, the premiere of Samantha Who? last night delivered an estimated 14.92 million viewers (preliminary so far), making it the most watched new series this season. It beat out premieres of newbies like Private Practice, Bionic Woman, and Pushing Daisies in households and viewers. When was the last time a new sitcom was the highest rated premiere among the new shows? Sitcoms Online is so proud!
Monday, October 15, 2007
AOL Video Adds Archie Bunker's Place, What's Happening Now!!, etc.; Nick at Nite Schedule; Fox Cuts Mid-Season Sitcom In Half
The Archie Bunker's Place episodes are the most unique since they are third season episodes, and of course that season not on DVD yet. Among the episodes you will see is the first pilot for Gloria that has been in the syndication package for Archie Bunker's Place. Other episodes include an episode with Reggie Jackson and an episode with Don Rickles. The What's Happening Now!! and Maude episodes are from the first season, which are on DVD already. Over the Top and Square Pegs are not on DVD yet, so they will be fun to see!
A new Nick at Nite schedule starts tonight. Yes, another one. Full House is back to start off each night, while an overnight marathon featuring shows like Fresh Prince, Roseanne, Cosby Show, and Full House from 3-6am will be on everynight. Click HERE for details.
Fox has cut the episode order for its midseason sitcom The Return of Jezebel James from 13 to 7 episodes, including the pilot. Fox says because it has a tight midseason schedule. Among the shows Fox has coming are returning hits 24 and American Idol along with newbies Unhitched, Canterbury's Law and New Amsterdam.
The sitcom stars Parker Posey as a New York book editor who realizes she wants a baby -- and asks her estranged sister (played by Lauren Ambrose) to carry it.
In other Fox news, Fox is expected to pick-up Back to You this week for a full season order. No doubt they will air it a few times at least after Idol to boost the show. Fox also might pick up a few extra scripts of struggling drama K-Ville. Why?
Tune in tonight to the premiere of the sitcom Samantha Who? at 9:30pm et/pt only on ABC! See our review from Saturday if you haven't already! Be good, Sam!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Week 3 Numbers (First Four Nights); How the Sitcoms Did
Households: ABC: 8.2/13.0; CBS: 8.2/13.0; NBC: 5.6/9.0; Fox: 5.2/8.0; The CW: 2.2/3.4; MNT: 0.6/0.9.
Total Viewers: CBS: 12.8 million; ABC: 12.33 million; NBC: 8.84 million; Fox: 8.23 million; The CW: 3.38 million; MNT: 0.81 million.
Adults 18-49: ABC: 4.1/10.8; CBS: 3.7/9.9; NBC: 3.5/9.2; Fox: 3.1/8.2; The CW: 1.5/3.9; MNT: 0.3/0.9.
Analysis: We're in the third week already for 2007-08 season. Last week CBS and ABC battled for the top spot in HH and viewers, while ABC and NBC for 18-49. Through the first four days, ABC and CBS have the lead in all categories again in week 2, with NBC in third and Fox in fourth.
Monday it was all ABC thanks to Dancing with the Stars. A 96 minute performance show did an impressive 19.62 million and a 5.0/12 in 18-49, a tad down from the previous week. The Bachelor followed with 8.82 million, down a tad from the previous week. Next up was CBS with its comedies and CSI: Miami. The Big Bang Theory did 8.35 million, down from the previous week a bit, but yet again it built on How I Met Your Mother's 7.96 million. Two and a Half Men and Rules of Engagement followed with decent numbers (13.02 and 10.68 million). Men was just a bit down from the previous week, but Rules went up a tad from previous week. CSI: Miami followed with 14.45 million, while that was down again, it was still #1 at 10pm. NBC followed lead by Heroes, at 10.91 million and a 5.1 18-49, below its usual average once again, what has happened? Chuck opened the night with a disappointing 7.21 million, down a million from previous week...starting to concern now. Journeyman closed the night with 6.94 million, way down over a million from previous week, even more concerning for NBC. Fox was a distant fourth with Prison Break at 7.35 million and the free falling K-Ville at just 5.29 million. The CW aired their Monday sitcoms, with Aliens in America doing just 2.11 million, down even from the premiere's weak 2.34 million, but The Game closed the night at an impressive 2.86 million, the highest of the CW comedies.
Tuesday, it was a three network race, with Fox on top in HH, viewers and in 18-49. CBS and ABC were right behind. Fox won the night thanks to House. 18.03 million tuned in and a 7.4/18 18-49 rating, both up from previous week. Bones opened the night off with a second place 8.48 million finish, up from previous week. The always reliable NCIS opened the night off for CBS with 16.36 million, a tad down from previous week. The Unit followed with 11.03 million, down a tad from previous week, and week three of Cane did 9.11 million, down a tad from previous week, maybe it has bottomed out and will do around 9 million each week? ABC's sitcom hour of Cavemen/Carpoolers did OK at 6.96 and 7.27 million, Dancing with the Stars: The Results followed with 16.36 million saying goodbye to Wayne Newton. Boston Legal closed the night with 10.58 million, up from the previous week again..slowly going up each week now. NBC was fourth with The Singing Bee at 6.65 million, The Biggest Loser 90-minute show doing 6.54 million, followed by the Law & Order: SVU at 12.3 million, up a bit from previous week. The CW got so-so numbers with Beauty & the Geek and Reaper...3.21 and 2.65 million. The former was up a lot though.
Wednesday it was a battle between CBS and ABC. ABC saw week two of Pushing Daisies, doing 10.26 million (down over 2 million, but still solid), followed by Private Practice at 12.42 million and a first place 4.9/13 18-49 rating, up from previous week, Dirty Sexy Money followed with 8.64 and a 3.3 18-49...the 18-49 is always consistent each week it seems. CBS saw Kid Nation do just 6.91 million for third place, but veteran dramas Criminal Minds and CSI: NY did well and were consistent doing 14.55 (on par from previous week) and 13.43 million (up from previous week). NBC opened the night with Deal or No Deal doing 12.58 million (was it a special episode, because it was way up), followed by Bionic Woman at a third place 10.28 million. At 10pm NBC aired Life's did 8.1 million, down from previous week. Fox was fourth with the disappointing numbers for Back to You at 6.62 million 'Til Death was up from previous week's 6.19 million with 6.49 million this week. Kitchen Nightmares was up to 6.37 million this week. The CW had its usual showing of Top Model at a decent 5.37 million, Gossip Girl did 2.8 million, growing a bit the last two airings.
Thursday it was CBS on top, but ABC was not far behind. CBS opened with Survivor: China at 14.22 million, up ever so slightly from the previous week. CSI followed with 19.79 million for first place, but again it dropped. Without a Trace followed with 13.62 million, down again. ABC opened the night with Ugly Betty doing a solid 10.4 million, for second place, up from previous week. Grey's Anatomy followed with 19.04 million, up from previous week and it did win in 18-49 with a 7.9/19 18-49 rating, for #1 for the week. Big Shots followed with a second place finish of 8.54 million...up from previous week...a very good sign actually. NBC was a distant third with its comedies My Name is Earl opened the night with 7.76 million, followed by 30 Rock minus Jerry Seinfeld doing 6.6 million. A one-hour The Office followed with 8.87 million, up from previous week a bit. ER closed the night with a last place 8.53 million, down again. Fox was fourth with 5th Grader doing 8.07 million, slightly down from previous week. Don't Forget the Lyrics forgot the ratings again, with 5.64 million, down a bit from previous week. Smallville on The CW did 4.82 million, followed by Supernatural at 3.16 million, both up from previous week.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS and ABC battled on Friday. NBC had a solid outing for Deal or No Deal, but it was downhill from there. CBS saw consistent numbers for its dramas, and ABC had an excellent premiere with Women's Murder Club doing the best for the night with just under 11 million. Fox's ALCS game was fourth.
Saturday numbers are not available yet. But it should be all low.
Tonight ABC Sunday should win the night, but CBS will be close, too. NBC has a pretty boring NFL game, so it will be down a lot from previous week. Fox will do well in young adults.
As for the week, ABC and CBS will battle in HH and viewers, with ABC a sure winner in 18-49 (NBC will not tie this week). It all depends on how low Saturday was. Did NASCAR score for ABC? Did ALCS rebound for Fox? Did the LSU upset carry over on CBS's drama repeats? So many questions for a Saturday.
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week of October 1-7)
- The Simpsons (Fox) 2 episodes - 7.89 million for a new episode, down from previous week and the premiere. A repeat before that at 7:30 did 5.45 million, up from last week.
- King of the Hill (Fox) 2 episodes - 6.22 million for a new episode, drop of a million from the previous week. A repeat at 7pm did just 3.7 million, way above the previous week's 2.37 million.
- Family Guy (Fox) - 8.3 million this week, up a bit from the previous week.
- American Dad (Fox) - 6.53 million, up from the season premiere the previous week.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - 7.96 million, up a bit from the previous week, but still a bit down from the premiere.
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - 8.35 million, down from the first two episodes, but it still is building on the lead-in, which is a very good sign.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 13.02 million this week, on par really with previous week's 13.24 million.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - 10.68 million, a bit up from the previous week.
- CW Monday Comedies: Chris, Aliens in America, Girlfriends, The Game. Not doing that well at all. Aliens did a terrible 2.11 million, the lowest of the block, The Game continues to be the leader of this block now with 2.86 million, down slightly from previous week's 2.98 million.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- Cavemen (ABC) - Down over 2 million from the premiere's 9.19 million to 6.96 million. A drop was expected, but now it should remain in this area and not drop anymore or it will be doomed.
- Carpoolers (ABC) - A little less than 2 million drop for this one. 9.06 million for the premiere, 7.27 million this week, so it built on the lead-in..
- Back to You (Fox) - Week 4 saw the viewers go up a tad from 6.58 to 6.62 million, but the HH and 18-49 continue to go down.
- 'Til Death (Fox) - 6.49 million, up from previous week, and again built on the lead-in 18-49.
- My Name is Earl (NBC) - 7.76 million tuned in, down a bit from previous week.
- 30 Rock (NBC) - No Jerry Seinfeld so the show dropped obviously from previous week, to 6.6 million.
- The Office (NBC) - Another one-hour episode did 8.87 million, up from previous week, the 18-49 is still doing very good.
None.
Saturday Sitcoms
Airing tonight (Sunday) are new episodes of Fox's animated comedies.
Summing it up. Two and a Half Men, The Office, Big Bang Theory, and Rules of Engagement were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as My Name is Earl, Carpoolers) or just plain old terrible (Aliens in America).
Saturday, October 13, 2007
ABC Fall Pilot Review: Samantha Who? - Premieres October 15; Solomon's Weekly Rant: ABC's Tricky Promos
Samantha Who? - Mondays at 9:30PM ET/PT on ABC
Premieres October 15 at 9:30PM ET/PT
Christina Applegate (Married...with Children, Jessie) returns to network television in a comedy that offers a do-over in life.
What if you had the chance to start over, to do it all again? For Samantha Newly (Ms. Applegate), this fantasy becomes a reality after a hit-and-run accident leaves her in an eight-day coma. When she awakens in the hospital, she is surrounded by family and friends. The only problem is that she has no idea who they are - or who she is. In medical terms, Sam has retrograde amnesia, which allows her to fully function in the world but leaves her with no personal memories. Most people would deem this disorder a curse. But Sam may come to call it a miracle.
As she sets out to rediscover herself, Sam is forced to rely on the only people who can help her -- an eclectic bunch of friends and family. Although now strangers to Sam, it's not long before she begins to get an idea of who she was before the accident.
Sam will need to continue to piece together things from her past to guide her in discovering who she is... or was. After all, sometimes to get to the end of the story, the only place to start is the beginning.
Cast Details:
Christina Applegate as Samantha, Jean Smart as Regina, Jennifer Esposito as Andrea, Kevin Dunn as Howard, Barry Watson as Todd, Melissa McCarthy as Dena, Tim Russ as Frank
Christina Applegate (Samantha Newly) has garnered critical praise for her strength and versatility as an actress in theater, film and television. Applegate first gained widespread attention as the sexy and sarcastic Kelly Bundy on the long-running series Married... with Children. After a very successful 11-season run, she furthered her television success by starring in her own comedy series, Jesse. In 1999 the highly-rated show garnered Applegate a People's Choice Award as Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series and a Golden Globe nomination in the category of Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical. In 2004 Applegate returned to television as a guest star on Friends, as Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) younger sister, Amy. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role. She was nominated for an Emmy once again the following year for yet another witty performance.
Jennifer Esposito (Andrea) is one of the most sought out actresses in Hollywood, with an impressive body of work that encompasses theatre, television and film. Esposito most recently appeared as a guest star in five episodes of the critically acclaimed drama, Rescue Me. She also starred in Related, had a recurring role on New York Undercover and guest starred on Law & Order. In 1996 she gained favorable notice as Stacey Paterno, the spunky Brooklyn-born, Italian-American mayoral secretary on ABC's Spin City.
On this show, she plays Samantha's real best friend, Andrea.
Kevin Dunn (Howard Newly) has a vast resume that includes numerous motion picture and television roles. Dunn has made numerous guest appearances, including Prison Break, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Lost and The Closer. He also starred in the ABC miniseries The Beach Boys: An American Family.
On this show, he plays Samantha's father, Howard.
Melissa McCarthy (Dena) first made her mark on the comedy stage, performing stand up in New York at The Improv and Stand Up New York. McCarthy was most recently seen as the clumsy culinary genius, Sookie St. James, in Gilmore Girls. She has also appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
On this show, she plays her supposed best friend, Dena who is sincerely supportive since the accident.
Tim Russ (Frank, the doorman) has been working in the entertainment industry for the past 30 years. His talents encompass a wide spectrum of the performing arts, including composing, music (guitar & vocals), writing, directing, voice-over and producing. On television he had series regular roles on The Highwayman, The People Next Door and Star Trek: Voyager.
On this show, he plays Frank, the doorman at Todd's apartment building that Samantha talks to.
Barry Watson (Todd) has his first job in Hollywood come when he was only 15 for the daytime soap Days of Our Lives. He is best known for his role as Matt Camden on the successful television family drama 7th Heaven, for which he also directed a couple of episodes, and for two seasons he had the lead role on the addictive ABC series What About Brian.
On this show he plays Samantha's only seemingly trustworthy acquaintance as boyfriend Todd. But will that trust last when he discovers that she cheated on him?
Jean Smart (Regina Newly) continues to exhibit her extraordinary talents in theater, television and film. In January 2006, Smart received her fourth Emmy nomination for her role as the troubled and medicated First Lady Martha Logan on 24. That same year the show won the Emmy for Best Drama and received a Golden Globe nomination and a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Ensemble Cast. In 2001 Smart won her second Emmy Award for her guest-starring role on Frasier, and was nominated for Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her recurring role on The District. In the year 2000 she was awarded her first Emmy for her hilarious recurring role on Frasier. She starred in the HBO drama series Maximum Security, before starring in the popular sitcom Designing Women. Over the past few seasons she has starred on short lived sitcoms, In-Laws, opposite Dennis Farina, and Center of the Universe, opposite John Goodman.
On this show, she plays Samantha's mother, Regina, who she hasn't spoken to in 2 years.
Pilot Plot:
I have received the first two episodes of the series. The first episode, "Pilot," airing Oct. 15, Samantha awakens in the hospital and is surrounded by family and friends. The only problem is that she has no idea who they are - or who she is. Sam has retrograde amnesia, which allows her to fully function in the world but leaves her with no personal memories. Most people would deem this disorder a curse. But Sam may come to call it a miracle when she discovers what a horrible person she was before the accident.
"Pilot" was a story by by Cecelia Ahern and Donald Todd and directed by Robert Duncan McNeill.
Guest starring are William Abadie as Rene, Nakia R. Burrise as Dr. Kerry Hall, Jelynn Rodriguez as angry woman, Adam Jennings as barista and Brett Rickaby as AA leader.
The second episode I received is airing October 22 and is titled "The Job." In one quick morning, Samantha discovers a handful of surprising things about her old self -- not least of which is what she does for a living. When a board meeting offers a glimpse of her cutthroat and competitive workaholic former self, she ponders where new Sam should diverge from old Sam's path. Ultimately, she learns that having a clean slate doesn't necessarily mean you can ignore the past
"The Job" is written by Donald Todd and directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.
Guest starring are Joy Osmanski as Tracy, Rick Hoffman as Chase Chapman, Frank Maharajh as Dr. Kegoshian, B.J. Clinkscales as waiter, Dana Sorman as Jerri and Jamison Haase as Vic.
Analysis:
This show is very good. It is not as funny as a sitcom should be so far, but the storyline is very good despite being a cliche of sitcoms of the past. The amnesia storyline has been done so many times, but how about a whole series on it? I don't think that has been done, and right off the bat we are interested in this story. Christina Applegate shows her versatile skills on this show. She is in every scene! She is everywhere...from her parents house, boyfriend's house, a club, and an AA meeting?? She is wholesome, bad, sexy, and funny in the pilot. Her character has been in a coma for 8 days and when the pilot episode starts, she awakens. She has been in a coma due to a hit-and-run car accident. That is a storyline they can ponder in a later episode--who was the culprit? Anyway, the parents of Samantha are in the hospital room when she awakens from the coma. They are pretty funny and joke around even when she awakens. Her "supposed" best friend Dena is also there. Later we find out that she has not been friends with her in years but when she heard she was in a coma, she came to visit--everyday. And even better, she had amnesia so she can fake and say that she is her best friend. Her real best friend is Andrea, who is a slutty ditz. We meet her a bit later. But first we meet Todd, Samantha's boyfriend. It seems they had broken up before the accident, but her things are still at his apartment. The real best friend, Andrea calls Samantha to come to a club to celebrate her friend Rene's birthday. She goes and of course doesn't remember who Andrea is or Renee. Renee ends up being a guy...and her lover. So, we find out Samantha was a bad person before the amnesia. She later tells Todd about who Renee really is, as he thought it was a co-worker girlfriend. The pilot is really interesting and has a lot of twists. It is not that funny, but has some great lines that will make you chuckle. I really like Frank the doorman. He has some great lines.
The second episode is about Samantha finding out what she does for a living. I think it is a bit funnier than the pilot, but again it is the story that makes it interesting. Maybe they should have made this a one-hour comedy, a la Ugly Betty? But still this is one of the best half-hour shows out there, just not truly a sitcom per say. Anyway, we find out in this episode that Samantha worked for a big corporation and was all work. She was pretty mean, too to her secretary. She also is very scared of elevators. When the company has a big meeting, they expect Samantha to be there. Her co-workers all thought she was in rehab and don't know she has amnesia. Andrea also works at the company it seems. We see more of Dena in this, as she has really become a friend now.
Will Samantha ever regain her memory? She has brief flashes of her past in each episode so far, so maybe slowly she will remember? But does she really want to, as she was a very bad person. Now she is Good Sam. Maybe she can fix her mistakes of the past. It is fun to compare Good Sam vs. Bad Sam.
Conclusion:
All Christina Applegate fans will love this show. Her male fans will be extremely pleased as both the pilot and second episode has her in nice outfits. A nice gold outfit in one of the scenes in the pilot and just in her black bra in a scene in episode two. But, unfortunately she doesn't wear that dress you saw her holding in a promo, when she says, "oh my god, do I have a daughter?"
While the show is not downright funny yet, it is still watchable with an interesting story. With Applegate starring, we are assured we will get some laughs in future episodes. The show will be sampled for sure and it will have the highest ratings for a sitcom this season because it will get a 20 million lead-in from Dancing with the Stars each week. The question is, can it survive and build an audience when Dancing has its break from December-March? Let's hope so, because we need a breakout sitcom hit! So don't forget to tune in this Monday to watch this new series. Don't give me the excuse that you forgot to. You don't have amnesia like Samantha Newly does.
Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):
Watchability: 4.5/5
Funniness: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
-- Reviewed by pavanbadal on 10/12/07
Discuss the show after you watch it on Monday on our message board.
Related Links:
Solomon's Weekly Rant
Saturday, October 13, 2007
"ABC's Tricky Promos"
By Solomon Davis
I have been watching ABC a lot lately and I have noticed the creativity in their promos for their new shows. The reason I say they are creative is because the network is not telling you the entire story, just part of the story. For example, I was watching the promo for Pushing Daisies and I heard the voice-over mention that 27 million viewers watched the first episode. Now part of that was true because 27 million did tune in at some point to sample the premiere episode but the average for the entire hour was 13 million. So obviously ABC has decided to be a little tricky in promoting their new shows to get more viewers. ABC did the same thing with Caveman and Carpoolers when it was mentioned during the promo the Tuesday night 8pm hour was the top new hour of comedy. Then I realized that it's the only full hour of new comedy on any network which means that ABC once again tried to trick viewers into watching those particular shows. So maybe this is something all networks do but I can only talk about ABC since most of the shows I watch is on that network. By having these tricky promos, ABC may have to explain to viewers if one of these shows were to be canceled if they were doing so well in the ratings.
My Weird TV Moments of the Week:
Thursday, October 11, 2007: The Today Show Segment on "Secret Mommy Crushes"
Friday, October 12, 2007: Kelly Ripa telling Janet Jackson on Live with Regis & Kelly, "I'm in love with you and want to marry you."
Agree or disagree with Solomon? Discuss it here.
DISCLAIMER: Remember, Solomon is not the voice of SitcomsOnline. He is just stating his opinions and does not reflect what SitcomsOnline says or thinks. It is just his 'View' but it is always quite entertaining.
Friday, October 12, 2007
TVLand.com Redesigns Website, Adds Full Episodes; Another RTN Affiliate; Historic Brady Bunch Star Event
The new TVLand.com features special areas devoted to all aspects of entertainment including television, music and movies. Each section delivers unique attractions such as full-length episodes of beloved classic television shows including The Andy Griffith Show, Leave it to Beaver and Gunsmoke.
Additionally, in the coming months, the site will feature The Beverly Hillbillies, Hogan's Heroes and Just Shoot Me. Television fans will be able to access these series online as select episodes are showcased on the site.
There are much more features added to the website, I urge you to click HERE to see what they are!
Retro Television Network (RTN), announced today to add an affiliate in El Paso, TX. The network will launch in 2008 on a digital stream of KFOX-TV, the local FOX affiliate that serves the El Paso, TX / Las Cruces, NM market.
Viewers will fall in love all over again with Love, American Style and will be on the edge of their seats as Dr. Richard Kimble, played by David Jansen, is The Fugitive on the run trying to prove his innocence. In the evening, audiences will enjoy seeing Robert Stack as Elliot Ness in The Untouchables.
If you don't know by now, RTN is a new television network that provides each affiliate a customized feed (on digital streams) with classic hit shows, in addition to local programming including news, weather and sports. RTN is specifically designed to go on a broadcast digital channel and provides local broadcasters with a way to get ratings and successfully monetize their digital spectrum.
On October 16, Christopher Knight (The Brady Bunch) will be the first celebrity in the world to interact with his fans online and sign Brady collectibles with the inscriptions they request. You could be a part of this historic event-- there are a limited number of online signing experiences available, so Brady fans need to act fast (Each signing event includes a FREE DVD recording of Chris signing your item and responding to your question!).
Go to LiveAutographs.com and check out the exclusive inventory of signing experiences featuring Chris Knight. Select your package (1 guaranteed authentic autographed item + you get to ask Chris a question and WATCH him respond!). Purchase it today to reserve your place at this Exclusive Online Fan Event. Grooovy!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
TV Land December 2007 Highlights; Heroes Reruns to G4 and Mojo
There are no schedule changes (yet...), but we have some notable events. Christmas comes early to TV Land this year and yule love Thursday when TV Land features Christmas episodes from your favorite shows! Dec 6, 13 and 20 from 8-10pm catch The Jeffersons, Andy Griffith, Good Times, All in the Family M*A*S*H, and Three's Company in holiday episodes.
And if that is not enough holiday episodes for you, TV Land will have not one but two 24-hour Merry-thons! Could the holidays be as merry without TV Land's annual Merry-thon? Christmas spirit, eggnog and your favorite TV friends means a jolly good time all around! Tune in to TV Land's 8th Annual Merrython featuring classic Christmas episodes of shows like Good Times, Three's Company, The Jeffersons, Andy Griffith, and so much more!
Weekends at 5PM, TV Land will encore originals that had countdowns, like 100 Most Unexpected Television Moments and Greatest TV Quotes & Catchphrases.
Finally, the Friday night movies include Thelma & Louise, Wallstreet, and Running Scared.
For complete episode details and more on December, click HERE! Ho ho ho!
NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution has sold hit NBC primetime series Heroes to cable networks G4 and MOJO for its debut in off-network syndication. The multi-season strip deals with G4 and MOJO debut in fall 2010, and include a repurpose window of current season episodes the week following NBC's initial airings starting later this month.
G4 will debut Heroes with all-day marathons of season one episodes on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28. The network will begin airing episodes from the current season with a mini-marathon of the first six episodes of Heroes season two on Saturday, November 3 from 5:00-11:00pm et/pt. G4 will then regularly air each week's current episode of Heroes on Saturdays at 10:00pm et/pt.
Heroes will premiere on MOJO Thursday, November 1, airing the first six episodes of season two from 3- 9:00 pm et. Going forward, Heroes will air on MOJO every week on Wed. at 8pm pt/11:00 pm et and Thurs. at 5pm pt/8pm et. MOJO will also air a marathon of season one episodes during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Tonight sitcom wise we have NBC's Comedy Done Right block with My Name is Earl, 30 Rock and yet another hour-long The Office. All starts at 8/7 central on NBC!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
TV Land Brings Back Wings, More Night Court; RTN Pittsburgh Launch Schedule; Gossip Girl Picked-Up for Full Season
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Roseanne S9 DVD Contest; NBC Universal Buys Oxygen Network; 3 New RTN Affiliates
Eight top-rated seasons, over 40 major awards and more than 200 classic episodes have all led here: In this infamous final season, The Conners win the lottery, Roseanne battles terrorists, Dan ponders the meaning of life, Jackie meets her prince, DJ finds love and Darlene gives birth. For millions of Roseanne fans, it was the unforgettable year of secrets, surprises, new romance and bittersweet memories in which we said goodbye to one of the greatest comedies in television history.
Say goodbye to the show and own the final 24 episodes on DVD. You could be one of the five lucky people to win the DVD, so enter the contest by clicking HERE. The contest started yesterday and runs through October 30. Just make sure you read the rules before you enter, so you know what you have entered into...always should read the fine print ;)
NBC Universal is acquiring Oxygen Media, one of the nation's leading female-focused cable television networks, thus expanding its highly successful cable portfolio. NBCU will acquire Oxygen for $925 million. The network, which is available in more than 74 million homes, has been registering significant growth in both ad sales and viewership, with the just-completed third quarter being the most-watched in the history of the network. Launched in 2000, Oxygen is the only fully distributed entertainment cable channel launched in the last decade.
The transaction is expected to close in November following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals. So, we won't see any major programming changes until then. We'll certainly keep you up to date on any changes to the schedule. The network currently airs reruns of series such as Roseanne, A Different World, Grace Under Fire, Ellen, and more.
Retro Television Network (RTN) announced today that it will partner with Barrington Broadcasting Group to launch RTN affiliations in Toledo, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; and Traverse City, MI. The new affiliates will launch Thursday, Oct. 11 on the digital streams of WNWO, Toledo's NBC affiliate; KXRM Colorado Springs' FOX affiliate; and WPBN, Traverse City's NBC affiliate. RTN will be replacing The Tube Music Network, which originally aired on these digital channels.
Sitcom wise tonight we have week two of Cavemen and Carpoolers. As I mentioned in my Carpoolers review, the second episode of Carpoolers is decent. Tune in starting at 8/7 central on ABC, "Come on Eileen!" You'll see what I mean by that when you watch the second episode of Carpoolers.
Monday, October 08, 2007
TV Land Thanksgiving Stunt Change; Deal or No Deal Comes to First-Run Syndication
About a month ago we gave you the highlights for TV Land November, and we mentioned a Little House on the Prairie marathon in primetime on Thanksgiving night. Now TV Land has scrapped that and added a whole holiday weekend of marathons. Thursday, November 22, 2007 through Sunday, November 25, 2007
This Thanksgiving weekend treat yourself to TV Land marathons to fill your stomach! On thanksgiving Day, I Love Lucy will be on all day from 10am-11pm...what better way to spend your Thanksgiving? On Friday, November 23 we have a mini-Sanford & Son marathon from 9am-12pm followed by more Lucy from 12-5pm. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition airs on this night at 7pm, too, as its usual night and time on Saturday will be another marathon. That will be of course The Andy Griffith Show. The marathon airs Saturday, November 24 from 10:30pm-6a. And we get more Andy to wrap up the holiday weekend from 6pm-2:30am on Sunday, November 25. To view the full schedule of changes this holiday weekend, click HERE.
We will be back with TV Land December sometime this week that will feature of course the annual Merry-thon and the launch of The Beverly Hillbillies. Ya'll come back now ya here?
A daytime version of Deal or No Deal is coming in Fall 2008. Howie Mandel, who will continue to host NBC's hit one-hour primetime run of the game show, is set to host the new half-hour version being sold to local stations for Monday-through-Friday broadcasts. This syndicated version will include all key elements that made NBC's primetime version a breakout hit, with Mandel as host, the Banker, models, contestants risking big money and the same award-winning production team.
Among the early buys include NBC Universal stations in the nation's top markets including WNBC-TV New York, KNBC-TV Los Angeles and WMAQ-TV in Chicago, WCAU-TV Philadelphia, KNTV-TV San Francisco and others, as well as to stations from CBS, Allbritton, Scripps, Sinclair and more in top markets.
Deal or No Deal was actually NBC's most watched program of the 2006-2007, but is off to a slow start this season thus far. The culprit is because it moved from Mondays to Wednesdays. The Friday edition is also down.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Mini-DVD Review: CSI NY - The Complete Third Season (Oct. 9); Week 2 Numbers (First Four Nights); How the Sitcoms Did
CSI NY: The Complete Third Season (CBS DVD/Paramount, $64.99) - The crimes are more brutal. The evidence is more baffling. And every killer wants to get away with murder. This season, Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) and his dedicated Forensics Team must fight harder than ever for the truth. CSI: NY Season 3 takes the drama and danger to the next level as the brilliant criminalists risk everything in the quest for justice.
This 6-disc set contains all 24 episodes of the third (2006-07) season. The episodes are presented in Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) with Dolby Digital Digital 5.1 Surround or Spanish Stereo. It has a running time of 16 hours, 59 minutes. Notable season 3 guest stars included Edward Furlong, The Suicide Girls, Stacy Haiduk, Sasha Cohen, Marlee Matlin, Judd Nelson, Criss Angel, Joey Lawrence, Amy Davidson, John McEnroe and Nelly Furtado. Packaging is very attractive and similar to what they used for the second season. The embossed, holofoil outer slipcase features a photo of Melina Kanakaredes and Gary Sinise and the show logo. The inside case is in a book format that you can clip through to get to the discs. There are four clear trays that hold the discs. Two of the trays are double-sided. Inside the case, there is a content locator that lists the episodes and special features by disc. Each disc features the show logo, two different cast members and the episode titles.
Once again, the menus are very stylish and easy to navigate. A series of video clips leads to the animated anamorphic widescreen menus. Some of composer Bill Brown's great music is played in the background. At the bottom of the screen, there are options for "Episode Selection," "Set Up," and "Previews" (only on disc 1). The featurettes are also listed on their respective disc. There is no notation on the menus of which episodes have audio commentaries. You have to select an episode and play the commentary from there. On the Set Up Menu, you can choose either the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or Español. Closed captioning is available for all of the episodes. As you would expect from such a recent show, the video and audio quality is outstanding. Like all of the other CSI shows, it is incredbily well shot and lit. While most of it is shot in Los Angeles, the exterior shots of the city really enhance the show. They even occasionally shoot some scenes on location in New York. The episodes are presented in the order of their original airdates. Quite a bit of a music is used in the series. Fortunately, there is nothing on the packaging to indicate that any of it had to be replaced. The running times vary greatly from 41 to 44 minutes in length, but that is how they originally aired.
Another decent amount and mix of special features are included on this set. There are 4 audio commentaries available on the first three discs. Four featurettes are spread out on discs 1, 2, 3 and 6. Discs 4 and 5 feature only the episodes. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to listen to any of the commentaries yet, but I'm sure they offer a lot interesting behind-the-scenes and trivia like last season's commentaries. There is one less commentary on this set than in season 2. It would have been great to have a few more, especially on some of the better episodes that were later in the year like the season finale. I'll break down the special features by disc.
Disc 1
Audio Commentary on "Not What It Looks Like" by Writer Pam Veasey, Writer Peter Lenkov and Director Duane Clark
Disc 1
Special Feature: "Breaking the Killer Code" (12:36) - This featurette includes interviews with CSI franchise creator Anthony E. Zuiker, Co-Founder Edoc Laundry Dawne Weisman, Writer Zachary Reiter, Melina Kanakarades, Gary Sinise, Edward Furlong, Maddy Curley, Director Anthony Hemmingway, Special Effects Make Up John Loodvin, Eddie Cahill, and Co-Founder/Art Director of Edoc Laundry Shane Small. The focus here is on the episode "Hung Out To Dry" and the character of Shane Casey. The storyline was continued in "Raising Shane." Topics covered include how they got the idea of the episode, the hidden codes in t-shirts, how they shot the scene of the headless girl hanging from the ceiling, and the design of the t-shirts. Video clips from the episode are mixed with some behind-the-scenes shots and the interviews. This was one of the most fascinating and gruesome episodes of the season.
Disc 2
Audio Commentary on "Oedipus Hex" by CSI Creator/Writer Anthony E. Zuiker and Missy Suicide (Founder of the Suicide Girls)
Disc 2
Audio Commentary on "Consequences" by Pam Veasey and Actor Eddie Cahill
Disc 2
Special Feature: "The Suicide Girls Rock CSI:NY" (11:34) - This featurette includes interviews with Missy Suicide, Fractal Suicide, Zoli Suicide, Razzi Suicide, Sawa Suicide, Nixon Suicide, Razzi Suicide, Sawa Suicide, Al Suicide, Amina Munster, Anthony E. Zuiker, Director Scott Lautanen, Asst. Director Lawrence, M. Wagner, Allison Miller (Omen) and Tattoo Artist Tim Kern. They appeared in the episode "Oedipus Hex." Topics include intros/profiles of the Suicide Girls, the production of the episode, and the shooting of the scene where the blood falls on them on stage. There are a few nearly nude photos of the girls. There is a disclaimer at the start of the special featurette that some material may not be suitable for all viewers.
Disc 3
Audio Commentary on "Silent Night" by Writers Peter Lenkov and Sam (Samantha) Humphrey
Disc 3
Special Feature: "The Making of 'Silent Night'" (8:25) - This featurette includes interviews with Anthony E. Zuiker, Sasha Cohen, Marlee Matlin, Co-Writer Samantha Humphrey, Melina Kanakaredes, Carmine Giovinazzo, Gary Sinise, Eddie Cahill and Hill Harper. They talk about casting Sasha Cohen, working with the signing actors, and the production of the episode. One of the cast members identifed this episode as one of their favorites. Sasha Cohen was very good in her first episodic television appearance. She will have a bright future, as she continues to gain experience.
Disc 6
Special Feature: "Hill Harper Explores The Body Farm" - Hill Harper visits the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center. Rebecca Wilson is his tour guide. As the narrator, Hill provides some background details on the center, and then the tour begins. A number of interesting facts about the center are shown on the screen, as they move from scene to scene and discuss what they are seeing. He asks a lot interesting questionsm and the tour guide provides a lot of detail. With his job on the show, he is obviously very familiar with the terminology and this seems to be stuff that he has seen before. A disclaimer is shown before the featuette that states it contains grapic images that may not be suitable for all audiences. A lot of maggots and parts of bodies are shown in various degrees of decomposition. This isn't for the squeamish.
Previews - A number of previews for other CBS DVD releases are found on disc 1.
Finally, there is a bonus disc for the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation "Hard Evidence" PC CD-Rom game. This is a playable demo for Windows 2000/XP/Vista only. It is rated "M" for blood and gore, sexual themes and violence.
This is another solid season and release in the CSI franchise. Some stand-out episodes this season were "Hung Out To Dry," "Raising Shane," "Sleight Out of Hand," and "Snow Day." Unfortunately, there is no commentary or special feature on the season finale, "Snow Day," which is probably the most gripping and intense hour they've ever done. Although the amount of special features have decreased with every release, there is still a decent amount and all fans of the series should enjoy these well-produced featurettes. Some are a bit light-hearted like the profile of the Suicide Girls, but others are more serious in tone. Hill Harper's visit to the "Body Farm" was the most interesting to me. This just proves one thing to me that I've known for a long time. While I enjoy watching forensics shows on TV, I could never do it for a living. I have a lot of admiration for what the forensics experts do to help solve crimes. Watch the fourth season of CSI: NY on Wednesday nights on CBS at 10PM ET/PT!
-- Reviewed by Todd
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Week 2 numbers (first four nights, Mon-Thu):
Households: ABC: 8.7/13.8; CBS: 8.2/13.0; NBC: 5.8/9.2; Fox: 5.1/7.8; The CW: 2.1/3.2; MNT: 0.6/0.9.
Total Viewers: ABC: 13.12 million; CBS: 12.97 million; NBC: 9.25 million; Fox: 8.14 million; The CW: 3.2 million; MNT: 0.81 million.
Adults 18-49: ABC: 4.3/11.3; CBS: 3.8/10.1; NBC: 3.7/9.6; Fox: 3.1/8.0; The CW: 1.4/3.7; MNT: 0.3/0.8.
Analysis: It's week two time for the 2007-08 season. Week 1 saw ABC win in HH, viewers and tied with NBC in 18-49 (thanks to a new Nielsen ruling NBC pulled with Heroes). Through the first four days, ABC has the lead in all categories again in week 2, with CBS second, NBC in third and Fox in fourth. NBC's Heroes will not be encoring this week, so no tricks.
Monday it was all ABC thanks to Dancing with the Stars. A special two-hour performance show did an impressive 20.21 million and a 5.2/13 in 18-49, a tad down from the previous week. The Bachelor followed with 8.85 million, down a tad from the previous week. Next up was CBS with its comedies and CSI: Miami. The Big Bang Theory did 8.5 million, down from the premiere by a million, but it built on How I Met Your Mother's 7.87 million, it'll need to do build all the time to survive. Two and a Half Men and Rules of Engagement followed with decent numbers (13.24 and 10.09 million). Men was on par with the previous week, but Rules was down over 2 million from the season premiere. CSI: Miami followed with 14.72 million, while that was down a bit from the previous week, it was still #1 at 10pm. NBC followed lead by Heroes, at 11.96 million and a 5.5 18-49, below its usual average. Chuck opened the night with a modest 8.39 million, down less than a million from the premiere. Journeyman closed the night with 8.23 million. Fox was a distant fourth with Prison Break continuing to fall (7.29 million) and the free falling K-Ville at just 5.36 million. The CW launched their Monday sitcoms, with Aliens in America doing just 2.34 million, but The Game closed the night at an impressive 2.98 million, the highest of the CW comedies.
Tuesday, it was a three network race, with ABC on top in HH, but CBS in viewers, and Fox in 18-49. ABC launched a new sitcom hour of Cavemen/Carpoolers doing decent at 9.19 and 9.06 million, Dancing with the Stars: The Results followed with 15.9 million saying goodbye to Albert Reed (surprisingly). Boston Legal closed the night with 10.43 million, up from the previous week's premiere. CBS won in viewers. The always reliable NCIS opened the night off with 16.42 million up almost 3 million from the premiere--impressive. The Unit followed with 11.31 million, up a tad from previous week, and week two of Cane did 9.19 million, down 2 million from the premiere. Fox won 18-49 thanks to House. 17.44 million tuned in and a 7.2/17 18-49 rating. Bones opened the night off with a third place 7.98 million finish. NBC was fourth with The Singing Bee at 6.61 million, The Biggest Loser 90-minute show doing 7.46 million, followed by the Law & Order: SVU at 11.62 million, but that was off by a lot from last year and the previous week. The CW got so-so numbers with Beauty & the Geek and Reaper...2.69 and 2.86 million.
Wednesday it was ABC with the series premiere of Pushing Daisies, doing 13.03 million, followed by Private Practice at 12.45 million and a first place 4.5/11 18-49 rating, Dirty Sexy Money followed with 9.61 and a 3.5 18-49, not down much from the premiere a. CBS was second for the night. Week three of Kid Nation plummeted to just 7.43 million for third place, but veteran dramas Criminal Minds and CSI: NY did well and were consistent doing 14.56 (up 2 million from previous week and 12.69 million (down slightly from previous week). NBC opened the night with Deal or No Deal doing 11.17 million, followed by Bionic Woman at a third place 11.07 million and a big drop in 18-49 at a 4.1, down from the 5.7 rating for the premiere. At 10pm NBC aired Life's did 8.68 million, down from the premiere. Fox was fourth with the disappointing numbers for Back to You at 6.58 million 'Til Death was on par with the previous week's 6.2 million with 6.19 million this week. Kitchen Nightmares was up from 5.42 million the previous week to 6.22 million this week. The CW had its usual showing of Top Model at a decent 4.54 million, Gossip Girl did just 2.75 million.
Thursday it was CBS on top, but ABC was not far behind. CBS opened with Survivor: China at 14.14 million, exactly the same from the premiere. CSI followed with 20.97 million for first place, but down over 4 million from previous week. Without a Trace followed with 14.2 million, down over 2 million from previous week. ABC opened the night with Ugly Betty doing a solid 9.9 million, for second place, but down over a million from previous week. Grey's Anatomy followed with 18.51 million, down about 2 million from previous week's season premiere, though it did win in 18-49 with a 7.6/19 18-49 rating, for #1 for the week. Big Shots followed with a third place finish of 8.23 million...down nearly three million from the premiere, it needs to start going up now, or it will be in trouble. NBC was a distant third with its comedies My Name is Earl opened the night with 7.98 million, followed by the season premiere of 30 Rock with guest star Jerry Seinfeld doing 7.33 million. A one-hour The Office followed with 8.57 million, down from previous week's premiere by a million. ER closed the night with a tepid 9.09 million, down from previous week. Fox had a better Thursday than last week, but still fourth with 5th Grader doing just 8.63 million, up over a million from previous week. Don't Forget the Lyrics forgot the ratings again, with 5.74 million, up a bit from previous week. Smallville on The CW did 4.59 million, followed by the season premiere of Supernatural at just 2.97 million.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS won Friday, not with great numbers though. NBC was second, but it also was not so good, especially the season premiere of Friday Night Lights. ABC was a distant third and Fox again fourth.
Saturday numbers are not available yet. But it should be all low.
Tonight ABC Sunday should win the night, but CBS and NBC will be close, too. Fox will do well in young adults.
As for the week, ABC and CBS will battle in HH and viewers, with ABC a sure winner in 18-49. Friday and Saturday numbers were all low for all, but the big three will rebound tonight. NBC will pass CBS for second in 18-49 thanks to the NFL game tonight. Will it be a clean sweep for ABC again? We'll find out.
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week of September 24-30)
- The Simpsons (Fox) 2 episodes - 8.51 million for a new episode, down a million from the premiere the previous week. A repeat before that at 7:30 did 5.27 million.
- King of the Hill (Fox) 2 episodes - 7.27 million for a new episode, drop of 1/2 million from the previous week, but better retention out of its lead-in. A repeat at 7pm did just 2.37 million.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A one-hour episode did 10.81 million the previous week, a half-hour episode did 7.98 million this week...a big drop, but that was expected.
- American Dad (Fox) - The season premiere did just 6.07 million. Is this going to be its last season?
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - The season premiere the previous week did 8.12 million, this week it was down a bit to 7.87 million.
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - 9.52 million tuned in for the premiere the previous week, this week we saw 8.5 million, but it built on the lead-in in all categories for a good sign.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 13.24 million this week, on par with last week's 13.58 million.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - 12.23 million tuned in the previous week, but with Stars at 2 hours tonight, this show got affected and did 10.09 million, a big drop from the previous week.
- CW Monday Comedies: Chris, Aliens in America, Girfriends, The Game. Season premieres and the series premiere of Aliens did not so good, but The Game did decent and the best of the night at 2.98 million.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- Cavemen (ABC) - All the new sitcoms on the big 4 have debuted just about the same. This one did a 6.1/10, 9.19 million and a 3.5/10 18-49. Not bad, but needs to retain most of that this week.
- Carpoolers (ABC) - The surprisingly funny sitcom did surprisingly decent in its premiere. 5.9/9, 9.06 million, 3.5/9 18-49. Again, needs to retain most of that this coming week.
- Back to You (Fox) - 3rd episode did 6.58 million, a drop from episode 2's 7.47 million. More concerning was the 2.4 18-49 rating.
- 'Til Death (Fox) - 6.19 million, on par with last week, but built on the lead-in 18-49 to a 2.5..
- My Name is Earl (NBC) - 7.98 million tuned in for a half-hour episode, down from the 8.66 million for the one-hour premiere last week.
- 30 Rock (NBC) - The season premiere with Jerry Seinfeld did decent with 7.33 million and a series best 3.4 18-49 rating.
- The Office (NBC) - Another one-hour episode did 8.57 million, down from last week's 9.65 million.
None.
Saturday Sitcoms
Airing tonight (Sunday) are new episodes of Fox's animated comedies.
Summing it up. Two and a Half Men, The Office, Big Bang Theory, Cavemen, and Carpoolers were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as Rules of Engagement, How I Met Your Mother) or just plain old terrible (Aliens in America).
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Mini-DVD Review: Entourage - Season Three, Part 2; Solomon's Weekly Rant: The Reappearance of Fresh Prince
Entourage: Season 3, Part 2 (HBO, $39.98) brings the last eight episodes of the third season (aired in spring 2007) together in a two disc set. Vince, Eric, Drama, and Turtle are back and trying to help Vince make it big in Hollywood. But with things going sour with Ari in the first part of season 3, how will they manage to accomplish this? You can find out all of these answers and more in the second part of the third season!
Now that Vince has a new agent, he could be getting new types of work... such as a film about Edith Wharton, as he could be getting in "Less Than 30." Drama is about to have a prank played on him by Pauly Shore (who plays himself) in "Gotcha!," but in a botched attempt to prevent it from happening, he accidentally gets on Chuck Liddell's (also playing himself) bad side. Ed Burns guest stars in "Return of the King," where Ari must coordinate a deal on Yom Kippur--before sundown. Drama's new series is about to premiere in "The Resurrection," but how will he react when he sees how the critics have reacted to it? The season ends with the guys having to go their separate ways (well, kind of) in "Adios Amigos," where they all move out of the mansion and into their own places.
Once again, the video and audio of the set is highly impressive, and exactly what one would expect from a recent series, if not even better. The episodes are all in widescreen and we have the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. The special features on the set are just right, with audio commentaries on three episodes (featuring Doug Ellin, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, and Jerry Ferrara), a Museum of Television & Radio Panel discussion that gives the cast a chance to say what they want to say about the show, and an "Anatomy of Entourage" special feature that allows you to go behind the scenes to see the making of the season finale. Get your entourage together and watch this DVD set!
-- Reviewed by skees53
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Solomon's Weekly Rant
Saturday, October 6, 2007
"The Reappearance of Fresh Prince"
By Solomon Davis
Nick at Nite viewers had gotten used to seeing a new nightly schedule during the month of September and now in the past two weeks the Fresh Prince has reappeared on our TV screens. Nick at Nite has turned their schedule into a Fresh Prince sandwich with Home Improvement and George Lopez in between since Fresh Prince is the first show to start and end primetime. And even if it is because it is the top rated show, there is no reason to flood the schedule with the show and decrease the airings of your new shows that were probably gaining new fans. I'm a Fresh Prince fan and now I have finally become sick of seeing the show on Nick at Nite because I was used to the new schedule with different shows and now all I see is Fresh Prince all over the place. The one thing I will never understand is how Nick at Nite holds on to this one show and makes no attempt to find out if they have other hit shows on their schedule. That way Nick at Nite would be a more balanced network with several types of comedies and not just a channel with a Hip-Hop Comedy dominating the schedule very night. Is Nick at Nite so scared to find out if they have other hits?
My Weird TV Moments of the Week:
Tuesday, October 2, 2007: Regis asks Kelly to rub his tie and Kelly's reply was, "Do you want me to rub up or rub down?"
Thursday, October 4, 2007: Cleveland Cavalier, LeBron James at Game 1 of the Indians/Yankees ALDS Game in Cleveland with a Yankees baseball cap on his head and not supporting his hometown team the Indians.
Agree or disagree with Solomon? Discuss it here.
DISCLAIMER: Remember, Solomon is not the voice of SitcomsOnline. He is just stating his opinions and does not reflect what SitcomsOnline says or thinks. It is just his 'View' but it is always quite entertaining.
Friday, October 05, 2007
JustMyShow.com Interviews Three's Company Bartenders
To listen to this wonderful interview, click HERE!
We shall return if we have any other news. Come on back.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Customizable Versions of Classic TV Music; Beaver Reunion Video
Each library includes ten tracks. They can be purchased directly from SmartSound at http://www.smartsound.com/moviemusic for $39.95 each or just $99 for all four discs as a set. Here are the TV Classics Library details:
EMI TV Classics -- Memorable music from favorite TV shows of the 1960s and 1970s. Includes music from such popular shows as Batman, Bewitched, The Avengers and Lost in Space.
In case anyone missed it this morning, ABCNews.com has put up the video of the Leave it to Beaver reunion segment. Tom Bergeron, host of Dancing with the Stars, conducted the interview. Can you believe Barbara Billingsley is 91?? Anyway, see for yourself by clicking HERE. There are two video links there on the right.
Yesterday we reported that tonight's Grey's Anatomy will encore on Friday at 9 on ABC, but now ABC has decided not to. Private Practice will now air on Friday, October 5, 2007 at 9:00 PM ET/PT. This episode will be a repeat telecast of the Wednesday, October 3, 2007 broadcast.
Tune in tonight on NBC for the Comedy Done Right sitcoms starting at 8/7 central with My Name is Earl followed by the season premiere of 30 Rock and an all-new one-hour episode of The Office.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
New Knight Rider Possible; ABC Encores This Week's Grey's on Friday
NBC is readying a two-hour backdoor pilot for the project, with tentative plans to air it as a movie-of-the-week later this season. Liman is open to the idea of directing, assuming his schedule allows. If the TV movie clicks, a new-model Knight Rider series could be on the air as early as next fall.
It's also likely the new show will explore the idea of "evil" cars to offset the heroic talking K.I.T.T. car of the original series, which starred David Hasselhoff. That said, the series is expected to essentially remain focused on the story of a single man fighting for justice with the help of his superadvanced car.
The TV movie could serve as a good replacement for repeats come spring, perhaps replacing an encore of Heroes or Bionic Woman.
What are your thoughts on this? Give us your thoughts by clicking HERE.
ABC has made a schedule change for this Friday. They were scheduled to air an episode of Primetime: Medical Mysteries this Friday at 9, but now they will air an encore of this Thursday's Grey's Anatomy instead. The encore of the Pushing Daisies pilot will still air at 8 and 20/20 at 10pm.
If we have more news we will post it here. So come on back if you can.
Tune in tonight for the third week of sitcoms from Fox's Back to You and 'Til Death. They air back-to-back starting at 8/7 central on Fox!
Also tonight, it is the series premiere of the best pilot of the season...Pushing Daisies. I saw the show this summer and it is fantastic. I won't give a full fledge review, but you've seen the promos and reviews, everyone loves it. It is a forensic fairytale with laughs, romance and mystery. It is about a guy named Ned who has this special touch of awakening the dead. The pilot starts off with a flashback showcasing us how this had happened. He has had the touch since he was little boy. The thing is, if he touches them once more, they go back to being dead. Also he only has one minute in keeping them alive, otherwise another person will die.
He owns a pie shop that looks so cool. His life as a pie maker gets more complicated when private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) finds out about Ned's secret. Emerson convinces the cash-strapped Ned to help him solve murder cases (and collect the hefty reward fees) by raising the dead and getting them to name their killers.
Then Ned is handed the case that changes his life forever. His childhood sweetheart, Charlotte (nickname is Chuck), is murdered on a cruise ship under strange circumstances. Her death brings him back to his hometown of Coeur d' Coeurs to bring Chuck back to life, albeit briefly, and solve the crime. But once reunited with Chuck, Ned can't bring himself to send her back. He helps her escape after her grieving aunts, Lily and Vivian, former synchronized swimmers Darling Mermaid Darlings, think they've buried her forever.
Chuck becomes the third partner in Ned and Emerson's PI enterprise, but she encourages them to use their skills for good, not just for profit. Ned is overjoyed to be reunited with Chuck, the only girl he's ever loved. Life would be perfect, except for one cruel twist -- if he ever touches her again, she'll go back to being dead, this time for good.
That is the pilot in a nutshell. It is really good!!! I urge you all to watch it because it is very charming. It is like a storybook serialized procedural with tons of laughs, mystery and romance. The show has it all and everyone will like something from it. The show airs tonight at 8/7 central only on ABC!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Beaver Reunion on GMA Thursday; The Fonz in Bronze?
Variety is reporting that a Wisconsin civic group called Visit Milwaukee is trying to bring 'happy days' to the city, launching a campaign to create a bronzed statue of the character of The Fonz (Fonzie, Arthur Fonzarelli, whatever you call him) played by the great Henry Winkler.
They have raised about half of the $85,000 needed to get the bust made and presented in the city where Happy Days was set. While TV Land has funded statues of notable TV characters in the past, it won't be financing this one -- to the city's chagrin (The net isn't giving thumbs down to the character; it's just very selective about its statue-funding.).
Tune in tonight for two series premieres of two sitcoms...Cavemen and Carpoolers. We reviewed Carpoolers on Saturday and it is a surprise, so please try it. We have not seen the updated Cavemen pilot (nor has any other critic), so we will be watching that for the first time, too. We will try to do a review of it after we see it.
Both sitcoms will air back-to-back and the laughs start tonight at 8/7 central on ABC!
Monday, October 01, 2007
AmericanLife Adds Batman, Trapper John, Lou Grant, Green Hornet and More; Nick at Nite Starts With Fresh
Mission: Impossible (Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET /PT) premiered in 1966 and aired for seven years. The series stars Greg Morris, Peter Lupus, Peter Graves, Martin Landau, Barbara Bain and Bob Johnson, who was the voice on the tape that intoned, "Your mission, should you decide to accept it..." Mission: Impossible chronicles the adventures of a secret government agency tasked with conducting covert missions, including freeing hostages, releasing war weapons and solving international mysteries. The series won numerous awards, including three Golden Globe Awards, three Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Show.
Batman (Fridays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT), based on the comic book series, follows Batman and his sidekick Robin as they fight Gotham City’s villains. Starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, the series also attracted A-list Hollywood talent to play the roles of the villains: Frank Gorshin and John Astin as The Riddler, Burgess Meredith as The Penguin, Cesar Romero as The Joker, Victor Buono as King Tut, Vincent Price as Egghead and Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt as Catwoman. Batman premiered in 1966 on ABC and aired four years.
Green Hornet (Fridays at 9:30 p.m. ET /PT) stars Van Williams as Britt Reid, a newspaper publisher who becomes the masked hero to fight criminals. He is assisted by his secretary, Lenore "Casey" Case (Wende Wagner), and Asian valet and martial arts expert Kato (Bruce Lee). Only airing for one season in 1966, this series marked Lee's debut on American television.
AmericanLife will be adding lots of other ner series this month as well. The other new shows are: Lou Grant, Trapper John M.D., Rat Patrol, 12 O'Clock High, Big Valley, and Burke's Law.
With all these new shows coming from the Fox and Paramount libraries, the Warner Bros. library will be leaving. The shows leaving are: 77 Sunset Strip, China Beach, Gallant Men, I Spy, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., The F.B.I., Our Gang, Adventures of Superman, My Favorite Martian, F Troop, Chico and the Man, Welcome Back Kotter and Lawman. The Warner Bros. deal has lasted quite a while on the network, so you all should have taped your shows while you had the chance.
For the full list of changes and to discuss these changes, I urge you to click HERE!
Other highlights for October include a Halloween-themed special (Nancy Kerrigan's Halloween on Ice) and classic television series featuring guest star appearances by several television and film celebrities.
Thursday, October 4
The Time Tunnel: Carroll O'Connor guests in "Last Patrol" (9:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Sunday, October 7
St. Elsewhere: Judith Light guest stars in "Dog Day Hospital" (8:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Thursday, October 11
Lost in Space: Warren Oates guest stars in "Welcome Stranger" (8:00 p.m. ET/PT).
The Time Tunnel: Oscar-winning actress Ellen Burstyn guests in "Crack of Doom" (9:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Friday, October 12
Mission: Impossible: Lloyd Bridges guest stars in "Fakeout" (8:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Sunday, October 14
Mission: Impossible: William Smithers guests in "The Ransom" (8:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Wednesday, October 17
Combat!: James Coburn guests alongside ex-heavyweight boxing champ Rocky Marciano, making his television acting debut, in "Masquerade" (7:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Saturday, October 20
The Big Valley: Mary Astor guest stars in "Who Killed Cable Roberts?" (6:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Monday, October 22
The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Vic Tayback guests in "Second Story Story" (9:00 p.m. ET /PT).
Wednesday, October 24
Trapper John, M.D.: Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress Shelley Long guest stars in "The Shattered Image" (10:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Thursday, October 25
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea: Richard Carlson guest stars in "The Village of Guilt" (10:00 p.m. ET /PT).
Friday, October 26
Combat!: Actor and director Ron Howard guests in "What Are the Bugles Blown For? Part I" (7:00 p.m. ET /PT) (Part two airs Monday, October 29 at 7 p.m. ET /PT).
Nick at Nite will be kicking off each night this week with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, replacing one of the Home Improvement airings. No other changes will be made. Maybe Fresh is coming into boost the ratings a bit? We'll see, but as of now it is just for this week...but that could change.
Don't forget tonight to tune in to the series premiere of Aliens in America on The CW, along with the rest of the season premieres of The CW Monday comedies. And if that is not all, it is week two of the CBS Monday comedies! The fun starts 8/7 central on both CBS and The CW. Watch and TiVo!
8:30pm will be a busy slot as Perfect Strangers launches on ION tonight! Get out of the city!
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Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Thursday, September 3
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - "A Bus Bench and Faith out the Wazoo" (CBS, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Audrey and Mary’s (Zoe Perry) feud rears its head when Georgie needs their help with the tire store, and Jim’s forced to confront his age after a visit to the DMV.
Ghosts - "Up the Creek" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Woodstone’s future is put in jeopardy, Sam and Jay join forces with the ghosts to protect the mansion by securing its place in history, on part one of the two-part fifth season finale.
Adults - "Talia" (FX and FXX, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Anton learns that his sister is starting a family, while Issa begins thinking about her own fertility. Written by Shaun Menchel; Directed by Maggie Carey.
Adults - "Raccoon" (FX and FXX, 9:32PM ET/PT)
Issa and Paul Baker host Acid Night. Written by Sanaz Toossi; Directed by Oz Rodriguez.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of August 31)
Thursday, September 3
- Olivia Rodrigo (Bizaardvark) - Catch Olivia on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show/My Boys/The Ellen Show/Welcome to New York) - Jim is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Rickey Smiley (The Rickey Smiley Show) - Rickey appears on a repeat of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen at 12:37am on CBS.
- Stephen Root (Barry/Ladies Man/NewsRadio) - Stephen is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Glen Powell (Chad Powers/Scream Queens) and Steve Zahn (Chad Powers/The Righteous Gemstones) - Glen and Steve talk about Chad Powers on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am. Steve and Frankie Rodriguez will be on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
- Sophia Bush (Partners) - Sophia guest co-hosts a repeat of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest/Bless the Harts/Enlisted) - NBC's Today has the Best of Fun & Games with "Queen of Quips" with Michelle in the 10am hour.
- Casey Wilson (The Righteous Gemstones/Black Monday/The Hotwives/Marry Me/Happy Endings) and Andrew Rannells (Girls/The New Normal) - NBC's Today has the Best of Fun & Games with "Beat the Box" with Casey, Andrew and Prue Leith in the 10am hour.
- Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere/Nightcap) - Jeff talks about Apple TV's Widow's Bay on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
01/20/26 - The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (Blu-ray)
01/27/26 - The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/11/26 - Tom and Jerry - The Complete CinemaScope Collection (Blu-ray)
03/24/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
04/11/26 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD)
04/21/26 - Famous Studios Champion Collection (Blu-ray) (DVD)
05/19/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (DVD)
05/19/26 - Looney Tunes Cartoons - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
06/16/26 - Difficult People - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
06/30/26 - Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
07/14/26 - The Office - The Complete Series - Superfan Extended Episodes (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Bill Dana Show - The Complete Series (DVD)
07/28/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Paper - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
08/25/26 - Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/08/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 3 (Blu-ray)
09/22/26 - Bridget Loves Bernie - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/29/26 - The Quick Draw McGraw Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
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