EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2003 http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/...1|,00.html Alf Gets a Talk Show LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Alf is returning from the TV hinterlands of cheap-phone-service commercials. Nickelodeon is developing a talk show that the alien puppet and star of a 1980s NBC sitcom would host. "Alf's Hit Talk Show" is one of several series in development for its Nick at Nite programming block. Alf -- real name Gordon Shumway, voice by Paul Fusco -- was a regular in NBC's prime-time lineup from 1986-90. More recently, he's hawked cheap long-distance service from 10-10-220 and collect calls from 1-800-COLLECT. Nick's sister station, TV Land, will once again stage the TV Land Awards, honoring shows and performers from the medium's past and designating one current series a "future classic." Other Nick and Nite and TV Land series in development for next year include: "Zen & Buster": An animated series about Hollywood, seen through the eyes of the dogs of the rich and famous. Kelsey Grammer provides one of the voices, and his company, Grammnet, is producing. "Take 2": A family comedy from creator Dan Schneider ("The Amanda Show," "What I Like About You") about an actor-turned-psychologist who's unable to escape his former persona. A new version of "Kids Say the Darndest Things." "Return Engagement": Actor-director Peter Bonerz ("The Bob Newhart Show," "Friends") created this comedy about retired actors who inherit an L.A. apartment building with similarities to "Melrose Place." "TV Land Moguls": Merv Griffin hosts this set of TV Land specials, scheduled for April, that features profiles and interviews with some of the creative minds behind the camera, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Aaron Spelling and David E. Kelley. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Flyboy Report post Posted December 22, 2003 Somewhere Incandenza is masturbating to this news. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2003 Proof that we need fewer TV channels, not more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2003 http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,13155,00.html ALF: The Comeback Kid, er, Alien by Julie Keller This just in from the home office in Melmac: The 7,385 signers of the "Bring Back ALF" online petition letter have finally gotten their wish. The furry, cat-craving extraterrestrial star of the 1980s NBC sitcom, most recently spotted slumming it for long-distance services 10-10-220 and 1-800-COLLECT, has just landed his own show on Nickelodeon. ALF's Hit Talk Show, starring the sarcastic puppet voiced by Paul Fusco, is a new series in development for Nick at Nite. Perhaps taking a hint from his latest 10-10-220 commercial where he channels Johnny Carson, the show will feature ALF (short for Alien Life Form--his given name is Gordon Shumway) interviewing a host of celebs. The gabfest is part of an effort by the Nickelodeon and TV Land channels (both owned by media giant Viacom) to garner a more adult audience in the post-kiddie viewing hours. Among the other shows on tap are two new adult-friendly animated series from Bill Cosby and Kelsey Grammer. For now Nickelodeon is banking on the alien appeal of ALF. Surprisingly, the hirsute space oddity has retained a major cult following since NBC pulled ALF off the air in 1990 after five seasons of dissing the daily activities of the Tanner clan, his de facto family after his spaceship crashed into their garage. Thirteen years after the show was canceled, hundreds of fan sites have sprung up on the Web. ALF's unlikely comeback began earlier this year when he was hired to hawk long-distance services opposite the likes of Terry Bradshaw, Mike Piazza, Emmitt Smith and Toby Keith. Apparently a couple lousy commercials weren't enough for ALF's most ardent fans, many of whom took to the Net to petition for a more appropriate vehicle to showcase ALF's unique talents. "ALF is the coolest, most loveable alien and for some reason he is off. Networks, get him back," begged Tara on the Planet Melmac Message Board in the dark days before Nickelodeon green-lighted the talk show. "Whoever the powers to be are: PLEASE!!! Bring back this show!!! With all the junk on the dial today... nothing would make me happier than to be able to watch my furry friendly buddy," added ALF aficionado Jody. Though none of Jody's TV ideas (such as ALF Returns, ALF Goes Hollywood, ALF Over the Rainbow, ALF visits London and the U.K., ALF: Return of the Family, ALF Return to Melmac or Winter Vacation with ALF) were picked up, ALF's Hit Talk Show is ready to go. The pilot was taped in November, and ALF's run as the next Dave/Jay/Oprah will begin early in 2004. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Man Of 1,004 Modes Report post Posted December 23, 2003 YES! YES! YES YES YES YES!!! (continues my Bobby Heenan imitation from 1992 RR when Flair wins) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mecha Mummy 0 Report post Posted December 25, 2003 If they just use this to satire talk shows ala Space Ghost, this could be good. If they present this as an actual talk show... eh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drury37 0 Report post Posted December 27, 2003 WOOO this is awesome it will be like that classic episode of ALF where he is on the Johnny Carson show over and over and over again, WOOO!!! Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
