Jan. 8, 2020
In connection with the ABC portion of the 2020 Winter Press Tour, below are several network announcements with additional news to break during ABC’s executive session and throughout the day.
Please note: Scripted announcements below are followed by news regarding alternative content and live event programming as well as spring scheduling.
Scripted Announcements:
ABC’S GROUNDBREAKING SERIES ‘MODERN FAMILY’ SET TO AIR SPECIAL SERIES FINALE EPISODE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Fans Can Vote for Their All-Time Favorite Episodes of ‘MODERN FAMILY’ for a Special ‘Modern Marathon’ to Air Wednesday, March 11
Photo credit: ABC/Jill Greenberg*
The Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan are ready to say goodbye but not before giving fans one final night of belly laughs as one of television’s great family comedies. Currently in its 11th and final season, ABC announced today that the Emmy® Award-winning series “Modern Family” will air its series farewell episode on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, on ABC.
In addition, ABC is giving fans the power to program an entire night filled with their favorite “Modern Family” episodes that will air WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT). The night will kick off with the episode that started it all – the “Modern Family” series premiere – followed by five additional fan-chosen episodes, giving viewers a chance to gather their families for the ultimate “Modern Family” binge and relive some of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan’s most hilarious, jaw-dropping and monumental moments.
Voting for your favorite “Modern Family” episodes will begin MONDAY, FEB. 3, via a daily Twitter poll from the show’s Twitter handle and concludes FRIDAY, FEB. 7. Each day, a different selection of episodes will be available for fans to choose from for a curated night of “Modern Family” fun!
Critically lauded for revitalizing the television sitcom when it premiered in fall 2009, “Modern Family” also quickly cemented itself as a culturally defining series. The show featured characters who lived their lives on their own terms, broke down stereotypes and shared their biggest embarrassments, mishaps, tender and funny moments with the world. The recipient of a record five consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, “Modern Family” tied the Emmy Award record previously set by “Frasier.” As the series counts down to the finale, this wonderfully large and blended family will continue to delight audiences with its honest and often hilarious look into the warm and sometimes twisted embrace of the modern family.
“Modern Family” is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television in association with Steven Levitan Prods and Picador Productions. Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are co-creators/executive producers. Danny Zuker, Paul Corrigan, Brad Walsh, Abraham Higginbotham, Jeffrey Richman and Jeff Morton also serve as executive producers. Twentieth Century Fox Television is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of Twentieth Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.
IF YOU CAN TAKE THE HEAT, GET IN THE KITCHEN WITH ABC’S ROMANTIC DRAMEDY ‘THE BAKER AND THE BEAUTY,’ PREMIERING MONDAY, APRIL 6
ABC’s compelling new modern-day fairy tale, “The Baker and the Beauty,” will take viewers on a flavor-filled adventure between relatable everyman Daniel and international superstar Noa. Daniel Garcia is working in the family bakery and doing everything that his loving Cuban parents and siblings expect him to do. But when he meets Noa Hamilton on a wild Miami night, his life moves into the spotlight. Will this unlikely couple upend their lives to be together and pull his family into a culture clash? “The Baker and the Beauty” premieres MONDAY, APRIL 6 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT).
“The Baker and the Beauty” stars Victor Rasuk as Daniel Garcia, Nathalie Kelley as Noa Hamilton, Carlos Gómez as Rafael Garcia, Dan Bucatinsky as Lewis, Lisa Vidal as Mari Garcia, David Del Rio as Mateo Garcia, Belissa Escobedo as Natalie and Michelle Veintimilla as Vanessa.
Dean Georgaris is the writer/executive producer and showrunner. David Frankel executive produces and directed the pilot and episode two. Becky Hartman Edwards executive produced the pilot and second episode. “The Baker and the Beauty” is based on the hit Israeli show created by Assi Azar, originally for Keshet Broadcasting. Keshet’s Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Peter Traugott and Rachel Kaplan are executive producers, along with Assi Azar. Jim Chory and Steve Pearlman also serve as executive producers.
The series is produced by Universal Television and ABC Studios in association with Keshet Studios. Universal Television is a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of Twentieth Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.
Alternative and Live Event Programming Announcements:
‘THE CONNERS’ TO AIR LIVE THE NIGHT OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY, TUESDAY, FEB. 11
ABC News’ Coverage of the First-in-the-Nation Primary Will Be Incorporated Into the Broadcast, to Air Live on Both East, West Coasts
ABC will air a special live episode of top-rated comedy “The Conners” the night of the New Hampshire primary, TUESDAY, FEB. 11 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EST). The cast will perform the episode live for both the East and West coast broadcasts. ABC News coverage of the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary will be incorporated into the story in real time as the results roll in during the evening.
The live episode will find Mark (Ames McNamara) watching the results of the primary for a school report with Harris (Emma Kenney), who is apathetic to the electoral process and believes money’s influence in politics means real change is impossible. The rest of the Conners share their differing takes on why they all think everyone should vote, including their working-class perspective that you may have to vote for a candidate you don’t love but one that will “screw you the least.” All of this happens against the backdrop of romance when Louise (guest star Katey Sagal) gets an opportunity that might send her away from Lanford, prompting the family to interfere in Dan’s (John Goodman) complicated relationship with her by throwing Louise a surprise going-away party, creating major new tensions between Dan and his daughters.
Guest stars will include Katey Sagal as Louise.
The series stars John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy, Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner, Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy, Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy and Jayden Rey as Mary Conner.
“The Conners” is executive produced by Tom Werner, along with Sara Gilbert, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, Bruce Rasmussen and Tony Hernandez. Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan and Bruce Rasmussen are also writers. The series is from Sara + Tom.
ABC JOINS FORCES WITH CELEBRATED EGOT WINNER MEL BROOKS FOR LATEST LIVE MUSICAL EVENT, ‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN LIVE!’
ABC today announced that the network will debut its latest live musical event this fall with “Young Frankenstein Live!” (working title), produced by the legendary director, writer, actor, comedian, producer and composer, Mel Brooks. The announcement comes on the heels of the network’s most recent hit musical spectacular, “The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!,” which marked the most-watched made-for-TV musical on any network in nearly four years and ranked as the week’s No. 1 entertainment show.
Based on the Broadway stage version of “Young Frankenstein,” “Young Frankenstein Live!” will follow Mel Brooks’ and Gene Wilder’s comedic reimagining of the Mary Shelley classic novel. The live production will feature music from the stage adaptation, originally composed by Brooks. An airdate and cast announcement will be made at a later date.
THE EMMY® AWARDS RETURN TO ABC, SUNDAY, SEPT. 20
TELECAST TO AIR LIVE COAST TO COAST
ABC and the Television Academy today announced the return of the “72nd Emmy® Awards” to ABC, airing LIVE coast to coast from the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/5:00-8:00 p.m. PDT). Host(s) and producers for the telecast will be announced at a later date.
Nominations for the 72nd Emmy Awards will be announced on TUESDAY, JULY 14. The 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, honoring outstanding artistic and technical achievements in television, will take place over two consecutive nights on SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, and SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The Television Academy seeks to expand the horizons of television excellence. It strives to empower storytellers who shape the evolving television space through the programs, publications and events of the Academy and its Foundation. And it celebrates those who have led excellence by recording their stories and recognizing their achievements through accolades and awards, including television’s most coveted prize, the Emmy Award.
Spring Scheduling Announcements:
ABC’S ‘HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER’ SET TO AIR KILLER SERIES FINALE, THURSDAY, MAY 14
The Award-Winning Series to Return for Remaining Six-Episode Farewell Event on Thursday, April 2
ABC today announced the explosive series finale of “How to Get Away with Murder” will air THURSDAY, MAY 14 (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT). The critically acclaimed series, which will return for its six-episode killer farewell event on THURSDAY, APRIL 2, is currently in its sixth and final season.
In July, it was announced that season six of “How to Get Away with Murder” would be its last. This season follows Professor Annalise Keating’s (Viola Davis) class through their final semester in law school – while the deception, fear and guilt-binding Professor Keating to her students proved deadlier than ever. The fall finale ended on a cliffhanger as Wes Gibbons (Alfred Enoch), who was previously presumed dead, was seen in a flash-forward at Annalise’s funeral, fueling further speculation of “Who Killed Annalise?” The back-half of the season will pick up where the fall finale left off in the present-day storyline as Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King) and Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee) are arrested for the murder of Asher Millstone (Matt McGorry). Meanwhile, Annalise was last seen fleeing Philadelphia after the news broke that she is under criminal investigation.
During the series run, Viola Davis earned the 2015 Primetime Emmy® for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, which cemented her name in history as the first woman of color to win an Emmy Award in the category. In addition, Davis has been honored with two SAG Awards, a People’s Choice Award and an NAACP Image Award for her portrayal of Annalise Keating.
“How to Get Away with Murder” has been praised for its on-screen inclusivity, with storylines exploring racial dynamics, LGBTQ representation, gender inequality and sex positivity. Over the course of the first five seasons, the series has been awarded numerous accolades including an American Film Institute Award for Television Program of the Year, a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
“How to Get Away with Murder” stars Academy Award® winner Viola Davis as Professor Annalise Keating, Billy Brown as Detective Nate Lahey, Jack Falahee as Connor Walsh, Aja Naomi King as Michaela Pratt, Matt McGorry as Asher Millstone, Charlie Weber as Frank Delfino, Liza Weil as Bonnie Winterbottom, Conrad Ricamora as Oliver Hampton, Rome Flynn as Gabriel Maddox and Amirah Vann as Tegan Price.
Shondaland’s “How to Get Away with Murder” is created and executive produced by Pete Nowalk (“Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy”). Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Stephen Cragg also serve as executive producers. The show is produced by ABC Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, which is a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.
‘SHARK TANK’ RETURNS TO FRIDAY NIGHTS BEGINNING FRIDAY, FEB. 28, AND ‘AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE’ MOVES TO WEDNESDAYS AT 9 P.M. ON APRIL 15
Friday nights are about to see some shark-infested waters when “Shark Tank,” the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy® Award-winning entrepreneurial-themed reality show currently in its 11th season, returns to its FRIDAY time slot on FEB. 28 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EST), while the hit comedy “American Housewife” moves to a new spot on the ABC comedy block beginning WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 (9:00-9:30 p.m. EDT).
Editor’s note: “American Housewife” will air at 9:30 p.m. EDT starting March 18 before moving to 9:00 p.m. EDT on April 15.
*All times listed below are in Eastern Time:
FRIDAY, FEB. 28
8:00-9:01 p.m. Shark Tank (NEW DAY/TIME)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
9:00-9:30 p.m. American Housewife (NEW DAY/TIME)
About ABC Entertainment
ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” the longest-running medical drama in prime-time television; riveting dramas “The Good Doctor,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “A Million Little Things” and “Station 19”; the Emmy® Award-winning “Modern Family” and trailblazing comedy favorites “American Housewife,” “black-ish,” “Bless This Mess,” “The Conners,” “The Goldbergs,” and “Schooled”; the popular “Summer Fun & Games” programming block, including “Card Sharks,” “Celebrity Family Feud,” “Holey Moley” and “Press Your Luck”; star-making sensation “American Idol”; reality phenomenon “Shark Tank”; “The Bachelor” franchise; long-running hits “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos”; “General Hospital,” which has aired for more than 55 years on the network; and late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”; as well as the critically acclaimed hit special ”Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons.’” The network also boasts some of television’s most prestigious awards shows, including “The Oscars®,” “The CMA Awards” and the “American Music Awards.”
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