Sunday, February 10, 2013
Week 20 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did
2012-13 Week 20 TV Ratings (first four nights, Mon-Thu):
Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new with AFV, Once Upon a Time and Revenge and a special Revenge for Real at 10pm. Look for a distant second place finish. NBC devotes the night to Dateline from 7-9pm and an SNL special repeat from 9-11pm, which is looking like a fourth place finish. CBS has 60 Minutes at 7, but is preempting The Good Wife & The Mentalist for the Grammys and it will obviously take the night big time. Last year it did a huge 14.2 18-49 rating (16.0 in the top 25 markets), but it won't do as high this tear, I think. Fox's animation block is all new from 7:30-10pm and should be third place in 18-49.
As for the week (week 20), I think any idiot can tell you again that CBS will take the week in 18-49 since they have the Grammys tonight. Fox will be second, and ABC will be third in 18-49. NBC will be way behind and in fourth. For total viewers, it should be CBS on top here of course, then Fox, ABC and NBC in that order. As for the coming week (week 21), ABC has the series premiere of Zero Hour Thursday at 8pm and Tuesday we have the President in primetime with the State of the Union address.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly, New Girl were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as Community, Parks & Recreation) or just plain terrible (such as 1600 Penn, Whitney).
Households: #1. CBS 7.9 rating/12.5 share; #2. Fox 5.5/8.4; #3. ABC 4.9/7.7; #4. NBC 3.0/4.7; #5. The CW 1.2/1.8
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 12.67 million; #2. Fox 9.23 million; #3. ABC 7.32 million; #4. NBC 4.52 million; #5. The CW 1.81 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. Fox 3.1 rating/8.4 share; #2. CBS 2.9/7.9; #3. ABC 2.3/6.3; #4. NBC 1.5/4.1; #5. The CW 0.7/1.9
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 12.67 million; #2. Fox 9.23 million; #3. ABC 7.32 million; #4. NBC 4.52 million; #5. The CW 1.81 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. Fox 3.1 rating/8.4 share; #2. CBS 2.9/7.9; #3. ABC 2.3/6.3; #4. NBC 1.5/4.1; #5. The CW 0.7/1.9
Week 20 (Feb. 4-10) Analysis: The first full week of sweep sees Fox with the edge so far over CBS in 18-49, but CBS will win the week by tonight. Through the first four night averages, CBS has the lead in HH/total viewers, while Fox is on top in adults 18-49. CBS is close second place in 18-49, followed by ABC, then NBC a very distant fourth. Fox is second in HH/viewers, followed by ABC. Then NBC is a distant fourth and it continues to be a long winter for them. When the week is done, CBS will come back and take the week in 18-49 thanks to the Grammys tonight. More on that later. As for last week, week 19, CBS took home first in adults 18-49 obviously with the Super Bowl, crushing second place Fox. Then ABC and NBC tied but were way back there. Among total viewers, of course CBS took that crown easily over Fox. ABC was third and NBC was back behind in fourth.
Monday saw CBS take the night over Fox. Starting with ABC, a two-hour The Bachelor from 8-10pm did 7.9 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week but on par in total viewers. At 10pm, Castle was new and did 8.89 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating. For NBC, they had a two-hour The Biggest Loser from 8-10pm doing 5.8 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, week five of new drama dud Deception didn't do much with 3.08 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down another tenth in 18-49 from previous week. CBS was all-new with its comedies, as new How I Met Your Mother did 10.3 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, which was the best of the night actually. The season premiere of Rules of Engagement at 8:30pm did 9.4 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, which is solid but could have been better. At 9pm, a new 2 Broke Girls followed with 11.36 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, while solid not nearly as strong as a CBS Monday anchor should be and not #1 for the block. Next, a new Mike & Molly did 10.77 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating. A new Hawaii Five-0 at 10pm did 9.86 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which was good for first place. Fox aired an all-new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 9.06 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which was down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, week three of new drama The Following at 9pm did 9.01 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, which is down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Very good news since it didn't go down that much with all-new airings against it. The CW aired week four of The Carrie Diaries at 8 and did 1.51 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 from the previous week. At 9, 90210 was new and did only 0.79 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, on par with previous week in 18-49. Needs to be canceled.
On Tuesday, it was CBS with the win in 18-49 with its dramas just getting by ABC. On CBS, a new NCIS aired at 8 and did 21.79 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Next a new NCIS: Los Angeles at 9 did 16.67 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. And finally at 10pm, a new episode of freshman Vegas did 10.25 million and only a 1.5 18-49 rating, which is down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Not good. Onto ABC, at 8pm week three of The Taste did 5.34 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Not too bad. At 9, ABC preempted Happy Endings for a special The Bachelor on a special night and time from 9-11pm doing a very good 7.87 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, as it grew throughout the night. Look for the season premiere of Body of Proof at 10pm on Feb. 19, and it has a shot of winning its hour weekly. NBC preempted Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 8-9pm for Betty White's Second Annual 90th Birthday Special doing 5.95 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which didn't do too well. At 9pm, Go On and The New Normal were preempted for the two-hour season premiere of Smash and it got clobbered with just 4.48 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating for a series low. Not good news since it moves to 10pm this week after the struggling comedies. Fox aired comedies as a new Raising Hope at 8pm did 3.87 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A second all-new episode followed and did 3.53 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, also down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of New Girl followed at 9 with 4.83 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which is the best of the block and on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9:30pm, a new The Mindy Project did 3.6 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as it benefited with no comedy competition. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie at 8 and did 1.44 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of new series Emily Owens MD at 9 did 1.5 million and only a 0.4 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. New series Cult will take over soon.
Wednesday as usual had American Idol take the night of course since its two-hours every week and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with a repeat of Person of Interest at 8pm doing 7.17 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new Criminal Minds did 11.98 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which seems below normal. At 10pm, a new CSI did 10.97 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, winning its hour. ABC kicked off the night with a new The Middle doing 8.21 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is solid but below normal. At 8:30pm a new episode of The Neighbors did 6.04 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat. At 9pm, a new Modern Family did the best of the block with 9.83 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, which is great but below normal for this series. I expect it to rebound and go over a 4 this week. Suburgatory followed at 9:30pm with a new episode doing 5.73 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat. Could be better. At 10pm, Nashville was new and did 5.3 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, it has been up and down all season but it continues to do well in DVR so it will be back next season. On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 14.27 million and a 4.6 18-49 rating, which is down nine tenths in 18-49 from previous week as everything seems to be down from normal on this Wednesday...weird. Onto NBC a new episode of Whitney started it off at 8pm with 3.56 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 8:30pm, a new Guys with Kids did 3.2 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's series low. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a new airing as well that did only 5.23 million and only a 1.5 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, a new Chicago Fire did 6.6 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is solid but down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as expected with the competing CBS drama new. The CW aired a new airing of its new hit Arrow and did 2.96 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth from previous week in 18-49. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 2.29 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, also up a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week and holding on to 100% of its lead-in's ratings once again. Solid block!
On Thursday, saw CBS and Fox battle but it was CBS with the win in both 18-49 and total viewers once again. Starting with ABC, a repeat of durable Shark Tank did 4.77 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was new and did a solid 8.91 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. The surging Scandal at 10pm was all-new doing 8.14 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week and tied a series high in 18-49! It's the #1 series at 10pm! CBS had a night of new episodes and opened with a new The Big Bang Theory doing 18.98 million and a 6.2 18-49 rating, which is great and up eight tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Wow it did over a 6 with Idol airing, that is impressive. A new Two and a Half Men was up next and benefited with 14.1 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week so it could have been better since it had a larger lead-in. At 9pm, a new showing of older-skewing Person of Interest followed with 14.88 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week and tied for #1 at 9. Still, should CBS opt for younger-skewing comedies next season, this series would be perfect on Tuesdays at 9 or 10 following older NCIS. They would make a better match. At 10pm, a new showing of freshman Elementary closed the night with 10.84 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, on par with previous week in 18-49 as it didn't get a post-Super Bowl bump at all. Not good. Fox had a one-hour American Idol at 8 that did 13.28 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, which was down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Looks like it will be in the 3's soon. Glee had a new episode at 9 and did 6.03 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. NBC aired new episodes of its comedies, as the season premiere of Community did just 3.88 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, but skewed young. Parks & Recreation was new at 8:30pm and did 3.76 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, for its best ratings in a while. At 9, The Office was new and did 4.15 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. A new 1600 Penn did horrible with 2.6 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, as it has been pulled for this Thursday. And it got worse at 10pm with week two of new drama Do No Harm doing a lot of harm with 2.21 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, as that was down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's series premiere. It did so bad that NBC has pulled the series for good after just 2 weeks. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and did 2.5 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is great but down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was new and did 1.48 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating, losing nearly half of its lead-in's 18-49 rating and down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, as ABC took Friday in 18-49. CBS bombed at 8pm with the series premiere of The Job, as it was no Undercover Boss. Kitchen Nightmares was preempted on Fox as ABC's Last Man Standing and Malibu Country took the hour. ABC was also first at 9pm by a lot with a new Shark Tank easily beating a new CSI: NY at 9. From 8-10pm Dateline did OK for NBC, as Rock Center was also OK at 10pm. CBS took first at 10pm with a new Blue Bloods besting ABC 20/20. Fox didn't do much with the two-hour season premiere of Touch from 8-10pm.
Saturday had ABC also take the night with lead by the movie Despicable Me. Fox had an hour of Cops that won 8pm, while CBS did solid at 10pm with 48 Hours. NBC settled for repeats of American Ninja Warrior, Chicago Fire and SNL which were all last.
Monday saw CBS take the night over Fox. Starting with ABC, a two-hour The Bachelor from 8-10pm did 7.9 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week but on par in total viewers. At 10pm, Castle was new and did 8.89 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating. For NBC, they had a two-hour The Biggest Loser from 8-10pm doing 5.8 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, week five of new drama dud Deception didn't do much with 3.08 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down another tenth in 18-49 from previous week. CBS was all-new with its comedies, as new How I Met Your Mother did 10.3 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, which was the best of the night actually. The season premiere of Rules of Engagement at 8:30pm did 9.4 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, which is solid but could have been better. At 9pm, a new 2 Broke Girls followed with 11.36 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, while solid not nearly as strong as a CBS Monday anchor should be and not #1 for the block. Next, a new Mike & Molly did 10.77 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating. A new Hawaii Five-0 at 10pm did 9.86 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which was good for first place. Fox aired an all-new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 9.06 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which was down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, week three of new drama The Following at 9pm did 9.01 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, which is down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Very good news since it didn't go down that much with all-new airings against it. The CW aired week four of The Carrie Diaries at 8 and did 1.51 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 from the previous week. At 9, 90210 was new and did only 0.79 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, on par with previous week in 18-49. Needs to be canceled.
On Tuesday, it was CBS with the win in 18-49 with its dramas just getting by ABC. On CBS, a new NCIS aired at 8 and did 21.79 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Next a new NCIS: Los Angeles at 9 did 16.67 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 with previous week. And finally at 10pm, a new episode of freshman Vegas did 10.25 million and only a 1.5 18-49 rating, which is down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Not good. Onto ABC, at 8pm week three of The Taste did 5.34 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Not too bad. At 9, ABC preempted Happy Endings for a special The Bachelor on a special night and time from 9-11pm doing a very good 7.87 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, as it grew throughout the night. Look for the season premiere of Body of Proof at 10pm on Feb. 19, and it has a shot of winning its hour weekly. NBC preempted Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 8-9pm for Betty White's Second Annual 90th Birthday Special doing 5.95 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which didn't do too well. At 9pm, Go On and The New Normal were preempted for the two-hour season premiere of Smash and it got clobbered with just 4.48 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating for a series low. Not good news since it moves to 10pm this week after the struggling comedies. Fox aired comedies as a new Raising Hope at 8pm did 3.87 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A second all-new episode followed and did 3.53 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, also down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of New Girl followed at 9 with 4.83 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which is the best of the block and on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9:30pm, a new The Mindy Project did 3.6 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as it benefited with no comedy competition. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie at 8 and did 1.44 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of new series Emily Owens MD at 9 did 1.5 million and only a 0.4 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. New series Cult will take over soon.
Wednesday as usual had American Idol take the night of course since its two-hours every week and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with a repeat of Person of Interest at 8pm doing 7.17 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new Criminal Minds did 11.98 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which seems below normal. At 10pm, a new CSI did 10.97 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, winning its hour. ABC kicked off the night with a new The Middle doing 8.21 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is solid but below normal. At 8:30pm a new episode of The Neighbors did 6.04 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat. At 9pm, a new Modern Family did the best of the block with 9.83 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, which is great but below normal for this series. I expect it to rebound and go over a 4 this week. Suburgatory followed at 9:30pm with a new episode doing 5.73 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat. Could be better. At 10pm, Nashville was new and did 5.3 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, it has been up and down all season but it continues to do well in DVR so it will be back next season. On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 14.27 million and a 4.6 18-49 rating, which is down nine tenths in 18-49 from previous week as everything seems to be down from normal on this Wednesday...weird. Onto NBC a new episode of Whitney started it off at 8pm with 3.56 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 8:30pm, a new Guys with Kids did 3.2 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's series low. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a new airing as well that did only 5.23 million and only a 1.5 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, a new Chicago Fire did 6.6 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is solid but down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as expected with the competing CBS drama new. The CW aired a new airing of its new hit Arrow and did 2.96 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth from previous week in 18-49. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 2.29 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, also up a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week and holding on to 100% of its lead-in's ratings once again. Solid block!
On Thursday, saw CBS and Fox battle but it was CBS with the win in both 18-49 and total viewers once again. Starting with ABC, a repeat of durable Shark Tank did 4.77 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was new and did a solid 8.91 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. The surging Scandal at 10pm was all-new doing 8.14 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week and tied a series high in 18-49! It's the #1 series at 10pm! CBS had a night of new episodes and opened with a new The Big Bang Theory doing 18.98 million and a 6.2 18-49 rating, which is great and up eight tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Wow it did over a 6 with Idol airing, that is impressive. A new Two and a Half Men was up next and benefited with 14.1 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week so it could have been better since it had a larger lead-in. At 9pm, a new showing of older-skewing Person of Interest followed with 14.88 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week and tied for #1 at 9. Still, should CBS opt for younger-skewing comedies next season, this series would be perfect on Tuesdays at 9 or 10 following older NCIS. They would make a better match. At 10pm, a new showing of freshman Elementary closed the night with 10.84 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, on par with previous week in 18-49 as it didn't get a post-Super Bowl bump at all. Not good. Fox had a one-hour American Idol at 8 that did 13.28 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, which was down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Looks like it will be in the 3's soon. Glee had a new episode at 9 and did 6.03 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. NBC aired new episodes of its comedies, as the season premiere of Community did just 3.88 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, but skewed young. Parks & Recreation was new at 8:30pm and did 3.76 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, for its best ratings in a while. At 9, The Office was new and did 4.15 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. A new 1600 Penn did horrible with 2.6 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, as it has been pulled for this Thursday. And it got worse at 10pm with week two of new drama Do No Harm doing a lot of harm with 2.21 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, as that was down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's series premiere. It did so bad that NBC has pulled the series for good after just 2 weeks. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and did 2.5 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is great but down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was new and did 1.48 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating, losing nearly half of its lead-in's 18-49 rating and down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, as ABC took Friday in 18-49. CBS bombed at 8pm with the series premiere of The Job, as it was no Undercover Boss. Kitchen Nightmares was preempted on Fox as ABC's Last Man Standing and Malibu Country took the hour. ABC was also first at 9pm by a lot with a new Shark Tank easily beating a new CSI: NY at 9. From 8-10pm Dateline did OK for NBC, as Rock Center was also OK at 10pm. CBS took first at 10pm with a new Blue Bloods besting ABC 20/20. Fox didn't do much with the two-hour season premiere of Touch from 8-10pm.
Saturday had ABC also take the night with lead by the movie Despicable Me. Fox had an hour of Cops that won 8pm, while CBS did solid at 10pm with 48 Hours. NBC settled for repeats of American Ninja Warrior, Chicago Fire and SNL which were all last.
Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new with AFV, Once Upon a Time and Revenge and a special Revenge for Real at 10pm. Look for a distant second place finish. NBC devotes the night to Dateline from 7-9pm and an SNL special repeat from 9-11pm, which is looking like a fourth place finish. CBS has 60 Minutes at 7, but is preempting The Good Wife & The Mentalist for the Grammys and it will obviously take the night big time. Last year it did a huge 14.2 18-49 rating (16.0 in the top 25 markets), but it won't do as high this tear, I think. Fox's animation block is all new from 7:30-10pm and should be third place in 18-49.
As for the week (week 20), I think any idiot can tell you again that CBS will take the week in 18-49 since they have the Grammys tonight. Fox will be second, and ABC will be third in 18-49. NBC will be way behind and in fourth. For total viewers, it should be CBS on top here of course, then Fox, ABC and NBC in that order. As for the coming week (week 21), ABC has the series premiere of Zero Hour Thursday at 8pm and Tuesday we have the President in primetime with the State of the Union address.
Week 20 How the Sitcoms Did
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for Week 19 -- Jan. 28-Feb. 3)
- The Simpsons (Fox) - A repeat at 8 did 1.77 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, opposite the Super Bowl.
- The Cleveland Show (Fox) - A repeat at 7:30pm did only 0.97 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, as it faced the Super Bowl on both coasts.
- Bob's Burgers (Fox) 2 airings - At 8:30, a repeat did 1.74 million and 0.7 18-49 rating, nearly holding all of its lead-in's ratings. A repeat earlier in the night at 7pm did 0.78 million and a 0.3 18-49 rating, as it got trounced by the Super Bowl.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A repeat at 9 did 1.99 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, the best of the block and a very distant second place behind the Super Bowl.
- American Dad! (Fox) - A 9:30pm airing was a repeat and did 1.77 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, also not losing much of its lead-in's ratings.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A new episode at 8 did 10.3 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, which was the best of the block. Wow.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - The season premiere at 8:30pm did 9.4 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, solid but could be better since it had an above average lead-in.
- 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A new episode at 9 did 11.36 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, as it couldn't lead the block. Disappointing even after the Super Bowl ad the night before.
- Mike & Molly (CBS) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 10.77 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, which is very solid.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- Raising Hope (Fox) 2 episodes - A new episode at 8 pulled 3.87 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A second all-new episode followed at 8:30pm with a lower 3.53 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
- New Girl (Fox) - A new showing at 9 did 4.83 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which is on par with previous week. I think the continuing arc is helping.
- Go On (NBC) - preempted.
- Happy Endings (ABC) - preempted.
- The Mindy Project (Fox) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 3.6 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week since there was no comedy competition.
- The New Normal (NBC) - preempted.
- The Middle (ABC) - A new episode at 8 did 8.21 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is good but it could be better.
- Whitney (NBC) - A new episode at 8 did 3.56 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is not good and down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
- The Neighbors (ABC) - A new showing of this new comedy did 6.04 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
- Guys with Kids (NBC) - At 8:30pm, a new episode of this series did 3.2 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which is terrible but up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. Still not good.
- Modern Family (ABC) - A new episode at 9 did 9.83 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, #1 for the block as usual but below normal. Not sure why everything is down on this night overall.
- Suburgatory (ABC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 5.73 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat.
Thursday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - At 8pm, a new episode did 18.98 million and a 6.2 18-49 rating, which is excellent and up eight tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Wow! I never thought it would be over a 6 again this season. Perhaps the repeats slowed it down the previous few weeks. Maybe Modern Family will be up a solid amount this week too because of the repeat the week before? We'll see.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A new airing did 14.12 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 week-to-week but could have been better since its lead-in was up bigger.
- Community (NBC) - The season premiere did 3.88 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is OK and on par with previous week's 30 Rock series finale, which was one-hour.
- Parks & Recreation (NBC) - A new episode did 3.76 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, which is decent. Not setting the ratings on fire, but it is OK since this is not a major hit.
- The Office (NBC) - A new episode at 9 did 4.15 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week.
- 1600 Penn (NBC) - A new episode at 9:30pm slowed the block big time with just 2.6 million and a 1.1 1-49 rating. NBC is preempting it this Thursday, as a result.
- Last Man Standing (ABC) - A new episode did a prelim 7.35 million and a prelim 1.6 18-49 rating, which was first in its timeslot and up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week's preliminaries.
- Malibu Country (ABC) - A new airing of this new comedy did a prelim 6.19 million and a prelim 1.3 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's prelim ratings.
- None.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly, New Girl were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as Community, Parks & Recreation) or just plain terrible (such as 1600 Penn, Whitney).
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Digital Digest: Warner Archive to Compete with Hulu and Netflix?; 6-Film Family Movies DVD Review
Regardless of whether or not you're snowed in this weekend, welcome to Digital Digest! We've got some interesting news from Warner Archive that isn't about selling DVDs this week, along with your other regular features... including a review of a collection of some family flicks, with Echo Bridge Home Entertainment's 6 Film Family Movies, which includes movies starring TV stars such as John Ritter and Matthew Perry. Let's get going!
It appears that Warner Archive is on the verge into expanding to something even bigger... and it has actually already started, somewhat at least! While they haven't said a whole lot about it, a new service called Warner Archive Instant has popped up in the past week, and this appears to be another streaming video service, but the twist here is that it appears that this service will focus on older and more obscure series and movies. Here is a description of the service, straight from their own FAQ:
"Warner Archive Instant is the new streaming service of the Warner Archive (WarnerArchive.com). Warner Archive Instant lets you instantly view hundreds of rare and hard-to-find movies, TV shows and cartoons, culled from Warner Bros. library - the largest entertainment library in the world. Now is your chance to discover - and rediscover - rare movies and TV shows you can't find anywhere else (and some favorites you can) from Warner Bros., MGM, RKO, New Line, Monogram, Allied Artists, Lorimar and more."So far, under series, they show episodes of 77 Sunset Strip, The Adventures of Superman, Hawaiian Eye, Cheyenne, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and Gilligan's Island. While we'd like to see more sitcoms in the mix, this seems to show that they'll be digging much deeper than the usual stuff we see on DVD! But don't bother going over to check all of this out right now... currently, this project is in the beta testing stage, so even though we're able to see what is being offered, none of us can actually check it out yet unless you happen to be a beta tester. In any event, though, we look forward to see what will come out of this! Warner was a pioneer of online TV streaming when they partnered with AOL for the (now defunct) In2TV service in 2005, which was one of the first ad supported services that allowed people to watch retro TV series, and it looks like Warner could be ready to impress us again in a different way. We'll definitely keep you posted!
Speaking of Warner Archive, it wasn't that long ago that they released the classic David Janssen detective drama Harry O - The Complete First Season on DVD, but this week, they managed to finish up the series with Harry O - The Complete Second Season. It is definitely to see that this under-appreciated gem of '70s TV is available to own on DVD! We hope to have a review of this new set in a few weeks.
On April 9, Image has their release of The Dick Van Dyke - The Complete First Season (Blu-ray), but if you can't wait too long for the second season, you won't have to... the second season will follow on May 7.
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (February 12) has a release slate that features the final ten episodes of a Showtime series with Weeds - Season Eight (DVD/Blu-ray), as well as Nurse Jackie - Season Four (DVD/Blu-ray). Also, for fans of legal drama, CBS has Matlock - The Eighth Season.
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Blog DVD Review: 6-Film Family Movies (Echo Bridge, $14.99)
by Pavan
We usually don't cover movies here on the blog, but we have six very good films here and star many TV stars. Four films are TV movies, while two more are theatrical films. John Ritter, Joanna Kerns, Matthew Perry, and a young Reese Witherspoon lead the TV movie pack in this set, while Meryl Streep and Sharon Stone lead the theatrical films on this set. The 2-disc set from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment releases this Tuesday (Feb. 12).
Disc 1:
"Music of the Heart" 1999/Miramax (2:03:08) - Even after a decade of success stories teaching music to inner-city youth, Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep) finds her violin program may be cut. Also stars Aidan Quinn, Angela Bassett, Gloria Estefan, Jane Leeves, and Kieran Culkin
"Leave Yesterday Behind" 1978/ABC (1:36:37) - A talented young polo player (John Ritter) is left paralyzed and must overcome the obstacles of his injury. Also stars Carrie Fisher, Buddy Ebsen, and Robert Urich.
"Solomon's Choice" (1:32:01) 1992/NBC - A family is torn when their teenage daughter (Reese Witherspoon) is diagnosed with leukemia and their medically-unstable son is the best bet for a bone marrow transplant. Stars in this TV-movie include Joanna Kerns, Jeremy Sisto, and Bruce Davison. Also known as "Desperate Choices: To Save My Child."
"The Ron Clark Story" 1996/TNT (1:30:27) - An innovative teacher (Matthew Perry) takes risks and dreams big in one of Harlem's toughest classrooms. In this installment, you'll also see Ernie Hudson and James Dugan.
Disc 2:
"The Mighty" (1:40:26) 1998/Miramax - Two teens with disabilities unite and overcome their individual limitations together. Starring Sharon Stone, Gena Rowlands, Gillian Anderson, James Gandolfini and Kieran Culkin. .
"A Song from the Heart" (1:30:36) 1999/CBS - When a handsome composer enters the life of blind cellist Maryann Lowery, she learns that her true love has been beside her all along. Starring Amy Grant, D.W. Moffett, and Keith Carradine.
As far as packaging goes, it is a movie style case. The cover art for this set has the covers for each movie on left, with five of the major star names on top (Matthew Perry, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, John Ritter and Sharon Stone). The title "6 Family Movies" is on the right side in big lettering. Back of the case has a description of each movie and star listings. There is no artwork inside, just the discs. Disc one is on the black holder that you can flip like a page in a book, while disc two is on the right panel itself. Disc one has just the titles listed in the artwork in a blue sky background. Disc two is double-sided for some reason, so there is no artwork. Only two films on that disc but for some reason it is double-sided? Weird, since disc four is single-sided and has more movies (4).
The menus are pretty cool. Each movie has a main menu, which I like. We get the cover artwork on each main menu, and you can toggle between the movies by selecting Previous and Next. On each main menu we have Play and Chapter Selection. There are 10 chapter selections for each film except for "A Song from the Heart" has 15. The stops aren't really where they should have a chapter stop, though.
The video and audio quality on these DVDs is good. We have films mostly from the '90s, with just one film pretty old in "Leave Yesterday Behind" from 1978, so I wasn't really expecting a whole lot for that but that film is pretty good in video quality. All of the other ones are from the '90s so they look better and are on par on how they should look. Four of the films are widescreen, so they look the best. The audio, seems to be without any major issues and each film sounds great. There are no subtitles or closed-captioning, as there is no mention of any captioning on the packaging even.
There are no special features on this set and I don't think anyone expected any either.It would have been nice to have the original promos for the TV movies and the trailers for the theatrical movies on here, but it doesn't really matter.
It's a good set. I am not sure why they went with a mix of theatrical and TV movie, but I preferred the TV movies on this set. They are more rare and more interesting to watch. I hope Echo Bridge continues to bring out more TV movies on DVD. "Leave Yesterday Behind" is finally on DVD and I have been waiting for it for years. Now if they could get the John Ritter/Henry Winkler TV movie "The Only Way Out" I'd be ecstatic, since that film hasn't aired on TV since like the late '90s. As long as they give us some sitcom stars starring in these TV movies, we would love it! There are so many out there ye to be released on DVD, especially from the '70s-90s. My only gripe really with this set technically is why disc two was double-sided. I can't figure out why they would. I still recommend you getting this set for the great movies. It's good fun with familiar stars but films you probably have rarely seen! That's good because it is new to you!
(3.5/5 stars)
To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Wilmer Valderrama (Twitter/Facebook), "Self discovery is my hobby.. Changing the world my daily task."
Claim to Fame: Best known for playing Fez on That '70s Show, Valderrama has also appeared in many movies and also makes guest appearances in sitcoms in recent years, including Are You There, Chelsea?, Men At Work, and most recently, Raising Hope and Suburgatory.
Why You Should Follow Him: Valderrama is simply an easy-going actor who is worth following just for a bit of optimism. He seems to really appreciate his fans, and if you go through and read his postings, you'll find that he manages to keep positive on literally everything. No matter how hard you look, you'd be hard pressed to find anything negative. He is also good at keeping his fans updated on what is going on in his life, and gives us plenty of updates of his happenings in the form of photos.
Pick of the Tweets: "You don't know cardio till you chase the ice cream man down three blocks... #IceCreamSandwich" (November 14, 2012)
That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
It's a good set. I am not sure why they went with a mix of theatrical and TV movie, but I preferred the TV movies on this set. They are more rare and more interesting to watch. I hope Echo Bridge continues to bring out more TV movies on DVD. "Leave Yesterday Behind" is finally on DVD and I have been waiting for it for years. Now if they could get the John Ritter/Henry Winkler TV movie "The Only Way Out" I'd be ecstatic, since that film hasn't aired on TV since like the late '90s. As long as they give us some sitcom stars starring in these TV movies, we would love it! There are so many out there ye to be released on DVD, especially from the '70s-90s. My only gripe really with this set technically is why disc two was double-sided. I can't figure out why they would. I still recommend you getting this set for the great movies. It's good fun with familiar stars but films you probably have rarely seen! That's good because it is new to you!
(3.5/5 stars)To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Wilmer Valderrama (Twitter/Facebook), "Self discovery is my hobby.. Changing the world my daily task."
Claim to Fame: Best known for playing Fez on That '70s Show, Valderrama has also appeared in many movies and also makes guest appearances in sitcoms in recent years, including Are You There, Chelsea?, Men At Work, and most recently, Raising Hope and Suburgatory.
Why You Should Follow Him: Valderrama is simply an easy-going actor who is worth following just for a bit of optimism. He seems to really appreciate his fans, and if you go through and read his postings, you'll find that he manages to keep positive on literally everything. No matter how hard you look, you'd be hard pressed to find anything negative. He is also good at keeping his fans updated on what is going on in his life, and gives us plenty of updates of his happenings in the form of photos.
Pick of the Tweets: "You don't know cardio till you chase the ice cream man down three blocks... #IceCreamSandwich" (November 14, 2012)
That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
Friday, February 08, 2013
Episodic Review: Bob's Burgers - "My Fuzzy Valentine" Airing Sunday on Fox; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of February 11, 2013)
On the next...Bob's Burgers:
By: Skees
Fox's Sunday Animation Domination comedy with the Belcher family airs Sunday nights at 8:30pm immediately following The Simpsons and we have just watched the next episode that airs this Sunday (Feb. 10). Love is in the air (well, sort of), in an all-new Valentine's Day-themed episode of Bob's Burgers. In the episode airing Sunday, "My Fuzzy Valentine," Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) realizes that giving Linda (John Roberts) a heart-shaped pancake for the most romantic day of the year simply doesn't cut it. To help their well-meaning father, the kids convince him to let them skip school in order to help find a gift that will "wow" their mom. Meanwhile, in the spirit of the romantic holiday, Linda sets up a speed-dating event at the restaurant that doesn't go exactly as planned, thanks to a meddlesome Sergeant Bosco, guest-voiced by Gary Cole (Desperate Housewives, Office Space).
It is a special Valentine's Day for the Belcher Family in this episode, when Bob tries to win over Linda's heart with heart-shaped flapjacks. Of course, Linda is never one to complain, but it is very obvious to the kids (and eventually Bob) that she would probably appreciate a nicer gift. This leads him and the kids on a journey around town to find a "Love Tester" machine that Bob and Linda once used... and also a day for the kids to play hooky. It should be an easy enough task, except that Hugo, the health inspector, is determined to make Bob's day miserable, and prevent him from doing anything that may possibly please Linda. But Linda seems to be pleased enough as it is back at the restaurant, as she is celebrating the holiday by starting her own speed-dating service. It doesn't really seem to matter to her that the service is a disaster, at least not until the police get involved in it. All in all, it is a bit of a hokey holiday themed episode, but it fits the tone of the series. C+
Bob's Burgers is one of those "wonders" of the Fox Sunday night lineup, as it is really not heralded as one of Fox's major series (and in fact, it plays a very low key role), but yet it is currently in the third season with a fourth to come. I really didn't like this series much at all at the beginning, but as I've watched it more, it has started to grow on me. It isn't as fast-paced or vulgar as some of the Seth MacFarlane offerings, so it makes a perfect pair for Fox mainstay The Simpsons, which airs immediately before it.
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of February 11-15, 2013, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, February 11, 2013
- Carl Reiner (The Dick Van Dyke Show) - Watch Carl on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- John Goodman (Roseanne) - John visits Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC.
- David Spade (Rules of Engagement/8 Simple Rules) - David is a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.
- Ted Danson (Cheers/Becker) - Catch Ted on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Craig Robinson (The Office) - Craig appears on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC.
- Jenny McCarthy (Two and a Half Men/Jenny) - Jenny is part of the guest panel on Chelsea Lately on E! at 11pm.
- Jackée (The First Family/Sister, Sister/227) - Jackée sits down with Marie and discusses her new role in the sitcom, The First Family, on Marie on Hallmark Channel at 12pm.
- Cheryl Hines (Suburgatory/Curb Your Enthusiasm) - Cheryl joins co-host Clinton Kelly to make Gulf Shrimp Fritters with Remoulade and a Soda Stinger Inferno cocktail on The Chew on ABC at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- Regina King (227) - Regina guest co-hosts Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
- Allison Williams (Girls) - Watch Allison on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City/Square Pegs) - Sarah visits Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC.
- Steve Harvey (The Steve Harvey Show) - Steve appears on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC. He also chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Mila Kunis (That '70s Show) - Mila is a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.
- Lenny Venito (The Neighbors/The Knights of Prosperity) - Lenny chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT. On Potluck Party day, funny man Lenny aides co-host Mario Batali who whips up an out of this world potluck classic on ABC's The Chew at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- Fran Drescher (Happily Divorced/The Nanny) - Fran guest co-hosts Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
- Marilu Henner (Taxi) - Marilu presents her energy makeover plan on The Dr. Oz Show, so check your local listings.
- Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld) - Catch Jerry on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
- George Lopez (George Lopez) - George visits The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Molly Shannon (Kath & Kim) - Molly appears on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC. Molly also chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Sofia Vergara (Modern Family/The Knights of Prosperity/Hot Properties) - Sofia stops by The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check listings.
- Jenny McCarthy (Two and a Half Men/Jenny) - Jenny is a guest on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations.
- NeNe Leakes (The New Normal) - Nene guest co-hosts The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Helen Hunt (Mad About You) - Helen chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Meredith Baxter (Family Ties/Bridget Loves Bernie) and Michael Gross (Family Ties) - Iconic TV couples, including Meredith and Michael, are reunited on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Helen Hunt (Mad About You) - Watch Helen on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan) - Kathy appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Mario Lopez (Saved by the Bell) - Mario is a guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- William Shatner ($#*! My Dad Says) - William drops by The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
BET Schedules Family Matters Stunt in March; COZI TV Buys Mandela Series
This March, BET is saying that family does matter by airing a marathon of Family Matters on Saturday, March 2, 2013. The hit '90s sitcom has aired in marathons on BET before but this is the first one in quite some time and it comes after Viacom sibling Nick at Nite stopped airing it regularly again. Nick at Nite was airing the series every morning at approx. 5:30am but stopped at the end of December. Now BET will air a marathon on Saturday, March 2 from 8am-6pm ET. It will also air an episode on Sunday, March 3 at 10:30am. Now the question is will the series join the regular BET (or sister network Centric) schedule? As of now, we don't know just yet, but as soon as we know, we will let you know! BET currently airs Moesha, The Parkers, My Wife & Kids and The Jamie Foxx Show regularly, while sister network Centric has even more series: Miami Vice, New York Undercover, Bernie Mac, Everybody Hates Chris, Girlfriends, Steve Harvey Show, Wayans Bros., Cosby Show and In Living Color. And Centric also airs 227 and The A-Team, but are not currently on the regular schedule.
We could certainly see Family Matters fitting in nicely on either BET or Centric, but for now it is just a marathon on BET on March 2. Keep it right here and we'll let you know if Steve Urkel and the Winslows join the regular line-up! But if you can't wait any longer and need your Urkel fix, don't forget to order Family Matters Season 3 on DVD today! "Did I Do That?"
COZI TV, the new network developed by the NBC Owned Stations division of NBCUniversal, announced that Being Mandela, a new reality television show starring Nelson and Winnie Mandela's granddaughters, will premiere on Sunday, February 10 at 9 PM ET (re-airs at midnight ET). This 30-minute weekly show exclusively on COZI TV will follow the next generation of this unique South African family through the experiences of sisters Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini, giving viewers a window into their daily lives, close knit family, conflicts and personal aspirations. The series will join a mix of movies and LX programming on Sunday nights, while on weekdays COZI TV airs classic TV series such as Highway to Heaven, Charlie's Angels, Six Million Dollar Man and Magnum P.I. And currently COZI TV subscribes to ratings in New York and Chicago and the ratings have been solid and up big over the previous year when the affiliates aired Non Stop programming.
COZI TV is currently available to nearly 38 million homes in the largest markets in the country, including the 10 NBC Owned Stations in New York (WNBC), Los Angeles (KNBC), Chicago (WMAQ), Philadelphia (WCAU), San Francisco Bay Area (KNTV), Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS), Washington, D.C. (WRC), Miami-Fort Lauderdale (WTVJ), San Diego (KNSD) and Connecticut (WVIT), among many other stations.
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
The Big Bang Theory, Community, New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, Among the Shows at PaleyFest; Remembering Paul Ainsley, Jim the Bartender on Three's Company
The Paley Center for Media announced the full lineup of special guest panelists scheduled to appear for the upcoming 30th annual ultimate TV fan festival, PaleyFest: The William S. Paley Television Festival, which takes place at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, March 1-15, 2013. And many sitcoms will be a part of this! The annual celebration of great television will honor members of the Casts and Creative Teams of The Walking Dead, which will serve as the opening night presentation for PaleyFest, Revolution, Once Upon A Time, The Newsroom, Community, whose cast will present a live table read at their unprecedented fourth appearance at the festival; The New Normal, Parenthood, The Mindy Project, Nashville, Arrow, Dallas, New Girl, The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, and American Horror Story: Asylum, which will close out the 15-day Festival.
PaleyFest (The William S. Paley Television Festival) is a cavalcade of interactive panel sessions and premiere screenings that connects the worldwide community of television fans and industry insiders alike with the casts and creators of their favorite TV series, and the icons that are changing the face of media. Over the past thirty years, PaleyFest has become a destination event for the worldwide community of television fans who gather each year to connect with the talent, from the stars to the creative teams of the shows, during interactive panel sessions and premiere screenings.
Hulu will expand its relationship with the Festival as the Premier Sponsor for PaleyFest 2013 and will stream full-length panel content and short form clips, exclusively on-demand from each PaleyFest panel on the free ad-supported Hulu, and the Hulu Plus subscription service at www.hulu.com. If you want to go in person, tickets can be purchased at the festival's official website www.paleyfest.org and via its ticket provider www.ticketweb.com.
Here are the sitcom dates: Tuesday, March 5: Community (7:00 pm) Moderator: Michael Schneider, LA Bureau Chief, TV Guide Magazine; Wednesday, March 6: The New Normal (7:00 pm) Moderator: TBA; Friday, March 8: The Mindy Project (7:00 pm) Moderator: Rob Moynihan, LA Correspondent, TV Guide Magazine; Monday, March 11: New Girl (7:00 pm) Moderator: TBA; Wednesday, March 13: The Big Bang Theory (7:00 pm) Moderator: TBA; and Thursday, March 14: 2 Broke Girls (7:00 pm) Moderator: TBA.
We leave you today with some sad news. Paul Ainsley, best known to sitcom fans for playing Jim the Bartender on the hit sitcom Three's Company, has passed away. Paul had a multi-season guest role on the series from seasons 1-5, playing the main bartender at the Regal Beagle, before being replaced by Brad Blaisdell (who played Mike the Bartender) for the rest of the series' run. He was also a fixture in the theater world. He created the role of King Herod in the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Paul passed away on January 19 in Los Angeles from heart-related complications. He was 67.
Among his other guest appearances on TV series were Wings, Babylon 5, and Weird Science. His other select theater career highlights include: originating Thenardier in the first national company of Les Miserables; essaying Mr. Darling/Captain Hook to Cathy Rigby's Peter Pan; succeeding Barry Bostwick and Jim Belushi as the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance and playing Herbie to Karen Morrow's Rose in Gypsy. Back in 2007, Paul spoke to our friend Eric of JustMyShow.com for an episode of his popular podcast. Another one of our friends, Chris Mann, mentioned there was a memorial for Paul Ainsley on Feb. 3 and Joyce DeWitt wrote a very nice note for the Ainsley family. Paul will be deeply missed, especially fans of Three's Company and the theater community.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Reelz Channel Acquires Larry Sanders Show; Episodic Reviews: New Girl - "Table 34" and The Mindy Project - "Harry and Mindy" Airing Tonight on Fox
ReelzChannel, TV About Movies, announced that all six seasons of the three-time Emmy Award® winning satirical sitcom The Larry Sanders Show will air on REELZ, premiering Monday, March 4 at 1pm ET/10am PT. New episodes will air back-to-back Monday-Thursday in one hour comedy blocks at 1pm ET/10am PT and again at 2am ET/11pm PT. It will replace an hour of Spin City at 1pm ET/10am PT. What will the rest of the schedule look like? We will let you know very soon, but right now among the comedies that air on Reelz are Wings, Becker and Spin City, as Cheers, 3rd Rock from the Sun and Coach have recently been dropped. Meanwhile, Larry Sanders is also seen weeknights on VH-1 Classic.
The show takes viewers behind the scenes of Sanders' late-night talk show revealing the comedic misadventures among the show's creators, crew and celebrity guests. The Larry Sanders Show stars Garry Shandling as host Larry Sanders and Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) as his sidekick Hank. The show also stars Rip Torn as the show's executive producer, Artie, Penny Johnson as Sanders' assistant Beverly, Wallace Langham as the show's head writer Phil and Janeane Garofalo as talent booker Paula.
The Larry Sanders Show rivaled its real life late-night counterparts in many respects with guest lineups featuring the biggest names in entertainment including Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Sally Field, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, William Shatner, Greg Kinnear, Jeff Goldblum, David Duchovny, Burt Reynolds, Bob Costas, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone, Robin Williams, Rob Lowe, Courtney Cox, Julianna Margulies, Mandy Patinkin, Rosie O'Donnell, Nicollette Sheridan, Vince Vaughn, Suzanne Somers, Jim Belushi, Sting, Heidi Klum, Jerry Stiller, Drew Barrymore, Terry Bradshaw, John Ritter and many others. In addition to actors and athletes, viewers will recognize a number of their favorite TV luminaries who portrayed themselves on the show including David Letterman, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Ellen DeGeneres, Regis Philbin, Carol Burnett, Larry King, Sarah Silverman, Howard Stern, Alex Trebek and REELZ' own Sam Rubin. Stay with us for further updates on REELZ!
On the next...New Girl:
By: Todd
Fox's Tuesday adorkable sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel airs Tuesday nights at 9:00pm and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (Feb. 5). And we continue where we left off last week in "Cooler!" In the episode airing tonight, "Table 34," Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and Nick (Jake Johnson) both are reeling from their passionate late-night kiss. Unsure of her feelings and what the kiss meant, Jess spends the day with Cece (Hannah Simone) at an East Indian marriage convention. Seeking to escape his own conflicted feelings, Nick offers to help Schmidt (Max Greenfield) at another attempt to win back Cece, unknowingly putting himself directly in Jess' sightlines.
Tonight's episode is a continuation of last week's "Cooler" episode. Jess tells Cece about her first kiss with Nick. Cece has plans on attending an East Indian marriage convention to look for a husband. Schmidt also plans on going to the convention and tries to win back Cece by wearing proper attire. Winston describes him as looking like the fortune teller in Big. Nick talks to Winston about his kiss with Jess. Nick and Jess argue about if their kiss meant anything. Cece and Nick are assigned to Table 34 for those with no advance degrees and part time employment. Winston gets his mojo back and draws the attention of one of the staff members. Jess and Schmidt are placed at Table 7. A series of games, including trying to build a table out of newspapers, are then played to show their compatibility. Jess tells Sam what happened between her and Nick. Sam doesn't exactly take the news well. The convention ends with a big speech by one of the characters. Jess wants to listen to a Taylor Swift song alone, but Nick is there dancing. B-
This episode is on par with last week. There are some serious moments, but there are also many funny lines and scenes at the convention. There is a nice mix of pop culture references from movies and physical comedy, including Nick's panic moonwalking. Like last week's episode, it ends with a big story development. Will sparks fly again? Tune in tonight to find out.
On the next...The Mindy Project:
By: Skees
Fox's Tuesday night comedy starring Mindy Kaling airs Tuesday nights at 9:30pm immediately following New Girl and we have just watched the next episode that airs tonight (Feb. 5). Can men and women really be just friends? Dr. Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling) attempts to find the answer to this age-old question. In the episode airing tonight, "Harry & Mindy," Mindy tries to solve Jaime's (guest star BJ Novak) best friend problem by pairing up Lucy (guest star Eva Amurri Martino) with Danny (Chris Messina) on a Valentine's Day double date. Meanwhile, Jeremy (Ed Weeks) helps Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) with his pickup skills.
Relationship drama is what this entire episode comes down to, and it is made even more interesting considering that the drama comes from Novak and Kaling, both of whom of course were always in relationship drama when they were in the cast of The Office. In this continuation of last week's episode, "Harry & Sally," we once again meet up with Jaime who can't seem to separate himself from his female friend Lucy, despite the fact that Mindy would like to have him for herself. The solution to the problem seems pretty simple: just find somebody to fix Lucy up with, and she manages to hook her up with Danny. But when the two couples double date, Danny and Lucy hit it off very quickly, making Mindy and Jaime's date a choking hazard (literally). Jaime tries to make it up to Mindy afterwards by going all the way (to the top of the Empire State Building), but this big event may turn into a disaster before it can even happen. All in all, it is great to see Kaling and Novak back together again as a couple on screen, and that makes this one of the more "special" episodes of the series thus far, but the plot of the episode leaves a lot more to be desired. The ending of the episode is a bit predictable, but it isn't done in a way that seems to leave a lot of opportunities for Novak to make any further appearances. The B-story in the episode, of Jeremy helping Morgan in his pick up skills, leaves even more to be desired. It really felt like more filler than anything substantial, and it was greatly overshadowed by the main story. B
The Mindy Project continues to march through the first season, and seems to be working on trying to figure out exactly what it is... much like Mindy's own character. The series continues to have high points and low points, but each time I watch it, I feel that it is slowly getting to a point where it is consistently good. It would be nice if we do see more of Novak after this episode, but only time will tell if and how much of his character we'll see (right now, it doesn't appear that there are any future plans). Fans of The Office should be watching this show, especially this particular episode.
Monday, February 04, 2013
TBS Schedules Season 2 of Men at Work; Gimme a Break Star Lara Jill Miller Speaks with Retroality.tv
TBS has announced premiere dates for two of its original series set to hit the air in April. The network's hit original sitcom Men at Work is scheduled to launch its second season Thursday, April 4, at 10pm (ET/PT) following the conclusion of TBS comedy reality series King of the Nerds (which actually finales on March 7). And TBS's new competition series Who Gets the Last Laugh? is set to premiere Tuesday, April 16, at 10pm (ET/PT), as Cougar Town has its season finale the week before on April 9. Cougar Town will actually have a two-episode season finale on that date from 10-11pm. Returning for its second season, TBS's hit original sitcom Men at Work stars Danny Masterson (That '70s Show, Yes Man), Michael Cassidy (The O.C.), Adam Busch (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Meredith Hagner (Royal Pains) and James Lesure (Las Vegas). The series centers on four buddies who help each other navigate the treacherous waters of work, friendship and women. Men at Work comes to TBS from Sony Pictures Television. The series was created by Breckin Meyer (TNT's Franklin & Bash). The series has been ordered for another 10-episode run, like in its first season last summer. No word yet on when TBS will air the second season of Sullivan & Son, but it is likely they will start that series' second season once Men at Work wraps its 10-episode run this June. Stay tuned for news on that.
As for Who Gets the Last Laugh?, TBS's new hidden-camera competition series, hosted by Donald Faison (Scrubs, The Exes), will pit some of the industry's best-known comedians and comedy actors against one another to see who can pull the most outrageous practical jokes. Among the comedians who have lined up to participate are Andy Dick (NewsRadio), Tom Green (The Tom Green Show), D.L. Hughley (The Hughleys), Chris Kattan (The Middle, Saturday Night Live), Bam Margera (Jackass), Bill Bellamy (Any Given Sunday), Charlie Murphy (Chappelle's Show), Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live), Alan Thicke (Growing Pains), Nicole Sullivan (MADtv), Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) and Finesse Mitchell (Saturday Night Live). Who Gets the Last Laugh? is produced by Jason Goldberg and Ashton Kutcher's Katalyst in association with Warner Horizon Television. Katalyst co-founder Jason Goldberg serves as executive producer and showrunner. TBS has ordered 9 episodes of the series.
After a 15-episode run in 2011-12, Reimagine That! with Chris Mann is back for an all-new season of fun with classic TV stars! If you forgot, the series is a popular podcast "where retro pop meets forward thought" as Retroality.TV's behind-the-scenes "TVographer" Chris Mann talks rebooting pop culture's past, re-envisioning reality (TV and otherwise) and reinventing life after 35 -- spiritually, professionally and otherwise -- with Hollywood storytellers and survivors, retro aficionados and "re-creative" visionaries. Also: Chris reviews headline-making pop culture controversies. In episode 16, Chris talks with Lara Jill Miller of Gimme a Break! fame. Lara of course talks Gimme a Break!, Nell Carter, her appearance on Disney's Doc McStuffins, and other voice-artist success.
Lara Jill Miller grew up before our eyes as Nell Carter's sweet-faced "little girl" Samantha Kinisky on the hit NBC sitcom Gimme a Break! In the '90s she went back to the East Coast, earned a law degree and became a practicing New York attorney ... but her passion for showbiz brought her back to Hollywood once more. In the last decade, Lara Jill has become one of the industry's most in-demand voice artists, with starring roles in several animated series (like Clifford's Puppy Days), films, video games and more. In a special Valentine-themed episode of the hit Disney Jr. series Doc McStuffins, which premiered on Friday on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior, the former child star again takes the spotlight, this time as Doc's lovable pal Lambie. In this exclusive, in-depth interview about her amazing journey, Lara Jill opens up about her close relationship with the late Carter, revealing how being the "Ain't Misbehavin'" star's "baby" kept Sam in the Gimme a Break! fold after the show was extensively retooled (and much of the original cast let go) during its final season. Lara Jill recalls some of the long-running sitcom's landmark episodes (Joey in blackface?! Katie has an IUD?!) and discloses that, had the show been renewed for a seventh season, the focus would have shifted to Nell's misadventures with Sam in college. (NBC, instead giving us A Different World, missed the boat on this one, folks.) Chris also fondly remembers Nell Carter, and three other TV greats we've lost more recently: Dallas icon Larry Hagman, Three's Company Regal Beagle bartender (and stage star!) Paul Ainsley and Maude and Diff'rent Strokes star Conrad Bain.
Head on over to Retroality.tv and listen to episode 16 of this wonderful podcast from the great Chris Mann! "Gimme a break I sure deserve it...It's time I made it to the top."
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Week 19 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did
2012-13 Week 19 TV Ratings (first four nights, Mon-Thu):
Tonight ABC Sunday is preempted as only AFV, is on with repeats from 7-9pm. Once Upon a Time and Revenge are preempted for Shark Tank & Modern Family repeats from 9-11pm. Look for a distant third place finish. NBC devotes the night to repeats of Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 7-9pm and an SNL special repeat from 9-11pm, which is looking like a fourth place finish. CBS is preempting 60 Minutes, The Good Wife & The Mentatlist for the Super Bowl and it will obviously take the night big time. A post-Super Bowl airing of Elementary airs at 10 and I bet it won't do great in terms of historical airings after the Super Bowl. And no bump on Thursday either. Maybe only a couple of tenths, if anything. Fox's animation block is all repeats from 7-10pm and should be a very distant second place in 18-49.
As for the week (week 19), I think any idiot can tell you that CBS will take the week in 18-49 and any other demo out there. Fox will be second, and ABC will likely be third in 18-49. NBC will be way behind and in fourth. For total viewers, it should be CBS on top here of course, then likely Fox, ABC and NBC in that order. As for the coming week (week 20), we have the first full week of February sweep! It's new episodes galore. CBS has the season premiere of Rules of Engagement Monday at 8:30pm and NBC has a two-hour season premiere of Smash from 9-11pm on Tuesday but ABC will counter with a special all-new The Bachelor in the same time period. I think the latter will win. Then we have the season premiere of Community on Thursday on NBC, along with the series premiere of The Job on CBS Friday and the season premiere of Touch on Fox. Episode of the week: Scandal on Thursday. Must watch episode that will do big ratings.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, New Girl, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as 30 Rock, The Neighbors) or just plain terrible (such as Guys with Kids, The New Normal).
Households: N/A
Total Viewers: N/A.
Adults 18-49: N/A
Total Viewers: N/A.
Adults 18-49: N/A
Week 19 (Jan. 28-Feb. 3) Analysis: February sweep started on Thursday but some repeats were airing Mon-Wed, so the first full week of sweep will be this coming week. Fox saw a good week two for a new series. We don't have final network averages through Thursday, but we can project through the first four night averages, CBS has the lead in HH/total viewers, while Fox is on top in adults 18-49. CBS is distant second place in 18-49, followed very closely by ABC, then NBC a very distant fourth. Fox is a very close second in HH/viewers, followed by ABC. Then NBC is a distant fourth and it will be a long winter for them. This is all similar to previous week, so far. When the week is done, CBS will come back and take the week in 18-49 obviously thanks to the Super Bowl tonight. No question about it. The only question is will CBS continue the streak of the previous few Super Bowls and make this the most watched Super Bowl ever again? I am thinking no. Fox will have to settle for a distant second in adults 18-49, followed by ABC and NBC battling. More on that later. As for last week, week 18, Fox took home first in adults 18-49, crushing second place CBS. Then ABC and NBC tied but were just a tenth behind CBS for third. Among total viewers, CBS took that crown over a close by Fox. ABC was third and NBC was close behind in fourth.
Monday saw Fox take the night with CBS in repeats. Starting with ABC, a two-hour The Bachelor from 8-10pm did 7.9 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week but up some in total viewers. Like any good season for this series, it goes up weekly and it has not gone down all season. At 10pm, Castle was a repeat and did 6.0 million and a first place 1.4 18-49 rating. For NBC, they had a two-hour The Biggest Loser from 8-10pm doing 6.18 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. It is steady but not going up like the competing ABC reality series. At 10pm, week four of new drama dud Deception didn't do much with 3.73 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, down another tenth in 18-49 from previous week and losing to repeats on ABC and CBS. Not good news and doesn't have much of a future. CBS was all repeats with its comedies, as a repeat of How I Met Your Mother did 5.78 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which seems below normal. A repeat of The Big Bang Theory at 8:30pm did 8.16 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is solid but down eight tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was new. At 9pm, a repeat of 2 Broke Girls followed with 7.39 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, while solid not nearly as strong as a CBS Monday anchor should be in a repeat. Next, a repeat of Mike & Molly did 7.02 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, nearly retaining all of its lead-in. A repeat of Hawaii Five-0 at 10pm did 6.26 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which was only good for second place. Fox aired an all-new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 9.25 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which was up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week, likely helped by CBS in repeats. At 9pm, week two of new drama The Following at 9pm did 10.1 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's series premiere. That's wonderful news, but keep in mind CBS was in repeats. If it can do a 3 tomorrow, then we have a big hit. The CW aired week three of The Carrie Diaries at 8 and did 1.38 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 from the previous week. At 9, 90210 was new and did only 0.78 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, also on par with previous week in 18-49. Needs to be canceled.
On Tuesday, it was CBS with the win in 18-49 with its dramas. On CBS, a new NCIS aired at 8 and did 22.07 million and a 3.8 18-49 rating, which is amazing but still old skewing. Next a new NCIS: Los Angeles at 9 did 17.3 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating. And finally at 10pm, a new episode of freshman Vegas did 11.23 million and only a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is up from usual but it faced repeats. Onto ABC, at 8pm week two of The Taste did 4.8 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's two hour series premiere. Even so, ABC was second place at 8 behind CBS. At 9, ABC aired two new episodes of Happy Endings and did 2.92 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating for the first one and 2.85 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating for the second one. It beat the NBC comedy hour, though. At 10pm, a special encore of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Matt Damon did a solid 3.15 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating for a repeat, better than most Private Practice airings since November. NBC aired new episodes of Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 8-9pm. At 8pm it did 5.15 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 8:30pm it did better with 5.23 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, but down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week, likely hurt by the competing ABC reality series. At 9pm, a new Go On did only 3.95 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week's series low. At 9:30pm, The New Normal was new and did 3.08 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for yet another new series low. Without The Voice as a lead-in, they are tanking, as expected. At 10pm, a special Dateline did 4.92 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. Fox aired comedies as well as a new Raising Hope at 8pm did 3.84 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which on par in 18-49 with previous week. A second all-new episode followed and did 3.32 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, four tenths higher in 18-49 than previous week's Ben and Kate episode, as that series is canceled. A new episode of New Girl followed at 9 with 4.74 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which is the best of the block and up four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. As this series has rebounded some since a series low a few weeks ago. At 9:30pm, a new The Mindy Project did 3.2 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as its lead-in went really up. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie at 8 and did 1.32 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of new series Emily Owens MD at 9 did 1.33 million and only a 0.4 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. New series Cult will take over soon.
Wednesday had American Idol take the night of course since its two-hours every week and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with the annual Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials at 8pm doing 9.65 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Criminal Minds repeat. At 9pm, a repeat of Criminal Minds did 6.95 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, as this series doesn't repeat as well anymore. At 10pm, a repeat of CSI did 7.72 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating. ABC kicked off the night with a repeat of The Middle doing 5.51 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is below normal it seems. At 8:30pm a new episode of The Neighbors did 5.27 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was new, though. Such a good show now. At 9pm, a repeat of Modern Family did the best of the block with 6.14 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which is great for a repeat. Suburgatory followed at 9:30pm with a new episode doing 4.73 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, Nashville was a repeat and did 3.01 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, as it doesn't repeat well. It should be over a 2 this week with a big episode. On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 15.78 million and a 5.5 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week and STILL higher than The Voice from this fall. Still the reality king, folks. Onto NBC a new episode of Whitney started it off at 8pm with 3.64 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, and it couldn't even beat an ABC comedy repeat. At 8:30pm, a new Guys with Kids did 2.93 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which outright lost to ABC's new comedy airing by a lot. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a new airing as well that did 6.42 million and only a 1.7 18-49 rating, only getting by a tenth for a CBS competing drama repeat. Not good. At 10pm, a new Chicago Fire did 7.31 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is solid and quietly doing well, but keep in mind it hasn't faced its CBS drama competition in many weeks. It will this week and let's see how it does then. The CW aired a new airing of its new hit Arrow and did 2.97 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths from previous week in 18-49 for a series low. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 2.12 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 week-to-week and holding on to 100% of its lead-in's ratings.
On Thursday, saw CBS and Fox battle but it was CBS with the win in both 18-49 and total viewers. Starting with ABC, a repeat of durable Shark Tank did 4.56 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down only a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's all-new Last Resort. Not bad for a repeat in sweeps. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was new and did a solid 8.93 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, but down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. The surging Scandal at 10pm was all-new doing 8.09 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, its second best performance ever. Look for a series high this Thursday with a BIG episode again. It might even build on its lead-in this week for the first time ever. Now the #1 10pm drama on TV! CBS had a night of new episodes and opened with a new The Big Bang Theory doing 17.76 million and a 5.4 18-49 rating, which is great but down a full point in 18-49 with its last new airing three weeks prior. Though, this was the first time it faced Idol, so there is your reason. I knew it wouldn't be over a 6.0 18-49 again. A new Two and a Half Men was up next and benefited with 13.7 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new showing of older-skewing Person of Interest followed with 15.71 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, #1 in its slot for the second time. Still, should CBS opt for younger-skewing comedies next season, this series would be perfect on Tuesdays at 9 or 10 following older NCIS. They would make a better match. At 10pm, a new showing of freshman Elementary closed the night with 10.9 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating. I don't think a post-Super Bowl episode will give this show much of a bump this Thursday and it will still lose to the more buzzy Scandal. Fox had a one-hour American Idol at 8 that did 13.8 million and a 4.5 18-49 rating, which was down seven tenths in 18-49 from previous week, as it got beat by Big Bang at 8. Glee had a new episode at 9 and did 5.48 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week and still couldn't hang on to #1 with a large lead-in. In fact, it barely beat NBC. NBC aired new episodes of its comedies, as the one-hour series finale of 30 Rock did just 4.88 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, up four tenths in 18-49 from previous week when it was a half-hour. A season high but sums up the show's run well that it just was never a ratings hit. Parks & Recreation was preempted. At 9, The Office was new and did 4.45 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A second new episode followed with just 3.97 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, but still better than previous week's 1600 Penn by six tenths in 18-49, as that series was preempted. And it got worse at 10pm with the series premiere of new drama Do No Harm doing a horrible 3.12 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, as that was just a tenth better in 18-49 than previous week's Rock Center with Brian Williams which is on the move to Fridays. NBC is in for a long winter, indeed. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and did 2.56 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is great and on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was new and did 1.72 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, losing nearly half of its lead-in's 18-49 rating but still on par in 18-49 with previous week.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, as CBS edged ABC in 18-49 by a tenth in the preliminaries. CBS easily took the 8pm hour with a new Undercover Boss, besting a new Kitchen Nightmares on Fox by a lot and ABC opted for second with Last Man Standing and Malibu Country. ABC was first at 9pm by a lot with a new Shark Tank easily beating a new CSI: NY at 9. From 8-10pm NAACP Awards didn't do much for NBC, as Dateline was dead last at 10pm. CBS was tied for first at 10pm with a new Blue Bloods and ABC 20/20. The Following encore at 9 for Fox was fourth place.
Saturday had Fox take the night with lead by an hour of Cops, while CBS aired 48 Hours at 8 because of the NFL Honors from 9-11pm, which didn't do much. NBC settled for repeats of American Ninja Warrior, Chicago Fire and Law & Order: SVU which battled for last with ABC's movie.
Monday saw Fox take the night with CBS in repeats. Starting with ABC, a two-hour The Bachelor from 8-10pm did 7.9 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week but up some in total viewers. Like any good season for this series, it goes up weekly and it has not gone down all season. At 10pm, Castle was a repeat and did 6.0 million and a first place 1.4 18-49 rating. For NBC, they had a two-hour The Biggest Loser from 8-10pm doing 6.18 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. It is steady but not going up like the competing ABC reality series. At 10pm, week four of new drama dud Deception didn't do much with 3.73 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, down another tenth in 18-49 from previous week and losing to repeats on ABC and CBS. Not good news and doesn't have much of a future. CBS was all repeats with its comedies, as a repeat of How I Met Your Mother did 5.78 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which seems below normal. A repeat of The Big Bang Theory at 8:30pm did 8.16 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is solid but down eight tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was new. At 9pm, a repeat of 2 Broke Girls followed with 7.39 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, while solid not nearly as strong as a CBS Monday anchor should be in a repeat. Next, a repeat of Mike & Molly did 7.02 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, nearly retaining all of its lead-in. A repeat of Hawaii Five-0 at 10pm did 6.26 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, which was only good for second place. Fox aired an all-new episode of Bones at 8 and it did 9.25 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which was up three tenths in 18-49 from previous week, likely helped by CBS in repeats. At 9pm, week two of new drama The Following at 9pm did 10.1 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's series premiere. That's wonderful news, but keep in mind CBS was in repeats. If it can do a 3 tomorrow, then we have a big hit. The CW aired week three of The Carrie Diaries at 8 and did 1.38 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 from the previous week. At 9, 90210 was new and did only 0.78 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, also on par with previous week in 18-49. Needs to be canceled.
On Tuesday, it was CBS with the win in 18-49 with its dramas. On CBS, a new NCIS aired at 8 and did 22.07 million and a 3.8 18-49 rating, which is amazing but still old skewing. Next a new NCIS: Los Angeles at 9 did 17.3 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating. And finally at 10pm, a new episode of freshman Vegas did 11.23 million and only a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is up from usual but it faced repeats. Onto ABC, at 8pm week two of The Taste did 4.8 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's two hour series premiere. Even so, ABC was second place at 8 behind CBS. At 9, ABC aired two new episodes of Happy Endings and did 2.92 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating for the first one and 2.85 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating for the second one. It beat the NBC comedy hour, though. At 10pm, a special encore of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Matt Damon did a solid 3.15 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating for a repeat, better than most Private Practice airings since November. NBC aired new episodes of Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 8-9pm. At 8pm it did 5.15 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 8:30pm it did better with 5.23 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, but down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week, likely hurt by the competing ABC reality series. At 9pm, a new Go On did only 3.95 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week's series low. At 9:30pm, The New Normal was new and did 3.08 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for yet another new series low. Without The Voice as a lead-in, they are tanking, as expected. At 10pm, a special Dateline did 4.92 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. Fox aired comedies as well as a new Raising Hope at 8pm did 3.84 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which on par in 18-49 with previous week. A second all-new episode followed and did 3.32 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, four tenths higher in 18-49 than previous week's Ben and Kate episode, as that series is canceled. A new episode of New Girl followed at 9 with 4.74 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which is the best of the block and up four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. As this series has rebounded some since a series low a few weeks ago. At 9:30pm, a new The Mindy Project did 3.2 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as its lead-in went really up. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie at 8 and did 1.32 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of new series Emily Owens MD at 9 did 1.33 million and only a 0.4 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. New series Cult will take over soon.
Wednesday had American Idol take the night of course since its two-hours every week and Fox only programs 2 hours a night. But first, CBS started the night off with the annual Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials at 8pm doing 9.65 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's Criminal Minds repeat. At 9pm, a repeat of Criminal Minds did 6.95 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, as this series doesn't repeat as well anymore. At 10pm, a repeat of CSI did 7.72 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating. ABC kicked off the night with a repeat of The Middle doing 5.51 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is below normal it seems. At 8:30pm a new episode of The Neighbors did 5.27 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was new, though. Such a good show now. At 9pm, a repeat of Modern Family did the best of the block with 6.14 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which is great for a repeat. Suburgatory followed at 9:30pm with a new episode doing 4.73 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, Nashville was a repeat and did 3.01 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, as it doesn't repeat well. It should be over a 2 this week with a big episode. On Fox, a two-hour American Idol did a solid 15.78 million and a 5.5 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week and STILL higher than The Voice from this fall. Still the reality king, folks. Onto NBC a new episode of Whitney started it off at 8pm with 3.64 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, and it couldn't even beat an ABC comedy repeat. At 8:30pm, a new Guys with Kids did 2.93 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which outright lost to ABC's new comedy airing by a lot. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a new airing as well that did 6.42 million and only a 1.7 18-49 rating, only getting by a tenth for a CBS competing drama repeat. Not good. At 10pm, a new Chicago Fire did 7.31 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is solid and quietly doing well, but keep in mind it hasn't faced its CBS drama competition in many weeks. It will this week and let's see how it does then. The CW aired a new airing of its new hit Arrow and did 2.97 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths from previous week in 18-49 for a series low. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 2.12 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 week-to-week and holding on to 100% of its lead-in's ratings.
On Thursday, saw CBS and Fox battle but it was CBS with the win in both 18-49 and total viewers. Starting with ABC, a repeat of durable Shark Tank did 4.56 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down only a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's all-new Last Resort. Not bad for a repeat in sweeps. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was new and did a solid 8.93 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, but down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. The surging Scandal at 10pm was all-new doing 8.09 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, its second best performance ever. Look for a series high this Thursday with a BIG episode again. It might even build on its lead-in this week for the first time ever. Now the #1 10pm drama on TV! CBS had a night of new episodes and opened with a new The Big Bang Theory doing 17.76 million and a 5.4 18-49 rating, which is great but down a full point in 18-49 with its last new airing three weeks prior. Though, this was the first time it faced Idol, so there is your reason. I knew it wouldn't be over a 6.0 18-49 again. A new Two and a Half Men was up next and benefited with 13.7 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new showing of older-skewing Person of Interest followed with 15.71 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, #1 in its slot for the second time. Still, should CBS opt for younger-skewing comedies next season, this series would be perfect on Tuesdays at 9 or 10 following older NCIS. They would make a better match. At 10pm, a new showing of freshman Elementary closed the night with 10.9 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating. I don't think a post-Super Bowl episode will give this show much of a bump this Thursday and it will still lose to the more buzzy Scandal. Fox had a one-hour American Idol at 8 that did 13.8 million and a 4.5 18-49 rating, which was down seven tenths in 18-49 from previous week, as it got beat by Big Bang at 8. Glee had a new episode at 9 and did 5.48 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week and still couldn't hang on to #1 with a large lead-in. In fact, it barely beat NBC. NBC aired new episodes of its comedies, as the one-hour series finale of 30 Rock did just 4.88 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, up four tenths in 18-49 from previous week when it was a half-hour. A season high but sums up the show's run well that it just was never a ratings hit. Parks & Recreation was preempted. At 9, The Office was new and did 4.45 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A second new episode followed with just 3.97 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, but still better than previous week's 1600 Penn by six tenths in 18-49, as that series was preempted. And it got worse at 10pm with the series premiere of new drama Do No Harm doing a horrible 3.12 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, as that was just a tenth better in 18-49 than previous week's Rock Center with Brian Williams which is on the move to Fridays. NBC is in for a long winter, indeed. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and did 2.56 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is great and on par in 18-49 with previous week. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was new and did 1.72 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, losing nearly half of its lead-in's 18-49 rating but still on par in 18-49 with previous week.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, as CBS edged ABC in 18-49 by a tenth in the preliminaries. CBS easily took the 8pm hour with a new Undercover Boss, besting a new Kitchen Nightmares on Fox by a lot and ABC opted for second with Last Man Standing and Malibu Country. ABC was first at 9pm by a lot with a new Shark Tank easily beating a new CSI: NY at 9. From 8-10pm NAACP Awards didn't do much for NBC, as Dateline was dead last at 10pm. CBS was tied for first at 10pm with a new Blue Bloods and ABC 20/20. The Following encore at 9 for Fox was fourth place.
Saturday had Fox take the night with lead by an hour of Cops, while CBS aired 48 Hours at 8 because of the NFL Honors from 9-11pm, which didn't do much. NBC settled for repeats of American Ninja Warrior, Chicago Fire and Law & Order: SVU which battled for last with ABC's movie.
Tonight ABC Sunday is preempted as only AFV, is on with repeats from 7-9pm. Once Upon a Time and Revenge are preempted for Shark Tank & Modern Family repeats from 9-11pm. Look for a distant third place finish. NBC devotes the night to repeats of Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 7-9pm and an SNL special repeat from 9-11pm, which is looking like a fourth place finish. CBS is preempting 60 Minutes, The Good Wife & The Mentatlist for the Super Bowl and it will obviously take the night big time. A post-Super Bowl airing of Elementary airs at 10 and I bet it won't do great in terms of historical airings after the Super Bowl. And no bump on Thursday either. Maybe only a couple of tenths, if anything. Fox's animation block is all repeats from 7-10pm and should be a very distant second place in 18-49.
As for the week (week 19), I think any idiot can tell you that CBS will take the week in 18-49 and any other demo out there. Fox will be second, and ABC will likely be third in 18-49. NBC will be way behind and in fourth. For total viewers, it should be CBS on top here of course, then likely Fox, ABC and NBC in that order. As for the coming week (week 20), we have the first full week of February sweep! It's new episodes galore. CBS has the season premiere of Rules of Engagement Monday at 8:30pm and NBC has a two-hour season premiere of Smash from 9-11pm on Tuesday but ABC will counter with a special all-new The Bachelor in the same time period. I think the latter will win. Then we have the season premiere of Community on Thursday on NBC, along with the series premiere of The Job on CBS Friday and the season premiere of Touch on Fox. Episode of the week: Scandal on Thursday. Must watch episode that will do big ratings.
Week 19 How the Sitcoms Did
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for Week 18 -- Jan. 21-27)
- The Simpsons (Fox) - A new episode at 8 did 5.23 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is low but this is how it should do the rest of the season without the NFL as a lead-in.
- The Cleveland Show (Fox) - A new episode at 7:30pm did only 2.57 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, lower than previous week's repeat. Ouch.
- Bob's Burgers (Fox) 2 airings - At 8:30, a new episode did 4.12 million and 2.0 18-49 rating, not too bad. A repeat earlier in the night at 7 did 1.9 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, which is down seven tenths in 18-49 from previous week.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A new airing at 9 did 5.63 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, the best of the block but once again not what it used to do.
- American Dad! (Fox) - A 9:30pm airing was new and did 4.27 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which is OK.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A repeat at 8 did 5.78 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is OK but could be better.
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - A special Monday repeat at 8:30pm did 8.16 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, but that was down eight tenths in 18-49 from the previous week.
- 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A repeat at 9 did 7.39 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, also solid but could be better for a repeat on CBS Monday.
- Mike & Molly (CBS) - A repeat at 9:30pm did 7.02 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, did solid considering the lead-in was a 2.0 18-49 rtg.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- Raising Hope (Fox) 2 episodes - A new episode at 8 pulled 3.84 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. A second all-new episode followed at 8:30pm with a lower 3.32 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, but four tenths higher in 18-49 than Ben & Kate from previous week.
- New Girl (Fox) - A new showing at 9 did 4.74 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, which is up four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. And up seven tenths in 18-49 since its series low two weeks ago. Good rebound.
- Go On (NBC) - A new episode at 9 without The Voice as a lead-in, did only 3.95 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, on par in 18-49 from previous week but still a series low. Ouch. It was a good arc with guest star Piper Perabo, too.
- Happy Endings (ABC) 2 episodes - A new episode at 9pm did 2.92 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating early beating the competing NBC series. A second episode did 2.85 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, beating the competing NBC series. I think this show would do better in a comedy block with four comedies. It is worth saving.
- The Mindy Project (Fox) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 3.2 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, finally going up from previous week as it went up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week. I thought it would never move out of a 1.5.
- The New Normal (NBC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 3.08 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, as it went down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for another new series low. Lost to the competing ABC comedy.
- The Middle (ABC) - A repeat at 8 did 5.51 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is OK but could be better for a repeat.
- Whitney (NBC) - Anew episode at 8 did 3.64 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which is not good tying a repeat on ABC. Very bad.
- The Neighbors (ABC) - A new showing of this new comedy did 5.27 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week but that was when its lead-in was new. Still one of the surprises of the season in quality as it gets better and better.
- Guys with Kids (NBC) - At 8:30pm, a new episode of this series did 2.93 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is terrible and crushed by ABC's competing freshman comedy.
- Modern Family (ABC) - A repeat at 9 did 6.14 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, #1 for the block as usual and solid repeat ratings.
- Suburgatory (ABC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 4.73 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, which is down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week when its lead-in was new. Not bad, considering.
Thursday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - At 8pm, a new episode did 17.76 million and a 5.4 18-49 rating, which is excellent but down a full point in 18-49 from its last airing three weeks ago that was a series high. It's facing Idol now, though.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A new airing did 13.7 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating, which is #2 for the week in sitcoms (and scripted TV).
- 30 Rock (NBC) one-hour episode - The series finale did 4.88 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is not bad but still couldn't get over a 2. That sums up the series' run, as it just was never a mass hit.
- 1600 Penn (NBC) - preempted.
- The Office (NBC) 2 episodes - A new episode at 9 did 4.45 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A special second episode did only 3.97 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is much better than 1600 Penn but still not great.
- Parks & Recreation (NBC) - preempted.
- Last Man Standing (ABC) - A new episode did a prelim 6.89 million and a prelim 1.3 18-49 rating, which was good for second place in its timeslot. Solid, but could be a little younger.
- Malibu Country (ABC) - A new airing of this new comedy did a prelim 5.95 million and a prelim 1.1 18-49 rating. also second place in its time period, but could be higher.
- Last Man Standing (ABC) - A special Saturday repeat did a prelim 2.7 million and a prelim 0.6 18-49 rating. Can't say much since this was a one-time thing.
Summing it up. The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, New Girl, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as 30 Rock, The Neighbors) or just plain terrible (such as Guys with Kids, The New Normal).
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Digital Digest: More Alice Soon?; Hart to Hart: TV Movie Collection - Volumes 1 and 2 DVD Review
Welcome to Digital Digest! We're here with yet another light news week, but we do have reviews of Hart to Hart: TV Movie Collection - Volume 1 and Hart to Hart: TV Movie Collection - Volume 2. Let's get started!
DIGITAL NEWS
This week, the website TVShowsOnDVD.com uncovered a series of listing on Amazon.com for what appears to be an upcoming release of Alice - The Complete Third Season. The information on the preorder listings show a release date on February 12, but there isn't actually anything that you can preorder. Of course, this has been a Warner Archive title in the past (and we would expect it to remain that way for all releases), so hopefully we'll have something solid on a release soon. We should add that we have had some indications that would seem to confirm a release, so we'll let you know when we know more!
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (February 5) has just one real release with Lionsgate's release of Cougar Town - The Complete Third Season. Additionally, they have re-releases of the previously released season 1 and season 2 of the series.
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Blog DVD Review: Hart to Hart: TV Movie Collection (Volume 1 and Volume 2) (Sony MOD, $75.99)
by skees53
Anybody who knows about detective series from the '80s knows these words: "This is my boss Jonathan Hart, a self-made millionaire. He’s quite a guy. This is Mrs. H, she’s gorgeous. She’s one lady who knows how to take care of herself. By the way my name is Max; I take care of both of them which ain’t easy ‘cause when they met, it was murder." Well, without "beating around the bush," this was exactly how the classic series Hart to Hart began each episode. For five seasons, running on ABC, the series starred Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a couple who just so happened to be loaded, solving mysteries along with help from their own "help" Max (Lionel Stander). But after the series ended, it was revived in a series of mystery movies between 1993 and 1996. Some of these aired on broadcast television, while others aired on cable. Now, Sony has released all eight of these movies, available in two separate collections.
Volume 1:
"Hart to Hart Returns" (1:30:29) - In this first (of eight) reunion movies, Jennifer Hart is interested in buying an aircraft company from a friend. Of course, nothing is ever easy for her or Jonathan Hart, and in an effort from others to prevent the takeover, they find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation involving some corrupt defense contractors. Mike Conners and Ken Howard guest star in this installment.
"Home is Where the Hart Is" (1:32:13) - After a friend and mentor of Jennifer's has suddenly dies, she and Jonathan is headed back to the town where she once lived and worked as a reporter. But upon their arrival, they discover that there are some things that are just not right back in Kingman's, and also they also discover some things that may lead to their demise if not solved immediately. This installment features Maureen O'Sullivan, Howard Keel, and Roddy McDowall.
"Crimes of the Hart" (1:32:30) - Jennifer wrote a play in college, and now, she and Jonathan are headed to New York to see the play produced on Broadway. However, just like anything else in the life of the Harts, something goes wrong upon arrival as a stagehand is murdered, and everybody... including Jonathan... is a suspect. Stars in this installment include Richard Belzer, Audra Lindley, and Lew Ayres.
"Old Friends Never Die" (1:29:43) - Everything that is going on in the life of Jonathan and Jennifer is just like something out of a murder-mystery novel, which leads them to wonder if it really is a murder-mystery novel, or if there is an actual plot for somebody to be killed. In typical Hart to Hart fashion, you can probably guess which one it is... but why? In this installment, you'll see David Leisure, James Avery, Paul Williams, Vicki Lawrence, Fred Willard, and Mike Farrell.
Volume 2:
"Secrets of the Hart" (1:29:27) - In San Francisco, Jennifer and Jonathan are on the verge of meeting Jonathan's long lost relatives and meeting the family he never knew. But a pleasant meeting with his family may not be what is in the cards, especially if the family wants something that may put Jonathan and Jennifer in danger. This is the last film to feature Lionel Stander in the role as Max, and also features stars including Marion Ross, Jason Bateman, Wendy Mallick, and a special appearance by Pat Morita.
"Two Harts in Three-Quarter Time" (1:32:37) - Jonathan and Jennifer grieve the loss of their beloved friend Max (actor Lionel Stander died just before this movie), and head to Montreal for the reading of his will. But in collecting what is left for them in the will, they end up in the middle of a mystery that involves kidnapping and murder... while they're on the hunt for a stolen clock. This installment features Joan Collins as Lady Camille.
"Harts in High Season" (1:32:54) - Jennifer and Jonathan take a trip to the Australian outback to purchase a wildlife reserve from a former love interest of Jennifer's (played by James Brolin). But as it turns out, he hasn't exactly lost interest in Jennifer and will do anything to get back into her life... even if it means setting Jonathan up to fall in a trap that will be hard to get out of.
"Till Death Do Us Hart" (1:32:54) - This final installment of the movies, Jennifer and Jonathan are headed to Germany so that Jennifer can donate bone marrow to a young leukemia patient, and also to celebrate their anniversary. But Jennifer's resemblance to a the fiancée of a bone marrow clinic director who goes missing ends up leading to a lot of trouble for the Harts...
There is nothing particularly interesting about the packaging. Of course, we received the individual movies, not the releases as packaged in on set, but the cover art for these movies includes a publicity photo for each movie, with an episode snapshot on the rear, along with a description of the movie. However, the "bundled" movies may come in different packaging. We don't know for certain. Like most Sony MOD releases, the artwork on the discs is just the movie title on a white background.
There are no menus on these DVDs at all, but chapters are placed throughout each disc.
The video and audio quality on these DVDs is a bit disappointing. Of course, these movies were made 20 years ago on a presumably low budget (after all, some even aired on The Family Channel), so I wasn't really expecting a whole lot, but at times these just looks like something made in the '80s with '90s clothes. The audio, though, seems to be without any major issues. There are no subtitles or closed-captioning.
There are no special features on any of these DVDs.
All in all, I can't say that I'm particularly left "wowed" by these releases. First, the quality of the Sony MOD product still leaves a lot to be desired, but even getting past that, these movies were honestly not as enjoyable as the original series. I've seen a lot of reunion movies over the years that have remained true to the original series, but a lot of these just felt like Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers just trying to have a little bit of fun. And it gets even less enjoyable in the three movies that were made after Lionel Stander died. It also doesn't help that the MSRP for these DVDs is insanely high for what you are getting. Make no mistake though: I would certainly love to see Sony get back on the ball on releasing the season sets of the original series. But in the meantime, if these movies are all we're going to get (and bear in mind some of these were released in 2010), I think even many fans will be disappointed.
(3.5/5 stars)
To purchase Volume 1, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
To purchase Volume 2, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Hart to Hart on TV.com
FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Brian Scully (Twitter), "Currently, Family Guy writer. Formerly, The Simpsons writer. Neither currently nor formerly, an Astronaut."
Claim to Fame: His Twitter tagline says it all, but one must be careful before they associate his name with The Simpsons. The Scully that most people associate with that series is actually his brother Mike Scully, who was show runner and executive producer for The Simpsons (and still works on that series to this day). Brian, on the other hand, has a more "storied" history having written for both Family Guy, The Simpsons, and a host of other sitcoms that have been largely forgetten (including his "roots" of writing for the '80s Out of This World). Now, he is serving as a writer and co-executive producer for Family Guy.
Why You Should Follow Him: Normally, we wouldn't even feature an animated series writer here, but Scully is worth following. First, he does have a rather interesting back story as a writer. Who knew that somebody who worked on Out of This World (and apparently even survived off of a residual check from reruns for a year after it ended) would end up on Family Guy over two decades later? Besides that, he is rather active on Twitter, and it should come as no surprise that since he is a comedy writer, his Tweets are full of what you'd expect: comedy. Though it should be stated upfront that his Tweets aren't always necessarily politically correct... but consider the series that he writes for.
Pick of the Tweets: "If you got famous from either Reality TV or the Internet, you're not famous to me." (August 4, 2012)
That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
All in all, I can't say that I'm particularly left "wowed" by these releases. First, the quality of the Sony MOD product still leaves a lot to be desired, but even getting past that, these movies were honestly not as enjoyable as the original series. I've seen a lot of reunion movies over the years that have remained true to the original series, but a lot of these just felt like Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers just trying to have a little bit of fun. And it gets even less enjoyable in the three movies that were made after Lionel Stander died. It also doesn't help that the MSRP for these DVDs is insanely high for what you are getting. Make no mistake though: I would certainly love to see Sony get back on the ball on releasing the season sets of the original series. But in the meantime, if these movies are all we're going to get (and bear in mind some of these were released in 2010), I think even many fans will be disappointed.
(3.5/5 stars)To purchase Volume 1, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
To purchase Volume 2, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Hart to Hart on TV.com
FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Brian Scully (Twitter), "Currently, Family Guy writer. Formerly, The Simpsons writer. Neither currently nor formerly, an Astronaut."
Claim to Fame: His Twitter tagline says it all, but one must be careful before they associate his name with The Simpsons. The Scully that most people associate with that series is actually his brother Mike Scully, who was show runner and executive producer for The Simpsons (and still works on that series to this day). Brian, on the other hand, has a more "storied" history having written for both Family Guy, The Simpsons, and a host of other sitcoms that have been largely forgetten (including his "roots" of writing for the '80s Out of This World). Now, he is serving as a writer and co-executive producer for Family Guy.
Why You Should Follow Him: Normally, we wouldn't even feature an animated series writer here, but Scully is worth following. First, he does have a rather interesting back story as a writer. Who knew that somebody who worked on Out of This World (and apparently even survived off of a residual check from reruns for a year after it ended) would end up on Family Guy over two decades later? Besides that, he is rather active on Twitter, and it should come as no surprise that since he is a comedy writer, his Tweets are full of what you'd expect: comedy. Though it should be stated upfront that his Tweets aren't always necessarily politically correct... but consider the series that he writes for.
Pick of the Tweets: "If you got famous from either Reality TV or the Internet, you're not famous to me." (August 4, 2012)
That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
Friday, February 01, 2013
NATPE 2013 Updates Includes MeTV Update and New Network Called Movies!; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of February 4, 2013)
Yesterday we gave you a list of shows being offered in syndication for Fall 2013 (including should-be big ratings players Modern Family and The Middle), today we will round up the major news from NATPE 2013. CBS Television Distribution has now sold Hot in Cleveland to TV stations in 92% of the United States for a September 2014 launch. The hit TV Land sitcom is now cleared in 47 of the top 50 markets. The latest round of clearances includes stations from the Allbritton Communications, Granite Broadcasting, Raycom Media, Post-Newsweek Stations, Gray Television and Grant Communications groups. Onto MeTV, Weigel Broadcasting Co. and Nielsen have reached an agreement to begin national television audience measurement of The MeTV Network effective spring 2013. Since the launch of MeTV, distribution has grown rapidly, reaching or meeting Nielsen's policies for reporting as a national TV network. Currently, the MeTV Network serves 141 affiliates, clears 87% of the country and can be found in 28 of the top 30 markets in the U.S. Stay tuned for a full network rating report this spring, as currently only a little more than a handful of affiliates subscribe to ratings. And sticking with digital over the air networks, another one is coming this spring. Fox Television Stations and Weigel Broadcasting (who also owns MeTV and is a partner with MGM for ThisTV) are partnering on Movies!, a film-themed subchannel launching in 17 Fox-owned markets this spring. Movies! will be available on Fox digital channels in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Phoenix, Tampa, Minneapolis, Orlando, Austin, Memphis and Ocala. Movies! will join networks like Antenna TV, MeTV, ThisTV, Bounce TV, Cozi TV and RTV in this space.
Meanwhile, Disney-ABC Domestic Television has renewed talk show Katie for a second season to be aired in 2013-14. In addition, 20th Television has renewed its freshman newsmagazine Dish Nation, for a second season. MGM Domestic Television Distribution will now distribute viral video series, RightThisMinute, as the series tries to get more clearances this fall. The series will now also add two best-of weekend half-hours for stations to carry. We mentioned the series The Test yesterday on our Fall 2013 list, but CBS Television Distribution's upcoming conflict resolution talk show is now sold in 80% of the U.S. for a Fall 2013 launch. The talk show is from Jay McGraw's Stage 29 Productions is now sold in 47 of the top 50 markets. The latest round of deals includes stations from the CBS Stations, Gannett, LIN Television, Londen Broadcasting, Local TV, Quincy, ComCorp and New Age Television groups. We also mentioned Kris yesterday and that's going to be a talk show with Kardashian mom Kris Jenner. 20th Television will preview Kris on select Fox-owned television stations this summer as a six-week trial, like on WNYW in New York and KTTV/KCOP in L.A. Some series have worked this way (like last summer's Bethenny), but some have not (like The Kilborn File).
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of February 4-8, 2013, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, February 4, 2013
- Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) - Watch Melissa on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Zooey Deschanel (New Girl) - Zooey visits The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Adhir Kalyan (Rules of Engagement/Aliens in America) - Adhir stops by The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- T.J. Miller (Carpoolers) - T.J. is part of the guest panel on Chelsea Lately on E! at 11pm.
- Jenny McCarthy (Two and a Half Men/Jenny) - Jenny talks about The Jenny Project on NBC's Today between 7-9am and 10am.
- Max Greenfield (New Girl) - Max appears on Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
- Sherri Shepherd (Less Than Perfect/Sherri) - Tune in to see Sherri on Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
- Reba McEntire (Malibu Country/Reba) - Reba stops by ABC's Good Morning America between 7-9am.
- Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Catch Eric on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Amanda Peet (Bent) - Amanda is a guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
- Jennifer Lawrence (The Bill Engvall Show) - Jennifer drops by Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Nick Kroll (The League/Cavemen) - Nick visits Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Margaret Cho (All-American Girl) - Margaret appears on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show/Cosby) - Phylicia is a guest on The Steve Harvey Show, so check your local listings.
- Cheryl Hines (Suburgatory/Curb Your Enthusiasm) - Cheryl chats on Joy Behar: Say Anything! at 9pm on Current.
- Diahann Carroll (Julia) - Diahann stops by to give a sneak peek at her guest-starring role on the hit USA show White Collar on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations.
- Joel McHale (Community) - Watch Joel on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Whoopi Goldberg (Whoopi/Bagdad Café) - Whoopi visits Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC.
- Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) - Eric continues to make the rounds on LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
- Reba McEntire (Malibu Country/Reba) - Reba appears on LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
- Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) - Melissa is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
- Jenna Elfman (1600 Penn/Courting Alex/Dharma & Greg) - Jenna stops by NBC's Today at 10am.
- Tiffani Thiessen (Saved by the Bell) - Tiffani guest co-hosts Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
- Cheryl Hines (Suburgatory/Curb Your Enthusiasm) - Cheryl visits ABC's Good Morning America between 7-9am.
- Sally Field (Gidget/The Flying Nun) - Catch Sally on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Joel McHale (Community) - Joel continues to make the rounds on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC. He also chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Adrian Grenier (Entourage) - Adrian is a guest on Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35am on NBC.
- Brian Posehn (The Sara Silverman Program) - Brian appears on Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Kim Coles (Living Single) - Kim discusses her new one-woman show on Marie on Hallmark Channel at 12pm.
- Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) - Yvette brings the laughter as she helps Mario Batali make an Italian specialty filled with chocolate on on The Chew on ABC at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
- Allison Williams (Girls) - Allison visits Anderson Live, so check your local listings.
- Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy/American Dad/The Cleveland Show) - Watch Seth on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Jenna Elfman (1600 Penn/Courting Alex/Dharma & Grgeg) - Jenna appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Tiffani Thiessen (Saved by the Bell) - Tiffani talks about her show White Collar on NBC's Today at 10am.
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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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