SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

SitcomsOnline Digest: The Neighborhood Renewed for Eighth and Final Season; NBC Picks Up New Cheerleading Comedy

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning of the cancellation of a CBS comedy, a new comedy pilot at NBC, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• The Neighborhood was renewed for an eighth season, but it will also be the final season. (Variety)
• NBC has picked up a new cheerleading comedy, Stumble. (Deadline)
• Connie Britton doesn't expect to be part of the reboot of Friday Night Lights. (Deadline)
• Meanwhile, Felicity actor Scott Foley thinks the time has passed for a Felicity reboot, because he thinks the cast is too old. (Deadline)
• NBC has been airing the Winter Olympics since 2002 and the Summer Olympics since 1988, and now, both of those will continue to air on NBC (in whatever form NBC exists in, as TV technology is rapidly evolving and we have no clue where we'll be by then) through 2036. (Hollywood Reporter)
• For a second year in a row, there will be no MTV TV & Movie Awards, as Viacom seems to be moving away from their awards shows that they've been known for in the past. (Yahoo! News)
• We mentioned last week that Tracy Morgan has a new upcoming NBC series, and we are getting some casting news for it now. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MARCH 15 - MARCH 21)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet.
• Antenna TV has a Designing Women marathon tomorrow.
• It's only the first two episodes for now (and we don't know if there will be more), but Joey is now streaming on the official Friends channel on YouTube.

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

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Labels: Felicity, Joey, MTV, SitcomsOnline Digest, Stumble, The Neighborhood

NBC Comedy Pilots Wheeling & Dealing; Hulu's Got to Get Out

NBC has ordered Stumble to a pilot. The single-camera pilot is for NBC from Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group with Defining Eve Productions producing. From writers Jeff Astrof & Liz Astrof, along with Dana Honor & Monica Aldama. The pilot is a mockumentary about the ridiculously high stakes competitive world of junior college cheer. Meanwhile, Daniel Radcliffe has joined the cast of NBC's untitled Tracy Morgan comedy pilot. Radcliffe plays Arthur Tobin, an award-winning filmmaker who moves into Reggie's (Tracy Morgan) mansion to film an immersive documentary about the former star running back. In the pilot, a disgraced former football player is on a mission to rehabilitate his image.

Hulu debuts the host and cast for Original unscripted series Got to Get Out. Your favorite Reality TV Royalties and breakout Reality TV Rookies face off to GET OUT and win $1 million! All eight episodes of Got to Get Out premiere Friday, April 11 on Hulu. Twenty people under one roof, $1 million dollars in prizes up for grabs. To win it, they've GOT TO GET OUT... but that's much easier said than done. Hosted by movie star Simu Liu!

Reality Royalties: Cynthia Bailey (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Demi Burnett (The Bachelor), Val Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars), Clare Crawley (The Bachelor), Rashad Jennings (former NFL running back), Susan Noles (The Golden Bachelor), Omarosa (The Apprentice), Spencer Pratt (The Hills), and Kim Zolciak-Biermann (The Real Housewives of Atlanta).

Reality Rookies: Jill Ashlock, Lindsey Coffey, Yahné Coleman, Shane Dougherty, Steven Giannopoulos, Steve Helling, Nick Metzler, Stein Retzlaff, Rob Roman, Athena Suich, and Athena Vas.

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

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Labels: Hulu, NBC, Stumble, Tracy Morgan Show

Prime Video Comedy Series Overcompensating Premiere Date; Eric Stonestreet Joins Dexter: Resurrection

Prime Video released first-look images and the premiere date for Overcompensating, created by and starring Benito Skinner. The comedy series, produced by A24 and Amazon MGM Studios, will premiere all eight episodes on May 15, 2025 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Overcompensating is a college-set ensemble comedy about the wild, chaotic journey of Benny (Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen (Wally Baram), a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. With guidance from Benny's older sister (Mary Beth Barone) and her campus-legend boyfriend (Adam DiMarco), Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, flavored vodka, and fake IDs. Deeply funny and personal, the show explores the lengths to which we all overcompensate while on the path to finding out who we really are.

Previously announced cast members of Overcompensating include Wally Baram (Shrinking), Mary Beth Barone (Black Mirror), Adam DiMarco (The White Lotus) and Rish Shah (Ms. Marvel). Recurring guest stars include Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, Kaia Gerber, Julia Shiplett, Tommy Do, Alexandra Beaton, Claire Qute, Elias Azimi and Maddie Phillips. Holmes, Corteon Moore, Owen Thiele and Nell Verlaque also have recurring roles. Andrea Martin also has a guest star role.

SHOWTIME® announced that Emmy® Award-winner Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) will join the cast of the SHOWTIME® original series Dexter®: Resurrection. Stonestreet will guest star in the role of Al. Production for Dexter®: Resurrection kicked off in January 2025 in New York and the series is set to launch in summer of 2025 on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. The new original drama series stars SAG and Golden Globe® winner Michael C. Hall (Dexter®, Six Feet Under) in the titular role of Dexter Morgan.

In addition to Hall, Dexter®: Resurrection will also star Uma Thurman as Charley, David Zayas as Detective Angel Batista, Jack Alcott as Dexter’s son Harrison Morgan, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Blessing Kamara, Kadia Saraf as Detective Claudette Wallace, Dominic Fumusa as Detective Melvin Oliva, Emilia Suárez as Elsa Rivera, with James Remar as Dexter’s father Harry Morgan and Peter Dinklage as Leon Prater. Neil Patrick Harris and Krysten Ritter are also set to guest star as Lowell and Mia, respectively.

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

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Labels: Amazon Prime, Dexter, Overcompensating, Showtime

Hacks Season 4 Premieres April 10; Nickelodeon Orders Wylde Pak

Season four of the Emmy®, Golden Globe®, and Critics Choice Award-winning Max Original comedy series Hacks debuts Thursday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. The ten-episode season debuts with two episodes, then one episode a week for four weeks. Episodes seven and eight debut together on May 15, followed by episode nine on May 22. The season finale debuts on May 29. Tensions rise as Deborah and Ava endeavor to get their late night show off the ground and make history doing it.

Season 4 cast: Six-time Emmy® winner and Tony Award® nominee Jean Smart, three-time Emmy® nominee and Critics Choice Award winner Hannah Einbinder, three-time Emmy® winner Paul W. Downs, SAG Award® nominee Megan Stalter, Emmy® nominee Carl Clemons-Hopkins, SAG Award® nominee Mark Indelicato, and SAG Award® nominee Rose Abdoo return alongside Dan Bucatinsky, Helen Hunt, Tony Goldwyn, Kaitlin Olson, Jane Adams, Lauren Weedman, Christopher McDonald, Poppy Liu, Lorenza Izzo, Johnny Sibilly, Paul Felder, Polly Draper, Luenell, and Aristotle Athari. Previously announced new cast members include Julianne Nicholson, Michaela Watkins, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, Eric Balfour, Danny Jolles, Gavin Matts, Grover Whitmore, III, Holmes, Jasmine Ashanti, Katy Sullivan, Matt Oberg, and Sandy Honig.

Humor and heart await in Nickelodeon's all-new 2D-animated series Wylde Pak, which follows the daily life of a blended multigenerational Korean American family. Inspired by co-creators and executive producers Paul Watling and Kyle Marshall's family life, the 26-episode comedy series follows half siblings Lily and Jack as they learn to navigate new family dynamics under one roof for the first time. Produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, the series is slated to debut this summer on the network. In Wylde Pak, living together for the first time, half-siblings Jack and Lily are pushed outside their comfort zones as they learn to coexist while navigating new family dynamics, friends, and endless hijinks all while helping run the family's pet grooming and boarding business. With guidance from their parents and grandmother, the two will learn about each other's previously separate lives, blended identity, vibrant culture, and the importance of family.

In the first look clip shared recently, Lily, Jack, and their family embark on the epic quest of navigating their local Asian market, Woori World, competing to find a highly coveted box of imported Hallasand cookies. With mind-bending obstacles coming at them from every direction, Jack, Lily and their family must work together to stand a chance against some tough competition. Wylde Pak stars Nikki Castillo (K.C. Undercover) as the voice of Lily Pak, a competitive and fun-loving 11-year-old and Benjamin Plessala (SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run) as Jack Wylde, Lily's 13-year-old adventurous half-brother who just came into town for the summer. Additional voices include Ben Pronsky (The Loud House) as William Wylde, Jack and Lily's fun-loving dad, Jee Young Han (Unprisoned) as the voice of Min-Ju Pak, Lily's energetic mom and Jack's stepmom, and Jean Yoon (Kim's Convenience) as the voice of Halmoni, Min's unpredictable mom, and Lily and Jack's caring yet stubborn grandma.

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

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Labels: Hacks, Max, Nickelodeon, Wylde Pak

The Neighborhood Renewed for Final Season; Max's The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast

CBS announced that its long-running hit comedy series The Neighborhood will return for an eighth and final season, to broadcast during the 2025-2026 television season on the Network, and available to stream on Paramount+.

Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Tichina Arnold, Sheaun McKinney, Marcel Spears and Skye Townsend star in The Neighborhood. Bill Martin, Mike Schiff, Aaron Kaplan, Wendi Trilling, Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone serve as executive producers. The Neighborhood is produced by CBS Studios.

Max and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television have announced The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast, an exclusive source for all things about the beloved show, debuting March 17. Hosted and executive produced by Jessica Radloff, New York Times bestselling author of The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, the podcast will analyze and explore every episode starting with seasons one and two with the cast and crew who were instrumental in the creation of the series.

Fans will get to hear backstage secrets and previously unheard stories as well as learn about the creative process and decision-making that brought each episode to life through conversations with guests like director James Burrows and cast members Kunal Nayyar, Kevin Sussman, and John Ross Bowie. The first podcast episode will offer a special look into the unaired pilot with co-creator Chuck Lorre and former Warner Bros. Television Group Chairman Peter Roth. Additional guests include Sara Gilbert, Christine Baranski, Vernee Watson, Sara Rue, and many more.

Listen to the trailer here.

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

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Labels: CBS, Max, The Big Bang Theory, The Neighborhood, Warner Bros

Netflix Renews Running Point for Season 2; Apple TV+ Trailer for The Studio

Netflix announced that the hit comedy series Running Point has been renewed for a second season. In its debut week, Running Point scored 9.3 Million views and ranked in the Top 10 across 83 countries. When a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) is appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises, and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community that she was the right choice for the job. From the hitmaking team of Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, Running Point puts a bold twist on the underdog comedy. The 10-episode series also stars Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield and Justin Theroux.

Cast: Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield, Justin Theroux, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, Dane DiLiegro

Apple TV+ dropped the trailer for the upcoming comedy series The Studio starring Seth Rogen, who also serves as co-creator, writer, director and executive producer alongside Emmy Award nominee Evan Goldberg. Starring Rogen and a star-studded ensemble cast with A-list cameos in every episode, the 10-episode comedy will premiere globally on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 with the first two episodes, followed by one episode every Wednesday through May 21, 2025.

In The Studio, Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of embattled Continental Studios. As movies struggle to stay alive and relevant, Matt and his core team of infighting executives battle their own insecurities as they wrangle narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords in the ever-elusive pursuit of making great films. With their power suits masking their never-ending sense of panic, every party, set visit, casting decision, marketing meeting and award show presents them with an opportunity for glittering success or career-ending catastrophe. As someone who eats, sleeps and breathes movies, it's the job Matt's been pursuing his whole life, and it may very well destroy him.

Rogen stars alongside a star-studded ensemble cast that also includes Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe Award winner Catherine O'Hara, Emmy Award nominee Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz and Chase Sui Wonders. Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston, Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Dewayne Perkins will appear as major recurring guest stars.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, Netflix, Running Point, The Studio

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of March 10, 2025)

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 3:00 PM

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Labels: Talk Shows, This Week in Sitcoms

SitcomsOnline Digest: Tracy Morgan to Star in NBC Pilot from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock; Nobody Wants This Returning for Second Season

 Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning of a new Tracy Morgan pilot, the renewal of a Netflix series, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• Tracy Morgan is set to star in a new NBC pilot from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, which is in addition to his upcoming Paramount+ comedy series, Crutch. (Deadline)
• Apparently somebody wants this, as Nobody Wants This is set to return for a second season. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Keegan-Michael Key is joining the cast of Only Murders in the Building for season 5. (Deadline)
• S.W.A.T., which has run for eight seasons and is a remake a 1970s series that only ran for 2 seasons, has been cancelled for the third time. (Variety)
• It may be a roll of the dice, but a reality series based upon the board game Monopoly is in the works. (Deadline)
• DVD and Blu-ray sales have plummeted a total of 93% in the past 20 years. (Cord Cutters News)
• Sinclair is changing the name of the OTA network TBD to ROAR next month, and although titles haven't been announced yet, it is said to include a "mix of classic and contemporary comedy series." (Cord Cutters News)
• Peter Engel, the man behind the most popular 90s teen sitcoms (including Saved by the Bell, of course), has died. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MARCH 8 - MARCH 14)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is Gomer Pyle, USMC.
• New seasons of American Idol and The $100,000 Pyramid arrive tomorrow night on ABC.
• A new season of The Amazing Race arrives Wednesday on CBS.

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

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Labels: Crutch, DVD, Gomer Pyle USMC, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Roar, SitcomsOnline Digest, SWAT

Trailer for Apple TV+ Comedy Government Cheese; Remembering Saved by the Bell and TV Producer Peter Engel

Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer for Government Cheese, starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer. The 10-episode comedy will make its global debut on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16, with the first four episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 28, 2025. Simone Missick, Jahi Di'Allo Winston and Evan Ellison star alongside Oyelowo in the Apple Original series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr.

Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn't go quite as he'd planned. During his absence, Hampton's wife Astoria (Missick) and sons Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di'Allo Winston) have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton's return spins their world into chaos.

The ensemble cast also includes Jean-Michel Richaud, London Garcia, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Bokeem Woodbine, Jeremy Bobb, Louis Cancelmi, Julien Heron, Louis Ferreira, Thomas Beaudoin and Kyle Mac, with John Ortiz and Adam Beach.

Television producer Peter Engel, who worked on Saved by the Bell, Hang Time and City Guys, has died. He died on March 4 at his home in Santa Monica, California. Mr. Engel was 88.

Engel's early television producing credits included the 1971 CBS variety series The Ice Palace, which had an ice skating theme. He was an executive producer of the 1974-1975 NBC soap opera How to Survive a Marriage. He was a producer of the short-lived 1976-1977 NBC sitcom Sirota's Court, which starred Michael Constantine, Cynthia Harris, and Fred Willard.

He was an executive producer of the 1988-1989 Disney Channel sitcom Good Morning Bliss. Starring Hayley Mills as teacher Miss Carrie Bliss, the series takes place at the John F. Kennedy Junior High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. The original pilot aired on NBC in the regular primetime timeslot of The Facts of Life. He also wrote an episode in 1988.

After one season on the air on the Disney Channel, the show was retooled as Saved by the Bell, which aired on NBC from 1989 to 1993. The show follows a group of high school friends and their principal at the fictional Bayside High School in Los Angeles. The series ran for four seasons and 86 episodes. Engel also wrote 12 episodes of the series. The series starred Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley, Lark Voorhies, and Dennis Haskins.

Engel was an executive producer of the 1993-1994 NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell: The College Years. The series follows Zack Morris, Screech Powers and A.C. Slater, and their three female suitemates, including Kelly Kapowski, in the dorms at college. It was the only series of the franchise to air in primetime.

He was an executive producer of the 1993-2000 NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell: The New Class. The show had the same concept as the original series but featured a new group of students roaming the halls of the fictional Bayside High School. At seven seasons, it was the longest-running incarnation of the franchise. Engel appeared as Murray in a 1997 episode.

Engel worked as an executive producer of the 1992-1996 NBC sitcom California Dreams. The series centers on the friendships of a group of teenagers (shifting toward a multi-ethnic makeup beginning with the show's second season) who form the fictional titular band.

He was an executive producer of the 1995-2000 NBC sitcom Hang Time. The series centers on the exploits of the Deering Tornados boys' varsity basketball team of the fictional Deering High School in the fictional Midwestern town of Deering, Indiana. Engel became the showrunner for the second season, resulting in extensive changes to the show. He appeared as The Commissioner in a 1997 episode.

Engel created and executive produced the 1997-1999 USA Network sitcom USA High. The series revolves around six friends enrolled at the American Academy boarding school in Paris, France. He played Chancellor Engel in a 1999 episode.

He created and executive produced the 1997-2001 NBC sitcom City Guys. The series centers on two teenagers from different backgrounds who both attended Manhattan High School that became best friends.

Engel was an executive producer of the 1998-2001 NBC sitcom One World. The series centers on the Blakes, a family mostly made up of six racially diverse foster teenagers living under one roof under the care of parents Dave, a former professional baseball player and Karen, a sculptor.

He and Carl Kurlander co-created the 1998-2000 first-run syndicated sitcom Malibu, CA. The show centers on the lives of twin brothers Scott (Trevor Merszei) and Jason Collins (Jason Hayes), who move to Malibu, California, from New York City to live with their father, Peter (Edward Blatchford).

In 2001, he was an executive producer of the short-lived NBC comedy-drama All About Us. The series focuses on the development of four teenage girls who live and attend high school in Chicago.

After producing teen-focused series for NBC, Engel transitioned to producing reality television series. He was an executive producer of 28 episodes of the NBC reality series Last Comic Standing from 2004 to 2014. The series received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program in 2004.

He was one of the executive producers for 11 episodes of the 2020-2021 Peacock sitcom Saved by the Bell. The series is set 26 years after Zack and Kelly's wedding, with the main characters of the original series reunited in their 40s and trying to navigate their lives.

In 2016, he released a memoir titled I Was Saved by the Bell: Stories of Life, Love, and Dreams That Do Come True. He opened up for the first time about his life, from personal and professional highlights to the serious challenges that shaped him.

Mr. Engel was one of the most prolific producers in television with more than 1,000 episodes produced under his banner. He was the architect behind Saved by the Bell, which he executive produced through all of its many incarnations, and which led to his many other teen series. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment that he brought us on Saved by the Bell and his many other sitcoms. He will be greatly missed.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, California Dreams, City Guys, Government Cheese, Hang Time, Obits, Saved by the Bell

The CW Spring Premiere Dates; Henry Winkler Heads to HISTORY Channel

The CW Network announced spring premiere dates for new and returning programming, including the new drama series Sherlock & Daughter and returning favorites Sullivan's Crossing and Children Ruin Everything.

The new mystery thriller series Sherlock & Daughter, starring Emmy(R) Award-nominee David Thewlis (The Artful Dodger, Fargo) as the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, premieres on Wednesday, April 16 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). Inspirational women from across the country are recognized in the one-hour special Remarkable Women on Sunday, April 20 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The hit series Sullivan's Crossing, starring Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson returns for its third season on Wednesday, May 7 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT). Family comedy Children Ruin Everything, starring Meaghan Rath and Aaron Abrams, resumes its fourth and final season with two new back-to-back episodes on Wednesday, June 18 (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT, 9:30-10:00pm ET/PT).

The HISTORY Channel(TM) greenlights the new nonfiction series Hazardous History with Henry Winkler, to be executive produced, hosted and narrated by Emmy Award(R) winning actor Henry Winkler (Barry, Happy Days). The eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series produced by A+E Factual Studios(TM) group in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment, will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past, uncovering the reckless and dangerous pastimes, practices and products you would never see today but were once a part of everyday Americana.

In each hour-long episode, Winkler dives into the unsupervised and often perilous activities of the past, revealing things people used to do for fun, money, or even out of boredom, that are unthinkable in today's modern world. From doctors who prescribed cigarettes and sodas laced with cocaine and lithium to radioactive toys and toxic refrigerators - this series unveils a forgotten era of America when irresponsible and hazardous products and practices were common occurrences.

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

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Labels: Barry, Children Ruin Everything, Happy Days, History, The CW

Hacks Brings Out the Stars in Season 4; NBC Orders Pilot with Tracy Morgan

The Max Original comedy series Hacks, 2024 Emmy(R), Golden Globe(R), and Critics Choice Awards winner for Outstanding Comedy Series, has added Julianne Nicholson, Michaela Watkins, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, and Eric Balfour as guest stars to the highly anticipated fourth season, debuting this spring. Additionally, Danny Jolles, Gavin Matts, Grover Whitmore, III, Holmes, Jasmine Ashanti, Katy Sullivan, Matt Oberg, and Sandy Honig will guest star as writers on Deborah Vance's (Jean Smart) new late night show. Universal Television is the studio. Tensions rise as Deborah and Ava endeavor to get their late night show off the ground and make history doing it.

Returning cast: Six-time Emmy(R) winner and Tony Award(R) nominee Jean Smart, three-time Emmy(R) nominee and Critics Choice Award winner Hannah Einbinder, three-time Emmy(R) winner Paul W. Downs, SAG Award(R) nominee Megan Stalter, Emmy(R) nominee Carl Clemons-Hopkins, SAG Award(R) nominee Mark Indelicato, and SAG Award(R) nominee Rose Abdoo return alongside Dan Bucatinsky, Helen Hunt, Tony Goldwyn, Kaitlin Olson, Jane Adams, Lauren Weedman, Christopher McDonald, Poppy Liu, Lorenza Izzo, Johnny Sibilly, Paul Felder, Polly Draper, Luenell, and Aristotle Athari. Additionally, the upcoming fourth season will feature exciting surprise cameos.

NBC has given a pilot order for the single-camera comedy starring Tracy Morgan. From Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and production companies Little Stranger, Bevel Gears, 3 Arts. Robert Carlock & Sam Means will write and produce. Other EP's are Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Eric Gurian & David Miner. Rhys Thomas will direct. In the pilot, a disgraced former football player is on a mission to rehabilitate his image. Morgan will next star in Paramount+'s half-hour comedy series Crutch, which is scheduled to premiere later this year. His deal allows him to star in both projects in the future.

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

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Labels: Crutch, Hacks, Max, NBC, Paramount+, Tracy Morgan Show

Apple TV+ Side Quest Launches March 26; Krysten Ritter Joins Dexter: Resurrection

Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer for the all-new anthology series Side Quest, hailing from the same team behind the beloved, acclaimed office comedy Mythic Quest. Set to premiere globally on Wednesday, March 26 on Apple TV+, all four episodes of Side Quest will debut alongside the season four finale of Mythic Quest.

An expansion of the Mythic Quest universe, Side Quest explores the lives of employees, player and fans who are impacted by the game in an anthology format. The series stars Rob McElhenney, Anna Konkle, Derek Waters, William Stanford Davis, Bria Samoné Henderson, Rome Flynn, Leonard Robinson, Gary Kraus, Annamarie Kasper, Esai Morales, Shalita Grant and many more in the leading roles across each installment.

SHOWTIME® announced that Krysten Ritter (Love & Death, Marvel’s Jessica Jones) will join the cast of the SHOWTIME® original series Dexter: Resurrection. Ritter will guest star in the role of Mia. Production for Dexter: Resurrection kicked off in January 2025 in New York and the series is set to launch in summer of 2025 on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. The new original drama series stars SAG and Golden Globe® winner Michael C. Hall (Dexter®, Six Feet Under) in the titular role of Dexter Morgan. In addition to Hall, Dexter: Resurrection will also star Uma Thurman as Charley, David Zayas as Detective Angel Batista, Jack Alcott as Dexter’s son Harrison Morgan, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Blessing Kamara, Kadia Saraf as Detective Claudette Wallace, Dominic Fumusa as Detective Melvin Oliva, Emilia Suárez as Elsa Rivera, with James Remar as Dexter’s father Harry Morgan and Peter Dinklage as Leon Prater.

Most recently, Dexter®: Original Sin, a prequel series that follows Dexter (played by Patrick Gibson) as he transitions from student to serial killer, debuted last year and became the most streamed global original series for SHOWTIME® in ten years. The season finale aired in February.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, Dexter, Mythic Quest, Showtime, Side Quest

HBO's The Rehearsal Returns April 20; Sharon Horgan Signs Deal for HBO Comedy Series

The critically acclaimed HBO Original comedy series The Rehearsal, from Nathan Fielder, returns for its six-episode second season Sunday, April 20 on HBO following and the airing of The Righteous Gemstones. Episodes will be available on Max Sundays beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The Rehearsal follows one man’s journey to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life. With a construction crew, a legion of actors, and seemingly unlimited resources, Fielder helps ordinary people prepare for life's biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations of his own design. In season two, the urgency of Fielder's project grows as he decides to put his resources toward an issue that affects us all.

HBO has signed a two-year first-look television deal with BAFTA-winning and Emmy®-nominated actor, writer, and producer Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters, Catastrophe) and her multi award-winning production company Merman, which began this month. HBO has also given a straight-to-series order for a new original comedy series, the first project under this deal, from Horgan and produced by Merman, with Horgan serving as writer, star, and executive producer. This comedy series from Sharon Horgan follows a 50-year-old divorcee’s search for sex and love whilst juggling caring for her ailing parents and parenting her should-be grown up son.

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

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Labels: Bad Sisters, Catastrophe, HBO, The Rehearsal

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of March 3, 2025)

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 3:15 PM

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Labels: Talk Shows, This Week in Sitcoms

SitcomsOnline Digest: Premiere Date for Mid-Century Modern Set; Roseanne Remastered in High Definition

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about a premiere date for a Hulu series, the remastering of Roseanne in high definition, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• A premiere date has been set for Mid-Century Modern. (Deadline)
• Roseanne has been remastered in high definition, and those episodes will begin appearing on TV broadcasts in the next few days. (MSN)
• Some Boy Meets World unsettled drama is apparently still unsettled decades later. (Entertainment Weekly)
• We've mentioned many times that NBC is spinning off most of their cable networks (aside from Bravo), but will this bring the networks back to their previous glory or is it just the next step toward the end of cable TV as we know it? (Variety)
• Lester Holt is leaving NBC Nightly News in the summer, but will remain with Dateline. (NBC )
• The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will remain on NBC for at least 10 more years. (Variety)
• There are a lot of former TV stars that we're remembering this week. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (MARCH 1 - MARCH 7)

• Tomorrow's binge on Catchy Comedy is The Flying Nun.
• ABC's Thursday night programs return for new episodes next week.
• A new season of The Amazing Race arrives Wednesday on CBS.

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

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Labels: Boy Meets World, Flying Nun, Mid-Century Modern, NBC, Roseanne, SitcomsOnline Digest

Remembering John Lawlor, Michelle Trachtenberg, Lynne Marie Stewart, Alice Hirson, Isaac Ruiz Jr., and Others We Lost in February

Actor John Lawlor, who starred as Leonard Marsh in Phyllis and as Steven Bradley in The Facts of Life, has died. He died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 13. Mr. Lawlor was 83.

Lawlor starred as Leonard Marsh in the second season (1976-1977) of the CBS sitcom Phyllis. Leonard Marsh is a politician who works in the same office as Dan Valenti (Carmine Caridi) and Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman). Leonard is sometimes extremely dim, but is able to good look on camera and give a quotable soundbite. Lawlor guest starred as Officer Hale in the first season episode "Crazy Mama". The season two cast included Henry Jones, Jane Rose, Lisa Gerritsen, Judith Lowry, Garn Stephens, Burt Mustin (1976), and Craig Wasson (1977).

He starred as Steven Bradley in the first season (1979-1980) of the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. Mr. Bradley is Eastland's headmaster. Mr. Bradley was succeeded as headmaster by the seldom-seen Mr. Harris (Kenneth Mars) and then by Mr. Charles Parker (Roger Perry) in the third season until the beginning of the fifth season. The season one cast included Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Jenny O'Hara (1979), Felice Schacter, Julie Piekarski, Julie Anne Haddock, and Molly Ringwald.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Alice, Barney Miller, A New Kind of Family, Condo, Newhart, Sledge Hammer!, She's the Sheriff, and Mr. Belvedere.

Lawlor played Walter Talbert in four episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful from 1988 to 1989. He guest starred in four episodes of Knots Landing from 1992 to 1993. Some of his other television guest appearances included The Rockford Files, Ellery Queen, Joe Forrester, Black Sheep Squadron, Here's Boomer, T.J. Hooker, Simon & Simon, Stingray, Highway to Heaven (2 episodes), The New Lassie, L.A. Law, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Cold Case, In Plain Sight, Scoundrels (3 episodes), Breaking Bad, Longmire, and Graves. His final credits were as Elmer Knowland in four episodes of the 2017 Netflix western miniseries Godless.

In a 1980s TV commercial for Malt-O-Meal hot cereal, he played a father telling his son's invisible friend that Malt-O-Meal was, "Good stuff, Maynard!" a line which became a popular phrase.

Mr. Lawlor was a solid and dependable chracter actor. We thank him for his work on Phyllis, The Facts of Life, and his other television roles. He will be greatly missed.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred as Nona F. Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, has died. She died on February 26 in her New York City apartment. The primary cause of death was complications of diabetes, which is sometimes a side effect of organ transplantation. Ms. Trachtenberg was only 39.

Trachtenberg made her television debut in her first credited role as Nona F. Mecklenberg in the Nickelodeon sitcom The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She had a recurring role in 14 episodes in seasons two and three (1994-1996). Nona F. Mecklenberg is Little Pete's (Danny Tamberelli) best friend. James "Pop" Mecklenberg (Iggy Pop) is Nona's loving and occasionally overprotective dad. The series also starred Michael Maronna, Hardy Rawls, Judy Grafe, Alison Fanelli, and Toby Huss.

She starred as Maggie Parker in the short-lived 1997 CBS sitcom Meego. The series starred Bronson Pinchot in the title role as an alien masquerading as a human being who, after his spaceship crashlands on Earth, unexpectedly becomes the nanny to a single father's (Ed Begley Jr. as Dr. Edward Parker) three children: Trip (Will Estes, played by Erik von Detten in the pilot), Maggie and Alex Parker (Jonathan Lipnicki). In 1997, she won a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series – Supporting Young Actress for the role.

Trachtenberg's first credited television role was as Elsie Soaperstein in a 1993 episode of Clarissa Explains It All. She guest starred on Dave's World in 1996 and Guys Like Us in 1998.

She starred as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), in The WB and UPN supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. Dawn Summers is introduced in season five ("Buffy vs. Dracula"). The role won her another Young Artist Award in 2001 and earned her three Saturn Award nominations.

Trachtenberg had a recurring role as Georgina Sparks in 28 episodes of The CW teen drama Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012. Georgina Sparks is a troublesome schemer and Serena van der Woodsen's (Blake Lively) former friend. In 2022, she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the second season of the HBO revival of Gossip Girl.

She starred as Chloe Payne in the 2009-2010 NBC medical drama Mercy. She played Lily Montgomary in three episodes of All My Children in 1994. Some of her other television credits included Space Cases, Six Feet Under (4 episodes), House, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Love Bites (3 episodes), Weeds (5 episodes as Emma Karlin), Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Sleepy Hollow (2 episodes).

Trachtenberg's film career began in 1996 with the title role in Harriet the Spy. Some of her other film credits included Inspector Gadget (1999), EuroTrip (2004), Mysterious Skin (2004), Ice Princess (2005), Black Christmas (2006), and 17 Again (2009).

Ms. Trachtenberg was a talented and versatile young actress. She had a lot of success with many roles in her career. We thank her for her work on television and in films. She will be deeply missed.

Actress Lynne Marie Stewart, who had a recurring role as Bonnie Kelly in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died. She died in Los Angeles on February 21 from cancer, which was found near her liver and gallbladder. Ms. Stewart was 78.

Stewart starred as Joy Bellini in the short-lived 1978 CBS sitcom Husbands, Wives & Lovers. Created by Joan Rivers, the series focused on the relationships of five suburban couples living in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. Joy Bellini is married to Harry Bellini (Eddie Barth), a blue-collar self-made man who owns a fleet of garbage trucks. The series also starred JEsse Welles, Ron Rifkin, Stephen Pearlman, Cynthia Harris, Mark Lonow, Randee Heller, Charles Siebert, and Claudette Nevins.

She had a recurring role as Bonnie Kelly, Charlie Kelly's (Charlie Day) mother, in 18 episodes of the FX/FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia from 2005 to 2023. Bonnie Kelly is a sweet and timid woman who is attracted to cruel men.

Some of her early sitcom guest appearances included Madame's Place (2 episodes), One Day at a Time, Laverne & Shirley (7 episodes as various chracters), The Duck Factory (1990), The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Herman's Head, Hope & Gloria, Dream On, Suddenly Susan, Caroline in the City, Alright Already, Almost Perfect, Working, and The Brian Benben Show.

Some of her 2000s and later sitcom guest appearances included Spin City, The Brothers Garcia, Son of the Beach (11 episodes), According to Jim, Arrested Development, Significant Others (2 episodes), Curb Your Enthusiasm, Austin & Ally, Good Luck Charlie, Benched, 2 Broke Girls (2 episodes), Nobodies (2 episodes), and The Cool Kids. She was an audience member (the lady in the frumpy dress with the glasses) in 31 episodes of the comedy show Night Stand with Dick Dietrick from 1995 to 1996.

She provided Shirley's voice in the Saturday morning cartoon Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour and Laverne & Shirley in the Army. Some of her other voice credits included The Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Show, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, and Life with Louie (6 episodes).

Stewart was widely known for her performance as Miss Yvonne, "the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land", in the 1986-1990 CBS children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse. She originated the role in the 1981 stage show The Pee-wee Herman Show. She continued it in the 2010 Los Angeles stage revival and the Broadway production, which opened in November 2010 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

Ms. Stewart was a funny and memorable actress. She was a familiar face in many sitcoms. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment. She will be sorely missed.

Actress Alice Hirson, who had a recurring role as Lois Morgan in Ellen, has died. She died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles on February 14. Ms. Hirson was 95.

Hirson starred as Nana in the short-lived 1992 NBC sitcom Home Fires. Nana is Anne Kramer's (Kate Burton) busybody mother who drove everyone crazy. The series also starred Michael Brandon, Nicole Eggert, Jarrad Paul, Tyagi Schwartz, and Norman Lloyd.

She had a recurring role as Claire Tanner in three episodes of the ABC sitcom Full House in 1987. Granny Tanny is Danny's (Bob Saget) mother. She helped Danny raise the girls in the first few months after the death of Danny's wife, Pam, prior to Jesse and Joey moving into the house. Claire Tanner was later played by Doris Roberts in a 1990 episode.

Hirson had a recurring role as Lois Morgan in 28 episodes of the 1994-1998 ABC sitcom Ellen. Lois is Ellen Inez Morgan's (Ellen DeGeneres) mother. Lois spends much of her time nosing and interfering in Ellen's life. Before Ellen comes out of the closet, Lois is obsessed with finding Ellen a husband.

Some of her sitcom guest appeances included Maude, The Ropers, Barney Miller, Taxi, Foley Square, Dear John, Murphy Brown (3 episodes), and Just Shoot Me!.

She appeared as Marsha Davis in 43 episodes of the NBC soap opera Another World in 1970. She played Eileen Riley Siegel in 59 episodes of the ABC soap opera One Life to Live from 1972 to 1976. In 1982, she appeared as Mrs. Van Gelder in four episodes of General Hospital. She had a recurring role as Mavis Anderson, friend and confidante of Miss Ellie Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes), in 26 episodes of the CBS prime time soap opera Dallas from 1982 to 1988.

From 1996 to 2006, she appeared in eight episodes of The WB family drama 7th Heaven playing Jenny Jackson, mother of Annie Camden (Catherine Hicks), whose illness and death occurred as the series began in 1996.

Ms. Hirson was funny as Ellen's mother. We thank her for her work as sitcom moms. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Isaac Ruiz Jr., who had a recurring role as Mando in Chico and the Man, has died. He died in his home in Los Angeles on February 10. He was recently diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mr. Ruiz was 81.

Ruiz had a recurring role as Mando, Chico's friend, in seven episodes of the 1974-1978 NBC sitcom Chico and the Man. The series stars Jack Albertson as Ed Brown (the Man), the cantankerous owner of a run-down garage in an East Los Angeles barrio, and Freddie Prinze (until Prinze's suicide in the third season) as Chico Rodriguez, an upbeat, optimistic young Mexican American who comes in looking for a job.

Some of his other television appearances included Delvecchio, The Rockford Files, Project U.F.O., and Charlie's Angels (1978). He played Tico in the 1978 adventure comedy film Corvette Summer, which starred Mark Hamill and Annie Potts.

Mr. Ruiz originally auditioned for the role of Chico. He lost out to Freddie Prinze, but creator and producer James Komack liked him enough to create a new character for him. We thank him for his work as the lovable Mando on Chico and the Man. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actor and professional football player Peter "Navy" Tuiasosopo. He had a recurring as Big Bob in New Girl. He died from heart complications in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 10. Mr. Tuiasosopo was 61.

Tuiasosopo co-starred in his first television series with Adam West as the strong-armed detective Al Hamoki in the short-lived 1993 Fox half-hour comedy anthology series Danger Theatre. He appeared in four episodes of the series, which was hosted by Robert Vaughn.

He appeared as Big Bob in three episodes of New Girl from 2013 to 2016. He played Steve in an earlier episode in 2012. Some of his other sitcom credits included Down the Shore (2 episodes), The Jamie Foxx Show, Jenny, Accidentally on Purpose, Mr. Sunshine, Workaholics, Kickin' It, and black-ish.

Tuiasosopo starred as Officer Kaleo in the short-lived 2004 NBC police drama Hawaii. Some of his other television credits included Silk Stalkings, Dragnet (2003), Big Love, Women's Murder Club, Easy Money (6 episodes), The Young and the Restless (7 episodes), NCIS, Mob City, Ray Donovan, Mayans M.C., and Magnum P.I. (2021).

His film debut was as Laikai "The Slender" Manumana in the 1991 sports comedy Necessary Roughness. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Edmond Honda in the live action movie Street Fighter (1994)

Mr. Tuiasosopo played football as a center in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams in 1987. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

Actor Tony Roberts starred as Ted Bolen in the 1984 CBS sitcom The Four Seasons, as Jim Gordon in the 1985 CBS sitcom The Lucie Arnaz Show, and as Sloan Thorn in the 1988 ABC sitcom The Thorns. He died of lung cancer at his Manhattan home on February 7. Mr. Roberts was 85.

Roberts starred as Ted Bolen in the short-lived 1984 CBS sitcom The Four Seasons. The series was based on the 1981 film The Four Seasons, which was written and directed by and starred Alan Alda. It also starred Jack Weston, Marcia Rodd, Barbara Babcock, Allan Arbus, Joanna Kerns, Beatrice Alda, Elizabeth Alda, and Lori Carrell.

He starred as Jim Gordon in the short-lived 1985 CBS The Lucie Arnaz Show. Dr. Jane Lucas (Lucie Arnaz) is a psychologist who answers questions from the public on her radio show ("The Jane Lucas Show") and in a magazine. Jim Gordon is her boss. The series also starred Karen Jablons-Alexander, Lee Bryant, and Todd Waring.

Roberts starred as Sloan Thorn in the short-lived 1988 ABC sitcom The Thorns. The Thorns are a dysfunctional married couple trying to climb their way up the social ladder in New York while dealing with their children and a grandmother moving in. The series also starred Kelly Bishop, Marilyn Cooper, Lori Petty, Mary Louise Wilson, Adam Biesk, Lisa Rieffel, Jesse Tendler, Maureen Stapleton, and Kathryn Marcopulos.

Some of his sitcom guest apparances included Love, American Style (1971), Phyllis, The Love Boat (3 episodes), and Married to the Kellys. Hee starred as Joseph Rosetti in the short-lived 1977 law drama Rosetti and Ryan.

Mr. Roberts was best known for his collaborations with filmmaker Woody Allen, having acted in six of his films, most notably Annie Hall (1977). We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 2:00 PM

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Labels: Adventures of Pete and Pete, Chico and the Man, Ellen, Facts of Life, Full House, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Obits, Pee-wee's Playhouse, Phyllis