SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

It's time for another edition of Fri-Yay! That means we will take a look back on some sitcom happenings in recent days or weeks or other fun sitcomy stuff. It's a sitcom lover's paradise! Happy Fri-Yay!

by Vincent

This week, Hulu announced the cancellation of Difficult People. Difficult People was in its third season, and although it was never a huge hit, it had gained a dedicated following and was one of the first Hulu originals that seemed to grab a decent-sized following. After Difficult People came Casual, another half-hour comedy (with dramatic elements) that gained some minor awards attention and a dedicated fanbase. The success of those two shows was combined with Hulu's acquisition of The Mindy Project after it was cancelled by Fox. Hulu seemed to be the home of beloved, if not incredibly well watched, comedies. However, over the past few months, Hulu has quietly announced the end of nearly its entire comedy slate. Casual will end with its next season, The Mindy Project is currently airing its final season, and Difficult People was cancelled without even an announcement.

This is an interesting move considering quirky, off-beat comedies and dramedies were what made Hulu stand out from its streaming competitors. However, Hulu was undoubtedly the little guy in the streaming wars - until it became the first streaming service to take home an Outstanding Series award with The Handmaid's Tale this year. The Handmaid's Tale was a cultural phenomenon that toppled over everything else Hulu had done up to that point, so it's not especially surprising that they would be switching up directions. Still, it's unfortunate to see any service that was once big on comedy turn their back towards it, so let's hope Hulu still has room for some original comedies.

Huddle around your TV New Year's Day for 18-straight hours of friends, football and fun with Antenna TV's "New Year Kickoff with Coach" marathon. Starting at 5am on January 1, 2018, Antenna TV will lineup the best episodes of Coach, starring Craig T. Nelson, as college football coach Hayden Fox, leading his team at home and on the field. Special episodes include Fox and his team's appearances in the "Pineapple Bowl," "Popcorn Bowl," "Patriot Bowl" & "Pioneer Bowl." Kickoff the new year with Coach, Antenna TV's newest lineup addition. As we mentioned earlier this week, beginning January 2, 2018, Coach will air weekdays at 11pm ET and weekends at 4:30pm ET.

Jamie Chung (Once Upon a Time, Big Hero 6) has joined the cast of Hulu comedy series Casual in a recurring role as Tina. Tina has the self-confidence of "a pretty, debt-free, part-time freelance artist whose parents bought her a house." The surprising consequences following Charles' death and Valerie’s decision to move out propel the trio to rebel, exploring different jobs, partners, and unfulfilled passions. As they adjust to a new normal, can they maintain boundaries or will they revert to the comfort of codependency? Season three of Casual begins on Tuesday, May 23 on Hulu. The series stars Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, Tara Lynne Barr and Nyasha Hatendi. 13 episodes have been ordered for this third season.

Turner's TBS is partnering with the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) to amplify the week-long comedy event that will run Tuesday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, with over 200 comedians performing in more than 60 shows in the most prestigious venues across New York City. Through this new deal, TBS will activate unique transmedia fan experiences throughout the festival, create a variety of digital and linear content initiatives, and explore development opportunities with the next fresh voices in the comedy space. TBS will also integrate its top talent, starting with Conan O'Brien, who is set to return to New York during NYCF for a week of CONAN episodes taped at the legendary Apollo Theatre. Last year TBS's brand evolution was an unqualified success, driven by an unprecedented string of six consecutive hits - Angie Tribeca, The Detour, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Wrecked, People of Earth and Search Party - all ranking among cable's Top 25 new comedies on cable among adults 18-49.

Following its successful series debut on October 7, the Hulu Original Casual has already been picked up for a second season with a 13-episode order. Lionsgate Television's critically-acclaimed comedy series will return with creator and executive producer Zander Lehmann and executive producers Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air), Helen Estabrook and Liz Tigelaar. Casual has drawn praise for stars Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, Tara Lynne Barr and Nyasha Hatendi, who will all return as series regulars for the second season. Hulu will continue to roll out weekly episodes for its 10-episode straight-to-series order for season one of Casual, launching its fourth episode today. All episodes will be available to stream to subscribers in both Hulu's limited and no commercials plans.

Casual follows the story of a dysfunctional family with a bachelor brother and his newly divorced sister. Together, they coach each other through the crazy world of dating (on-line and off), while living under one roof again and raising a teenager. New episodes are available every Wednesday. In episode four streaming today, Alex (Tommy Dewey) goes back to work for the first time in weeks. Valerie (Michaela Watkins) slips up and breaks one of his cardinal rules of casual sex, while Laura (Tara Lynne Barr) begins to bond with her photography teacher after class.

The second season of Casual will join 11/22/63, an event series based upon the best-selling Stephen King novel from J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions; The Path, a drama series from Jason Katims' True Jack Productions starring Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan and Hugh Dancy; The Mindy Project, a comedy series from Mindy Kaling; and comedy series Difficult People produced by Amy Poehler with stars Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner.

Actress and singer Pat Woodell, who was best known for her role as Bobbie Jo Bradley in the first two seasons of Petticoat Junction, has died. She died on September 29 at her home in Fallbrook, California, after a long battle with cancer. Ms. Woodell was 71.

Woodell starred as the first Bobbie Jo Bradley in seasons one and two of Petticoat Junction from 1963-1965. Her book-loving character appeared in 64 out of 74 episodes. She performed musical numbers in several episodes, including "The Ladybugs." The Ladybugs, a Beatles parody group, consisted of her TV sisters Linda Kaye, Jeannine Riley, together with Sheila James. The Ladybugs also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Woodell was replaced by Lori Saunders after she left to promote her singing career. She was interviewed and provided episode introductions for the season one and two DVD releases of the series in 2008-2009.

She guest starred as Miss Thompson in one of the last episodes ("A Visit from the Teacher") of The Munsters in 1966. Some of her other television guest appearances included Cheyenne, Hawaiian Eye, The Gallant Man, GE True, 77 Sunset Strip, Bright Promise and The New Perry Mason. She retired from acting in 1973.

We remember another 1960s sitcom actress. Melody Patterson was best known for her role Wrangler Jane in F Troop. She died on August 20 at a nursing home in Hollister, Missouri, of multiple organ failure. Ms. Patterson was 66.

Patterson starred as Jane Angelica Thrift/Wrangler Jane in the ABC sitcom F Troop from 1965-1967. Her hard-riding, fast-shooting cowgirl character owned Wrangler Jane's Trading Post and ran the U.S. post office in town. She was Captain Wilton Parmenter's (Ken Berry) beautiful but tomboyish, feisty, romantically aggressive girlfriend. Patterson was only 16 years old when she first appeared on the show.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included Wendy and Me, The Monkees and Green Acres. Her drama guest appearances included Adam-12 and three episodes of Hawaii Five-O. She was married to Hawaii Five-O star James MacArthur from 1970-1975. She is survived by her husband, Vern Miller.

We thank these talented and beautiful actresses for the entertainment they brought us in their classic 1960s sitcoms. They will be deeply missed.

Hulu has given a ten episode straight-to-series order to Casual, a single-camera, half-hour comedy series from Lionsgate Television to be executive-produced by Oscar(R) nominated director Jason Reitman (Up in the Air, Juno), series writer Zander Lehmann and Reitman's production partner Helen Estabrook (Whiplash, Young Adult), the company announced. Casual will debut on Hulu in 2015, with Reitman set to direct the premiere episode. Casual follows the story of a dysfunctional family with a bachelor brother and his newly divorced sister. Together, they coach each other through the crazy world of dating (on-line and off), while living under one roof again and raising a teenager. The comedy will be produced by Jason Reitman's Right of Way Films and will begin production this year. The Hulu Original series joins the recently announced order for 11/22/63, an event series based upon the best-selling Stephen King novel from J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions. Casting for Casual has not been announced yet, so stay tuned...


It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars, so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of Nov. 3-7, 2014, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! All times listed are Eastern. So get your DVRs (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!


Sunday, November 2, 2014

• Kathy Kinney (The Drew Carey Show) - Kathy will be featured on Oprah: Where Are They Now? at 9pm ET/PT on OWN.

Monday, November 3, 2014

• Martin Short (Mulaney/The Martin Short Show) - Watch Martin on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS. He will also discuss his book (I Must Say: My Life As A Humble Comedy Legend) on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
• Joel McHale (Community) - Joel appears on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
• Roseanne Barr (Roseanne) - Roseanne is a guest on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
• Jamie Foxx (The Jamie Foxx Show) - Jamie drops by The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) - Jon visits The Queen Latifah Show on your local station or at 2am on BET.
• Casey Wilson (Marry Me/Happy Endings) - Casey chats on The Queen Latifah Show on your local station or at 2am on BET.
• Sinbad (A Different World/The Sinbad Show) - Sinbad stops by Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
• Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback/Web Therapy/Friends) - Lisa will be on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
• Holly Robinson Peete (Hangin' with Mr. Cooper/For Your Love) - Holly is part of the Plugged In panel on Access Hollywood Live, so check your local listings.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

• Martin Short (Mulaney/The Martin Short Show) - Catch Martin on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC. He also chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
• T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley/The Goodwin Games/Carpoolers) - T.J. performs stand up on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
• Maya Rudolph (Up All Night) - Maya is a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Jim Gaffigan (My Boys/Welcome to New York) - Jim is a guest on @midnight on Comedy Central at midnight.
• Michael Ian Black (Burning Love/Ed) - Michael will be on @midnight on Comedy Central at midnight.
• Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) - Kelly stops by and you won't want to miss what happens when Kelly tries to win cash for a "Wendy Watcher" in a game of "Ripa or Stripa" on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations.
• Kate Walsh (Bad Judge) - Kate appears on The Queen Latifah Show on your local station or at 2am on BET.
• Lamorne Morris (New Girl) - Lamorne visits The Queen Latifah Show on your local station or at 2am on BET.
• Joey McIntryre (The McCarthys) - Joey is a guest on Big Morning Buzz Live at 9am on VH1.
• David Walton (About a Boy/Bent/Perfect Couples) - David is a guest on NBC's Today in the 10am hour. He will also be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 12:30pm ET.
• Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) - Sarah stops by The Better Show, so check your local listings.
• Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time, Jane Leeves (Hot in Cleveland/Frasier and Wendie Malick (Hot in Cleveland/Just Shoot Me!) - The ladies of Hot in Cleveland are guests on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
• Betty White (Hot in Cleveland/The Golden Girls/The Mary Tyler Moore Show) - Betty appears on Access Hollywood Live, so check your local listings.
• Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains/Kirk) - Kirk will be on Access Hollywood Live, so check your local listings.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

• Bette Midler (Bette) - Watch Bette chat and perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
• Jim Gaffigan (My Boys/Welcome to New York) - Jim is a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC.
• Bob Newhart (The Bob Newhart Show/Newhart/Bob) - Bob appears on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
• Melissa Rauch (The Big Bang Theory) - Melissa drops by The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
• Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time, Jane Leeves (Hot in Cleveland/Frasier and Wendie Malick (Hot in Cleveland/Just Shoot Me!) - The ladies of Hot in Cleveland are guests on Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo. They also join the Chew Crew on ABC's The Chew at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
• Kristen Johnston (The Exes/3rd Rock from the Sun) - Kristen talks about The Exes on LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
• Niecy Nash (The Soul Man/Getting On/Reno 911!) - Niecy talks about the new season of HBO's Getting On on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations. She will also be on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 8:50am.
• Donald Faison (The Exes/Scrubs) - Donald talks about his upcoming baby and his recent reunion with his Clueless co-stars on The Meredith Vieira Show, so check your local listings.
• Haley Joel Osment (Thunder Alley/The Jeff Foxworthy Show) - Haley Joel will be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 12:30pm ET.
• Sofia Vergara (Modern Family/The Knights of Prosperity/Hot Properties) - Sofia stops by Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
• Max Charles (The Neighbors) - Max discusses his starring role in the upcoming Hallmark Channel original movie Northpole on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
• Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City) - Cynthia talks about The Real Thing on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
• Ellen DeGeneres (Ellen) - Ellen is a guest on Steve Harvey, so check your local listings.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

• Whoopi Goldberg (Whoopi/Bagdad Cafe) - Catch Whoopi on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
• Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls) - Watch Beth on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:34pm on NBC. She will also be on CBS This Morning sometime between 7-9am.
• Geena Davis (The Geena Davis Show/Buffalo Bill) - Geena stops by Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
• Andrea Martin (Working the Engels) - Andrea appears on Conan at 11pm on TBS.
• Martin Short (Mulaney/The Martin Short Show) - Martin continues to make the rounds on Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.
• Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback/Web Therapy/Friends) - Lisa is a guest on Watch What Happens: Live at 11pm on Bravo.
• Joel McHale (Community) - Joel visits The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
• Kristen Johnston (The Exes/3rd Rock from the Sun) - Kristen talks about the new season of TV Land's The Exes on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations. She will also be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 12:30pm ET.
• David Walton (About a Boy/Bent/Perfect Couples) - David is a guest on Big Morning Buzz Live at 9am on VH1.
• Willie Garson (Sex and the City/Mr. Belvedere) - Willie talks about White Collar on NBC's Today in the 10am hour. He will also be on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 12:30pm ET.
• Tracy Pollan (Family Ties) - Tracy and her sister, Dana, discuss their new cookbook on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
• Anne-Marie Johnson (What's Happening Now!!) - Anne-Marie shares great holiday floral arrangements that can be reusable and even edible on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
• Bette Midler (Bette) - Bette performs on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
• Kate Walsh (Bad Judge) - Kate is a guest on Steve Harvey, so check your local listings.
• Cedric the Entertainer (The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT. He will also be on Fox & Friends on Fox News Channel at 7:29am. Finally, he is a guest on HuffPost Live at 4:30am.
• NeNe Leakes (The New Normal) - NeNe discusses her new role in Broadway's Cinderella on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
• Jennie Garth (Mystery Girls/What I Like About You) - Jennie will be on People Now.

Friday, November 7, 2014

• Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) - Watch Yvette on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:37am on CBS.
• Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) - Amy is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
• Bette Midler (Bette) - Bette chats and performs on LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
• Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls) - Beth appears on LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, so check your listings.
• Damon Wayans Jr. (New Girl/Happy Endings) - Damon visits The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Demi Lovato (Sonny with a Chance) - Demi stops by The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
• Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time, Jane Leeves (Hot in Cleveland/Frasier and Wendie Malick (Hot in Cleveland/Just Shoot Me!) - The ladies of Hot in Cleveland dish about the hilarious new season of TV Land's Hot in Cleveland on The Wendy Williams Show at 12am on BET or on your local stations.
• Martin Short (Mulaney/The Martin Short) - Martin reveals secrets from his memoir including the truth behind his most famous characters and which A-list stars are part of his colonoscopy party on The Meredith Vieira Show, so check your local listings.
• Niecy Nash (The Soul Man/Getting On/Reno 911!) - Niecy joins the Chew Crew on ABC's The Chew at 1pm ET/12pm PT/CT.
• Haley Joel Osment (Thunder Alley/The Jeff Foxworthy Show) - Haley Joel appears on Big Morning Buzz Live at 9am on VH1.
• Nick Jonas (Jonas L.A.) - Nick performs on Big Morning Buzz Live at 9am on VH1.
• Marlon Wayans (The Wayans Bros.) - Marlon is tentatively scheduled to appear on New York Live on WNBC in New York at 12:30pm ET.
• Tracy Pollan (Family Ties) - Tracy and her family stop by to serve up their signature pasta and salad on Rachael Ray, so check your local listings.
• Gregory Harrison (The Family Man) - Gregory discusses his starring role in the upcoming Hallmark Channel original movie The Nine Lives of Christmas on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am ET/PT.
• Tim Allen (Last Man Standing/Home Improvement) - Tim is a guest on Steve Harvey, so check your local listings.
• Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback/Web Therapy/Friends) - Lisa chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
• Mario Lopez (Saved by the Bell/Saved by the Bell: The College Years) - Mario appears on The Real on your local station or at 6pm on BET.

All listings are subject to change. Visit our blog and main site for daily updated listings. Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Friday feature! We do listen!