An Archive for TV news from October 2001

"SIMPSONS" COMING TO DVD IN SEPTEMBER
ORDER IT NOW AND SAVE $10

Classic TV doesn't have to be in black & white! One of Morty's favorites is "THE SIMPSONS" FOX Home Entertainment has announced the first season of "THE SIMPSONS" will be released on DVD on September 25th, for a suggested $39.98. But wait! You can pre-order it right here and get it for only $29.98!! The 3-disc set will feature the FOX animated series' 13-episode debut season, along with outtakes, character sketches, shorts from "THE TRACEY ULLMAN SHOW", and a "lost" episode. A second box set is expected to follow later in the year, followed by future seasons at a rate of about every six months.

Less Classic TV on TV Land and Nick at Nite

I've written about the problem of TV Land and Nick at Nite butchering our classic TV shows. I've heard from many of my readers asking why they're cutting up our shows. For the first time, that I know of, an executive at Viacom is talking about it. So what's going to happen,? Nothing, the cuts will continue. This is a very good interview from Salon.com, read it here in it's uncut entirety.

Morty's Guilty Pleasure

I lot of people ask, "Morty, don't you ever watch anything new on TV?" Well, not often. I hate to admit it, I hang my head in shame, as I tell you I'm a fan of "Big Brother," the CBS reality series that follows the every move of twelve people living in a house with 38 cameras, I put together a quick page to help other fans find the info they want. CLICK HERE

Bewitched, Jeannie and More on the New Hallmark Channel!

Hallmark Media, the people that brought us "Hallmark Hall of Fame" and "Shoebox Greeting Cards" has acquired The Odyssey Channel. They have a lot of changes planned for their August 5th debut, but the part I liked hearing about the most is what they're calling its all-new "Comedy Kickback" weekday afternoons beginning Monday, August 6. The block begins with "My Three Sons," (3 pm), followed by the popular series "Bewitched" (4pm), "I Dream of Jeannie" (5pm) and "Happy Days" (6p.m.). OK, some are leftovers from Odyssey, but we're getting "Bewitched" back! You can read the whole story here.

ALF and Griffith are Hits on Cable

One of the most asked questions to Ask Morty is why does Nick at Nite or TV Land keep running a show that "isn't any good." Of course the the term "isn't any good" is subjective, and the reason any show gets renewed is because of ratings.

In a recent interview with Viacom President Mel Karmazin, he discussed the great ratings TV Land and Nick at Nite have been getting. So what's the hottest show on TV Land? It's "The Andy Griffith Show." What surprised me was that the largest number of viewers tuned in to see "ALF" in a recent one night marathon on Nick at Nite. Don't be surprised if the fuzzy alien turns up again on Nick at Nite once the channel completes it's transition to "All '80's, All Nite" format. "All in the Family" is also a ratings winner on 'Nick.

Nick at Nite Unveils Additions to Fall Schedule

Nick at Nite announced the network's plans for the new TV season. “Cheers” will debut on Nick at Nite with a week-long marathon celebration beginning October 14th. “Family Ties” will kick off with a similar marathon beginning September 23, while “The Cosby Show” will join the roster beginning in March, 2002.

Why all this 80's crap? Nick at Nite is reaping the benefits of totally ‘80s television: Citing “Three’s Company,” “Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life,” Nick claimed ad-supported cable’s No. 1 position among adults 25-34 for the second quarter to date. The numbers mark a jump of 62 percent from the same period last year when the network ranked ninth among basic cable outlets.

Attention fans of Dark Shadows

The rarely seen pre-Barnabas episodes being aired on the Sci-Fi Channel at 10:00am & 10:30am! Look for Barnabas to appear to in episodes to air this fall.

Ab-Fab to Return With New Episodes

Jennifer Saunders has awarded fans of 'Absolutely Fabulous' an early Christmas present. The hit show will return for a new series in 2001.

Saunders made up her mind to revive the show after making the Spring pilot episode of 'Mirrorball', itself to be shown on 22 December. She explained, "We had such a great time making 'Mirrorball' that we all wanted to work together again.

The world of PR terrorist Edina Monsoon and her gaunt companion will have moved on since 1996's 'The Last Shout'. In the new series Edina is sandwiched between the upwardly mobile worlds of her daughter Saffron, who has found success as an actress, and her mother (June Whitfield), who has found a job and a new man.