Night Court is back in session
2020 knows how to keep throwing out curveballs that nobody is expecting. News today that there is a reboot of 80s sitcom Night Court in the works with original series star John Larroquette set to return as lawyer Dan Fielding.
I think this is great news. But also I ask: Why is this happening? What demand is there for a Night Court revival? When I go to sleep at night, am I waking up in Hollywood as a development executive?
Despite the fact that the show ran for a surprising nine seasons between 1984-1992, and that it has one of TV’s funnest theme songs, this is a show that has had no long-lasting cultural resonance beside that one episode of 30 Rock where TV fan / NBC page Kenneth Parcell staged a Night Court reunion.
The premise of the new series:
Night Court centers on the unapologetic optimist judge Abby Stone, daughter of the late Harry Stone, who follows in her father’s footsteps as she presides over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court and tries to bring order to its crew of oddballs and cynics, most notably former night court prosecutor Dan Fielding (Larroquette).
The show is being produced for Warner Bros TV with The Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch producing. Rauch is not expected to appear in the series.
Read: Deadline
Pull the lever
Cherries Wild is a new game show hosted by Jason Biggs and produced in collaboration between Fox and Pepsi.
It’s a game show. But it’s also a brand integration with the Pepsi Wild Cherry drink.
“We are excited to partner with our longtime friends at Pepsi on Cherries Wild,” said Rob Wade, President, Alternative Entertainment & Specials, Fox Entertainment. “This is a bold concept that best illustrates the limitless possibilities that can be accomplished when two great brands join forces to deliver audiences a wildly entertaining program and an equally dazzling product. With the always-charming Jason Biggs at the helm, Cherries Wild is a refreshing twist on the classic trivia game show.”
It debuts Feb 14. Mark it in your calendars.
Source: thefutoncritic
Pam and Tommy: The Series
Just when you think they have run out of great stories to tell, you hear about a project like this. Hulu is making a TV mini-series about Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s sex tape scandal.
Seth Rogan will feature as the man who stole the sex tape, but in the main roles will be Lily James and Sebastian Stan. I, Tonya’s Craig Gillespie will direct the eight-episode series.
Read: Indiewire
Apple TV+ coming to Chromecast
An Apple TV+ app will be available on the new Chromecast with Google TV device early next year. If you’re looking for a good and cheap device to connect to your TV so you can stream all of your shows, I’ve so far been pretty impressed by the device. It might also make for a good Christmas gift too (not for me - but, y’know, people. I found out the other day that my sister still watches Netflix through an Apple TV 3. So guess what she’s getting).
Just a thought.
Read: Variety
TeeVee Snacks
- “This is John Deeks speaking” - the voice of Australia’s Channel Seven is leaving the network after 44 years of announcer work. Read: TV Tonight
- HBO Max is now available on PS5 in the US, but there’s still no deal with Roku. I hear people blaming HBO Max for this… but if they are striking deals to be on every other platform, isn’t it more likely that Roku is the roadblock here? Read: Variety
- FYI, the Walker: Texas Ranger reboot Walker will debut in Australia on Stan on Jan 22.
- Servant will return for season 3 on Apple TV+. Read: Variety
- Full Frontal with Samantha Bee returns for a 6th season. Read: Deadline
- Foxtel is cutting off access to On Demand content via its iQ1, iQ1.5, and iQ2 boxes as the company focuses on development of the platform. Read: TV Tonight
Trailer Park
Tribes of Europa debuts Feb 19 on Netflix.
The future is not what you expected. The 2074 Europe is split into many Tribal states fighting for dominance. The three siblings Kiano (Emilio Sakraya), Liv (Henriette Confurius) and Elja (David Ali Rashed) get caught in the middle of this bloody war and are forced to forge their own paths.
Asphalt Burning debuts Jan 2 on Netflix.
When the brakes slam on his wedding, Roy accepts a challenge from a new foe to race for his runaway bride at the iconic Nürburgring track in Germany.
Search Party returns on Jan 14.
What’s next?
