SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Remembering Hal Williams of Sanford and Son, 227 and More; The CW Renews Sullivan's Crossing

Actor Hal Williams, who had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith in Sanford and Son and starred as Lester Jenkins in 227, has died. He died from natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, on July 15. Mr. Williams was 91.

Williams had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith in 20 episodes of the 1972-1977 NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. LAPD Officer "Smitty" Smith was partners with Officer "Swanny" Swanhauser (Noam Pitlik, 6 episodes in 1972) and Officer Howard "Hoppy" Hopkins (Howard Platt). Smitty usually served as the straight man to comedic moments of the serious, straight-laced, solemn and humorless Swanny and the somewhat inept, but still by the book and capable officer Hoppy. Williams reprised his role in five episodes of the 1980-1981 NBC sitcom Sanford.

He starred as Lester DeMott in the 1975-1976 ABC sitcom On the Rocks. The series, which was based on the British series Porridge, centers on the inmates of Alamesa Minimum Security prison. The main setting is usually the cell block containing Lester DeMott, Hector Fuentes (Jose Perez), and Nicky Palik (Bobby Sandler). It also starred Rick Hurst, Mel Stewart, Tom Poston, Pat Cranshaw, Jack Grimes, and Logan Ramsey.

Williams starred as Sergeant Ted Ross in the 1981-1983 CBS sitcom Private Benjamin. The series is about a spoiled young socialite named Pvt. Judith "Judy" Benjamin (Lorna Patterson) adjusting to life in the army. He had earlier starred as Drill Sergeant L. C. Ross in the 1980 comedy film Private Benjamin, which was directed by Howard Zieff and starred Goldie Hawn. The series also starred Eileen Brennan, Ann Ryerson (1981-1982), Joan Roberts (1981), Joyce Little (1981), Lisa Raggio, Lucy Webb (1981-1982), Francesco Roberts (1981), Damita Jo Freeman, Robert Mandan (1982-1983), Joel Brooks (1982), Wendie Jo Sperber (1982-1983), and Polly Holliday (3 episodes in 1982-1983).

He starred as family patriarch Lester Jenkins in the 1985-1990 NBC sitcom 227. The series, created by C.J. Banks and Bill Boulware, stars Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins, a sharp-tongued, inner-city resident gossip and housewife. Her husband Lester Jenkins is the proprietor of a construction company. The series also starred Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Regina King, Helen Martin, Kia Goodwin (1985-1986), Curtis Baldwin, Countess Vaughn (1988-1989), Toukie A. Smith (1989-1990), Paul Winfield (1989-1990), Barry Sobel (1989-1990), and Stoney Jackson (1989-1990). Williams, Gibbs and Harry appeared in the 227: The Reboot sketch on A Black Lady Sketch Show in 2019.

Williams starred as Rudy Bryan in the 1993-1994 Fox sitcom The Sinbad Show. The series follows the life of David Bryan (Sinbad), a carefree bachelor who works as a video game designer, who becomes a single parent when he adopts two orphaned children, Zana (Erin Davis) and L.J. Beckley (Willie Norwood), who face several issues which they work through together. Rudy and Louise Bryan (Nancy Wilson) are David's parents. The series also starred T. K. Carter and Salma Hayek (3 episodes as Gloria Contreras).

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included That Girl (3 episodes), The Jimmy Stewart Show, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Temperatures Rising, Good Times (3 episodes), What's Happening!!, Webster, The Jeffersons (2 episodes), Gimme a Break!, Night Court (1991), Minor Adjustments, Suddenly Susan, Moesha, The First Family, Parks and Recreation, and Mr. Mayor.

He had a recurring role as Harley Foster in seven episodes of The Waltons from 1973 to 1980. Some of his other television guest appearances included Dan August, The Magician, Cannon (3 episodes), Police Woman, Harry O (3 episodes), Gunsmoke, Caribe, Kung Fu (2 episodes in 1973 and 1975), S.W.A.T. (1975), Police Story, Most Wanted, Quincy, M.E. (1977), The White Shadow, Knots Landing (2 episodes), T.J. Hooker, The Dukes of Hazzard, Hill Street Blues, Magnum, P.I. (2 episodes in 1988), L.A. Law, Tales from the Crypt, Moonlight, and Matlock (2 episodes in 2024-2025).

Mr. Williams was a talented and versatile actor. He was funny and memorable as Smitty and Lester Jenkins. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actor Scott Bryce. He had recurring roles as Rick Bonner in The Facts of Life and as Will Forrest in Murphy Brown. He died in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 12 after a battle with esophageal and stomach cancer. Mr. Bryce was 68.

Bryce had a recurring role as Rick Bonner in four episodes of the ninth and final season of the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life in 1988. Rick Bonner is a free-wheeling musician who meets Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon) at a community center and later marries her.

He had a recurring role as Will Forrest in six episodes of the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown from 1990 to 1992. Louisiana lawyer and writer Will Forrest marries his high school classmate Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford). She humorously and cluelessly amends her on-air surname to "Corky Sherwood-Forest".

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included The Golden Girls, Who's the Boss?, Walter & Emily, Dear John, Hope & Gloria, Chicago Sons (2 episodes), Boston Common, Spin City, Sex and the City, Reba, Whoopi (2 episodes), and 30 Rock (2 episodes).

Bryce starred as Mike McQueen, Brooke's (Leslie Bibb) father who becomes engaged to Sam's (Carly Pope) mother, in the 1999-2001 The WB teen comedy-drama Popular. He starred as Scott Sterling in the short-lived 1992 CBS prime time soap opera 2000 Malibu Road.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Sons and Daughters (1991), The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage, Reasonable Doubts, The Commmish, L.A. Law (4 episodes), Matlock (1993), Homicide: Life on the Street, Diagnosis: Murder, Law & Order (4 episodes), Dellaventura, Early Edition, L.A. Doctors, Pacific Blue, V.I.P. (2 episodes), Judging Amy, ER, Glory Days, Push, Nevada (2002), Gossip Girl, Homeland (2 episodes), Person of Interest, Deception (5 episodes), Blue Bloods (2 episodes), The Good Fight (3 episodes), Chicago P.D., Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes), FBI, Beacon Hill (6 episodes), and The Blacklist.

Bryce was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Craig Montgomery on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. He appeared as Dr. Crosby in six episodes of ABC's One Life to Live in 2006.

Mr. Bryce was twice nominated for Daytime Emmys in 1986 and 1987 for his work on As the World Turns. We thank him for his work on television. He will be sorely missed.

Actor Josh Grisetti starred as Louis Plunk in The Knights of Prosperity. He died by suicide on July 10. Mr. Grisetti was only 44.

Grisetti's first television starring role was as Louis Plunk in the the short-lived 2007 ABC sitcom The Knights of Prosperity. The series follows a group of misfits – the titular Knights – who attempt to rob various celebrities, the first being Mick Jagger (Jagger was also credited as one of the executive producers, along with the creators and David Letterman). It also starred Donal Logue, Sofia Vergara, Lenny Venito, Maz Jobrani, and Kevin Michael Richardson.

He had a recurring role as Ralph, a staff writer at The Gordon Ford Show, in eight episodes of the final season of the Amazon Prime Video period comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He guest starred in a 2012 episode of Nurse Jackie and a 2021 episode of The Good Fight.

Mr. Grisetti was known for his work on Broadway and Off-Broadway. He won one of two Clarence Derwent Awards for "Most Promising Male Actor" in 2015 for his work in It Shoulda Been You. We thank him for his acting work. He will be greatly missed.

Hong Kong actress Wai Ching Ho had a recurring role as Le-Wei in Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens. She died on July 10 of complications from a stroke. She was 82.

She guest starred as Big Auntie in two episodes of the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat in 2016 and 2018. She had a recurring role as Le-Wei in five episodes of the 2020-2023 Comedy Central sitcom Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens. In 2023, she guest starred Mei-Mei in a 2023 episode of Only Murders in the Building. Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included Flight of the Conchords and The Jim Gaffigan Show.

Some of her other television guest appearances included One Life to Live (7 episodes), Law & Order (4 episodes), Swans Crossing (2 episodes), Dellaventura, Wonderland, Deadline, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2 episodes), Queens Supreme, New Amsterdam, The Good Cop, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. She was best known for her role as Madame Gao in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Daredevil (2015–2016), Iron Fist and The Defenders (both 2017).

We thank her for her work on television. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Randolph Mantooth starred as John Gage in Emergency! (1972-1977). He starred in the sitcoms Operation Petticoat and Detective School. He died of complications from pneumonia at a hospice facility in Ventura, California, on July 9. Mr. Mantooth was 80.

Mantooth starred as paramedic John Gage in the 1972-1977 NBC action-adventure medical drama Emergency!. The show's ensemble cast stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe (as Roy DeSoto) as two rescuers, who work as paramedics and firefighters in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The duo formed Squad 51, a medical and rescue unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, working together with the fictional Rampart General Hospital medical staff (portrayed by Robert Fuller, Julie London and Bobby Troup), and with the firefighter engine company at Station 51.

He starred as Lt. Mike Bender in the second season (1978-1979) of the ABC sitcom Operation Petticoat. Based on the classic 1959 Cary Grant and Tony Curtis film, the show follows the misadventures of the U.S.S. Sea Tiger, a fictional American submarine that reluctantly takes on a group of stranded Army nurses. The second season cast included Melinda Naud, Jim Varney, Don Sparks, Richard Brestoff, Jo Ann Pflug, Fred Kareman, Scott McGinnis, Robert Hogan, Warren Berlinger, and Hilary Thompson.

Mantooth starred as Eddie Dawkins in the short-lived 1979 ABC sitcom Detective School. The series was about an assortment of students who went to night school to learn basic detective skills, but who kept being caught up in real criminal cases and getting themselves and their teacher (an inept private investigator) into trouble. It also starred James Gregory, Douglas Fowley, Melinda Naud, Taylor Negron, LaWanda Page, and Pat Proft.

Some of his television guest appearances included Matt Lincoln, The Bold Ones: The Senator, The Virginian, Alias Smith and Jones, Night Gallery, The Bold Ones: The Lawyers, McCloud, Marcus Welby, M.D. (2 episodes), Adam-12 (2 episodes), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (2 episodes), Sierra, Project U.F.O., The Love Boat, Battlestar Galactica, Charlie's Angels, Aloha Paradise, Fantasy Island (1981), Vega$ (2 episodes), Insight, Dallas (1984), Murder, She Wrote (1985), The Fall Guy (3 episodes), L.A. Law, China Beach, MacGyver (1991), Baywatch, JAG, Walker, Texas Ranger (1997), Promised Land, Diagnosis: Murder (2 episodes), Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, and Sons of Anarchy (2 episodes).

He was also known for his work on soap operas. He appeared as Alex Masters in Loving from 1987 to 1995 and The City from 1995 to 1997. He played Harold 'Hal' Todd Munson Jr. in 30 episodes of As the World Turns from 2003 to 2005. In 2007, he appeared as Kirk Harmon in 11 episodes of One Life to Live.

Mr. Mantooth was a talented and versatile actor. He worked in television, documentaries, theater, and film for more than 50 years. We thank him for work on Emergency! and other television series. He will be greatly missed.

Celebrate the lasting legacy of Randolph Mantooth with a special Emergency! marathon honoring the beloved actor whose iconic portrayal of paramedic Johnny Gage inspired generations of first responders. Watch this Sunday (June 19) 9a-3p ET on FETV.

List of episodes, all times Eastern:

9am-S1E1: "Mascot" (OAD: January 22, 1972)
10:10am-S1E10: "Hang-Up" (OAD: April 8, 1972)
11:20am-S3E6: "Snakebite" (OAD: October 27, 1973)
12:30pm-S5E22: "The Nuisance" (OAD: March 6, 1976)
1:45pm-S6E24: "All Night Long" (OAD: May 28, 1977)

Watch Emergency! every night at 9:15pm ET on FETV.

The CW Network announced that hit drama series Sullivan's Crossing from creator Roma Roth and based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Robyn Carr will return for a 10-episode fifth season, set to debut on The CW in 2027. The announcement follows the previously confirmed Season 5 renewal of Sullivan's Crossing by Bell Media’s CTV and Crave, and Fremantle.

Sullivan's Crossing stars Morgan Kohan (When Hope Calls) and Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill). In Season 4, Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) finally feels like life at the Crossing is falling into place, having embraced a new direction for her career and renewed her commitment to Cal (Murray). But when Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), arrives with a shocking revelation, her world is thrown into turmoil once again — leaving Cal questioning whether Maggie can ever truly leave her past behind. The Season 4 finale of Sullivan's Crossing aired Monday, June 22 on The CW.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:10 PM

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Labels: 227, Emergency, Facts of Life, FETV, Murphy Brown, Obits, Sanford and Son, Sullivan's Crossing, The CW, The Knights of Prosperity

Trailer for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Finale Event; HGTV's Totally '90s House with '90s TV Stars

The official trailer for the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place 4-part finale event was revealed today, including a first look at the return of fan-favorite characters Harper Finkle (Jennifer Stone) and Mason Greyback (Gregg Sulkin). A marathon of the 4-part finale event kicks off Tuesday, Aug. 4, on Disney Channel (8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT) and Disney Channel On Demand. All episodes will be available on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Billie, still reeling from losing Alex at the end of Season 2, discovers that the only way to rescue her mother is to reunite with her long-lost father. As her family bands together to find Alex, Billie realizes that their combined power is the only way the Russos can defeat the evil plaguing them.

As previously announced, executive producer Selena Gomez will make her directorial debut with the premiere episode. She will also reprise her role as Alex Russo in multiple episodes. The series stars David Henrie (as Justin Russo), Janice LeAnn Brown (as Billie), Alkaio Thiele (as Roman Russo), Max Matenko (as Milo Russo), Taylor Cora (as Winter) and Mimi Gianopulos (as Giada Russo). Brandon Micheal Hall will guest star as Damien Penwulf, Billie's father. He joins the previously announced guest cast of Jennifer Stone (“Harper Finkle”), Gregg Sulkin (“Mason Greyback”), Maria Canals-Barrera (“Theresa Russo”), Ramon Reed (“Silas Evilini”) and Tobias Jelinek (“Lord Morsus”).

Popular nineties television idols with a passion for design and renovation will go step by step back into the iconic decade as they search for America's homes frozen in time in the new HGTV series Totally '90s House, premiering Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. A true blast from the past, the six-episode renovation competition, hosted by actor, producer and game show host Jaleel White (Family Matters), will follow two celeb teams as they scour the country for houses stuck in the 1990s - think honey oak cabinets, sponge-painted walls and mirrored closets - with each team ultimately picking their perfect throwback in need of a major overhaul.

The superstar teams will spotlight Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills, 90210), Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven) and Jodie Sweetin (Full House) going up against Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Matthew Lawrence (Boy Meets World) and Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show) with help from Matthew's brother Joey Lawrence (Blossom). Backed by design expertise from mentors Carter Oosterhouse (Carter Can) and Sabrina Soto (The High Low Project), the competitors will face a massive challenge - modernize the dated spaces while preserving their nostalgic charm in hopes of creating the ideal '90s-inspired dream home - to win bragging rights and $25,000 for their chosen charity.

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

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Labels: 7th Heaven, Beverly Hills 90210, Blossom, Boy Meets World, Cosby Show, Disney Channel, Family Matters, Full House, HGTV, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

Fox Fall 2026 Premiere Dates; FX's The Shards Trailer

Fox kicks off the 2026-27 season, announcing premiere dates for a standout fall lineup of returning scripted, unscripted and animated series. The fall season kicks off with the fan-favorite musical guessing game Celebrity Name That Tune, hosted by Tony Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Jane Krakowski with new bandleader Grammy Award nominee Robin Thicke (The Masked Singer) returning for another season starting Monday, Sept. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) followed by the season two premiere of cutthroat game show Celebrity Weakest Link, (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) hosted by Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch.

The second season of the charming and heartfelt series Best Medicine, starring Emmy Award nominee Josh Charles, premieres Tuesday, Sept. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by the third season of the gripping medical drama Doc (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), led by Emmy Award nominee Molly Parker with Blair Underwood joining the cast as a new series regular.

Game show The Floor, hosted by Rob Lowe, begins its sixth season on Wednesday, Sept. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) with a special "Champions" theme, followed by the Season Two premiere of million dollar competition series 99 to Beat (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), hosted by Ken Jeong and Erin Andrews.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Hell's Kitchen (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) makes its historic Season 25 premiere featuring all chefs Under 25 years old competing for the grand prize, followed by the Season Five premiere of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), featuring 15 new celebrity recruits testing their mental and physical resolve in the Malaysian jungle.

The iconic "Fox Animation Domination" Sunday comedies get a dose of live-action laughs when Animal Control joins the end of the week line-up. Beginning Sunday, Sept. 27, all-new seasons of The Simpsons (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), Animal Control (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), Universal Basic Guys (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and Grimsburg (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) premiere.

Additional series to premiere in the 2026-2027 season include Dramas: Baywatch, Memory of A Killer, Murder in a Small Town, The Interrogator; Half-Hour Animated Comedies: American Dad!, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy, and Krapopolis; Unscripted: Crime Scene Kitchen, Don't Forget The Lyrics, Extracted, Fear Factor: House of Fear, Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, LEGO Masters, Marriage Market, Next Level Baker, Next Level Chef and The Masked Singer.

Hot. Rich. Dangerous. FX's The Shards premieres August 5 on FX | Hulu. The trailer has been released.

FX's The Shards is a seductive drama series from executive producer Ryan Murphy, based on the acclaimed bestselling novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Set against the vivid backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, the series follows a group of privileged high school seniors at an elite prep school as they navigate identity, sex, jealousy, obsession and the dangers lurking beneath the surface of American adolescence. Starring Igby Rigney, Kaia Gerber, Hayes Warner, Homer Gere and Graham Campbell.

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

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Labels: Animal Control, Fox, FX, Grimsburg, Hulu, The Simpsons, Universal Basic Guys, Weakest Link

Netflix's Monopoly Coming in 2027; Prime Video Carrie Series Premieres This Fall

Netflix announced that it is bringing the world of Monopoly, based on Hasbro's iconic board game, to life in a brand-new competition series, where you'll need strategy, alliances, and dealmaking to pass Go! Coming in 2027. In partnership with Hasbro Entertainment and Produced by Studio Lambert (Squid Game: The Challenge, The Circle), the series will see contestants compete for a chance to win $2 million.

On a life-sized, fully realized Monopoly Town Square, 12 players will enter on equal footing. But equality won't last long. To survive, contestants must accumulate everything, or lose it all. Every negotiation, every decision, and every roll could mean the difference between building an empire and going directly to jail. One by one, bankrupt players are eliminated - until a single winner is left standing to take it all.

Casting is now open.

Prime Video released first look images from the upcoming new Original series, Carrie. Based on Stephen King's iconic debut novel, Carrie is a bold, timely, and surprising reinvention of this classic coming of age story, adapted for television for the first time by visionary showrunner Mike Flanagan. Carrie will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide this Fall.

Misfit high schooler Carrie White (Summer Howell) has spent her life hidden away inside the walls of her home with her fiercely protective mother, Margaret (Samantha Sloyan). After her father's sudden, untimely death thrusts her into the unforgiving ecosystem of public high school, Carrie is forced to navigate a viral bullying scandal that tears through her community, the relentless pressure and casual cruelty of the social media age, and the awakening of mysterious telekinetic powers that rise alongside her adolescence.

Told over eight propulsive episodes, the series expands King's cultural landmark - deepening its characters and tensions, and following the small, everyday choices that build toward a single, shattering night, in a gripping, deeply human story about kindness versus cruelty, and whether we're witnessing the making of a hero, a monster, or something far more complicated.

As previously announced, Carrie stars Summer Howell as Carrie White, cast in the legendary titular role following an extensive search that saw more than 1,000 actors read. The ensemble of series regulars also includes Samantha Sloyan (The Pitt) as Margaret White, Siena Agudong (Resident Evil) as Sue Snell, Alison Thornton (Fire Country) as Chris Hargensen, Joel Oulette (My Life with the Walter Boys) as Tommy Ross, Josie Tota (The Buccaneers) as Tina, Arthur Conti (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) as Billy, Thalia Dudek (The Running Man) as Emaline, Amber Midthunder (Prey) as Miss Desjardin, and Matthew Lillard (Man of Tomorrow) as Principal Grayle.

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

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Labels: Amazon Prime, Netflix

The Hawk Premieres Thursday on Netflix; Snoopy Presents: There's No Place Like Home, Snoopy Trailer

They call him The Hawk. He's a golfer. The greatest golfer in the world. The Hawk, a new comedy series starring Will Ferrell debuts July 16 only on Netflix. 10 episodes will drop 10 episodes starring Will Ferrell, Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Luke Wilson, Chris Parnell, Katelyn Tarver and David Hornsby.

Lonnie Hawkins, (Will Ferrell) 2004's number one golfer, struggles on the back nine of his career to recapture his magic. His body says retire, but his heart says he's not done yet. His ex-wife and his son Lance, golf's new golden boy, know he's through. But with one more major to win to complete golf's Grand Slam, Lonnie refuses to believe he's anything other than one stroke away from the greatest comeback in golf history.

Apple TV unveiled the trailer for Snoopy Presents: There's No Place Like Home, Snoopy, premiering globally on Friday, July 31. In the new original special under the Snoopy Presents banner, Snoopy is devastated when his beloved doghouse is accidentally sold at a yard sale. In an effort to cheer up his pal, Charlie Brown leads Snoopy on an adventure to find his old doghouse, and along the way, they learn what makes a house truly a home.

The all-new special stars Riley Vargas, Terry McGurrin, Rob Tinkler, Kitai O'Garro, Josephine Nisbett, Grace Nicolaou-Wood, Jo-Hannah Atchison, Lexi Perri, Athan Giazitzidis and Diego Whalen, and is executive produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts, Logan McPherson, Paige Braddock, Chris Bracco and Mark Evestaff. The special features the original song, "Home, Where Your Heart Found Me" by acclaimed singer-songwriter Allen Stone.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, Netflix, Peanuts, The Hawk

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 13, 2026)

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 6:35 PM

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Labels: Talk Shows, This Week in Sitcoms

SitcomsOnline Digest: Rob Reiner Receives Posthumous Emmy Nomination; Season Premiere Date Set for American Horror Story

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a very slow news week, but we have news about the return of a popular series, (sadly) some deaths of classic TV stars, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Rob Reiner has received a posthumous Emmy nomination for his work in The Bear. (Deadline)
• A season premiere date is now ready for American Horror Story, but don't look for Ariana Grande to return. (Deadline)
• Randolph Mantooth, known for his role in Emergency!, has died. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Louise Lasser, known for her role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, has also died. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Great Entertainment Television has acquired the rights to House. (SitcomsOnline)

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

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Labels: American Horror Story, Emergency, House, Mary Hartman, Nation's Dumbest, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Bear, The Hawk

Great Entertainment Television Acquires House; Remembering Louise Lasser of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

Great Entertainment Television welcomes the acclaimed series House to its lineup, weeknights beginning Monday, July 13 from 9-11pm.

Brilliant, cynical, and brutally honest, Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is one of the most gifted diagnosticians in medicine. As the head of diagnostic medicine at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, House leads a team of young specialists tasked with solving the hospital's most mysterious and life-threatening cases. Armed with razor-sharp instincts and an unorthodox approach to patient care, House routinely defies medical conventions—and hospital protocol—to uncover the truth behind baffling illnesses.

Actress Louise Lasser, who starred as Mary Hartman in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and as Maggie McBurney in It's a Living, has died. She died at her home in Manhattan on July 6. Ms. Lasser was 87.

Lasser's first television series credit was as Jackie Ricardo in a 1965 episode of The Doctors. Some of her early sitcom guest appearances included Love, American Style (1971), The Bob Newhart Show, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She hosted the penultimate episode of Saturday Night Live's first season on July 24, 1976.

She starred as Mary Hartman in the 1976-1977 first-run syndicated satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, which was produced by Norman Lear. The series follows Mary Hartman, a small-town Ohio housewife attempting to cope with various bizarre and sometimes violent incidents occurring in her daily life. Lasser was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance in 1976. The series also starred Greg Mullavey, Dody Goodman, Mary Kay Place, Graham Jarvis, Debralee Scott, Victor Kilian, Philip Bruns, and Claudia Lamb.

Lasser had a recurring role as Phyllis Bornstein Consuelos and Phyllis Reiger in three episodes of Taxi from 1980 to 1982. Phyllis is Alex Reiger's (Judd Hirsch) ex-wife, with whom he had a daughter. Phyllis became fed up with his lack of ambition and remarried, but they remain strongly attracted to each other. She once goes out on a date with Louie (Danny DeVito), just to irritate Alex.

She starred as waitress Maggie McBurney in the second season (1981-1982) of It's a Living, which aired on ABC for the first two seasons. The series was renamed Making a Living for season 2 before returning as It's a Living for season 3 when it moved to first-run syndication in 1985. The season 2 cast included Barrie Youngfellow, Gail Edwards, Marian Mercer, Paul Kreppel, Ann Jillian, and Earl Boen.

Lasser guest starred as Sister Margaret in a 1983 episode of Laverne & Shirley. She appeared as Louise Polsky in a 1992 episode of Empty Nest. She had a recurring role as Beadie, an artist for whom Jessa Johansson (Jemima Kirke) briefly works as an assistant, in three episodes of the HBO comedy-drama Girls from 2014 to 2015.

Some of her other television guest appearances included Love Story, McCloud, Medical Center, and St. Elsehwere (2 episodes).

Some of her film credits included Take the Money and Run (1969), Bananas (1971), Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (1972), Happiness (1998), and Funny Pages (2022).

She was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on May 16, 2017.

Ms. Lasser became a household name and appeared on the covers of Newsweek, People and Rolling Stone during Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman's run. She did a great job portraying the unhappy, neurotic Mary Hartman. We thank her for work on television and in films. She will be deeply missed.

We also remember Canadian-born American actor and painter Joby Baker. He starred as Dave Lewis in Good Morning World. He died at a hospital in Yonkers, New York, on June 22. Mr. Lewis was 92.

Baker starred as Dave Lewis in the 1967-1968 CBS sitcom Good Morning World. The series starred Baker and Ronnie Schell as Dave Lewis and Larry Clarke, morning drive time disc jockeys and hosts of the eponymous Lewis and Clarke Show on a small AM radio station in Los Angeles. The cast included Billy De Wolfe, Julie Parrish, and Goldie Hawn in her first professional role.

He starred as Col. Harvey Mann in the short-lived 1980 NBC military sitcom The Six O'Clock Follies. The show is set in 1967 Saigon just before the Tet Offensive. It follows the offbeat, behind-the-scenes production of an evening TV and radio news show broadcast by the U.S. Army to GIs serving in Vietnam. The show also starred Larry (Laurence) Fishburne, A.C. Weary, Philip Charles MacKenzie, Randall Carver, Aarika Wells, George Kee Cheung, Dave Hubbard, and Phil Hartman.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Bachelor Father (3 episodes), The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, The Dick Van Dyke Show (2 episodes), F Troop, and Love, American Style (1971).

Baker had a recurring role as Bob Tepps in three episodes of Dragnet from 1957 to 1959. Some of his other television guest appearances included The Red Skelton Hour (2 episodes), Surfside 6, Cain's Hundred, Dr. Kildare, Alfred Hitchcock Presents (3 episodes), Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, Combat! (3 episodes), The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Ben Casey, Death Valley Days, Mannix, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, Police Story (2 episodes), Medical Center, Bronk, Stone (4 episodes), Simon & Simon, Quincy, M.E. (4 episodes), and The Paper Chase.

In 1960, he co-starred with Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson in The Wackiest Ship in the Army. Some of his other film credits included Gidget (1959), Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961), Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), Girl Happy (1965), When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965), The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967), Blackbeard's Ghost, Superdad (1974), and Avalanche (1978).

After he stopped acting in 1984, he established himself as a painter, sculptor and jewelry artisan.

Mr. Baker was best known for his lighthearted, low-key comedy roles. He died ten days after his Good Morning World co-star Ronnie Schell. The series was released on DVD in 2006. We thank him for his work on television. He will be greatly missed.

Television producer Harris Katleman worked on The Don Rickles Show. He died in Los Angeles on July 8. Mr. Katleman was 97.

Katleman worked as a producer on the short-lived 1972 CBS sitcom The Don Rickles Show. The series focused on an advertising agency executive, and his "life and endless problems" with his job and his family. It starred Don Rickles, Louise Sorel, Erin Moran, Robert Hogan, and Joyce Van Patten.

Some of his other television producing credits included Branded, The American Girls, From Here to Eternity (miniseries), and Salvage 1, which starred Andy Griffith and Joel Higgins.

As President of MGM Television and Senior Vice President of MGM Inc., he was instrumental in developing How the West Was Won, CHiPs, Medical Center, and The Courtship of Eddie's Father. In 1980, he was named President/CEO of Twentieth Century Fox Television. He developed and sold The Simpsons, Anything but Love, Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989-1993), Hooperman, and Mr. Belvedere.

Mr. Katleman guest starred as Colonel Charles Marshall in a 1960 episode of the ABC western The Rebel. We thank him for his work on television. He will be sorely missed.

Television writer and producer Wilford Lloyd Baumes created The Love Boat. He died in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 28. Mr. Baumes was 86.

Baumes created and developed the 1977-1986 ABC romantic sitcom The Love Boat. The series was based on the 1974 book The Love Boats by Jeraldine Saunders. In addition, three TV movies aired before the regular series premiered and four specials and a TV movie aired after the series ended.

He worked as an associate to executive producer on the 1972-1973 CBS sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie, which starred Meredith Baxter and David Birney. He was an executive producer on Wonder Woman from 1976 to 1977.

Mr. Baumes's The Love Boat was part of ABC's popular Saturday-night lineup of the time, which also included Fantasy Island until 1984. We thank him for creating The Love Boat. He will be greatly missed.

Actress and television writer Ellen Weston had a recurring role as Dr. Steele in Get Smart. She died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on May 28. Ms. Weston was 87.

Weston had a recurring role as Dr. Steele in three episodes of the third season (1967-1968) of the NBC sitcom Get Smart. Dr. Steele is a beautiful, sexy, and brilliant CONTROL scientist who develops formulas while undercover as a dancer and strip-tease artist. She remains oblivious to Maxwell Smart's (Don Adams) clearly discomfited attraction to her. The character was replaced the next season by Dr. Simon who has the same cover, played by different actresses in two episodes.

Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, Bewitched, The Little People, and The Bob Newhart Show. She had a recurring role as Betty Harrelson in the police procedural action crime drama S.W.A.T., which aired on ABC from 1975 to 1976.

Weston's other television guest appearances included Run for Your Life (2 episodes), N.Y.P.D. (1967), The F.B.I. (2 episodes), Bonanza, The Young Lawyers, Mannix, Night Gallery, The Sixth Sense, The Wide World of Mystery, Hawkins, Harry O, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Barnaby Jones, Caribe, Ellery Queen, Cannon (3 episodes), Baretta, Most Wanted, Logan's Run, Lucan, and Wonder Woman.

Her first notable television role was a stint as Robin Fletcher on Guiding Light from 1963 to 1964, followed by another daytime role as Karen Gregory on Another World from 1964 to 1965. From 1979 to 1981, she appeared as Suzanne Thurston, Derek's ex-wife, on The Young and the Restless.

Weston's first television writing job was as a staff writer for the CBS soap opera Capitol. She was the head writer on Guiding Light from 2002 to 2004.

Ms. Weston was a talented and versatile actress. We thank her for her work on television as an actress and writer. She will be deeply missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:15 PM

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Labels: Get Smart, getTV, Good Morning World, House, Mary Hartman, Obits, The Love Boat

78th Primetime Emmy Award Nominations; Disney's The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen

Nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards were announced today from the Wolf Theatre in the Saban Media Center. The live ceremony was hosted by Emmy winner Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear) and Emmy winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) along with Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego.

Hacks has set the record for most nominations in a single year in the Comedy category with 24 (previous record jointly held in 2025 by The Studio and in 2024 by The Bear each with 23 nominations) and The Pitt led this year's Drama category with 25 nominations (down from last year's leader Severance, which had 27).

The 78th Emmy Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Mariska Hargitay, will air Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE., airing live coast-to-coast on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will take place on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026.

View the full nominations list.

The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen has been greenlit for Disney Channel and Disney+, from executive producers Debra Martin Chase and Raven-Symoné, who returns to her role as Galleria alongside Adrienne Bailon returning as Chanel. Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter are set to reprise their roles as Dorothea and Juanita, while Sabrina Bryan will make a special appearance as Dorinda, and Sophia Bush is set to appear in a supporting role as Jennifré. The music-driven film goes into production in South Africa this month.

A new cast of talented young actresses stars in the movie, including Leah Sava' Jeffries (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) as Galleria's daughter Faith, Carmen Sanchez (Electric Bloom) as Chanel's sister Dior, Kaileen Chang as Ruby, and Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn. Newcomer Kamogelo Ramashala, a local South African actor discovered during Disney's global open casting call, is set as Kendi.

The story picks up when Cheetah Girls Galleria (Symoné) and Chanel (Bailon), alongside Galleria's daughter Faith (Jeffries) and her three friends, travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, these four teen girls test their friendship, find their voice, and discover the true Cheetah spirit as they save the preserve and ultimately take the stage as the new Cheetah Girls.

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

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Labels: Disney Channel, Disney+, Emmys, Hacks, NBC

Ian Ziering Hosting The CW Road Trip Series; Shark Tank Season 18 Guest Sharks

The Great American Road Rally(TM), an all-new celebrity-driven television event hosted by Ian Ziering, will premiere this fall on The CW, airing Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET/PT from September 2 through November 25, 2026.

Premiering during the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th Anniversary of the United States, the series takes audiences on a high-energy journey across America's most iconic highway, combining adventure, competition, entertainment, community celebration, and philanthropy.

Produced by 7 Bridges Media Group (7BMG), The Great American Road Rally(TM) features celebrity participants from television, music, sports, comedy, and popular culture as they travel historic Route 66, visit legendary destinations, tackle unique challenges, share personal stories, and spotlight charitable organizations making a meaningful impact in communities across America.

Shark Tank features the Sharks - tough, self-made, multimillionaire and billionaire tycoons - as they invest in America's best businesses and products. This season's all-star lineup of guest Sharks includes:

o Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast), creator of the YouTube channel MrBeast and founder of Beast Industries, and Jeffrey Housenbold, chief executive officer of Beast Industries
o Mindy Kaling, award-winning writer, producer, director, actor and author
o J.J. Watt, founder of the Justin J. Watt Foundation and former NFL defensive lineman
o Erin Foster and Sara Foster, co-founders of Favorite Daughter, producers and entrepreneurs
o Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur, investor, Dragon on Dragons' Den (the U.K. version of Shark Tank) and host of "The Diary of a CEO," the second-largest podcast in the world

Additionally, Kendra Scott and Rashaun Williams have been elevated to permanent Sharks, joining Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky and Kevin O'Leary. Season 18 of Shark Tank will air Wednesdays this fall on ABC and stream on Hulu. The premiere date will be announced at a later date.

Shark Tank is produced by MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, in association with Sony Pictures Television. The Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran; prolific inventor and entrepreneur, acclaimed brand builder and humanitarian Lori Greiner; cybersecurity technology innovator Robert Herjavec; fashion and branding expert Daymond John; social entrepreneur, investor and civic leader Daniel Lubetzky; venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary; philanthropist, bestselling author, and executive chairwoman and chief visionary officer of the eponymous lifestyle brand Kendra Scott; and venture capitalist and chief investment officer of Harbinger Sports Partners Rashaun Williams.

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

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Labels: ABC, Shark Tank, The CW

Great Entertainment Television's Psych 20th Anniversary Marathon; Netflix Announces Cast for Myron Bolitar

Great Entertainment Television is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Psych, the beloved show about Shawn Spencer, a hyper-observant slacker who convinces the police in Santa Barbara that he's psychic and uses his sharp detective skills to solve crimes they can’t crack. With help from his best friend Burton "Gus" Guster, Shawn tackles cases with humor, clever deductions, and plenty of antics.

GREAT will air a fan-voted marathon Saturday, July 11 and Sunday July 12, from 11am – 7pm. The schedule can be found here.

Netflix announced Colin Woodell (Pulse, The Continental), KJ Apa (The Map That Leads to You, Riverdale) and Diane Guerrero (Orange Is the New Black, The Lincoln Lawyer) will star in the upcoming drama series Myron Bolitar, inspired by Harlan Coben's most iconic and longest-running series spanning 12 books.

Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning writer and producer David E. Kelley and Kyle Long will co-showrun, write and executive produce, bringing Coben's iconic character to life.

Myron Bolitar is a former college basketball star whose NBA career came to an abrupt end, Myron reinvented himself as a sports agent. He built his agency - MB Sports - on an unwavering belief in overlooked athletes, with the same heart and fierce competitive drive he once brought to the court.

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

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Labels: getTV, Netflix, Psych

Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness Capsule; Michael Weatherly Returns to NCIS

New HBO(R) original limited sketch comedy series Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, executive produced by Larry David, Jeff Schaffer, and Higher Ground's Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Ethan Lewis, and Vinnie Malhotra, has partnered with KidSuper, the Brooklyn-based creative collective and fashion label founded by Colm Dillane, to launch an exclusive capsule inspired by the show's playful take on America's past and Larry David's enduring comedic perspective.

The release arrives following the June 26 premiere of the seven-episode HBO series. The collaboration merges KidSuper's playful, art-driven aesthetic with the irreverent humor and cultural influence of one of comedy's most iconic creators. Inspired by the historical themes of Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, the collection draws from colonial-era imagery, historical figures, and patriotic iconography through KidSuper's creative lens. Designed exclusively for the series, the capsule collection features a custom letterman jacket, baseball cap, keychain, and other apparel and accessories. The KidSuper x Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness collection is available now for pre-order at https://kidsuper.com/collections/lifelarryamerica-x-kidsuper.

Michael Weatherly will reprise his role of fan-favorite character Tony DiNozzo in a season-long arc reuniting him with the NCIS team for the 2026-2027 season. He was previously a main cast member on NCIS for 13 seasons, appearing in over 300 episodes, and recently reprised the character in the Paramount+ universe expansion series NCIS: Tony & Ziva.

NCIS recently celebrated its 500th episode and is currently the longest-running primetime drama on CBS. NCIS also stars Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law and Gary Cole. NCIS season 24 executive producers: Steven D. Binder, Chas. Floyd Johnson, Mark Harmon, Scott Williams, Christopher J. Waild, Mark R. Schilz, José Clemente Hernandez, Avery C. Drewe, Marco Schnabel and Donald P. Bellisario and is produced by CBS Studios.

Season 24 of NCIS will air Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, ET/PT this fall on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

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

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Labels: CBS, HBO, Life Larry and the Pursuit of Happiness, NCIS

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 6, 2026)

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 5:00 PM

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Labels: Talk Shows, This Week in Sitcoms

SitcomsOnline Digest: Elle Renewed for Second Season; NBCUniversal to Separate from Comcast

Happy Independence Day, and welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about the renewal of a series that just premiered, a media divorce, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• That was quick, Elle has already been renewed for a second season. (TV Insider)
• With all of the media mergers that have been happening lately, a "divorce" was bound to happen, and it looks like our first one is coming with Comcast looking to separate from NBCUniversal. (Deadline)
• Rob Reiner had a final (we think) TV appearance playing George Washington in last night's episode of Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Happiness. (Variety)
• Joby Baker, who starred alongside Ronnie Schell (who died just a few weeks ago) on Good Morning, World, has died. (Deadline)
• STARZ has picked up a spinoff of S.W.A.T. (SitcomsOnline)
• June 30 is now Marla Gibbs Day in Chicago. (SitcomsOnline)

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

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Labels: Comcast, Elle, Good Morning World, Life Larry and the Pursuit of Happiness, Little House on the Prairie, NBC, SitcomsOnline Digest, SWAT, The Simpsons, Twilight Zone

Impractical Jokers Returns with Guest Star Appearance by Alyssa Milano; Marla Gibbs Day in Chicago

On the heels of its highest-rated season ever, television's wildly popular hidden-camera comedy Impractical Jokers returns with a brand-new season of schemes with comedy trio Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray and Sal Vulcano, premiering Thursday, July 23 at 10PM ET/PT on TBS.

Season 13 will feature classic Jokers laugh-out-loud mayhem and madness as the trio pose as diner managers, dating etiquette instructors, aggrieved focus group attendees, forgetful dog owners, robotics engineers, and even scheming corpses at a funeral parlor. There will also be a cringe-inducing surprise guest star appearance by Sal's lifelong crush, Alyssa Milano.

Deadline is reporting that June 30 will now be known as Marla Gibbs Day in the City of Chicago following an official declaration from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to honor the legendary actress, best known for her roles in small-screen classics such as The Jeffersons and 227.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the honor earlier this week as part of a release event held in Los Angeles for Gibbs' memoir It's Never Too Late. Speakers present at the event included Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Fields, and Yvette Nicole Brown.

Born in Chicago, Gibbs moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and earned her big break playing Florence Johnston on Norman Lear's The Jeffersons. Gibbs earned five Supporting Actress Emmy nominations for her role on the show alongside a Golden Globe nom. The Jeffersons ran for 11 seasons, after which Gibbs led the NBC sitcom 227 alongside Regina King.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:03 PM

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Labels: 227, Alyssa Milano, Impractical Jokers, TBS, The Jeffersons