An Archive for TV news from July 2003

NEWS ARCHIVE

July 2003

Morty's News Archive

  Thursday, November 23, 2023
 
This is a collection of old news and obituaries from the Morty's TV News page.  Dates, where shown, represent the date the story was originally posted on the web site.  Because these are old stories, links within the stories may no longer be active. For current news and schedules, click here.  
 
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Stooge Movie to Repeat on ABC

[July 31, 2003] The 2000 movie "The Three Stooges," a dramatization of the lives and careers of the famed slapstick comedy team, will air on Saturday, August 2nd at 8:00PM on ABC.

This is a well acted, well scripted, and pretty true to the fact depiction of three brothers and a friend that began in vaudeville and continued on to star in more than 250 short films and become American comedy legends. 

Schedule Juggle on TBS

[July 31, 2003]  The following are the changes that will be made to the TBS schedule in September & October, only the changes are listed.

Weekdays Effective Tuesday, September 2

8:00AM Movie (replaces 2 episodes of Lois & Clark...)

Weekdays Effective Monday, September 8

5:30AM Parent'Hood (not everyday, sometimes CHiPs airs @5-6am) (replaces AF People)
1:30PM The Cosby Show (replaces Family Matters)

Saturday, September 13 & 20 ONLY:

8:00AM Roseanne (replaces Family Matters)
8:30AM Roseanne (replaces Family Matters)

Weekdays, Week of September 22 ONLY:

1:00PM Futurama (replaces The Cosby Show)
2:00PM Family Guy (replaces Futurama)
2:30PM Movie (replaces Family Guy and three episodes of Roseanne)

Saturdays, Effective Saturday, September 27:

8:00AM Parent'Hood (replaces Roseanne)
8:30AM The Cosby Show (replaces Roseanne)

Weekdays, Effective Monday, September 29:

12:30PM Parent'Hood (replaces Saved by the Bell)
1:00PM Cosby (1996-2000 series, replaces The Cosby Show)
2:00PM The Cosby Show (replaces Family Guy)
2:30PM Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (replaces MOVIE)
3:00PM Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (replaces MOVIE continues)
3:30PM Steve Harvey Show (replaces movie cont.)
4:00PM Steve Harvey Show (replaces movie cont.)

Child Stars Tape A Special Week of 'Squares'

[July 31, 2003]  'Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star' Week On 'Hollywood Squares'   Dickie Roberts (David Spade) is a 35-year old former child star. Now an out-of-work actor turned parking valet, Dickie is desperate to audition for a great role that could revitalize his career, but the part requires him to play a "normal" guy. Problem is, Dickie is anything but normal. He decides to hire a family to adopt him so he can relive his childhood and, in essence, grow up from scratch. David Spade Stars as the Center Square -- With Child Celebrities of the 60s, 70s & 80s -- Who Appear in the Upcoming Movie, 'Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star'

Real life Former Child Stars scheduled to appear are:

-- Barry Williams (Greg Brady of "The Brady Bunch")
-- Leif Garret (70s Teen Idol & lead singer of rock band F8)
-- Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham of "Happy Days")
-- Corey Feldman (Star of "The Lost Boys" & "Stand By Me")
-- Dustin Diamond (Screech of "Saved by the Bell")
-- Danny Bonaduce (Danny Partridge of "The Partridge Family")
-- Willie Ames (Tommy Bradford of "Eight is Enough" and Buddy Lembeck on "Charles in Charge")
-- Todd Bridges (Willis of "Diff'rent Strokes")


Taping for "The Hollywood Squares," is Sunday, August 3rd, the special 5 episode week will air sometime in September.

Trio's Brilliant But Cancelled Has Cool Stuff

[July 31, 2003] [Press Release]  New York, July 29, 2003 -- Rare and never-seen-before pilots and the world premiere of Brilliant, But Cancelled: Pilot Season launch TRIO's Brilliant, But Cancelled strip beginning September 8, it was announced by Lauren Zalaznick, President, TR!O.

Paul Rudd (Friends) has signed on to narrate TR!O�s  original documentary Brilliant, But Cancelled: Pilot Season, which premieres on Monday, September 1. The documentary kicks off a week of rare and never- efore-seen pilots including L.A. Confidential, Fargo, Diner and Savage that lead into the channel�s new Brilliant, But Cancelled 8:00 p.m. nightly strip beginning September 8.

TR!O�s original documentary Brilliant, But Cancelled: Pilot Season, co-produced with World of Wonder,  examines the pitch process - from idea to show order � and programs that should have, could have and would have, but never did, make it to air. The documentary showcases previously un-aired clips from pilots that have never seen the light of day. The full story behind these landmark pilots comes from producers, writers and stars caught up in the trenches of pilot season including Adam West (star, Lookwell); Conan  �Brien (creator, Lookwell), Warren Littlefield (former NBC Entertainment President); Darren Star (creator, Sex and the City); Marshall Herskovitz (creator, thirtysomething), Tom Fontana (creator, Oz) and Bernie Brillstein (producer, Just Shoot Me). The original documentary premieres on Monday, September 1 at 9:00
p.m.-10:00 p.m., ET/PT.

In succeeding weeks, TR!O will present premiere acclaimed series including Bakersfield P.D. plus returning favorite Brilliant, But Cancelled series Ernie Kovacs, East Side/West Side, The PJs, God, The Devil and Bob and The Gun.

Following are details on the un-aired pilots and their primetime premiere dates:

BEAT COPS (2002): Filmed in a cinema-v�rit� style and without a laugh track, this low-budget half-hour comedy stars Sam Seder and Jon Benjamin as two NYPD desk cops sent out on the holiday beat. The
two clueless policemen are oblivious to the city and the volatile citizens around them. Seder co-wrote the pilot with Charles Fisher. The pilot�s world premiere is on Monday, September 1 at 8:30 p.m.�9:00 p.m.,
ET/PT.

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (2000): Starring Kiefer Sutherland as embattled police detective Jack Vincennes, this dramatic pilot is based on the critically acclaimed film of the same name and follows the glamour and seediness of 1950�s Los Angeles. Eric Roberts is also featured. The pilot�s cable premiere is on Monday,
September 1 at 10:00 p.m.�11:00 p.m., ET/PT.

FARGO (1997): Based on the 1996 Academy Award winning film by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring pre-Sopranos Edie Falco, this pilot brings the very pregnant chief of police, Marge Gunderson, to the small screen. Developed by Bruce Paltrow and Robert Palm, and directed by Kathy Bates, the series features the quirky characters of a small Midwestern town and the investigative prowess of Chief Gunderson. The pilot�s world premiere is on Tuesday, September 2 at 9:00 p.m.�10:00 p.m., ET/PT.

DEAR DIARY (1996): A sort of love letter to New York City, the pilot chronicles a day in the life of a married New Yorker, played by Bebe Neuwirth. A reworked version of the show won the Oscar for best short film. The pilot�s U.S. premiere is on Tuesday, September 2 at 10:00 p.m.�10:30 p.m., ET/PT.

SICK IN THE HEAD (1999): In this screwball comedy, a newbie shrink gets a suicide case as one of his first patients. Starring Kevin Corrigan, Andrea Martin, David Krumholtz as a new psychiatrist and Amy Poehler as his patient. The pilot�s world premiere is on Tuesday, September 2 at 10:30 p.m.�11:00 p.m., ET/PT.

REWRITE FOR MURDER (1991): Pam Dawber stars as a prim female mystery writer who clashes with ex-con George Clooney both on and off screen when they are forced together to help revitalize her television show. The pilot�s world premiere is on Wednesday, September 3 at 10:00 p.m.�11:00 p.m., ET/PT.

SAVAGE (1973): Steven Spielberg directs this pilot about a television news magazine show. Starring Martin Landau and Barbara Bain (real-life husband and wife) as an investigative journalist and a television producer for the politically charged television show. The pilot also guest stars Dabney Coleman and Will Geer. The pilot�s cable premiere is on Thursday, September 4 at 9:00 p.m.�11:00 p.m., ET/PT.

DINER (1983): Based on Barry Levinson�s 1982 hit movie set in 1960 Baltimore, the pilot focuses on 5 men who are making an awkward transition into adulthood and who gather nightly at the local diner to hash out problems and grapple with responsibilities. Starring James Spader, Michael Madsen, Paul Reiser, and Michael Binder. The pilot�s world premiere is on Friday, September 5 at 9:00 p.m.�9:30 p.m., ET/PT.

BLACK BART (1975): Based on Mel Brooks� Blazing Saddles, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Steve Landesberg star in this pilot that chronicles the adventures of a black sheriff and his quick-draw deputy working in a small, bigoted Arizona town in the Old West. The pilot�s world premiere is on Friday, September 5 at 9:30 p.m.�10:00 p.m., ET/PT.

At Hallmark:

[July 31, 2003] Press Release:  Beginning September 2003, Hallmark Channel will introduce three out of four new acquisitions to its programming lineup in a strategy designed to freshen the schedule and strengthen the network�s already- strong standing as a formidable cable contender. 

The Emmy� Award-winning series �Matlock� debuts on Hallmark Channel weekday mornings, beginning Tuesday, September 2 (11 a.m. � 12 p.m. E/P). Multiple Emmy� winner �Little House on the Prairie� premieres weeknights, effective Tuesday, September 2 (6 � 7 p.m. E/P). Television�s classic Western, �The Lone Ranger,� charges onto Hallmark Channel�s highly-rated �Rough �n  Ready� block with an all-day marathon Saturday, September 6 (6 a.m. � 3 a.m. E/P) before settling into its regular time period, Saturday afternoons (1 � 2 p.m. E/P). And in a high-profile acquisition coup, the edgy military drama �JAG� will land at Hallmark Channel in January 2005. 

�We are excited about these solid ratings performers coming to our network,� says David Kenin, Executive Vice President, Programming. �We jumped at the chance to acquire these high-profile, award-winning series� from networks like TNT and TBS, because they have been perennial ratings sluggers, but were stuck on the bench. These hitters should provide plenty of power going into the future.�

Anchor Bay to Release Three's Company on DVD

[July 31, 2003] Among the upcoming releases from Anchor Bay video will be the first season of "Three's Company."  I've checked with my supplier, and this title will be available in Morty's Mall.  Advanced orders will begin as soon as there's a release date.




 

Other Anchor Bay DVD Releases for 2003-04

Angel
Angel III: The Final Chapter
Aurora Encounter, The
Avenging Angel
Berserker - The Nordic Curse
Beyond Therapy
Bliss
Breaking All The Rules
Check Is In The Mail, The
Cold Dog Soup
Dead-End Drive-In
Five Corners
Freeway (1988)
Hatred Of A Minute
Man Facing Southeast
Mirror Mirror IV
Neon Maniacs
Pit, The
Pretty Smart
Prey, The
Powwow Highway
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2
Star Crystal
Steptoe & Son (Movie)
Till Death Us Do Part (Movie)
Waiters, The
Who Done It?

September on Oxygen

[July 31, 2003] September 2003 Oxygen, effective MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (Series/movies only listed):

Weekdays

7:30AM I've Got a Secret
8:00AM I've Got a Secret (replaces Kate and Allie)
8:30AM Cybill (replaces Kate & Allie)
9:00AM La Femme Nikita (replaces 2 shots of Cybill)
10:00AM Xena (replaces 2 shots of A Different World)
11:00AM A Different World (replaces Xena)
11:30AM A Different World (replaces Xena cont.)
NOON Roseanne (replaces Xena)
12:30PM Roseanne (replaces Xena cont.)
1:00PM The Oxygen Movie
3:00PM Xena (replaces La Femme Nikita)
4:00PM Can You Tell? (replaces La Femme Nikita)
4:30PM Cybill (replaces La Femme Nikita cont.)
5:00PM A Different World (replaces Cybill)
5:30PM A Different World (replaces Cybill)
6:00PM Roseanne (replaces A Different World)
6:30PM Roseanne (replaces A Different World)
7:00PM Oprah After The Show
7:30PM Oprah After The Show
8:00PM The Oxygen Movie
11:00PM The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Saturdays

12:30AM A Different World
1:00AM The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Sundays

11:00AM Cybill
11:30AM Cybill
NOON Roseanne
12:30PM Roseanne
10:00PM The Ellen Degeneres Show

September 2003 Specials:
Labor of Love Marathon  Monday, September 1st  
"The Long Hot Summer" 
9:00AM
"Lace" 2:00PM
"Lace II" 7:30PM

Comedy Movie Marathon: Saturday, September 20th
"All I Wanna Do"  1:00PM
"Born Yesterday" 3:00PM
"The Shrink Is In" 6:00PM
"Can�t Buy Me Love" 8:00PM

Roseanne Stunt Marathon: Sunday, September 21st
Sunday, September 21 10:00AM-7:00PM
Monday, September 22nd: 12:00PM-7:00PM


More Specials:
Goo Goo Dolls - Custom Concert: Premiere: Sunday,
September 7th 10:00PM
Encores: Sunday, September 7th 1:00AM
Saturday, September 13th 1:00AM

Fall Wedding Fashion Special: Premiere: Friday,
September 12th 7:30PM
Encores: Saturday, September 13th 3:00PM
Sunday, September 14th 9:30AM

Sports:
WNBA 2003 Season
Friday, September 5th 10PM (Playoff)
Sunday, September 7th 6PM(Playoff)

Bob Hope Tribute Friday on GSN

[July 31, 2003] In memory of Bob Hope and his work, Game Show Network is programming special Hope episodes of "What's My Line?" on Friday, August 1, during the network's Black and White Overnight block from 4:00 - 6:00AM ET

The Hope tribute includes shows from when he was a celebrity mystery guest on "What's My Line?"  GSN's Black & White Overnight tribute will include:
4:00am 12/12/54 -- Bob is mystery guest trying to fool Fred Allen, Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis and Dorothy Kilgallen
4:40am 11/19/61 -- Bob is back again trying to fool Bennett, Arlene, Dorothy and Martin Gabel
5:20am 5/5/63 - Bob is joined by Lucille Ball as they tried to fool Bennett, Arlene, Dorothy and Buddy Hackett (who also recently passed away).

Bob Hope Dies at 100

[July 28, 2003]  [E! News Joal Ryan Jul 28, 2003, 7:00 AM PT]  Bob Hope, the British-born all-American comic whose jaunty ski-slope profile and surefire wisecracks became enduring symbols of optimism from good times to war times, died Sunday night at his home in Toluca Lake, California, less than two months after his 100th birthday. Full Details

The death of centenarian comedian and film icon Bob Hope  gave rise to cable-network tribute programming. A&E Network said it would air a two-hour Biography, produced by daughter Linda Hope, Monday at 8:00PM  EST and PST.

AMC said it would air its 1998 one-hour special, Bob Hope: The Road to the Top, Thursday morning at 7:10 EST and PST, followed by six Hope movies: How to Commit Marriage (1969) at 8:10AM., Paris Holiday (1957) at 10:05AM., Road to Bali (1953) at 12:15PM., The Seven Little Foys (1955) at 2:10PM., Son of Paleface (1952) at 4:05PM. and The Private Navy of Sgt. O�Farrell (1968) at 6:05PM.

Turner Classic Movies announced a five-movie tribute slate of 1960s Hope flicks to air Thursday: The Road to Hong Kong (1962) at 11:00AM., A Global Affair (1964) at 1:00PM., Call Me Bwana (1963) at 2:30PM., I�ll Take Sweden (1965) at 4:15PM. and Bachelor in Paradise (1961) at 6:00PM.

Morty's Miscellany

[July 25, 2003] "That's Incredible Reunion II"  will air on Monday, August 11, on ABC at 8:00PM.  Original hosts John Davidson, Fran Tarkenton and Cathy Lee Crosby come together again to relive some of the series' most memorable moments through retrospective clips.   "Nick @ Nite's Viewer Appreciation" (Block Party Summer) ends after Friday, August 22 airing. "Roseanne" will join the line-up, "Head of the Class" will leave. Here's the grid.  "Full House" joins the Nick schedule in October, and look for a "Roseanne" Halloween Bash.  Blair Underwood replaces David Alan Grier in the Animated version of Bill Cosby's best seller 'Fatherhood'  The story about the series is here if you missed it in April.  Remember all that stuff about Spike Lee vs SpikeTV--  It's been settled, and the network will start using the name on August 11th (like we care,  if they'd run Dukes of Hazzard, that would be news!).  When the series "Friends," comes to an end next year you won't have to say goodbye to Joey,  he'll spin off onto his own series, set in Los Angeles.  The series called "Joey" will air Thursday's in the "Friends" old time slot.  You can read more here.

That's it for today.  I wanted to post these things while they're still news.  Now I gotta go watch ten morons plot against each other in the Big Brother house. 

TV Land Schedule With Surprising Absences

[July 25, 2003] Wow!  I got the new TV Land schedule for September today, lots of changes, and some of our old favorites will be taking a break for a while.  Here's the scoop:  New to TV Land:  "Mr. Ed," "Bonanza," and "WKRP in Cincinnati" (Kitschen). Returning: "Gidget," "Tabitha" (Kitschen) and "The Love Boat".   Holy Hiatus, TV Land: "Get Smart," "Barney Miller," "The Bob Newhart Show,"  "The Adventures of Superman," "Charlie's Angels," and "Batman." Expiring contracts: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Charlie's Angels."   I didn't expect that many departures.  You can see how it all looks here.

Correction on DVD on DVD

[July 22, 2003] Last week I incorrectly stated that "Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman" which aired on CBS April 13, 1969 would be included in it's entirety, when in fact only the "Dick Van Dyke Show" portion will be included due to music clearances in the remainder of the program.  This will be bonus material, not a separate release.   I also incorrectly gave the season one release date as September.  It will be shipped in October.  The entire collection is chock full of really cool extras, like audio commentaries from the stars, all new stuff!  Click here to pre-order the first season.

VH1 Ranked 200 Pop Icons

[July 21, 2003] Would you like to see the ranked list of VH1's 200 Greatest Pop Icons?  Click Here  Want to be surprised, watch VH1 all this week at 9:00PM.  Have no idea want I'm talkin' about... Click Here

TV Land Convention

[July 21, 2003] [Press Release]  Carl Reiner, Tim Conway, Larry Hagman, "The Jeffersons" and "Laugh-In" Reunion Among Headliners at First  Official TV Land Convention  

TV Land and Creation Entertainment Partner to Present Weekend-long Celebration from Burbank Airport Hilton on August 16 & 17

NEW YORK, July 21 -- Television legend Carl Reiner, The Carol Burnett Show's Tim Conway, Dallas and I Dream of Jeannie star Larry Hagman, The Jeffersons' Sherman Helmsley and Marla Gibbs and members of the cast of the groundbreaking sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In -- including Dick Martin and producer and creator George Schlatter -- are among the classic TV legends set to appear at the first official TV Land Convention, it was announced today by TV Land and Creation Entertainment. The event will take place at The Burbank Airport Hilton in Burbank, CA on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17. The TV Land Convention will be an interactive affair where fans can meet and mingle with legends of television. The event features a weekend filled with on-stage appearances by sensational stars of television's greatest series, panel discussions, TV trivia and look-alike competitions, video presentations, photo and autograph opportunities with classic TV stars and an exhibition room filled with merchandise and classic TV memorabilia.

"This is a classic TV lovers dream weekend as fans get up close and personal with some of the most beloved stars from TV Land," said Rob Pellizzi, Senior Vice President of Marketing, TV Land and Nick at Nite. Erin Ferries, Vice President of Licensing for Creation Entertainment said, "The rich heritage of classic television deserves to be recognized through the excitement of a live event for fans. There is no doubt that the first Official TV Land Convention will be fun for both attendees and the stars who made it all happen. "George Schlatter Presents Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In 'Sock-It-To Me'" Reunion on Saturday, August 16. Schlatter and Dick Martin will host the reunion with cast members Alan Sues, Ruth Buzzi and Gary Owens. This very special event will feature rare clips and many surprises.

Reiner, a 12-time Emmy-Award winner, will host a panel discussion for his book, "My Anecdotal Life", on Sunday, August 17 at 4 p.m. He will also discuss reprising his classic TV character Alan Brady from The Dick Van Dyke Show for TV Land's first original animated special, The Alan Brady Show. The special will air on TV Land on Sunday, August 17 at 10 p.m.

Additionally, other celebrities appearing at the event include Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch), Rose Marie (The Dick Van Dyke Show), Sherwood Schwartz (creator of Gilligan's Island and The Brady Bunch), Bernie Koppell (Get Smart and The Love Boat), Dawn Wells (Gilligan's Island), Sid and Marty Krofft (creators and producers of H.R. Pufnstuf), Erin Moran (Happy Days), Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky & Hutch), Noel Neill and Jack Larson (The Adventures of Superman), Jay North (Dennis the Menace) and many more.

General admission tickets are available in advance for $20 through Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com . Event information and tickets are also available at http://www.tvland.com . At the door, general admission tickets are $25 per day, general admission tickets for children ages 7-12 are $15. Children six and under are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Show hours are 1-7 p.m. daily. The Burbank Airport Hilton is located at 2500 Hollywood Way. The TV Land Convention is sponsored locally by Adelphia. Founded in 1971, Creation Entertainment continues a 33-year tradition of producing the nation's leading special event conventions for worldwide fans of some of the most popular television series and films as well as providing quality merchandise for many of Hollywood's hottest entertainment properties. Now seen in more than 78 million U.S. homes, TV  and was created in April 1996. The network's broad mix of sitcoms, dramas, westerns, variety shows and classic commercials -- which TV Land refers to as retromercials -- have helped make TV Land one of the fastest-growing networks in all of television.

Ron Howard's New Sit-Com

[July 20, 2003] Opie takes on new TV family Ron Howard co-producing dark comedy Arrested Development [By BILL BRIOUX -- Toronto Sun HOLLYWOOD, Calif. via Canoe-Jam Television]  Leave it to Opie to re-invent the situation comedy. 

As a young actor, Ron Howard worked on two cherished sitcoms: The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days. As an adult, he became a respected movie director, winning an Oscar for A Beautiful Mind.

"Arrested Development" stars Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, a single parent with a 13-year-old boy (Brampton's Michael Cera) who has to help his wildly eccentric family (including "Ally McBeal's" Portia de Rossi, who plays his sister) pick up the pieces after his wealthy father ("Larry Sanders" favourite Jeffrey Tambor) is arrested for embezzling company funds.  Full Details

Some TV News

[July 20, 2003] I'm trying real hard not to neglect you fans of classic TV while I'll be devoting most of my time for the next 55 days to coverage of "Big Brother."

Luckily, friend of the TV fan, Pavan Patel is still keeping tabs on who's running what.  Here are some changes for you:

"Raising Dad" coming to ABC Family on weekends starting Saturday, August 2, the short lived series starring Bob Saget will air on ABC Family Channel on weekends at 12:30PM
12:00PM "Two of a Kind"/"So Little Time" (replaces "Hang Time")
12:30PM "Raising Dad" (replaces "Brendan Leonard")
1:00PM "Growing Pains" (replaces "Switched!")
1:30PM "Growing Pains" (replaces "Hang Time")


TBS Announces Fall Schedule Changes:

SEPTEMBER --

Weekdays, Effective Tuesday, September 2:
8:00AM Movie (replaces 2 episodes of "Lois & Clark...")

Weekdays, Effective Monday, September 8:
5:30AM "Parent'Hood" (not everyday, sometimes "CHiPs" airs @5-6AM) (replaces "AF People")
1:30PM "The Cosby Show" (replaces "Family Matters")

Saturday, September 13 & 20 ONLY:
8:00AM & 8:30AM "Roseanne" (replaces "Family Matters")

Weekdays, Week of September 22 only:
1:30PM "Futurama" (replaces "The Cosby Show")
2:00PM "Family Guy" (replaces "Futurama")
2:30PM Movie (replaces "Family Guy" and three episodes of 'Roseanne")

Saturdays, Effective Saturday, September 27:
8:00AM "Parent'Hood" (replaces "Roseanne")
8:30AM "The Cosby Show" (replaces "Roseanne")


OCTOBER --
Weekdays, Effective Monday, September 29:
12:30PM "Parent'Hood" (replaces "Saved by the Bell")
1:00PM "Cosby" (1996-2000 series, replaces "The Cosby Show")
2:00PM "The Cosby Show" (replaces "Family Guy")
2:30PM "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (replaces MOVIE)
3:00PM "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (replaces Movie cont.)
3:30PM "Steve Harvey Show" (replaces movie cont.)

DVD on DVD - It's On!

[July 14, 2003] Whatever difficulties there were in bringing us the ultimate collection of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" DVDs, it's all settled, pre-orders are being taken, the first season will ship in September.  Winner of 15 Emmy Awards, this groundbreaking series is consistently ranked among the top TV comedies of all time and renowned for its topnotch cast and stellar writing. Now enjoy the first season's entire 30 episodes, each digitally re-mastered to its original full-length version.

Legal complications caused a short delay, but Image Entertainment will be shipping in September and season two will be out in October.  We don't have link to the second season yet, but click here to pre-order the first season.  And be sure to visit the "Dick Van Dyke Show" Store in Morty's Mall.

You'll be able to collect all 158 episodes in restored black and white. The producers are also hoping to get clearances to include (on separate disks) the color special, "Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman (Mary Tyler Moore)", which aired on CBS April 13, 1969.� "The Dick Van Dyke Show Remembered" hosted by Charles Kuralt for CBS in 1995 (a really good show), and "Inside the Dick Van Dyke Show", produced by TV Land in 2000. 

VH1 Celebrates America's Pop Culture Icons

[July 12, 2003] You can quote them in an instant:  'I Did Not Have Sexual Relations With That Woman!," "What's Up Doc?,"  "'Do I make you horny, baby?" "Skipperrrrrrr!!!!!!!!"

You know them by name. Something they said or did not only changed your life, but affected American life as a whole. Who are they? They are VH1's "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons." They are the folks that have significantly inspired and impacted American society and VH1 is celebrating them in an all-star special event.

Too large to be a "100 Greatest" special, for the first-time ever, VH1 will expand its reach and will recognize 200 of America's most outstanding and outrageous personalities with "VH1's 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons," premiering on Monday, July 21st and airing through Friday, July 25th from 9:00-11:00PM. (ET/PT) each night. Each one hour episode is illustrated by Robert Risko, and will take a fun and lighthearted look at the individuals and moments that now live immortally in American pop culture. Along with VH1, PEOPLE magazine has published a book celebrating the "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons." This special collector's edition hits newsstands July 14. Filled with beautiful photos and intimate reporting, PEOPLE brings you the divas, the visionaries, the sex symbols and more. From Marilyn and Michael to Elvis and Eminem, you can find them all in PEOPLE's keepsake, available through Labor Day.

What makes an "Icon?" It's not enough to just be famous or have won a couple of awards. You have to pass one or more of the following criteria:

* Do they pass the one-name test?
* Can you dress up as them for Halloween?
* Did they blaze a trail in pop culture?
* Did they create a signature character in pop culture?
* Can you quote them? (Do they have a catch phrase?)
* Did society imitate their sense of fashion? Hairstyle?
* Did "SNL" create a sketch satirizing them?
* Did someone write a song about them?
* Was or is there merchandising/paraphernalia that bears their image?
* Can they be connected to Kevin Bacon?


An eclectic group, the list includes: Lucille Ball, Al Pacino, Bill Clinton, Bugs Bunny, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Liberace, Kermit/Miss Piggy, Katherine Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, Sigmund Freud, Scooby Doo, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretsky, Gilligan, James Gandolfini (as Tony Soprano), The Simpsons, Joan Collins, Farrah, Mary Tyler Moore, The Beatles and ... 180 others!!!!!

The complete schedule for VH1's "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons:"

Monday, 7/21 9:00 pm #200-181 10:00 p.m. #180-161

Tuesday, 7/22 9:00 p.m. #160-141 10:00 p.m. #140-121

Wednesday, 7/23 9:00 p.m. #120-101 10:00 p.m. #100-81

Thursday, 7/24 9:00 p.m. #80-61 10:00 p.m. #60-41

Friday, 7/25 9:00 p.m. #40-21 10:00 p.m. #20-1

Visit VH1 for more information

ALF Talk Show to Air on TV Land

[July 12, 2003] Our favorite fuzzy alien, ALF stopped by "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last night to chat with Jimmy and announce his new talk show to air on TV Land.

Later, in a moment of surreal Americanism, ALF met lawyer Johnnie Cochran.  ALF and Cochran even talked about OJ, and the recent Spike Lee case against Viacom.

Trio Digs up Some TV Treasures

[July 11, 2003] Writer/Director Quentin Tarantino and Time magazine columnist Joel Stein have been commissioned for the first two quarterly editions of MY TR!O, where guest programmers schedule the network's primetime line-up for one week, it was announced by Lauren Zalaznick, President, TR!O.

"MY TR!O: Joel Stein Week" kicks off on Sunday, July 20 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT with the premiere of My TR!O: Joel Stein, a half-hour special that explains the curator's unusual programming choices for the week. The special features clips from the upcoming week's shows as well as phone interviews with "Welcome Back, Kotter's" Gabe Kaplan (who appeared on "Battle of the Network Stars"), Jeff Altman ("Pink Lady & Jeff") and Greg Fitzsimmons ("Idiot Savants").

Among Joel's hand-selected acquired series will be five episodes (from 1976, 77, 78, 79 and 80) of the reality show "Battle of the Network Stars" (1976-1988) which featured teams from the three major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) who compete against each other in physical challenges. Stars include Billy Crystal (Soap), David Letterman (Mary), Robin Williams (Mork and Mindy), Farrah Fawcett (Charlie's Angels), Penny Marshall (Laverne &  Shirley), Ron Howard (Happy Days), Rob Reiner (All in the Family) and many more.

The series premieres on TR!O on Sunday, July 20 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT (re-airs 1:00AM ET/PT) and airs Monday through Friday that week (July 21-25) at 7:00 p.m., ET/4:00 p.m., PT (re-airs 11:00PM ET and 8:00PM PT). (All five episodes from that week will re-air on Sunday, July 27 in a marathon)

Additionally, the weeknight primetime schedule will include the camp favorite "Pink Lady and Jeff," a short-lived 1980 NBC drama series featuring a female Japanese rock duo (Pink Lady) and comedian Jeff Altman, airing Monday to Friday that week (July 21-25) at 10:00 p.m., ET/7:00 p.m., PT (re-airs 1:00AM ET/10:00PM PT). Guests include Sherman Hemsley, Larry Hagman, Sid Caesar, Donny Osmond, Florence "Mrs. Brady" Henderson, and Hugh Heffner and his Playboy Playmates. All 6 episodes will re-air throughout the day on Saturday, July 26.

In keeping with the camp theme are the first five episodes of the Jerry Van Dyke classic "My Mother the Car" (1965-66), a comedy about a mother who was re-incarnated as 1928 automobile. Dave (Van Dyke), her son, was the only one who could hear her speak. This series airs Monday to Friday at 9:30 p.m., ET/6:30 p.m., PT (re-airs 1:30AM ET/10:30PM PT). Episodes will re-air throughout the day on Saturday, July 26 as well.

Idiot Savants -- another personal favorite of Joel's -- is a 1996-97 MTV quiz show in which four college-age contestants were asked pop culture questions by wiseguy host Greg Fitzsimmons. An episode featuring a younger Joel Stein as a contestant premieres on Monday, July 21 at 9:00 p.m., ET/6:00 p.m., PT. To celebrate Joel's birthday on July 23, Late Night with David Letterman, airing during MY TR!O week in the special time period of 6:00 p.m., ET/3:00 p.m., PT, will feature the episode in which the talk show host reads a letter written by Joel Stein when he was a child.

Lots of Roseanne

[July 8, 2003] "Roseanne"  will be everywhere this fall.  "Roseanne" is coming to Nick@Nite with a 5 day marathon from September 21-25. "Roseanne" will also debut on Oxygen beginning Monday, September 22, Oxygen will air back-to-back episodes of the series weekdays beginning at 6:00PM. The show will also air weekday afternoons from noon to 1:00 p.m. To launch the series on Oxygen, there will be a special sneak peek all-day marathon of "Roseanne" on Sunday, September 21 from 10:00AM. to 7:00PM.

Roseanne returns to television as the star of her own reality show, "The Real Roseanne Show," which premieres Wednesday, August 6, 9:00PM  on ABC, with two back-to-back 30-minute episodes. The cast of characters includes her son, Jake, and son-in-law, Jeff, who become her producers; her first ex-husband, Bill, and his current wife, Becky, who works as Roseanne's personal assistant, and many more friends and family members.

The series  follows Roseanne from start to finish as she creates the concept for a cooking/lifestyle show - entitled "The Domestic Goddess Hour" -- and then embarks on the journey to bring the show to life, from pitching to television networks, doing publicity, hiring, firing and more.  And it is real, because ABC Family has given a 13 episode commitment to the cooking show hosted by "the domestic goddess" herself. The show will be called "The Domestic Goddess Hour."  Dates and times on the project have not been announced.  Can't wait?  Get Roseanne Live on her Web Site" Roseanne World.  Roseanne chats with fans and answers questions. Meanwhile, Roseanne is lending her voice to a cow in the animated movie "Home on the Range." set for release in 2004.

Through all of this, call her "Roseanne Barr."  Roseanne was born "Roseanne Cherrie Barr." She Married Bill Pentland and became "Roseanne Pentland." When she started doing stand-up, she went back to using the name "Roseanne Barr." When she married Tom Arnold she changed her name to "Roseanne Arnold" During her marriage to Ben Thomas she shorten her name to just "Roseanne." In 2002 she changed her name back to "Roseanne Barr." She says she once suffered from Multiple Personality Disorder.

The only place you won't see Roseanne this fall is TBS "Roseanne" exits after the September 19 airing.

VH1 Spends Five Nights in the 70's

[July 8, 2003] VH1'S five nights of "I Love The '70s"  premiers Monday-Friday, August 18 - 22 at 9:00PM  Riding on the success of VH1's popular "I Love The '80s" they're now taking us back to the '70s.

From "Star Wars" to "Charlie's Angels," leisure suits to Underoos, mutton-chop sideburns to the "Mod Squad". "I Love the '70s" remembers the truth about the decade of disco, big collars and polyester. Celebrities weigh in on what was cool, bizarre, beautiful, puzzling and pretentious about the people, music, movies, TV shows, products, fashions, fads, trends and major events that defined pop culture during the decade.

A variety of music artists, TV and film stars, athletes, journalists and other celebs will dish the decadent decade including Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Jillian Barberie of "Good Day Live," Alec Baldwin, Sharon Osbourne, Aerosmith, Fashion Guru Simon Doonan, Rich Eisen and Stuart Scott of ESPN's "SportsCenter," comedian Greg Fitzsimmons, Drew Barrymore, Lisa Marie Presley, Kelly Rowland, Ziggy Marley, Demi Moore, and others. Also featured are '70s survivors like Lou Ferrigno, Erik Estrada, Isaac Hayes, Lynda Carter, Bob Barker, Loni Anderson, David Cassidy, Lionel Richie, Leif Garrett,  Rob Zombie, Uncle Kracker, Edwin McCain, Scott Ian, Jason Mraz, Liz Phair, Pat Monahan, Nick Lachey, Marilyn Manson and Jill Scott among many others.

In addition, "I Love the '70s" hears from a host of TV and film figures like Molly Culver, Kevin Sorbo, Penn & Teller, Jeff Corwin, Steven Weber, George Lopez, Garcelle Beauvais Nilon, Jorja Fox, Peri Gilpan, Tony Hawk, Tracee Ellis Ross, Matthew St. Patrick, Tom Arnold of "Best Damn Sports Show Period," Jim Gaffigan, Bill Dwyer, Mitch Silpa and more. Viewers can go online at VH1 70's  for "I Love the 70s" trivia games, photo flipbooks and more.

Trio TV Adds to Brilliant But Cancelled

[July 8, 2003] TR!O's "Brilliant, But Cancelled" nightly strip, which launches on Labor Day, will feature never-aired pilots in its first week including "Fargo" starring a "pre-Sopranos'" Edie Falco and "Beat Cops," it was announced by Lauren Zalaznick, President, TRIO.  "We've found a treasure trove of great television in the form of pilots that never made it to series, but deserve to be seen. By airing these pilots in the first week of our 'Brilliant, But Cancelled' strip, we're giving them the second chance they deserve," said Ms. Zalaznick.

Kicking off "Brilliant, But Cancelled" week is the 90-minute documentary "Brilliant, But Cancelled: Pilot Season" which examines the pitch process - from idea to show order - and programs that should have, could have and would have, but never did, make it to air. Comments from producers, writers and stars caught up in the trenches of pilot season, plus clips from many of these pilots will be featured in the documentary.

"Fargo," based on the hit 1996 film by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring a pre-Carmela Soprano Edie Falco, is among the pilots airing during the week of September 1. Developed by Bruce Paltrow ("The White Shadow") and Robert Palm and directed by actress Kathy Bates, the one-hour program features quirky characters in a small Midwestern town and spotlights the investigative prowess of the very pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson.

Also airing within the "Brilliant, But Cancelled" pilots week is "Beat Cops." Filmed in a cinema-verite style and without a laugh-track, this half-hour comedy stars Sam Sedar and Jon Benjamin as two clueless New York City patrolmen who are oblivious to the volatile citizens around them. Sedar co-wrote the pilot with Charles Fisher.

TR!O's pilots week also features "Savage," the 1973 Steven Spielberg-directed program starring Martin Landau and Barbara Bain (real-life husband and wife) as an investigative journalist and producer who work for a television news magazine show. The 90-minute pilot guest stars Dabney Coleman and Will Geer.

The new 8:00PM "Brilliant, But Cancelled" strip rounds out TR!O's primetime programming block beginning Monday, September 1. (TR!O's "Sessions At West 54th" series, will move to 7:00PM) At 9:00 PM  its the "9 Sharp" documentary block, which presents world and U.S. premiere films and, "Late Night with David Letterman"  episodes will continue at 10:00PM.

For more information about TR!O, visit www.triotv.com or call 1-877-GET-TRIO.

SpikeTV Settles With Spike Lee

[July 7, 2003] Spike Lee and Viacom Inc. settled their legal differences today.  Viacom planned to rebrand its TNN cable network as "Spike TV," when Spike Lee hired Johnnie Cochran to represent him in a suit that charged that Viacom was doing so to lead viewer to thinking the director was involved.  Representatives for both sides said. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed but Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Walter Tolub lifted an order that he had issued last month barring Viacom from using the "Spike" name.

The lawsuit was withdrawn and that TNN could proceed with its planned name change. Both sides were ordered to appear in court before Tolub on Tuesday morning. Both parties will issue a joint statement tomorrow.  See Still No Spike for more history on the story.

SOAPnet Buys Exclusive Rights to 'Dallas'

[July 7, 2003]  SOAPnet has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to all 13 seasons of the primetime classic "Dallas" from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution, announced Deborah Blackwell, General Manager of SOAPnet.

"Dallas" will air weekdays beginning Monday, September 8. The series starring Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Victoria Principal first aired on CBS from 1978-1991. "We got J.R.," said Blackwell, echoing the legendary "Who Shot J.R.?" stunt that led to one of the most watched television events in broadcast history. "

"Dallas," which originally premiered in April 1978, chronicled the exploits of the oil-rich Ewing family and featured such stars as Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Victoria Principal. Set in Texas, the series, which revolved around the Ewings' shady business dealings and dysfunctional family dynamics, was one of the longest-running and most popular primetime series in television history and inspired dozens of successful clones in the 1980's.

"Dallas" joins a  line-up that includes primetimes dramas like: "Knots Landing," "The Colbys," "Dynasty," and "Falcon Crest"  

Statue Honoring 'The Andy Griffith Show'  to be Unveiled This Fall

[July 7, 2003]  TV Land selected famed StudioEIS of Brooklyn, New York to create a sculpture honoring 'The Andy Griffith Show'   The statue of Andy and Opie Taylor is slated to be unveiled this Fall in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

StudioEIS, a three-dimensional design and sculpture facility in New York founded by brothers Ivan and Elliot Schwartz, is creating the life-sized bronze sculpture. The image captures the show's famous opening sequence depicting Andy Griffith and a young Ron Howard in their roles of Sheriff Andy and Opie Taylor walking, hand-in-hand.

The statue is slated to be unveiled in Raleigh, North Carolina this fall, and will be located in the pastoral environment of Raleigh's Pullen Park. StudioEIS' entry was selected following an invitation to select sculptors across the country earlier this year. The decision was made by TV Land executives with endorsements from the city of Raleigh, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard.

The studio recently completed what may be the largest bronze portrait project in American history, a project that depicts bronze statues of all 42 framers of the U.S. Constitution displayed around the signing table at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA. This monumental project was recently unveiled this fourth of July.

"This work truly is TV Land's tribute to the American family," said Rob Pellizzi, Senior Vice President, TV Land. "StudioEIS' phenomenal portfolio of work demonstrated that they were clearly the design team to capture the enduring image of the father and son." "As American icons, Andy and Opie hold a special place for us -- reminders of more innocent times. I can remember with great fondness tuning into see their stories unfold," said Ivan Schwartz, Studio Director and Project Art Director, StudioEIS.

As part of TV Land's Landmark Program, "The Andy Griffith Show" sculpture represents the network's third effort to honor classic TV. The network's first salute -- a bronze statue of Ralph Kramden of "The Honeymooners" -- was unveiled in 2000 and now adorns the entrance to New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal. In May 2002, a bronze statue of Mary Tyler Moore from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was unveiled and now stands on Nicollett Mall in downtown Minneapolis, MN.

Buddy Ebsen Dies at 95

[July 2, 2003]  TV icon Buddy Ebsen died Sunday morning at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, CA.  He was 95.

Ebsen and his sister Vilma danced through Broadway shows and MGM musicals of the 1930s. When she retired, Ebsen continued on his own, dancing with Shirley Temple and turning dramatic actor. 

His first screen kiss was with Barbara Stanwyck in 1937's "Banjo on my Knee." Ebsen almost danced down the Yellow Brick Road  in the classic "The Wizard of Oz" as the Tin Man. After 10 days of filming, Ebsen fell ill because of the aluminum makeup on his skin and was replaced by Jack Haley.  In 1961 he played Audrey Hepburn's husband, Doc Golightly, in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  When two feature films were edited into a TV series it brought Ebsen's personality to the home screen, as Fess Parker's sidekick in "Davy Crockett."

Ebsen will be best remembered as Jedidiah "Jed" Clampett who struck oil and moved his dirt-poor clan to California in "The Beverly Hillbillies." The series debuted in 1962 and ran until 1971, making it one of CBS's longest running sitcoms.


Buddy's biography is out of print, but can often be found HERE  More items in Morty's Mall.

During its first two seasons it reigned as the number one show, attracting an average 60 million viewers a week. In fact, a regular episode, "The Giant Jackrabbit" in January 1964 ranks as TV's 34th highest-rated telecast ever, and the highest-rated half hour in TV history, outrating several Super Bowls, the mega-miniseries "The Thorn Birds" and the finale episode of "Seinfeld."

Next, Ebsen moved on to play soft-spoken P.I. Barnaby Jones who comes out of retirement to nail the bad guys on CBS from 1973 to 1980. 

In recent years Ebsen had dabbled in oil painting, selling self-portraits and paintings of Clampett characters.  His paintings can be seen at  www.BuddyEbsen.com.  In 2001 Ebsen penned a novel ( Kelly's Quest), and wrote his autobiography, "Return to Oz"   and recorded an album.

Ebsen was married three times and had a total of seven children from his first two marriages. He's survived by his third wife Dorothy.

Ebsen had been hospitalized at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center since last month for lung problems. But just last week Ebsen was transferred from intensive care and was said to be making a solid recovery--his wife, Dorothy, even said she planning a post-hospital trip to Hawaii for the couple, reported E! News.

Brady Cast Return to Hawaii

[July 3, 2003] [ABC News] Thirty years after their family vacation was almost ruined by the curse of an ancient tiki doll, the Bradys are back in Hawaii.

"Is this like an acid flashback or what?" joked Barry Williams, who played oldest son Greg on "The Brady Bunch." Full Details

Buddy Hackett Tribute 0n GSN

[July 2, 2003] Game Show Network Pays Tribute to Comedian Buddy Hackett on the Fourth of July With Special Programming Featuring Some of His Best Game Show Appearances

Buddy Hackett, who was best known for comedic work in clubs, movies and television, was also a favored game show contestant who amassed over 100 appearances in his lifetime. In memory of Hackett and his work, Game Show Network is programming special episodes featuring Hackett from GSN's vast collection of classic game shows.

The special Hackett episodes will air Friday, July 4, during the network's "Hollywood Squares"  morning block (9:00AM - Noon ET) and during the early morning hours (4:30-6:00AM ET). The Hackett tribute includes shows from when he was the regular center square on the 1968 nighttime "Hollywood Squares"  series and his appearances on "Password,"  "What's My Lines?"  "I've Got A Secret," and "To Tell The Truth". The "Hollywood Squares" Mini-Marathon will include episodes from the late 60's to early 70's from 9:00AM to Noon ET.

GSN's Black & White Overnight tribute will include: 4:00AM "Password" (Guests: Buddy Hackett, Betsy Palmer) 4:30AM "What's My Line?" 10/24/65 Buddy Hackett sits in on the panel and tries to guess an all star line-up that includes Danny Kaye, Bette Davis and Yves Saint Laurent. 5:00AM "I've Got a Secret"  3/1/65 Hackett joins the panel to guess tonight's secrets. Guest celebrities are Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland and Johnny Olsen appears on camera in an audience spot. 5:30AM "To Tell the Truth."

Buddy Hackett, 78; Comic, Delighted Fans for Decades

[July 1, 2003] Buddy Hackett, who broke into comedy as a young waiter-performer in New York's Catskill Mountains and went on to achieve iconic status as a raunchy nightclub performer and rubber-faced clown in movies including "The Music Man" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," died Monday at his home in Malibu. He was 78.    Full Details

Buddy Hackett can be seen in the original 1969 Disney feature, "The Love Bug," July 19th at 7:30AM on The Hallmark Channel.

 

 
 

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