Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Day 72: WGA's Strike; TV Land March 2008 Highlights
Finally, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and MRC, the independent film, television, and digital studio, have reached a comprehensive interim agreement that forges a new alliance between writers, producers, and financiers in the production of feature films, television shows, and digital programs. The terms of the agreement are similar to the Guild's recent deals with Worldwide Pants and United Artists
There have been a lot of reality signings and renewals thanks to the strike. NBC has picked up a second season of the hit competition series American Gladiators after just three airings. The season finale is expected to air on a Sunday leading into the premiere of the Knight Rider movie in February. No word when the second season will air and how many have been ordered, but NBC is leaning towards a summer launch date. In other news, NBC has ordered a pilot for the international hit series Top Gear from BBC Worldwide America.
CBS has ordered three new alternative/reality series for broadcast later this year - the biweekly celebrity talent contest Secret Talents of the Stars, the hidden camera game show Game Show in My Head and the search for America's Top Dog. I'm serious about the latter.
We have TV Land March 2008 for you! There are no regular schedule changes, but there are some minor adjustments on some dates (see link below for full schedule)...such as episodes of Just Shoot Me, mostly to accompany encores of High School Reunion. That series will launch on Wednesday, March 5 and will air at 10pm for 6 straight weeks, with MANY encores. TV Land reunites more than a dozen alumni from JJ Pierce high school in Richardson, Texas. The jock, the cheerleader, the partier, the bully, the nerd and several others reunite more than twenty years later in a two-week Hawaiian get-away to rekindle past relationships, rivalries and romances.
For two hours every Friday in March, catch super-sized episodes of M*A*S*H as TV Land features every two-part episode from the series back-to-back. So come say a tearful goodbye to Radar, catch a touring USO vaudeville show with the gang, or see the unforgettable kiss between rivals, Hawkeye and Hotlips. No need to wait until next week for any of these exciting conclusions; TV Land has got it here and now all month long. Talk about March err M*A*S*H Madness!
On weekends, catch some mini-marathons of your favorite shows such as Beverly Hillbillies, I Love Lucy and Leave it to Beaver! Also, a big weekend is planned for Andy the weekend of March 22! Investigate with the men of Mayberry in a two-day marathon of crime-solving episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. Swindlers, crooks, confidence men and slick-talkers all converge on this small town of simple folk and even simpler living. See how Sherriff Taylor and Deputy Fife use small town wisdom and wit to crack the case, round up the outlaws and make the streets of Mayberry safe once again.
Finally, it's the monthly Movie Week on TV Land, the week of March 24! Showtime is every weeknight at 8p, starting Monday with Gary Busey as the music legend in The Buddy Holly Story. On Tuesday, Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice tries to spook Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis out of their home. Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, and Steve Guttenberg are thrust into fatherhood in Three Men and a Baby on Wednesday. Finishing out the week, Cher finds herself caught between her fiancé and his brother Nicolas Cage in the romantic-comedy Moonstruck.
The Friday night movies include Beetlejuice, The Buddy Holly Story, and Three Men and a Baby.
For the COMPLETE TV Land March 2008 highlights, including the schedule adjustments on some nights, High School Reunion encores, episodes for the marathons and stunts, and much more, click HERE! You can also discuss there, too! March on to the March highlights!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Day 71: WGA's Strike; My Name is Earl on TBS March; Golden Globe Winners
The WGA made a side deal with a company on Friday. They stated:
The Weinstein Company (TWC) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that they have signed a comprehensive independent agreement. While the details are not being disclosed, the deal addresses the issues important to writers, including New Media. As a result of this agreement, Writers Guild members will now be able to work with The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films, the genre division under the TWC banner.
So this is good news for that company and movie fans.
As we have mentioned before My Name is Earl is coming to TBS in reruns. It will start off as a once a week play in March before getting the five-days-a-week treatment in Fall 2009. The show will air Monday nights at 10:00pm & 10:30pm ET/PT starting March 3. My Name is Earl joins the TBS Monday night line-up of all-star comedies starting this March. Starring Jason Lee as the outrageous Earl Hickey, this smart and irreverent sitcom is sure to start your week off with laughs.
Monday nights at 10 pm ET, immediately following Family Guy.
For the complete primetime schedule for TBS starting in March and to discuss this piece of news, click HERE!
The Golden Globe winners were announced last night. Cable series and stars ruled the television portion, taking 10 of the 11 wins. The only network win was for Tina Fey of 30 Rock for best actress in a comedy or musical. The WGA strike could have been a factor for this. Thankfully there was no ceremomy because I would have been upset for all these cable wins...and I'm sure many others would agree. Mad Men won for best drama, Extras won for best comedy or musical and Longford won for best mini-series or TV movie.
To view the full list of winners for the television portion, click HERE!
Tonight is a big night that I have to mention what is on. Lots of new material...but just one sitcom....Notes from the Underbelly on ABC at 9:30. CBS and The CW's sitcom line-ups will be in repeat mode. Elsewhere...Kyle XY returns with new episodes on ABC Family at 8/7 central, followed by an encore at 9 and midnight. That is one very underrated show. Prison Break returns for Fox followed by the second episode of Sarah Connor Chronicles. Can the latter beat the Chronicles curse? It seems all shows that had that word in the title failed. And Dance War has its first live episode, so that should be entertaining, as last week was just the auditions.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Week 16 Numbers (First Four Nights); How the Sitcoms Did
Week 16 numbers (first four nights, Mon-Thu):
Households: N/A
Total Viewers: N/A
Adults 18-49: N/A
Analysis: Week 16 has had a mix of returns, new, reality and even some repeats. I can't tell yet who is on top, but it seems close. CBS will likely win the week thanks to the NFL game on Saturday. Last week it was a rare win for NBC (thanks to the NFL and their reality series) as it won the top spot in all categories: HH, viewers, and 18-49. CBS was second in HH and viewers. Fox was second in 18-49, while CBS was fourth. It was a close match for third with ABC and Fox in HH and viewers.
On Monday, Fox won the night thanks to the BCS Championship Game pulling in 23.07 million as LSU won it against Ohio State. NBC saw a decent night with the second day for American Gladiators doing 10.91 million, but its strength is 18-49 as it did a 4.8 rating. Deal or No Deal (stop with this show!) followed with 10.75 million, a far cry from what it used to do on Mondays, followed by the season premiere of Medium at 9.6 million, on par with last season. ABC premiered Dance War with a two-hour premiere and did a solid 11 million, but I'm sure ABC was hoping for more. I think it will do better this week with no BCS game and the show will be LIVE. October Road followed at 10pm with just 4.95 million. CBS was in repeat mode, but it still did pretty well, especially Two and a Half Men doing 11.39 million. Will viewers figure out no more new episodes are left? The other three sitcoms were all below 8 million. See sitcom numbers below. CBS closed the night off with a repeat of CSI: Miami at 8.98 million, that seems below normal repeat numbers. The CW had repeats of their sitcoms...the best was Chris at 2.2 million and the worst was Girlfriends' 1.41 million.
On Tuesday, NBC was on top thanks to a two-hour Biggest Loser doing 10.13 million and Law & Order: SVU at 15.51 million...possibly a season high (no competition at all that's why). Can Loser survive this week with Idol? CBS had a below normal Tuesday...it started off well with a NCIS repeat at 12.41 million, very solid...but the strike infected People's Choice Awards followed with just 5.96 million, an all-time low. Will this be a sign to come tonight for The Golden Globes announcement? Fox aired repeats of Bones and House at typical repeat numbers...6.36 and 10.89 million. ABC had a weird night as each time zone saw something different because of the New Hampshire Primary special. Just for Laughs started the night off with a not so bad 6.04 million, but then it got weird...According to Jim, ABC News Special, Carpoolers, and a repeat of Cashmere Mafia did all between 3-4.5 million. It should be a bit better this week as everything will be in its place. Even with Idol premiering, I think this line-up will do better, plus Boston Legal will return. The CW returned One Tree Hill with 3.36 and 3.57 million...not bad.
On Wednesday, the big three all had something to cheer about. CBS started off slow with Power of 10 at just 5.78 million, but new episodes of Criminal Minds and CSI: NY did solid with 14.3 and 11.71 million. NBC started the night off with the Wednesday edition of Deal or No Deal at 13.47 million, the NBC debut of USA Network's Law & Order: Criminal Intent did 9.44 million, followed by the original Law & Order at 11.02 million. ABC has moved Wife Swap and Supernanny to Wednesdays because of this strike, and so far so good. Week two of the reality workhorses did 7.73 and 8.92 million, with Supernanny at a 3.6 18-49 rating. The time slot premiere of Cashmere Mafia did only 6.16 million. The second episode was much better than the pilot, and I thought the pilot was decent. Fox had two repeats each of Back to You and 'Til Death not doing much. The CW had new showings of Crowned and Gossip Girl at 1.77 and 2.27 million...Crowned is not doing good.
As I mentioned, no final numbers for Thursday yet. But the big guns returned (at least for this night)! Ugly Betty won the 8pm hour for ABC, with Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader not far behind for Fox. My Name is Earl won its half-hour in 18-49, but 30 Rock dipped at 8:30. As for 9pm, Grey's Anatomy won in households by a bit and big in 18-49, with CSI the edge in total viewers by a bit. Celebrity Apprentice and Don't Forget the Lyrics! were way behind for NBC and Fox. You hear that Donald? At 10pm Without a Trace won the hour, with ER building a bit on The Donald's numbers, and ABC's Big Shots was third, but it did get more viewers than its last original episode.
Like usual, no Friday finals yet, but CBS won each hour thanks to Ghost Whisperer and NUMB3RS. Even Moonlight won its hour as there was no Women's Murder Club. 1 vs. 100 for NBC is no Deal or No Deal in the ratings, but it is a more challenging (and better) game show than Deal. Saturday saw a big win for CBS with the NFL.
Tonight will be a mix bag. NBC will suffer with no real Golden Globe Awards, just a newscast of winner won't draw...especially since you can see the newscast on other networks, like TV Guide Channel. Fox will have a nice night as the NFL will spill over until like 8pm, making a nice debut for the premiere of Sarah Connor Chronicles. ABC has no Housewives tonight, but Home Edition is two-hours and Brothers & Sisters returns with a new episode. CBS will have so-so night, as they will do decent in viewers, but 18-49 will be low with that mini-series.
As for the week, CBS will win in HH, viewers and likely in 18-49 because of the NFL game on Saturday. Everything else is too close to call, especially since I don't have the mid-week numbers. I predict Fox will be second, because of their NFL run-over, ABC and NBC will battle for third.
This coming week...American Idol launches and Fox will for sure win that week. God help us all. Hopefully it is down this year.
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week of December 31-January 6)
- Aliens in America (The CW) - A repeat did just 680,000 viewers..pretty soon the show will be moving to 8:30pm on this night as the Monday sitcoms make their move to Sundays.
- The Simpsons (Fox) - A new episode did 8.04 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating...not bad at all but both down from the last new episode on Dec. 16
- King of the Hill (Fox) - 6.94 million for a new episode...not bad, but like the lead-in, down from the previous new episode on Dec. 16.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A repeat did a below average 6.15 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating...competition was tough as looks like many male viewers checked out NBC's American Gladiators and the return of ABC's Desperate Housewives might have also been a factor.
- American Dad (Fox) - Just 5.19 million for a new episode...that won't get it done. Earlier in the evening from 7-8pm, repeats of the show did 3.59 and 4.54 million...not bad against the NFL.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - 5.98 million for a repeat...I guess not bad
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - 6.21 million for a repeat...built from lead-in's repeat.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 11.39 million tuned in for a repeat..very good.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - 7.86 million for a repeat, good, but it did lose 3.5 million from the lead-in.
- CW Monday Comedies: Chris, Aliens in America, Girlfriends, The Game. All were repeats ... Chris led the block with 2.2 million, Aliens did 1.55 million, Girlfriends did the lowest with 1.41 million, and The Game only did 1.59 million.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- According to Jim (ABC) - So far the first two weeks this show has gone through a lot. Previous week it launched two episodes but they premiered late because of the Rose Bowl...this week it was airing in different times in each time zone because of the New Hampshire Primary special, so I won't judge this show really until this coming week, but then Idol is here...4.59 million this week for a new episode.
- Carpoolers (ABC) - The return of this show did just 3.42 million, BUT remember, this followed a news special and not Jim in many time zones. Real sampling is next week, but again, Idol will be here by then...plus this coming week this show is a repeat.
- Back to You (Fox) - 4.35 and 3.87 million for two repeats...the second repeat going down from the first is not good.
- Til Death (Fox) - 3.4 and 3.49 million for two repeats, down from lead-in, but it did build within the hour a bit.
- My Name is Earl (NBC) - Last pre-strike episode did a prelim 7.7 million, decent.
- 30 Rock (NBC) - Last pre-strike episode did a prelim did just 6 million, should do better.
- None.
Saturday Sitcoms
- None.
Airing tonight (Sunday) is a repeat of Aliens in America on The CW at 7:30, and Fox's animated comedies are just in the 9pm hour tonight.
Summing it up. Two and a Half Men was impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as My Name is Earl, Rules of Engagement repeat) or just plain old terrible ('Til Death repeats, Carpoolers).
Saturday, January 12, 2008
TV Rebels: Norman Lear; Solomon's Weekly Rant: Crazy Glue Good Times, Beverly Hillbillies for Three's Company?, Carpoolers Time Change
As we did last month, we have gotten special permission to publish at least 6 different essays on TV shows that will be featured in the upcoming book TV Rebels: 100 People and Programs That Shaped the Medium by author Lou Orfanella. The book is still in the works and will be released in 2009.
So without further adieu, we bring you the second column of TV Rebels:
Norman Lear: Changing the Face of Comedy
On Tuesday, January 12, 1971 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the first episode of a series that seemed destined to fail finally aired on CBS and the television situation comedy was never the same. Producer Norman Lear had been fighting unsuccessfully since 1968 to get his American adaptation of the British hit Till Death Us Do Part on network television. After multiple pilot films, cast changes, and title changes (Archie Justice and Those Were the Days were discarded choices), All in the Family debuted to less than stellar ratings, but leaving no doubt that new territory was being explored.
Blue collar bigot Archie Bunker, his devoted wife Edith, daughter Gloria, and son-in-law Mike made up the immediate family residing at 704 Hauser Street in Queens, New York. Archie's conservative rants and endless stream of ethnic slurs were far removed from even the most bombastic characters to rule the airwaves previously. "Even after the '60s lowered the bar for acceptable public expression, it was hard not to notice a fat white guy sitting in his chair, cigar in hand, railing against everybody else" (Hinckley). And notice they did. By the 1971-1972 television season All in the Family was the number one show on the air and would remain so for five years running.
By the fall of 1972, All in the Family had spawned Maude, the Beatrice Arthur character who had appeared as Edith Bunker's liberal cousin. One of many Lear "spin-off" series, Maude was to become another ground breaking comedy during its six year CBS run and another piece of the foundation which would support the growing empire that was Tandem Productions, the company of Lear and partner Bud Yorkin. While All in the Family had brought reality into the genre, "...from social politics to bathroom use, and dealt with them in language franker than TV audiences had ever heard. Maude wert even further in its weekly squabbles. The first season's 22 episodes...dealt with topics like racism, infidelity, sexual equality, divorce, menstruation, malpractice and, most notoriously, abortion, when Maude found herself pregnant at 47" (DeCaro).
The Lear productions continued to flourish throughout the 70's with hits like Sanford and Son (another adaptation of a British series, Steptoe and Son), The Jeffersons (another All in the Family spinoff), Good Times (a Maude spinoff), and other traditional/formulaic sitcoms. Lear would attempt to push the envelope with Hot L Baltimore on ABC in 1975. Set in a rundown hotel (hence the missing "e" in the sign/title) and based on the off Broadway show of the same name Hot L Baltimore's characters included a prostitute, a homosexual couple, and a never seen practical joker named Moose. The series boasted some cutting edge dialogue but it failed to click with viewers and vanished after 13 episodes.
Lear would hit pay dirt again in 1976 with the syndicated soap opera spoof Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. After being turned down by the networks in spite of his track record as a television innovator, Lear sold Mary Hartman to local station where it became a late night hit. Once again, Lear pushed the boundaries of controversial subject matter and outlandish plotlines. And once again, it worked.
Norman Lear's place as a television rebel was likely secured that night in 1971 when the public was first introduced to Archie Bunker, though he continued to travel uncharted waters. "In a few short years after All in the Family’s debut, Lear had influenced all of TV comedy and dominated much of it, to the extent that by 1975, critic Michael J. Arlen wagered, 'it's probably a good bet that roughly a hundred and twenty million Americans watch Norman Lear comedies each week-which adds up to a total of roughly five billion viewers each year.'" (McCrrohan 137).
Works Cited
DeCaro, Frank. "Archie Bunker's Feisty Feminist Flip Side." The New York Times 22 April 2007:AR30.
Hinckley, David. "Change of Life: Archie Bunker." The New York Daily News 12 October 1999:17.
McCrohan, Donna. Archie&Edith, Mike&Gloria: The Tumultuous History of All in the Family. New York: Workman Publishing, 1987.
Stay tuned next month for another installment of TV Rebels as we take a look at the sitcom That Girl!
Solomon's Weekly Rant
Saturday, January 12, 2008
"Crazy Glue Good Times; Beverly Hillbillies for Three's Company?; Carpoolers Time Change"
By Solomon Davis
This month marks the 4th anniversary of Good Times on TV One and I can't believe after 4 years we are still going to see a marathon next month based around the Michael character. Good Times to TV one is like how Fresh Prince is to Nick at Nite, it's the network's favorite show and everyone with 20/20 vision must be reminded of that all the time. I mean how many more years is this show going to be presented to TV One viewers like it's a new addition? I was hoping the year of 2008 would push some shows off the TV One schedule so some new shows can be pushed in and given a chance to gain an audience. And just once if TV One is going to air this show all the time at least feature the show's best years and not the Penny/Carl/Keith era.
OK I'm not a fan of The Beverly Hillbillies and never intend to be, but why did TV Land have to replace Three's Company at 1am so that The Beverly Hillbillies can be seen? The show already airs in the daytime and evening, while Three's Company will now only be 4am (it will gain 11am in February though). That replacement makes no sense at all and now I have absolutely no reason to turn to TV Land from 11pm to 2am since there is nothing on from the 1970's era just all Andy Griffith, M*A*S*H (this is '70s but boring '70s), and the newly re-acquired Beverly Hillbillies. But now the 2am hour is different with Sanford and Son airing in that slot so they think they could squeeze a 60's sitcom in the 1am slot now. They should air a new type of 60's show like Gomer Pyle. TV Land is definitely a channel that should be under the pre-basic cable package.
I was all set to get back into Carpoolers this past Tuesday and ended up forgetting to watch the show because of the new time ABC scheduled the show to air. It was originally airing at 8:30pm and now has been moved to 9:30pm which made it very easy for me to forget to watch the show and have to try again next week. So what's probably going to happen is most people will forget about the new time slot (since that's not a time they were used to watching the show) combined in with the fact that show hasn't even been seen since October which will lead to cancellation avenue. So that strategy by ABC will definitely have Carpoolers in the "goodbye" list in about 4 months.
Agree or disagree with Solomon? Discuss it here.
DISCLAIMER: Remember, Solomon is not the voice of SitcomsOnline. He is just stating his opinions and does not reflect what SitcomsOnline says or thinks. It is just his 'View' but it is always quite entertaining.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Day 68: WGA's Strike; ION Television February 2008 Highlights
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced that instead of the usual televised three-hour gala on NBC, the HFPA will take complete control of its 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards Announcement and host a press conference open to all media to announce the winners of the Golden Globes. In light of this change to the program, the WGA gave the HFPA our assurances that there would be no picket of their press conference on Sunday.
In other news, ABC looks to have picked-up a season of The Bachlorette for possibly the summer or late spring. This is to bolster their summer line-up or just in case this strike goes long and the season is wiped out, they can air cheap hits. We'll have the official news, when announced.
As I promised yesterday, I will give you details on ION Television's February schedule! As of now no regular changes are being made to the line-up. The same schedule that will take in effect on Jan. 14 will continue in February...which is of course back-to-back episodes of The Wayans Bros, Alice, Mama's Family, The Drew Carey Show and Who's the Boss? from 6-11pm Mon-Thurs.
Among the highlights in February include a Valentine's Week. It is a four evening stunt from Feb. 11-14 that will feature love and romance themed episodes of your regularly scheduled ION sitcoms. See Mama, Drew, Marlon, Mona, Vera, and all your favorite ION characters battling the ups and downs of love, which includes some actual Valentine's Day episodes.
RHI movies for the month include an encore airing of the new original movie Journey To The Center Of The Earth. Other movies include The Temptations, Moby Dick, Tidal Wave: No Escape and Aftershock: Earthquake in New York.
For FULL details on ION February and to discuss this month, click HERE!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Day 67: WGA's Strike; RTN Coming to Orlando; Details on George Lopez Marathon
Retro Television Network (RTN) announced today that COX Television plans to add a sixth RTN affiliate on its Orlando station. The network will launch in the first quarter of this year on WRDQ-DT in Orlando, the nation's 19th largest television market.
No mention of what shows will air, but it will be on the same selection as other RTN stations! RTN keeps growing! Congrats to them and to our buddies Mark and Neal!
Remember about ten days or so ago we gave you Nick at Nite's January highlights and among the highlights was a George Lopez marathon on Jan. 20? Well, we have learned the marathon will be called "The Legend of Lopez" and it will be hosted by George Lopez! Not only will he host, but he will answer your questions! Head on to the official website by clicking HERE to submit questions for George and your question might make it on-air. The 14 episode marathon starts at 9pm on that night!
Coming in the next few days or so ION Television February highlights, TV Land March highlights and full details on that '80s weekend in February on TV Land!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Day 66: WGA's Strike; People's Choice Awards Winners
Dubbed television's smartest reality show, ABC is bringing back The Mole, featuring new "whodunit" game elements, interactivity and a new host. Producers are launching a nationwide search to replace Cooper. In addition to a new host, new features, new games, new locations and online and mobile interactivity are planned for the series. Casting for players begins immediately. Casting information can be found at www.molecasting.com. The series could likely begin this spring before the season ends or as an early summer player. Forgot how the series was played? It follows a group of players as they try to figure out who among them is The Mole, a saboteur trying to keep them from winning money. Players must decide who they think The Mole is and then learn as much about him or her as they can, because, at the end of each one-hour episode, the player who knows the least about The Mole is immediately eliminated from the game. In the final dramatic episode, The Mole is revealed and one of two final players wins a substantial cash prize.
The People's Choice Awards were on last night in a new format because of the strike. Ratings started off OK but went down considerably as each half-hour progressed. Looks like fans didn't like it much. Here are the winners, in case you missed it:
• Favorite TV Drama: House, Fox
• Favorite TV Comedy: Two and a Half Men, CBS
• Favorite Animated TV Comedy: The Simpsons, Fox
• Favorite TV Sci-Fi Show: Stargate Atlantis, Sci-Fi
• Favorite TV Competition/Reality Show: Dancing with the Stars, ABC
• Favorite TV Game Show: Deal or No Deal, NBC
• Favorite Female TV Star: Katherine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy, ABC
• Favorite Male TV Star: Patrick Dempsey, Grey's Anatomy, ABC
• Favorite Scene-Stealing TV Star: Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy, ABC
• Favorite TV Talk-Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, syndicated
• Favorite New TV Comedy: Samantha Who?, ABC
• Favorite New TV Drama: Moonlight, CBS
You can discuss the winners and the format of last night's show HERE!
More news to come, if any...so try and come back.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Day 65: WGA's Strike; Sony's Minisodes Now on YouTube; Remembering Bill Idelson
The Writers Guild of America and legendary United Artists Films have reached a mutually beneficial independent agreement. While the details are not being disclosed in this announcement, the comprehensive agreement addresses the issues important to writers, including New Media.
In other strike news, Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Leno will appear on each other's shows this Thursday! The two have formed a friendship during the strike. Jimmy will come on The Tonight Show taping then Jay will return the favor and appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live later that night. Leno's show tapes earlier in the day while Kimmel tapes at 7pm PT. The Tonight Show airs at 11:35pm on NBC then you can switch over to Jimmy Kimmel Live at 12:06am on ABC to see Jay.
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) announced the debut of the first of several YouTube Brand Channels at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. The first of the ad-supported Channels will be The Minisode Network (TMN), launched yesterday.
With its launch on YouTube, The Minisode Network, which delivers approximately five-minute versions of popular television shows, will grow from 18 to 21 series with the addition of Married...With Children, NewsRadio and a new animation block. Additionally, TMN has begun acquiring programs from other companies, including a recent deal with World Events Productions, distributors of Voltron and Saber Rider.
Other Sony Pictures Television channels available in the future at YouTube are expected to include original content from a variety of genres.
Check out The Minisode Network on YouTube by clicking HERE! You'll also see sitcoms such as Bewitched, 227, What's Happening!!, Diff'rent Strokes, Facts of Life, Silver Spoons and The Jeffersons.
Bill Idelson, an actor, television writer and producer who as a teenager played the son on the classic radio show Vic and Sade and later played the recurring role of Rose Marie's mother-dominated boyfriend on TV's The Dick Van Dyke Show, has died. He had been hospitalized since June after breaking his hip, died of complications from the injury Monday at a Los Angeles hospital.
Idelson appeared in episodes of dozens of television series, including Dragnet, Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, My Favorite Martian, The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Will & Grace, My Three Sons, Leave it to Beaver, and most recently on The War at Home.
He has written for a lot of TV shows too, such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Twilight Zone, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, The Odd Couple, The Bob Newhart Show, M*A*S*H, Happy Days, Punky Brewster, Bewitched, The Flintstones and many more.
He was also a television producer. Among his credits are The Bob Newhart Show, Anna and the King, The McLean Stevenson Show, Love, American Style and others.
He will certainly be missed as he made his mark certainly in the television world. Mr. Idelson was 88.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Day 64: WGA's Strike; The CW Strike Schedule; RTN Comes to Birmingham
Dexter's move to CBS marks the first time a full season of a premium cable drama series will make the transition to network television. Dexter's 12-episode first season will be edited for network television and will be broadcast on 12 consecutive Sundays.
The CW Network announced its new midseason schedule (AKA strike schedule), featuring the return of several reality hits and giving current shows exposure on new nights and in new time periods. Among the changes include moving the Monday night sitcom block to Sunday nights. New seasons of America's Next Top Model, Beauty & the Geek, and Pussycat Dolls Present. Here is their revised line-up:
Monday
8:00 p.m. Gossip Girl (Beginning January 28)
9:00 p.m. Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious (Beginning February 18)
Tuesday
8:00 p.m. Reaper (Beginning January 15)
8:00 p.m. Beauty and the Geek (Beginning March 11)
9:00 p.m. One Tree Hill
Wednesday (Beginning February 20)
8:00 p.m. America's Next Top Model
9:00 p.m. Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious Encore
Thursday
8:00 p.m. Smallville
9:00 p.m. Reaper (Beginning February 28)
Sunday (Beginning February 10)
7:00 p.m. CW Now
7:30 p.m. Everybody Hates Chris Encores
8:00 p.m. Everybody Hates Chris
8:30 p.m. Aliens in America
9:00 p.m. Girlfriends
9:30 p.m. The Game
Retro Television Network announced today that it will partner with Media General to launch RTN programming in Birmingham, AL on a digital stream of WVTM NBC 13. The new affiliate, which is the 6th Media General station to sign with RTN, will launch in the first quarter of this year.
RTN's 'Primetime All The Time' line-up is going to be on the air soon in the Birmingham market with continuous hits throughout the day, including Love, American Style, Get Smart and Happy Days. Viewers in Birmingham can also watch iconic stars Michael Douglas in Streets of San Francisco, Telly Savalas in Kojak, Jack Lord in Hawaii 5-0 and Raymond Burr in both Perry Mason and Ironside.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
2008 Sitcoms on DVD Preview
Welcome to our 3rd Annual Sitcoms on DVD Preview and Predictions Issue! First, we will look at some of the releases that have been officially announced or rumored to be coming to DVD in 2008. Then we will offer some of our own predictions of some new and returning sitcoms that we feel have some chance to be released this year.
Making their debut on DVD in 2008 will be Evening Shade, Father Knows Best, The Love Boat, My Boys, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Newhart, Perfect Strangers, and Weird Science. Hopefully we will have information on many more later in the year.
Returning favorites that have been announced include Barney Miller (after a 4-year wait!), Coach, The Color Honeymooners/The Jackie Gleason Show, The Cosby Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Family Affair, Family Ties, Girlfriends, Love, American Style, Make Room for Daddy, McHale's Navy, The Odd Couple, Punky Brewster, That '70s Show, Two and a Half Men, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and Wings.
The below links go to Amazon.com where you can pre-order these titles at up to 33% off their list price. We are an affiliate of Amazon.com and receive a commission for each sale. Please consider ordering through our links. Thanks for your support!
January 2008:
01/01 - Weird Science - The Complete Seasons 1 & 2
Weird Science, the popular TV sitcom of the '90s based on the classic '80s John Hughes film of the same name, is indeed now on DVD with the complete first and second seasons from A&E Home Video! Wyatt Donnelly and Gary Wallace are two regular high school nerds struggling with unpopularity, a serious dating drought, and the endless torment of Wyatt's older brother Chett. Therefore, they use computer skills to create their dream girl Lisa, whose supermodel good looks and super-genius brain are overshadowed only by her extraordinary power to grant the boys whatever they desire, but Lisa often takes the boys' wishes a bit too literally, and things don't always turn out as planned. It is a '90s take on I Dream of Jeannie, except Lisa is not dressed as a genie but as a super-model! Read our review.
01/08 - Two and a Half Men - The Complete Second Season
Welcome back to the Harpers' Malibu beach house, home to one of the funniest TV comedy hits in a long, long time. Bachelor Charlie's trying (but not very hard) to remember the name of the girl currently taking a shower upstairs. And Alan, Charlie's divorced, uptight brother, who's proud to have been named the San Fernando Valley's Chiropractor of the Year. And Jake, Alan's 11-year-old son, who's happiest with a juice box in one hand and the TV remote in the other. After a year of living together, the guys have figured out how two and a half men equal one family. Sort of. But there are plenty of hilariously rough spots along the way. And you'll share them all in this 4-disc collection that includes all 24 episodes of the series' smart and sparkling second season. Special features include A Day in the Life of Two and a Half Men featurette, The Serious Business of Writing Comedy featurette and a gag reel.
01/15 - Family Guy - Blue Harvest
A long time ago, but somehow in the future, Fox Home Entertainment presents an outrageous look at the Star Wars universe when Family Guy Presents: "Blue Harvest" parodies the movie that started it all - Episode IV: A New Hope - on DVD on January 15. In the season premiere of the offensively uproarious series' sixth season, "Blue Harvest" finds Peter, Lois, Chris, Stewie, Brian and some of Quahog's finest in the middle of George Lucas' beloved science-fiction epic. Feel the Farce in the most irreverent and hilarious way possible; with Han Solo (Peter) Dumpster diving for furniture; Darth Vader (Stewie) soiling his diapers; Luke (Chris) battling against "Thai" fighters; and C-3PO (Quagmire) flirting with a 1980s dot-matrix printer. Featuring hysterical cameos from Rush Limbaugh, Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo and Helen Reddy, Family Guy Presents: "Blue Harvest" is "a dead-on homage that hilariously picks apart Star Wars, along with much of real life" (Associated Press). The DVD features more than four minutes of never-before-seen material; an uncensored track; animatics; commentaries; interviews with Seth MacFarlane and George Lucas; and a first look at a now-in-production "Family Guy" Star Wars spoof (which goes by the working title of "Something, Something, Something Dark Side"). Also available for true "Family Guy" and "Star Wars" fans is a special edition DVD that features collectible packaging, trading cards, an exclusive brochure, 3-D glasses, a t-shirt and more.
01/15 - The New Adventures of Old Christine - The Complete First Season
Single working mom Christine Campbell has just learned that her ex is dating a much younger woman with the same first name. To avoid any confusion, the new girlfriend is dubbed New Christine, which leaves her with the unfortunate nickname Old Christine. Julia Louis-Dreyfus' hilarious and insightful performance in the title role won fans and earner her the 2006 Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Christine struggles to hold it together as she adjusts to her new nickname, confronts the meanie moms at her son's private school, jumps back in the dating pool- and gets laughs every misstep of the way. Speial features include The Real Chrstine: A Conversation with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Series Creator Kari Lizer and Cast, Unaired Scenes and a Gag Reel.
01/15 - Sabrina, the Teenage Witch - The Third Season
The third season of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch is now on DVD! The show stars Melissa Joan Hart as the adorable teen who this season finally gets her witch’s license. However, there is a catch! Before she can use it, she must uncover a family secret -- with the help of her wacky aunt Hilda (Caroline Rhea), wise Aunt Zelda (Beth Broderick), and her talking cat Salem (Nick Bakay). And while they may advise her to keep her magic hidden, at school Sabrina still helps steady Harvey (Nate Richert) and best friend Valerie (Lindsay Sloane), while protecting herself from rival Libby (Jenna Leigh Green) and mean Mr. Kraft (Martin Mull). Read our review.
01/22 - Barney Miller - The Complete Second Season
The three-disc DVD set includes all 22 episodes from the second season, with guest stars Linda Lavin (TV’s Alice), David Doyle (TV’s General Hospital), and Adam Arkin (Hitch). Barney Miller is the kind of cop we'd all like to meet. He somehow manages to maintain order at New York City’s 12th Precinct in Greenwich Village and remains level-headed while dealing with a group of off-the-wall inner-city detectives. Among them is a gambler, another who attends renaissance philosophy conventions for fun, and a third who spends most of his time daydreaming about being an author. This season, the precinct deals with potential layoffs, a man who threatens to blow up the station unless he can speak with President Nixon, marijuana evidence that suspiciously disappears, and a job offer from Florida for Barney.
01/22 - Make Room for Daddy - Season 6
In the series, Danny plays nightclub entertainer Danny Williams, an occasionally loud and cantankerous, but ultimately warm and soft-hearted master of his domain. Constantly being upstaged by his bratty but loveable kids, played by Rusty Hamer, Angela Cartwright and Sherry Williams (whose role was taken over by Penny Parker), the ensemble also included beautiful Marjorie Lord as his understanding wife, and legendary character actor Hans Conreid as irascible Uncle Tonoose.
"Make Room For Daddy" was unique for many reasons, including how it portrayed the family life of an entertainer dealing with both industry and ordinary family issues. Another reason was its frequent appearances by top celebrities. In this Season 6 boxed-set, William Demarest, Jack Benny, Dinah Shore, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shirley Jones, and Bob Hope are but a few legendary performers lending their talents. In addition, upcoming stars had recurring roles, such as Tony Bennett as Danny's cousin Steven from Toledo, and Annette Funicello as Italian exchange student Gina Minelli.
Special features include interviews with Marjorie Lord, Angela Cartwright and Sid Melton; Blooper Reel; Photo Gallery; 10 minute featurette on St. Jude's Children's Hospital; an excerpt of Marjorie Lord reading from her memoir "A Dance and A Hug."
01/22 - The Odd Couple - The Third Season
Neil Simon's The Odd Couple makes a glorious return to DVD, with all 23 Season Three episodes remastered onto four discs. This season, television is a recurring theme, as sportswriter Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman) hosts his own television show, fussy Felix Unger (Tony Randall) directs his first television commercial, and the roommates appear on two game shows.
Also this season, Felix and Oscar get arrested and stand trial, and even give their famous Manhattan apartment a makeover. Returning are Oscar's loyal secretary Myrna, his sharp-tongued ex-wife Blanche, and Felix's ex-wife Gloria, while Murray the cop temporarily becomes their new roommate. The Odd Couple is back, staking its claim as one of the funniest shows on television!
01/29 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Sixth Season
Deep inside, you know you're him. Curb Your Enthusiasm - it's the HBO hit comedy series starring Larry David as...Larry David! Each half-hour episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm features footage of David (playing himself) at home, at work and around town, as he gets into predicaments with fictional and real-life personalities. Special features include behind-the-scenes footage, a conversation between cast members Larry David and Susie Essman, and a gag reel.
01/29 - Hannah Montana - One in a Million
As the world’s favorite pop princess, Hannah Montana (aka sweet Southern gal Miley Stewart) has amazing one-in-a-million experiences that happen in the blink of an eye – and they all come with drama. Four hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series are packed into Hannah Montana: One In A Million – including a special episode starring the Jonas Brothers! Plus, go behind-the-scenes for exclusive bonus features, like reliving famous feuding moments with your favorite Disney Channel characters. Meeting the totally cute Jonas Brothers is awesome – till Hannah learns they’d rather hang out with Robbie Ray. Miley’s dad goes on a date with Lilly’s mom-but will sisterhood ruin the BFFs’ friendship? Jake comes back to town – and gets friendly with Mikayla, Hannah’s arch rival. And the Stewart family gets down ‘n’ dirty over an old feud (hint: Elvis was in the house). Sweet nibblets! Can’t they all just get along? Join Hannah and her wonderfully funny family and friends for laughs, (mis)adventures and totally rockin’ music.
February 2008:
02/05 - Perfect Strangers - The Complete First and Second Seasons
Welcome to Chicago, Balki Bartokomous! The professional sheepherder from the tiny island of Mypos won't find many woolly quadrupeds in the Windy City, but he will find pop-top soda cans. Singles bars. Color TV. Mobsters. Game shows. Pink lemonade (how'd they get pink lemons?). And many more modern oddities sure to amaze the man from Mypos. Bronson Pinchot portrays Balki and Mark Linn-Baker plays his stateside cousin and long-suffering roommate in Perfect Strangers, the hilarious culture-clash comedy that delighted fans for eight hit seasons with its mix of slapstick and insight. Should you miss a single laugh in this complete, 28-episode, 4-disc Season One/Two collection? Don't be ridikalus!
02/12 - Family Ties - The Third Season
Steve and Elyse Keaton (Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney), once 1960s radicals, now find themselves in Reagan-Era American trying to raise a traditional suburban family. Son Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) is an ambitious Young Republican and his sister Mallory (Justine Bateman) is a shallow victim of the corporate culture, obsessed with music, clothes and boys. Their only normal kid is young Jennifer (Tina Yothers), a bit of a tomboy. All 22 episodes from the third season, including the one-hour "Remembrances of Things Past." Notable guest stars include Timothy Busfield, Marsha Warfield, Alison LaPlaca, Bill Campbell, Geena Davis, Anne Ramsey, James Cromwell, Ben Piazza, Nancy Everhard, and Anne Seymour.
02/12 - Girlfriends - The Third Season
The four-disc set will contain all 24 episodes from the third season, including the one-hour season finale "Wedding." Isaac Hayes is among the many guest stars. The total running times is 523 minutes.
02/19 - Coach - The Third Season
Go the whole nine yards with Primetime Emmy® Award winner Craig T. Nelson as he returns to his beloved role as Hayden Fox in Season Three of Coach! This three-disc set includes all 22 hilarious episodes chronicling the professional and private life of the curmudgeonly coach of the Minnesota State Screaming Eagles football team. By his side are Assistant Coach Luther Van Dam and the devoted Christine Armstrong (Primetime Emmy® nominees Jerry Van Dyke and Shelley Fabares), as well as powerhouse guest stars such as Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow), Jim Piddock (Epic Movie), Christopher Duncan (Veronica Mars), and more! Nominated for an impressive four Primetime Emmy® Awards, Coach is the all-star series that will have you cheering!
02/26 - Family Affair - Season Five
Family Affair was a popular situation comedy and a regular top 20 hit show produced by Don Fedderson Productions for CBS-TV during its five-year run from 1966-71. Brian Keith stars as bachelor Bill Davis, a highly-paid engineering consultant who lives in a posh Manhattan apartment with his proper English manservant, Mr. Giles French (Sebastian Cabot). Davis carefree existence is turned upside down when his brother and sister-in-law die suddenly in a tragic plane accident, leaving their three children orphaned. Davis becomes an instant father figure to six year-old twins, Buffy and Jody (Anissa Jones, Johnnie Whitaker) and their big sister, Cissy (Kathy Garver). The special feature will be a tour of the CBS Studio with Kathy Garver.
02/26 - The Color Honeymooners (aka The Jackie Gleason Show) Collection 2
The Color Honeymooners (aka The Jackie Gleason Show), a top-rated comedy/variety program aired, from the sun and fun capital of the world Miami Beach! on Saturday night from 1966-70 on CBS-TV. This long-running series marked the final weekly TV show for The Great One.
Reprising their famous characters from The Honeymooners, the cast was led by Jackie Gleason (Ralph Kramden) and Art Carney (Ed Norton). Newcomers Sheila MacRae and Jane Kean played long-suffering wives Alice and Trixie. Like popular variety series of the time, the show s format was a clever combination of new comedy sketches coupled with classic Honeymooners bits. Plenty of big name guest stars and a generous helping of singing and dancing rounded out the hour.
Regulars included Gleason's glamorous Glea-Girls; the June Taylor Dancers; Sammy Spear and His Orchestra, and announcer, Johnny Olson.
02/26 - Newhart - The Complete First Season
After a four-year break from television comedy, Bob Newhart made his triumphant return in 1982 with the second sitcom to bare his famous name. Nominated for 25 Emmys during its eight year run on CBS, the hit series makes its eagerly anticipated house-call when "Newhart" The Complete First Season debuts on DVD February 26 from Fox Home Entertainment. This time around, Newhart trades in his psychiatrist couch and the Windy City for the comfort of the historic Stratford Inn in rural Vermont that he runs with his wife Joanna. It is here that successful do-it-yourself book writer Dick Loudon (Newhart) becomes somewhat of a local celebrity as host of the local cable television show "Vermont Today" and deals with all the quirky neighbors and characters that live in his quiet little town...from dim-witted handyman George Utley, to brothers Larry, Darryl and Darryl, to spoiled heiress Stephanie Vanderkellen.
"Newhart" featured a cast of television comedy veterans including Tom Poston ("The Bob Newhart Show," "Mork & Mindy"), Peter Scolari ("Bosom Buddies"), Julia Duffy ("Designing Women") and William Sanderson ("Deadwood," "Coach"). The "Newhart" The Complete First Season DVD set includes all 22 episodes from the outrageous critically acclaimed first season as well as three all-new behind-the-scenes featurettes.
02/26 - Punky Brewster - Season Four
4 DISCS OF PUNKY POWER featuring 22 Episodes. Punky Brewster is back for her fourth and final season! Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) has come a long way since the first time she turned our world around, but that’s not to say she doesn’t have a thing or two left to learn. In this series ending season, Punky confronts crushes, camp, bankruptcy, scam artists, illiteracy, child abuse and even her own appendix! Through her classic personality and the pandemonium that inevitably ensues, Punky and her medley of family & friends conquer life lessons and still leave us laughing.
March 2008:
03/04 - The Love Boat - Season One, Volume One
This three-disc set will include the first 12 episodes from the first season according to TVShowsOnDVD.com . Guest stars include Meredith Baxter-Birney, Bonnie Franklin, Suzanne Somers, Jimmie Walker, John Ritter, Jaclyn Smith, Scott Baio, Florence Halop, Kristy McNichol, Richard Mulligan, Robert Reed, Loretta Swit, Milton Berle, Charo, Bill Bixby, Audra Lindley, Diahann Carroll, Jim Nabors, Patty Duke, Ruth Gordon, Tab Hunter, Maureen McCormick, Ray Bolger, Alana Stewart, Steve Allen, Polly Bergen, Sandy Duncan, J. Jay Saunders, Loni Anderson, Gary Burghoff, Jane Curtin, Joanna Kerns, Phil Silvers, Eva Gabor, Al Molinaro, Leslie Nielsen, Florence Henderson, Dick Sargent, Shecky Greene, Donna Mills, Tom Poston, Anson Williams, Pat Morita, Arte Johnson...and Robert Urich. An impressive list and that is only the first 12 episodes!
03/11 - Love, American Style - Season One, Volume One
This 3-disc set contains the final 12 episodes from the Emmy-Award winning first season and will run 622 minutes. Guest stars according to TVShowsonDVD.com include Sue Lyon, George Gobel, Vivian Vance, Joe Besser, Imogene Coca, Bob Crane, Shecky Greene, Mariette Hartley, Dorothy Lamour, Penny Marshall, Dick Sargent, Joan Van Ark, Wally Cox, Pat Harrington Jr., Jerry Van Dyke, Ray Walston, Shelley Berman, Julie Newmar, Tony Randall, Pat Carroll, Bob Denver, Joey Heatherton, Paul Lynde, Carol Wayne, Adam West, Jackie Coogan, Burt Reynolds, Kurt Russell, Orson Bean, Karen Valentine, Jo Anne Worley, Steve Allen, Tom Bosley, Jim Backus, Bill Dana, Bernie Kopell, Gary Collins, Meredith MacRae, Patrick Wayne, Jonathan Harris, Darren McGavin, Suzanne Pleshette, Kathleen Freeman, Mel Tormé, Van Williams and Joyce Van Patten.
03/11 - My Boys - The Complete First Season
A TBS comedy/drama centering on PJ Franklin, a twenty-something female sports writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, whose 'family' consists of a bunch of lovable guys who share all her favorite pastimes: sports, poker and beer. But finding a boyfriend and making a future for herself can be tricky for a girl with so many men in her life! Starring hot new talent Jordana Spiro (Must Love Dogs). Special features include Life in the Press Box: Behind-the-Scenes of My Boys, Sports Quiz, Favorites in Sports, P.J's Rules for Sports and Dating, No Crying in Baseball: Gag Reel, and Riding the Pine: Deleted Scenes.
03/26 - McHale's Navy - Season Three
ALL 36 EPISODES FROM THE THIRD SEASON STARRING ERNEST BORGNINE, TIM CONWAY AND JOE FLYNN Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale ,Ernest Borgnine, Ensign Parker ,Tim Conway, and the rest of the misfit crew of PT73 are back in action on the Taratupa Island Naval Base, setting sail for 36 more adventures in hilarity. From 1962 through 1966, McHale’s Navy was a mustsee staple of ABC television. By the show’s third year on the air, the now familiar crew had become a classic embodiment of American culture an unforgettable gang of funloving guys who were constantly at odds with authority.
03/25 - Wings - The Sixth Season
The 4-disc set will contain all 26 episodes from the sixth season and run 532 minutes according to TVShowsonDVD.com . Guest stars include George Plimpton, Soupy Sales, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Culp, Dann Florek, Michael J. Pollard and Gilbert Gottfried.
April 2008:
04/01 - That '70s Show - Season Eight
Disco may be dead but the funky decade full of polyester and eight tracks lives on when "That '70s Show" Season Eight boogies its way onto DVD April 1st from Fox Home Entertainment and Carsey-Werner. Featuring a seriously swinging cast, "That '70s Show" stars Wilmer Valderrama (Unaccompanied Minors), Ashton Kutcher (The Guardian) Laura Prepon ("October Road"), Mila Kunis ("Family Guy"), Danny Masterson (Capers, "The Dead Zone"), Debra Jo Rupp (Kickin' It Old Skool), Tommy Chong, and Kurtwood Smith (RoboCop). Season Eight featured several new faces on the show, including series cast additions Josh Meyers ("Mad TV," Date Movie) and Jud Tylor (Charlie Wilson's War, "What About Brian"), plus gnarly guest stars including the incomparable TV legend Mary Tyler Moore, singer/songwriter Isaac Hayes, Barry Williams and Christopher Knight ("The Brady Bunch") and Justin Long (Live Free Or Die Hard).
"That '70s Show" Season Eight features bonus materials including a series retrospective featurette with all-new cast interviews shot the last week on set reflecting on the hilarious final season of the veteran comedy show, plus a behind-the-scenes set tour with director David Trainer, episode promos and more.
04/01 - Father Knows Best - Season One
Enter the perfect family life of a General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. Beginning in 1954, Jim would come home from his office, take off his sports jacket, put on his comfortable sweater, and deal with the everyday problems of a growing family without breaking a sweat. His picture perfect wife Margaret is a vibrant mother of three – Betty, Bud and Kathy. To the millions who watched the six-time Primetime Emmy®-winning Father Knows Best, starring Robert Young and Jane Wyatt; Elinor Donahue, Bill Gray and Lauren Chapin, this long running TV sitcom not only captured the hearts of American viewers, but also stood as the representation of mid-century traditional family values.
On April 1, 2008, Shout! Factory will bring this beloved nuclear family sitcom back to every home through the first-ever DVD release of Father Knows Best: Season One. Endorsed and produced in tandem with the heirs of Robert Young and producer Eugene B. Rodney, co-proprietors of the TV series, the Father Knows Best: Season One DVD box set features all 26 classic wholesome episodes plus the never-before-seen episode 24 Hours in Tyrantland, which was created for the U.S. government in 1959, plus exclusive DVD features with all-new revealing interviews, Robert Young's Home Movies, rare "behind-the-scenes" color footage, the pilot episode of Robert Young's very next TV series Window On Main Street and much more! Whether reliving the rosy memory of a perfect family life from the 1950s or discovering this classic sitcom for the first time, viewers from all generations will fall in love with Father Knows Best all over again as the Father Knows Best: Season One 4-DVD box set is priced for everyone to own at $34.99. Head on over to TVShowsonDVD.com for the full press release and listing of the impressive special features.
04/08 - The Cosby Show - Season 7
04/08 - The Cosby Show - Season 8
Special thanks to the fine folks at TVShowsOnDVD.com for the artwork and information in compiling this preview.
Other Sitcoms Expected on DVD in 2008:
According to Jim - Rumored to be coming in late January, that obviously isn't happening. Hopefully they announce something official soon. Maybe around the season/series finale date on ABC?
Evening Shade - CBS DVD/Paramount is planning a June 24th release for
the First Season.
Married with Children - The Eighth Season is coming on March 18th.
Kate & Allie - VEI in Canada is planning to release the fifth season "sometime later in 2008."
The Odd Couple - The Fourth Season is expected in June from CBS DVD/Paramount.
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch - The Fourth Season is tentatively planned for mid-June from CBS DVD/Paramount.
Predictions:
First, let's take a quick look back at my 2007 Predictions. We didn't see as many new releases or returning favorites as I was expecting.
We didn't see releases for According to Jim (rumored for 2008), Alice, Chico and the Man, Designing Women, Family Matters, The Golden Palace, The Love Boat (although it is coming in March), My Wife and Kids, Perfect Strangers (Seasons 1-2 are coming in February!), The Ropers, Square Pegs, Three's a Crowd, or The Wonder Years.
Sony has especially slowed down on their releases. Where are the seasons for Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life? I hope they haven't been abandoned. We did see the second season of Charles in Charge, although it came from Arts Alliance America and not Universal. I think we'll see a new trend
this year of different, smaller studios picking up abandoned shows from the larger studios.
I did correctly predict some sitcoms that made their season debuts in 2007: 8 Simple Rules, Maude, One Day at a Time, Silver Spoons, Welcome Back, Kotter and What's Happening Now!!. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
2008 Predictions:
These are my predictions for 2008 and opinions only. Some of them probably have zero chance, but I still have them on my wishlist. None of these titles have been announced. I predict we'll see these debut or have additional seasons released.
Returning and New Shows:
Alice - It was on my predictions list last year. I think the fan base is there, and it would do well if it was given the chance.
All in the Family - It would be nice if Sony released these a bit faster.
Back to You - I'm not sure how the strike will affect it, but we should see the first season at some point.
Benson - Season 1 seemed to sell well, so hopefully we will see the second season.
Bewitched - I'd expect another season or two this year.
The Big Bang Theory - A solid hit on CBS Mondays.
Charles in Charge - Hopefully they are released at a quicker pace, since Arts Alliance America is releasing them now.
Cheers - CBS/DVD Paramount couldn't have abandoned this popular series? Hopefully we see a season or two in 2008.
Chico and the Man - Another series that would do well if given the chance.
The Cosby Show - It's nice they are releasing two seasons at a time.
Dennis the Menace - My darkhorse pick. Would be nice if MPI acquired the rights to release it. They have done an excellent job with The Doris Day Show and Family Affair.
Designing Women - This is the year, but Sony is very slow at releasing sets.
Diff'rent Strokes - Time for season 3 already.
A Different World - The Cosby Show is being released at a quick pace. Where is this spin-off?
The Drew Carey Show - Drew Carey is everywhere these days. ION currently airs the show.
8 Simple Rules - I'm hoping we see all 3 seasons on DVD.
Everybody Hates Chris - Seems to be a popular show, although it doesn't get huge ratings on The CW.
The Facts of Life - Started off quickly with two releases, but where is Season 4?
Family Matters - A Television Favorites Compilation was planned for 2006 but never released. It would be nice to see Urkel and the gang again.
Family Ties - CBS DVD/Paramount has been releasing these at a good clip.
The Flying Nun - Where is the third and final season?
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air - A Nick at Nite staple.
George Lopez - We should see the third season now, since it is on Nick at Nite regularly.
Gimme A Break - Hopefully Arts Alliance America will acquire it and they continue with the third season.
The Golden Palace - The Golden Girls is very popular, so I think it only natural that the spin-off series could be released.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - CBS DVD/Paramount has been releasing these with regularity.
Green Acres - Time for somebody to wake MGM up.
Happy Days - Should be releasing faster since they got over the music licensing hurdles. They did a much better job with the third season.
Hazel - Been awhile since season 1 was released.
Home Improvement - They seem to be good sellers.
House of Payne - A big hit on TBS.
How I Met Your Mother - The third season should be released in the fall.
I Dream of Jeannie - Another season or two this year.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - A popular sitcom on F/X.
The Jeffersons - It would be nice if Sony released these a bit faster.
Laverne & Shirley - Should be continued to be released with Happy Days and Mork & Mindy.
Leave it to Beaver - It's a shame that only 2 seasons have been released so far. Nothing last year for the 50th anniversary.
The Lucy Show - Should be next after they released The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour in 2007.
Mama's Family - I think we'll see Season 2.
Married with Children - Season 8 is coming in March. Only 3 seasons to go.
Martin - We should see season 4.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - No releases in 2007. Where is Season 5?
Maude - Sony's release schedule is very unpredictable.
Mork & Mindy - Just one season to go.
My Living Doll - Lots of rumors posted about this one-year wonder on our message board.
My Name Is Earl - Season 3 should be released in the fall.
My Wife and Kids - Popular in syndication. Can a DVD release be far behind?
The Nanny - No releases in awhile.
Night Court - A Season 2 release would be nice.
The Office - Season 4 should arrive in the fall. Hilarious show.
One Day at a Time - It would be nice to see the second season, although Sony's release pattern is a bit erratic.
The Real McCoys - Did you know they've already released the first two seasons?
Rules of Engagement - Seems to be a solid hit for CBS.
Samantha Who? - The #1 rated new sitcom of the season.
Scrubs - The series will be over soon after 7 fun seasons on NBC.
Silver Spoons - Hopefully the first season sales were strong enough to give us the second season.
The Simpsons - Many seasons to go, but they've been released at a good rate.
Square Pegs - A one-year wonder that would be perfect for a DVD release. Aired on TubeTime on Comcast's On Demand service, which I think is a good sign.
That Girl - Shout! Factory has done a nice job with the releases so far.
30 Rock - The second season should be released in the fall.
'Til Death - We will likely see the second season in 2008.
WKRP in Cincinnati - The first season seemed to sell well, despite the many music changes and edits.
Welcome Back, Kotter - I think we'll see Season 2 in 2008.
What's Happening Now!! - Probably won't be released as fast as What's Happening!!, but I think we'll eventually see the entire series released.
Who's the Boss? - Comcast's TubeTime On Demand service is currently showing the second season, which I think is a good sign that this series will make a comeback. Strong ratings on ION should also help.
Will & Grace - Just Season 8 left to go.
Wings - These have been released at a good rate. Only seasons 7-8 left to go.
The Wonder Years - The first season had only six episodes, so it could be given a trial run. Music licensing rights are a major issue, but hopefully a company like Shout! Factory could work on this set. Has been the #1 most requested unreleased show at TVShowsonDVD.com for quite awhile .
What do you think we'll see on DVD in 2008? Post your predictions on our message board.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Mini-DVD Review: All-Star Family Feud (Jan. 8); Solomon's Weekly Rant: The Jeffersons Snubbed, Annoying ION, 32 Bowl Games?
All-Star Family Feud (BCI, $29.98) brings us the all-star specials from the '70s and '80s that featured TV series of that time, classic TV stars, and more to DVD for the first time!
It's time to play the feud as your favorite stars battle for charity. These all-star specials started in 1978 on ABC in primetime. They were very popular. The show back then aired on ABC daytime and also in first-run syndication. There were specials that were created for daytime and syndication as well, such as classic TV weeks. I think everyone has seen at least one episode of Family Feud before...whether it was with Richard Dawson, Ray Combs, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn or the current host John O'Hurley, everyone has seen one episode, so no need for a description on the show.
Let's start with the packaging. We have a nice cover art for the box. We have the All-Star Family Feud logo in the famous yellow, blue, and red circles with white dots. We also have a photo of Richard Dawson! The cover art also lists some of the series that will be playing on this set, such as Eight is Enough and Love Boat. The back of the box has some info on the set (I notice some grammar problems though, such as "during it's run..." come on, no apostrophe s there!) and more details on what shows you will see. We have three screen shots as well, such as Richard kissing Florence Henderson. In the background we see Richard with the survey board in the background. Inside the box we get a digipak case and also a little insert booklet that has a nice history of the show...it is pretty cool and has nice photos inside, such as a screen shot of Richard with two of the stars of Soap. Anyway, to the case we go. The front of the case says, "Featuring such stars as," then it names some stars like Heather Locklear, Norman Fell and more. They missed some big stars they could have named here, like John Ritter, Betty White, Meredith Baxter, Susan Lucci, but not a big deal. Some more screen shots are on the bottom, such as one with Maureen McCormick. The back of the case we have the logo in red and a nice yellow background. Opening the digipak case, we get to the discs. It seems there are only two panels (disc one on the left, disc two on the right), but if you snap open the little part in the middle on each side, you open the panel and will see disc three on the left and disc four on the right. Very neat, but some people might get confused and think there are only two discs. The left side has a nice blue/white scheme and the right side has a nice yellow/white scheme. Each disc has the logo in red with a yellow background, and underneath that we have artwork in a blue shade. Disc one has a shot of Richard in a tux. Disc two has Richard with Lou Ferrigno and Bernie Kopell. Disc three has Richard with the cast of the first All-Star Family Feud special from 1978, like Diana Canova and Richard Kline. Disc four has a nice head shot of Richard.
The menu screen has Play All and Episodes. Disc four also has a Photo Gallery option. The main menu starts with the famous music of the show...then it zooms to the set in 3-D. It looks so cool. We have the survey board, the two sides where the families stand, and the face-off stand. When you select an option we get the famous red X in a box with the sound effect. But we were not wrong when we selected it! Cool anyway. When we choose Episodes, we get the episodes on the survey board, with the sound effects!
The video depends on the episode really. Remember this ranges from 1978 to 1984. I noticed some of the episodes look much better than others. The same goes for the audio. We also get bumpers saying we will return in a moment or back to the show. We also have production codes on some episodes in the beginning...very cool. Glad they kept that in there. The All-Star specials are around 45-50 minutes, but they are separated into three segments on the menu...for example the 6th All-Star special had Love Boat, WKRP, Soap and Real People. They are broken up into three parts: Love Boat vs. WKRP, Soap vs. Real People and Real People vs. WKRP in the finals. I wish they would have just listed them all into one and placed three chapter stops instead. It kind of ruins who goes to the finals. The daytime and first-run syndicated episodes run about 21-22 minutes each, as they were week-long events.
I will list all the episodes on this set, so you know what is on it. I have labeled it better than they do on the menu. On the menu all they list are the shows. The episodes are in no order at all, which is weird. Here is the rundown:
Disc 1 -
1. Adventure Stars Special: Adventure Heroines vs. Adventure Heroes (This was a week-long stunt in ABC daytime or syndication and only the first 2 of the 5 episodes from this week are on this set for some reason...the first one runs 24:17 and the second one runs 22:22)
2. TV's All-Time Favorites: Petticoat Junction, The Brady Bunch, Your Hit Parade and Leave it to Beaver (This was a week-long stunt in ABC daytime, and we get all 5 days here, runtimes are 22:22, 21:42, 22:23, 22:22, and 22:22...just a note the second day says it is an "encore" presentation)
3. 6th All-Star Special: Love Boat, WKRP in Cincinnati, Soap, Real People (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 20:34, 18:02, and 10:57)
Disc 2 -
4. Hollywood Walk of Fame Special: The Men vs. The Ladies (This was a week-long stunt in ABC daytime or syndication and only 2 of the 5 episodes from this week are on this set for some reason...the first one runs 21:01 and the second one is actually the fourth one from the week and runs 20:55)
5. 3rd All-Star Special: Love Boat, Eight is Enough, Family, What's Happening!! (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 21:18, 18:20, and 9:54)
6. Heroes vs. Villains All-Star Special: Two sets of Heroes vs. Villains teams face-off (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 21:11, 20:33, and 7:39)
7. 5th All-Star Special: One Day at a Time, Benson, Dallas, Eight is Enough (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 18:30, 21:30, and 9:24)
Disc 3 -
8. Nighttime vs. Daytime All-Star Special: Soap, All My Children, Eight is Enough, General Hospital (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 18:24, 21:34, and 9:56)
9. City vs. Country All-Star Special: Dallas, It's a Living, The Jeffersons, The Dukes of Hazzard (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 18:08, 20:19, and 10:43)
10. 7th All-Star Special: The Ropers, Angie, The Dukes of Hazard, The Waltons (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 22:15, 16:22, and 10:38)
11. 1st All-Star Special: Love Boat, Eight is Enough, Soap, Three's Company (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 21:44, 17:26, and 10:01...this entire special is a repeat telecast it says, so it isn't from the original airing, but probably nothing is edited out.)
Disc 4 -
12. 2nd All-Star Special: Barney Miller, Eight is Enough, Welcome Back Kotter, Soap (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 20:57, 17:00, and 11:33)
13. All-Star Championship Special: Eight is Enough, Family, Welcome Back Kotter, The Love Boat (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 19:20, 21:04, and 8:55)
14. TV's All-Time Favorites: Batman, Lost in Space, Hawaiian Eye, Gilligan's Island (This was a week-long stunt in ABC daytime, and we get only 1 of the 5 days here, and that is day 2 with Hawaiian Eye vs. Gilligan's Island, runtime is 21:45 and it says it is an "encore" presentation.)
15. Battle of the Perfect 10's All-Star Special: Wilt's Wows, Debbie's Dudes, Richard's Rosebuds, and Phyllis' Fighters (This was a primetime special on ABC and is separated into three parts: 20:40, 19:09, and 9:22)
As for special features, we have a Photo Gallery. Basically we have 40 pictures to go through in a slideshow form. You select the next option on your remote and it will go to the next picture. These images consist of TV Guide ads and promotional images. Very cool, wish I had some!
I highly do recommend this set for any game show fan and any fan of '70s and '80s TV. Maybe one of your favorite shows are featured on an episode playing for charity? There are some mishaps here, such as they mentioned Batman on the front cover, but yet that episode is not on this set. In fact, they have 4 of the daytime weeks here, where we had the stars on for 5 days, and only one of those weeks has all five episodes. I don't understand why we didn't get the full weeks of those. Maybe licensing was a problem, since Batman and Lost in Space was missing from one of the TV's All-Time Favorites weeks. It makes no sense to just have 2 episodes of the 5 of Adventure Stars Special: Adventure Heroines vs. Adventure Heroes and Hollywood Walk of Fame Special: The Men vs. The Ladies since they were the same teams all week long. All the primetime one-hour specials are good to go at least. I hope we get another set with more all-star specials and themed weeks with celebrities. I wish they had these in more of an order, like by airdate. Anyway, click on the link below and order this set because some of these are now rare to find and you'll love your favorite TV stars battling for charity. Let's Play the Feud!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
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Solomon's Weekly Rant
Saturday, January 5, 2008
"The Jeffersons Snubbed; Annoying ION; 32 Bowl Games?"
By Solomon Davis
Once again TV Land is pushing The Jeffersons to the side so that other shows can have a mini-thon during the week. Like always the two shows Good Times and Sanford & Son defintely was given a mini-thon on Wednesdays and Thursdays nights while The Jeffersons gets NOTHING. And to make things worst, Designing Women will have a mini-thon on Mondays which starts next week and still NOTHING for The Jeffersons. It's bad enough the show is already airing at 2:30am AFTER Designing Women and now this happens? Makes more sense to just get rid of the show and then maybe Good Times and Sanford & Son can get more marathons.
I guess ION thinks all their viewers have amnesia because they constantly remind you during the airing of Alice that Mama's Family and The Drew Carey Show are coming up later which we already know. Especially since those two shows are on four days of the week you would think it would be impossible to forget. But ION wants to make the closing credits of Alice SMALLER so we can be reminded about those shows over and over. I mean how many reminders do we need each week when we have things like on-screen guides and TV Guides??? The Incredibly Odd Network strikes again.
Just exactly how many more bowl games are there going to be in college football? It seems like every 2 or 3 years new bowl games are created so that more teams can have a chance to feel about something when their season is over. There are 32 bowl games now. There was not this many games 15 years ago it seems and the titles of the bowl games got more ridiculous. Like tomorrow night there will be the GMAC Bowl followed by the National Championship on Monday. And we had a bowl game called the Papa John's Bowl?? They better have had handed out free pizza to the crowd. So just how many more Bowl games will be created in the next 15 years? That's the main reason why they spill over to the networks they have no business on like the NFL Network!!
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