Word is Family Affair has been cancelled... that said it aired tonight.

I will not call this WB sitcom the greatest ever made, but it is definitely improving with age, and has come to realize that the young lady they cast as Sissy is perhaps one of the greatest finds in a long time.

She more than holds her own opposite Tim Curry and Gary Cole and makes this sitcom sparkle where a less actress could not. Here's hoping this episodes are airing as the coffin has not been sealed tight, but a glimmer of hope remains that this show may be allowed to come into its own.

posted by Kay Friday, March 14, 2003

 

Following on the success of its “Hunter: Return to Justice” reunion movie, NBC will broadcast an updated series version of the cop drama “Hunter” - starring original stars Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer - to its former Saturday-night beat beginning April 12, it was announced today by Jeff Zucker, President, NBC Entertainment.

“We believe that the ‘Hunter’ series stands the test of time and remains as a viable series entry for NBC’s new Saturday night programming this spring,” said Zucker. “Fred and Stepfanie have a special on-screen chemistry and rapport that viewers continue to value.”

The new series will premiere with a two-hour movie, “Hunter: Back in Force,” on Saturday, April 12 (9-11 p.m. ET) and will return on Saturdays (10-11 p.m. ET) with five subsequent one hour episodes.

“Hunter: Return to Justice” -- based on the series that ran on NBC from 1984-91 -- was broadcast last November 16 and reunited Lt. Rick Hunter (Dryer) and his former partner DeeDee McCall (Kramer) after Hunter visited San Diego to see his old friend. However, Hunter found himself pressed into service once again when McCall’s fiance’ - San Diego mayoral candidate Roger Prescott -- killed an intruder during a home robbery and unleashed a mysterious chain of events.

posted by Kay Thursday, March 13, 2003

 
ABC is ready for next season already?

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE THAT DEMONSTRATES A STRONG SHOW OF CONFIDENCE IN ITS NEW SCRIPTED PROGRAMMING, ABC ANNOUNCES EARLY 2003-2004 SEASON ORDERS FOR SEVEN SERIES: "8 SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER," "ACCORDING TO JIM," "ALIAS," "GEORGE LOPEZ," "LESS THAN PERFECT," "LIFE WITH BONNIE" AND "MY WIFE AND KIDS"

Popular Series Join "NYPD Blue" in Early Pick-Ups

Network Also Re-ups "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "The Bachelor" Franchise


In an unprecedented move that demonstrates a strong show of confidence in its new scripted programming, the ABC Television Network has picked up seven current series for the 2003-2004 season, including all four of its freshman comedies: "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter," "According to Jim," "Alias," "George Lopez," "Less Than Perfect," "Life with Bonnie" and "My Wife and Kids." The announcement was made today by Lloyd Braun, chairman, ABC Entertainment Television Group, and Susan Lyne, president, ABC Entertainment.

These successful series join previously-announced pick-up "NYPD Blue. "

"These seven shows have demonstrated both creative growth and an ability to compete in their timeslots," Ms. Lyne said in making the announcement. "Each one plays a key role in our current schedule, and they will be the building blocks for launching our new series next season."

"8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" is a strong lead-off program for ABC on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. The comedy is bringing ABC enormous time period improvement, boosting the Network's totals by 42% in Total Viewers and by 35% in Adults 18-49 over the same point last season. The show is a solid second in the half-hour this season among Adults 18-49 (4.6/13), behind only Fox with the mega-hit "American Idol" and "That 70's Show." In its half-hour, "8 Simple Rules" tops NBC by 70% (2.7/8) and CBS by 53% (2.9/8) among Adults 18-49. "8 Simple Rules" qualifies as ABC's most-watched comedy (12.4 million) and its No. 1 scripted program in Total Viewers, tied with "My Wife and Kids."

"8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" stars John Ritter, Katey Sagal, Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson and Martin Spanjers. Tracy Gamble, who created the series, also serves as executive producer, along with Tom Shadyac, Flody Suarez and Michael Bostick. The series is from Touchstone Television.

"According to Jim" is an incredibly strong transitional program for ABC on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. Like its "8 Simple Rules" lead-in, "Jim" is greatly improving the time period for ABC, up 33% in viewers and 36% in Adults 18-49 over the Net's delivery in the slot at the same point last season. The comedy is a strong second to Fox's "American Idol" in the half-hour in Adults 18-49 (4.9/12). A key component to ABC's success on the night, "According to Jim" builds by 4% on its Adult 18-49 lead-in on average. "According to Jim" is ABC's No. 1 comedy among Adults 18-49 and its No. 1 scripted program this season in the key demo, tied with "My Wife and Kids." "According to Jim" is up over its own delivery last season by 15% in viewers and by 9% in young adults.

"According to Jim" stars Jim Belushi, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Kimberly Williams, Larry Joe Campbell, Taylor Atelian and Billi Bruno. Executive producers/writers are Tracy Newman & Jonathan Stark. Executive producers are Suzanne Bukinik and Marc Gurvitz. The series is from Touchstone Television in association with Brad Grey Television.

With significant sampling on its post-Super Bowl telecast, "Alias" hit its highest ratings ever in Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. Since then "Alias" has maintained its momentum, outpacing its average prior to the Super Bowl by 12% in Total Viewers (10.1 million vs. 9.0 million) and by 18% in Adults 18-49 (4.7/10 vs. 4.0/9). Versus the same point last season, "Alias" is up by 3% in its core demographic of Adults 18-34 (3.8/10 vs. 3.7/9) and by 9% among Teens 12-17 (2.4/7 vs. 2.2/7).

"Alias" stars Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, Michael Vartan, Lena Olin, Bradley Cooper, Merrin Dungey, Carl Lumbly, Kevin Weisman and David Anders. The series, from Touchstone Television, was created by J.J. Abrams, who executive-produces along with John Eisendrath and Ken Olin.

On average this season, "George Lopez" leads its half-hour by 7% in Adults 18-49 (4.5/12 vs. 4.2/11 - Fox). The comedy also holds No. 1 ranks in its tie period this season among Total Viewers (11.4 million) and all key Women demographics. "George Lopez" retains an impressive 96% of its strong "Wife and Kids" Adult 18-49 lead-in. Among young adults in Hispanic homes, "George Lopez" is the second-highest-rated scripted television program this season, behind only NBC's "Friends."

"George Lopez" stars George Lopez, Constance Marie, Valente Rodriguez, Masiela Lusha, Luis Armand Garcia and Belita Moreno. Bruce Helford, Robert Borden, Deborah Oppenheimer and Sandra Bullock serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Mohawk Productions, Inc. and Fortis Films, in association with Warner Bros. Television.

"Less than Perfect" is a competitive player and exhibits strong retention of its young adult lead-in. "Less Than Perfect" holds second place in its time period among Women 25-54 (5.2/11). In addition, "Less Than Perfect" is retaining a strong 95% of its Adult 18-49 lead-in. "Less Than Perfect" has beaten its comedy competition in the time period, NBC's "A.U.S.A," for 2 consecutive weeks among Adults 18-49. On its most recent airing (2/18/03), "Less Than Perfect" gave ABC its largest advantage over NBC in the time period this season.

"Less Than Perfect" stars Sara Rue, Zachary Levi, Sherri Shepherd, Andrea Parker, Andy Dick and Eric Roberts. Terri Minsky, Nina Wass and Gene Stein serve as executive producers of the Touchstone Television production.

"Life with Bonnie" has performed exceptionally well in its half-hour opposite NBC's established comedy, "Frasier." "Life With Bonnie" ranks second in its time period this season among Women 25-54 (5.5/12), Teens 12-17 (2.9/10) and Kids 2-11 (1.6/7). Despite its competitive time slot, "Life with Bonnie" is improving the half-hour for ABC this season by 7% among Adults 18-34 and by 6% in Women 18-49.

"Life with Bonnie" stars Bonnie Hunt, Mark Derwin, Samantha Browne-Walters, Marianne Muellerleile, Charlie Stewart, Holly Wortell, Chris Barnes, Anthony Russell and David Alan Grier. The Touchstone Television series is created and executive-produced by Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake.

Dominating its time period again this season, "My Wife and Kids" leads its closest competition in Wednesday night's lead-off half-hour by 14% in Total Viewers (12.3 million vs. 10.8 million - CBS) and by 15% among Adults 18-49 (4.7/13 vs. 4.1/12 - Fox) on average. The hit family comedy has improved on its own performance in the same time period last season in both Total Viewers (12.3 million vs. 11.4 million) and Adults 18-49 (4.7/13 vs. 4.6/13). "My Wife and Kids" ranks as ABC's top rated comedy this season and its No. 1 scripted program in viewers (12.4 million) and young adults (4.9/14), tied with "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" and "According to Jim," respectively.

"My Wife and Kids" stars Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II, Jennifer Freeman and Parker McKenna Posey. Wayans and Don Reo are co-creators and executive producers. David Himelfarb is executive producer and Eric Gold is co-executive producer of the Touchstone Television series.

On the alternative series front, ABC has picked up continuous ratings winner "America's Funniest Home Videos," for its 14th season. It currently ranks No. 1 in its Friday 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot and has improved this time period by 19% in Adults 18-49. The smash hit reality relationship series, "The Bachelor," will also return for the 2003-04 season. In 2002 "The Bachelor" was the network's top-rated series in Adults 18-49, and its November finale drew an audience of 26.9 million, making it the second-most-watched non-sports program on ABC this season.

Vin Di Bona is executive producer of "America's Funniest Home Videos," with Todd Thicke and Terry Moore serving as co-executive producers. The series is from Vin Di Bona Productions. "The Bachelor" is produced by Next Entertainment in associationwith Telepictures Productions for ABC. Mike Fleiss is executive producer and Lisa Levenson is co-executive producer.

posted by Kay Thursday, March 13, 2003

 

Lynne Thigpen (Second from the left in the banner above), who played Ella Farmer in THE DISTRICT, died suddenly last night at her home in Los Angeles. Production on the CBS Television Network drama has been suspended.

Miss Thigpen, a distinguished American actress who won a Tony Award as well as an Obie Award and a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for her stage performances, was 54.

"I'm in shock. She was a wonderful actress and a friend," said Craig T. Nelson, who starred with Miss Thigpen in THE DISTRICT.

"We are all in shock and in mourning," said John Wirth, Executive Producer of THE DISTRICT. "The beauty, compassion and talent that you saw on the screen was not just superb acting, it was the very essence of this wonderful woman. We will miss her terribly."

"As a person, Lynne possessed an incredible dignity, intelligence and wisdom that informed all of her performances," said Denise Di Novi, Executive Producer of THE DISTRICT. "She elevated anything she was involved with and we were blessed to have her as a part of our family."

"The entire CBS Family extends our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Lynne's family," said Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Entertainment. "It's a sad day for all of us who worked with her and had the privilege of knowing her. She was an extraordinary person who will be sorely missed."

Lynne Thigpen won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway production of "An American Daughter" and received a Tony nomination for her performance in "Tintypes." She also won Obie Awards for "Jar the Floor" and "Boesman and Lena" and an L.A. Drama Critics Award for her performance in a Los Angeles production of "Fences."

Miss Thigpen portrayed the chief in the PBS series "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?" and "Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?" Her additional television credits include the series "thirtysomething" and "L.A. Law" and the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations of "Night Ride Home" and "The Boys Next Door."

Among Miss Thigpen’s feature films were "The Insider," "Shaft," "Random Hearts," "Lean on Me," "Bob Roberts" and "Tootsie" and the current "Anger Management."

She was born and raised in Joliet, Ill., and made her home in New York.

posted by Kay Thursday, March 13, 2003

 
Enterprise, a repeat again? Yup, looks like March is repeat month for Trek, but the future holds some all new eps -- and the season finale's airdate has been announced:

The current Wednesday-night schedule of new episodes airing on UPN is as follows:

4/02 "The Crossing"
4/09 "Judgment"
4/16 "Horizon"
4/23 "The Breach"
4/30 "Cogenitor"
5/07 "Regeneration"
5/14 Episode 50 (directed by LeVar Burton)
5/21 Episode 51 (directed by Roxann Dawson) & Episode 52 (directed by Allan Kroeker)

As noted above, on May 21 two new episodes will air back-to-back, the second being the season finale. As always, even this schedule is subject to change.

posted by Kay Wednesday, March 12, 2003

 
We live in America... we have freedom of speech, it is our right, whether or not people like what we have to say --- so do thousands of people (we'll assume for the sake of argument all citizens of American, though the internet being international that may be a false assumption) have the right to try and get people fired for voicing their opinions? If so, do we still live in the America we think we do?

(Editors note: we do not feel it is our place to voice any political opinions... we write about teleivison, movies, comicbooks and their industries on this site, whether or not we agree with what others are saying is irrelevant, and this article should not be read into for our opinions, because they aren't here -- we are simply reporting that freedom of speech may not be protected at the moment as we once thought it was. The words spoken have never been what was important in freedom of speech, the freedom was what our forefathers vowed to protect.)

Tonight on NBCs Access Hollywood:

As some actors are using the public forum their celebrity affords them to voice their feelings against the pending war, the Screen Actors Guild and actors individually are reacting to the shadow of a possible blacklist. “Access Hollywood” interviews Hollywood elite on this topic, the piece airing on March 12, 2003 (check local listings for time and station).

Melissa Gilbert, the President of SAG says, “There is a sense out there, people have these web sites going where they’re asking folks to sign a petition to insist that actors are fired off the shows they’re on. And they’re getting 30,000 signatures.”

Martin Sheen, a longtime political activist says he’s received an “avalanche of hate mail” since speaking out against the war.

Sheryl Crow was asked by the Grammy committee not to speak out against the war during their awards broadcast: “I was (going to make a statement) and the Grammy committee called my manager and asked if I was going to show up with any antics - they prefer to keep it neutral. I didn't feel like picking that bone (that) night… Nobody wants to rush into war, everybody thinks we should be talking about peace....”

Queen Latifah doesn’t let the specter of a blacklist get in the way of her self-confidence, “If they say ‘we're not going to hire you?’ ...That's their loss, their loss baby. I would have made their movie the bomb!”

But “West Wing” and “ER” producer John Wells finds the blacklist fears premature, “We have on one of the shows I am involved with, someone who is very vocal and I haven't heard anyone suggesting anything about blacklisting an actor, because of their political position. So, it's a little premature, I suspect. Things are heated in the country politically right now, but I don't think (blacklisting) is a real problem, certainly not one that I have witnessed yet.”

“Everybody Loves Raymond’s” Peter Boyle, however, he’s not so sanguine. “I’ve made a commitment,” he says, “to not make any anti-war statements. Because I’m afraid of President Bush.”

posted by Kay Wednesday, March 12, 2003

 
Still Standing, tonight on CBS

"Still Excelling" – Judy and Bill’s attempt to help Lauren with her science project backfires when Lauren is bumped up to the honor’s class, on STILL STANDING, Monday, March 10 (9:30-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS.

When Judy discovers that Lauren is having troubles in her science class, she and Bill offer to help with her science project but end up taking over. The project earns an "A" and lands Lauren in the honor’s class but when their next science project only scores a "C," Bill and Judy realize that they care more about the grade than Lauren.

posted by Kay Monday, March 10, 2003