ION Television October 2007--

Blog Story: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2007/09/perfect-strangers-joins-ion-television.html

Regular schedule changes:

Mon-Thurs, effect. Oct. 1, 2007
6:00PM Doc Mon-Fri (replaces Diagnosis Murder)
7:30PM Mama's Family (replaces Designing Women)
8:30PM Perfect Strangers (replaces Mama's Family)

Effective Oct. 8, 2007
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00PM 48 Hours (replaces The Wonder Years)
Tuesdays at 10:00PM Sue Thomas F.B.Eye (replaces The Wonder Years)
Thursdays at 10:00PM Doc (replaces The Wonder Years)



Here is full the regular schedule for October:
Mon-Thurs
6:00PM Doc
7:00PM Designing Women
7:30PM Mama's Family
8:00PM Mama's Family
8:30PM Perfect Strangers
9:00PM Who's the Boss?
9:30PM Who's the Boss?
10:00PM The Wonder Years; 48 Hours (Mon, Wed starting Oct. 8); Sue Thomas F.B.Eye (Tues starting Oct. 9); Doc (Thurs starting Oct. 11)
10:30PM The Wonder Years; 48 Hours cont. (Mon, Wed starting Oct. 8); Sue Thomas F.B.Eye cont. (Tues starting Oct. 9); Doc cont. (Thurs starting Oct. 11)
11:00PM Bodog Fight (Tuesdays)

Fri-Sun
6:00PM Doc (Fri); NFL Game of the Week (Sat, starting Sept. 15); ION Life (Sun)
7:00PM RHI Entertainment
9:00PM RHI Entertainment
11:00PM Bodog Fight (Sat)



Movies, Stunts, Marathons

- RHI on ION

September Programming:
Friday, October 5
7:00PM-9:00PM A Storm in Summer (2000)
9:00PM-11:00PM The Secret (1994)

Saturday, October 6
7:00PM-9:00PM Search and Rescue (1994)
9:00PM-11:00PM The Incident (1990)

Sunday, October 7
7:00PM-11:00PM Kidnapped (1995)

Friday, October 12
7:00PM-9:00PM Harvey (1999)
9:00PM-11:00PM Remember Me (1995)

Saturday, October 13
7:00PM-11:00PM Gambler V: Playing for Keeps
(1992)

Sunday, October 14
7:00PM-11:00PM Killer Wave (2007)

Friday, October 19
7:00PM-9:00PM The Man from Left Field (1997)
9:00PM-11:00PM Blind Faith (1998)

Saturday, October 20
7:00PM-9:00PM Against Her Will: An Incident in Baltimore (1992)
9:00PM-11:00PM Incident in a Small Town (1994)

Sunday, October 21
7:00PM-11:00PM Voyage of the Unicorn (2001)

Friday, October 26
7:00PM-9:00PM Secretes (1995)
9:00PM-11:00PM Free of Eden

Saturday, October 27
7:00PM-9:00PM The Inspectors (2000)
9:00PM-11:00PM Deadlocked: Escaped from Zone 14 (1995)

Sunday, October 28
7:00PM-11:00PM Cleopatra (1999)




- Perfect Strangers Halloween Stunt
Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25
8:30PM & 9:00PM ET/PT both nights
Join Larry and Balki as they battle The Grim Reaper, the touch of death, a ghost, and some Halloween late night horror movies!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
8:30PM #34 The Horn Blows at Midnight
Balki listens humbly as a famous psychic predicts that Larry will be "eating a golden ring and sitting on a sheep" on the day a terrible storm ushers in The Grim Reaper.
9:00PM #147 Lethal Weapon
Balki is convinced he is cursed with a "touch of death" and insists on wearing a protection suit to keep from touching anyone, which tries everyone's patience.

Thursday, October 25, 2007
8:30PM #125 Fright Night
There's a ghost haunting Balki's room; Balki is thrilled and Larry is skeptical, that is until the spirit becomes angry.
9:00PM #53 Aliens
Larry braves a Halloween night horror-movie marathon but he awakens the next morning believing Balki has turned into a different kind of immigrant - from another planet.



Read the blog before you post: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2007/09/perfect-strangers-joins-ion-television.html

what a horrible schedule
an insult to The Wonder Years the shows they replaced it with

Great to see Perfect Strangers on but yea the Wonder Years is getting screwed now.

good i dont like wonder years anyway im fine with it glad finally see perfect strangers on tv

Although I wish we had back-to-back episodes of Perfect Strangers, I am very happy that one of my favorite shows is returning!! -- I am doing the happy dance!! LOL

First off, pavan, this is the fall sked, correct? As I believe you stated before, the fall schedule meant expansion to the lineup? Why is this not happening?

I can't believe I can say how much this schedule sucks. We finally get rid of Diagnonis, yet it's replaced by Doc, an even worse show. Then, we finally get Perfect Strangers, yet it's only 1 episode, at 8:30, which is bad for me, because I'll probably already find a show to watch at 8pm, then will want to continue watching it the entire hour. WTB is still on, which is no surprise, yet a good thing (the only good thing) and The Wonder Years is gone, replaced by 3 different shows, none to my liking.

It's funny, because in the ION poll we've been taking this week at these boards, Wonder Years was right up there with WTB as everyone's favorite show, yet it's getting yanked off the lineup. Sometime, I wonder if the people in charge of NAN are running ION too-LOL

what a horrible schedule
an insult to The Wonder Years the shows they replaced it with

It's good to see someone still has good tastes-LOL

if ION ever expands it'll be a really good network. but right now they're trying to fit too much into such a tiny timeblock. they really need to expand before people just completely lose hope in it and tune out.

im glad to hear WTB is doing really well though. as long as it's on there i'll still watch.

They're bringing in way too many shows in October. They have 9 shows they're trying to fit into 5 hours, with one slot sharing 2 different shows. Like I said, it's like NAN is running ION, too.

They're bringing in way too many shows in October. They have 9 shows they're trying to fit into 5 hours, with one slot sharing 2 different shows. Like I said, it's like NAN is running ION, too.
and none of those 10:00 shows are classics. They might as well air infomercials there. :rolleyes:

and none of those 10:00 shows are classics. They might as well air infomercials there. :rolleyes:

Aren't Doc and Sue Thomas PAX originals? Just bringing them back shows ION is really not trying to become their own independent network. and 48 Hours is still airing, which doesn't make sense airing it 2 nights a week. I'm sure TWY would do much better in the slot. If they possibly aired TWY earlier, where kids who are going to school the next day can watch it . . . I mean, 10 is good for me, but whatever they have to do.

First off, pavan, this is the fall sked, correct? As I believe you stated before, the fall schedule meant expansion to the lineup? Why is this not happening?

I can't believe I can say how much this schedule sucks. We finally get rid of Diagnonis, yet it's replaced by Doc, an even worse show. Then, we finally get Perfect Strangers, yet it's only 1 episode, at 8:30, which is bad for me, because I'll probably already find a show to watch at 8pm, then will want to continue watching it the entire hour. WTB is still on, which is no surprise, yet a good thing (the only good thing) and The Wonder Years is gone, replaced by 3 different shows, none to my liking.

It's funny, because in the ION poll we've been taking this week at these boards, Wonder Years was right up there with WTB as everyone's favorite show, yet it's getting yanked off the lineup. Sometime, I wonder if the people in charge of NAN are running ION too-LOL

I never said an expansion was going to happen for sure. I was speculating. And don't be greedy, just be happy Perfect Strangers is on at all. One episode a night is better than nothing. Wonder Years had at least one cycle at least, unlike shows like Alice. So be happy.

Polls are not an indication of ratings.

And as for Doc and Sue Thomas...they are temporary for sure.

And pavan,I have a question:WHY is "Designing Woman" on ION Television,AND TVLand??

ION is a broadcast network, they can air Designing Women all they want. TV Land is cable...they have the cable rights.

It sucks that The Wonder Years is gone. At least it went through two cycles. I have every episode on tape now. Its cool that Perfect Strangers is coming on there. I haven't seen very many episodes of that show. Yay, WTB? is still on there!:)

I never said an expansion was going to happen for sure. I was speculating. And don't be greedy, just be happy Perfect Strangers is on at all. One episode a night is better than nothing. Wonder Years had at least one cycle at least, unlike shows like Alice. So be happy.

Polls are not an indication of ratings.

And as for Doc and Sue Thomas...they are temporary for sure.

Now when do you speculate they'll expand? Probably sometime next year by now.

I am glad to see Perfect Strangers. We've all been waiting forever to see it on the network, so it's a good replacement at 8:30. I'm just surprised they actually moved Mama's Family doen a half hour. Very surprising, considering they haven't touched Mama's Family since the switch.

As I said in another post, if ION would moved TWY down an hour or so . . . even though there are many adults like me and others who love the show to death, it is aimed at children and teens, where they might be able to watch it at an earlier time on weeknights. Just a suggestion.

TWY had a good, long run on ION. By the time it leaves, it will have been around for 6 months. That qualifies it as one of the longer-running shows on the network, I think. My precious "Charlie's Angels" was yanked after about the same amount of time. As a matter of fact, I think they even went through the CA twice too.

But yeah, I agree with Joe. The only thing ION needs to do, programming wise (because their shoddy editing, among other things, still annoy me), is expand. I'm willing to wait until the infomercials expire to see what happens. I'm happy for the "Perfect Strangers" fans, definitely, but I never really liked that show. I may watch it every now and then to see if my feelings change. I'll miss "The Wonder Years," but two runs is plenty for any show on this channel. "Diagnosis Murder" will live on on Hallmark, so that's not a big deal.

I just hope to God that when ION expands, they don't neglect the variety of programming they have. It would be absolutely, positively criminal for them to have the rights to so many different types of shows, but only air a certain era of a certain genre.

TWY had a good, long run on ION. By the time it leaves, it will have been around for 6 months. That qualifies it as one of the longer-running shows on the network, I think. My precious "Charlie's Angels" was yanked after about the same amount of time. As a matter of fact, I think they even went through the CA twice too.

But yeah, I agree with Joe. The only thing ION needs to do, programming wise (because their shoddy editing, among other things, still annoy me), is expand. I'm willing to wait until the infomercials expire to see what happens. I'm happy for the "Perfect Strangers" fans, definitely, but I never really liked that show. I may watch it every now and then to see if my feelings change. I'll miss "The Wonder Years," but two runs is plenty for any show on this channel. "Diagnosis Murder" will live on on Hallmark, so that's not a big deal.

I just hope to God that when ION expands, they don't neglect the variety of programming they have. It would be absolutely, positively criminal for them to have the rights to so many different types of shows, but only air a certain era of a certain genre.

Same goes for me with Perfect Strangers. Not a huge fan of the show, but I will watch it whenever I find the chance. At least it's better then Mama's Family at 8:30.

TWY has had a pretty good run on the network, but havingn it be replaced by 3 shows the don't belong on the schedule is what sucks. WOuldn't you much rather watch TWY?

Ion is reallly starting to p*ss me off. Wasn't October supposed to be the month when they were finally going to expand their schedule? This is basicallly the same crap. They have probably shown every episode of Mama's Family 30 times already. Didn't they acquire the rights to a lot of new programs last year? When are they going to air them? When are they going to cut back or eliminate the infomercials? This network is a joke.

If I am correct Diagnosis Murder has been on Ion since it first became PAX's TV in on August 31, 1998.

I'm still waiting for Chico and the Man

Yeah, I'd love it if TWY continued to air, but I'm really not surprised by ION's decision to bring back the two originals. Even back in the "i" days, they were popular shows for them. Whenever they expand, I think they'll find a place for "Doc" and "Sue Thomas" on the regular schedule. I wouldn't have a problem with that.

Really, even though ION's schedule right now is so tiny, they could still do a lot with it. 7pm-10pm could be sitcoms, 5pm-6pm could be dramas. 10pm-11pm could be their original programming (scripted and otherwise). I'd only put two 5+ season sitcoms on there (for instance, "Who's the Boss?" and "Perfect Strangers"). That way, those two shows could be shown back-to-back and the run wouldn't go so slow. Then I'd put two shorter-lived shows ("The Wonder Years" and "Amen," maybe) together in the 7pm hour, because they have fewer episodes. The two dramas would be not-so-long-running. A crime drama and something else from the Warner Bros library (cough..."Charlie's Angels" or "Harry O" and "Eight is Enough" or "Flamingo Road").

They could replace each show once it finished a run. That way, they'd be learning what works, what doesn't work, and they would also be making the most of their HUGE selection of programming options.

Yeah, I'd love it if TWY continued to air, but I'm really not surprised by ION's decision to bring back the two originals. Even back in the "i" days, they were popular shows for them. Whenever they expand, I think they'll find a place for "Doc" and "Sue Thomas" on the regular schedule. I wouldn't have a problem with that.

Really, even though ION's schedule right now is so tiny, they could still do a lot with it. 7pm-10pm could be sitcoms, 5pm-6pm could be dramas. 10pm-11pm could be their original programming (scripted and otherwise). I'd only put two 5+ season sitcoms on there (for instance, "Who's the Boss?" and "Perfect Strangers"). That way, those two shows could be shown back-to-back and the run wouldn't go so slow. Then I'd put two shorter-lived shows ("The Wonder Years" and "Amen," maybe) together in the 7pm hour, because they have fewer episodes. The two dramas would be not-so-long-running. A crime drama and something else from the Warner Bros library (cough..."Charlie's Angels" or "Harry O" and "Eight is Enough" or "Flamingo Road").

They could replace each show once it finished a run. That way, they'd be learning what works, what doesn't work, and they would also be making the most of their HUGE selection of programming options.

I'd think by now ION would know what works and what doesn't work. We're just back to shows sharing timeslots, and viewers being let down. They obviously like airing shows back to back. If the shows are popular enough, and if they want to air as many shows as possible, why not just expand and get it over with?

Again, I'm not sure many people will be tuning into watch the original shows. I know I won't be. I would rather them just air 48 Hours at the 10pm timeslot ONLY.

Ion is reallly starting to p*ss me off. Wasn't October supposed to be the month when they were finally going to expand their schedule? This is basicallly the same crap. They have probably shown every episode of Mama's Family 30 times already. Didn't they acquire the rights to a lot of new programs last year? When are they going to air them? When are they going to cut back or eliminate the infomercials? This network is a joke.

I'm agreeing with you. They are pretty mcuh just scared to branch out their lineup.

I'd think by now ION would know what works and what doesn't work. We're just back to shows sharing timeslots, and viewers being let down. They obviously like airing shows back to back. If the shows are popular enough, and if they want to air as many shows as possible, why not just expand and get it over with?

Again, I'm not sure many people will be tuning into watch the original shows. I know I won't be. I would rather them just air 48 Hours at the 10pm timeslot ONLY.
Well, there's still the whole contractual thing as far as the infomercials go. I'm reeeeally interested to know how long the contracts last. I believe ION has said in the past that they would love to expand as soon as possible, but the obligations as far as infomercials pretty much prevent that right now.

I am so so happy about Perfect Strangers, I have been watching it online because it's *nowhere* on TV so I can't wait to finally see this. Believe me, this has been basically a 15 year wait. So my DVR will be set.

I hope this will create enough interest to put the show on DVD where it belongs.

I'll just say I'm disappointed.....guess we need to face the fact that there probably won't be an expansion, at least anytime soon. We keep thinking they are going to expand, but they never do. They need to tell us something one way or the other instead of being so mum about it.

I'm agreeing with you. They are pretty mcuh just scared to branch out their lineup.
I wish that if they couldn't do it all at once, they could be able to just do it a little bit at a time. Say, an hour or two a month or every other month. Too bad the infomercials seem to have such a hold on them.

I wish that if they couldn't do it all at once, they could be able to just do it a little bit at a time. Say, an hour or two a month or every other month. Too bad the infomercials seem to have such a hold on them. according to your name...your my fan... lol.:cool:

I'm glad they're not messing with "Who's the Boss?" "Perfect Strangers" seems like nice addition as well.

I know I am glad they are keeping Who's The Boss on Ion from 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm Central Time

I'm so disappointed that The Wonder Years has been taken off the schedule. I was hoping that ION can move it to an earlier time slot so kids can watch it as an alternative to today's trashy family sitcoms. Glad to see Who's the Boss? still on the schedule! I'm trying to watch every single episode of WTB? but ION has skipped, I think, one episode?

I've always wanted to watch Perfect Strangers so I'm glad it's on the new October schedule.

when did The Wonder Year's come on Ion

Mama's Family would have been a better subtraction from the schedule than Wondr Years.

what do you mean by Mama's Family would have been Better subtraction from The Scheduled then The Wonder Year's

Now when do you speculate they'll expand? Probably sometime next year by now.

I am glad to see Perfect Strangers. We've all been waiting forever to see it on the network, so it's a good replacement at 8:30. I'm just surprised they actually moved Mama's Family doen a half hour. Very surprising, considering they haven't touched Mama's Family since the switch.

As I said in another post, if ION would moved TWY down an hour or so . . . even though there are many adults like me and others who love the show to death, it is aimed at children and teens, where they might be able to watch it at an earlier time on weeknights. Just a suggestion.


I have to agree, TWY was more of a 7pm Show and DW was more of a 10pm show.

Hey,pavan,I have another question:WHY were "Amen","Green Acres","Alice","The Partridge Family" and "The Monkees"given the old heave-ho by ION?Was it due to low ratings,or what?

i am very dissapointed that we'll only get 1 episode of Designing women, and Perfect strangers is such a lame show imho... but whatever... i wish they would stop airing old pax shows and put in more sitcoms...

like what Sitcoms on Ion Alice Amen Green Acres The Monkees and Partridge Family

I have to agree, TWY was more of a 7pm Show and DW was more of a 10pm show.

Yeah. DW is more of a show you miss at 7pm because you're either at work or eating dinner. With TWY, kids can still watch it, and so can adults. If ION could just think these decisions out more . . .

And Mama's Family would have been a much better subtraction than TWY. EVEN Designing Women could have gone, and let TWY have the 7pm slot.

It would make better sense for TWY to have (have had) the 7p.m. slot since I can imagine it appeals to a younger and broader audience than Designing Women.

I hope that TWY isn't going to be permanently gone from ION's schedule and that this is just a hiatus for a while. It is such a great show!

It would make better sense for TWY to have (have had) the 7p.m. slot since I can imagine it appeals to a younger and broader audience than Designing Women.

I hope that TWY isn't going to be permanently gone from ION's schedule and that this is just a hiatus for a while. It is such a great show!

Well, lately, every show ION has taken off the schedule has not come back on, which isn't good news for TWY. If ION ever expands, which I seriously don't think they ever will, it'll be back.

Amen did take a Break so I really think The Wonder Year's is just on a little Break

Amen did take a Break so I really think The Wonder Year's is just on a little Break

Amen and Alice are the only shows that came back after being yanked off. But, there are so many others, like Growing Pains, Partridge Family, Green Acres, and The Monkees that have yet to come back.

Alice never came back. It only aired a short while starting back in April? I believe.

Alice never came back. It only aired a short while starting back in April? I believe.

Now I'm not too sure myself. I'm pretty sure it was airing still back in June.

Now I'm not too sure myself. I'm pretty sure it was airing still back in June.

OK, I looked back....it aired from sometime in April to early July. I believe it had one run on the network.

OK, I looked back....it aired from sometime in April to early July. I believe it had one run on the network.

So it must have been just Amen that came back eventually after being taken off. Doesn't give much hope for seeing TWY again until ION expands, which could be never.

I'm happy for the fans of Perfect Strangers!! I'm for one I'm glad Diagnosis is finally getting off (and yes, I like the show, but enough is enough). And I'm a big fan of Mama's Family, but it too has gotten plenty of airplay--this is already the fourth cycle. As for putting Doc and Sue Thomas back on--oh that is just idiotic!! they have these programming deals with Sony, Warner, et.al and yet they don't take advantage of airing another show from the libraries?

Hey, Pav, whatever happened to that interview you were supposed to have with the Ion folks??

Daytime would be a good place formore comedy series.(And ALL the episodes,too).In markets where they can get ION daytime,and not paid programming (aka informercials)does ANYBODY watch the shows ION airs in the morning (ION health and the children's programming they air in the afternoons?)

Same goes for me with Perfect Strangers. Not a huge fan of the show, but I will watch it whenever I find the chance. At least it's better then Mama's Family at 8:30.

TWY has had a pretty good run on the network, but havingn it be replaced by 3 shows the don't belong on the schedule is what sucks. WOuldn't you much rather watch TWY?
Yes, I would much rather watch The Wonder Years than those new shows taking its place. Its going to seem weird with it not on there because that is how I started watching ION was because of The Wonder Years.

The interview is still pending. They are busy.

OK, I looked back....it aired from sometime in April to early July. I believe it had one run on the network.
It didn't even have a full run.

Great to finally have Perfect Strangers again. Seems like it took forever to get on their schedule. But I was right when I said they'll never expand, unfortunately. Good riddance to Diagnosis Murder, but what's up with that stupid decision to bring Sue Thomas and Doc back when they have a huge library to pick from? Are they so desperate to cling on to the pax days that they'll have to always have pax shows?

I am sooo glad to see that perfect strangers is on. I also am glad that mama's family is still there and disappionted to see that the wonder years are gone. Althought I love designing women it should not be on two networks. They should bring back Amen or Growing Pains or better yet just expand already!

Yes, I would much rather watch The Wonder Years than those new shows taking its place. Its going to seem weird with it not on there because that is how I started watching ION was because of The Wonder Years.

I started watching ION a short time after Growing Pains was on. After they took it off, I didn't watch ION again until TWY came on, so it is gonna seem weird without. And, i really don't want to switch to George Lopez. I'll just have to find some other way to spend my time.

Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I don't even care to watch re-runs on TV anymore if I have it on tape or DVD. The networks now offer virtually zero variety, have banners going across the screen, loud commercials, extra commercials (try watching TV Land at night), cut credits, etc. With my DVDs and tapes I can watch what I want, when I want....and can fast foward through the commercials with the tapes I've made or with the DVDs there aren't any. I have most of the shows I like, save for a few I'm wanting ION to air so I can tape. So I pretty much don't care what these networks do anymore.

when did The Wonder Year's come on Ion
It came on ION is April.

I started watching ION a short time after Growing Pains was on. After they took it off, I didn't watch ION again until TWY came on, so it is gonna seem weird without. And, i really don't want to switch to George Lopez. I'll just have to find some other way to spend my time.
I did watch ION a little when Growing Pains was on there, but I stopped after it went off and then watched it again when TWY came on. I don't really want to switch to George Lopez either. I will watch Home Improvement on Nick at Nite though. At least Who's the Boss? is doing well on ION. I hope to see every episode of that.

Great to finally have Perfect Strangers again. Seems like it took forever to get on their schedule. But I was right when I said they'll never expand, unfortunately. Good riddance to Diagnosis Murder, but what's up with that stupid decision to bring Sue Thomas and Doc back when they have a huge library to pick from? Are they so desperate to cling on to the pax days that they'll have to always have pax shows?
When was it confirmed that ION will never expand?

Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I don't even care to watch re-runs on TV anymore if I have it on tape or DVD. The networks now offer virtually zero variety, have banners going across the screen, loud commercials, extra commercials (try watching TV Land at night), cut credits, etc. With my DVDs and tapes I can watch what I want, when I want....and can fast foward through the commercials with the tapes I've made or with the DVDs there aren't any. I have most of the shows I like, save for a few I'm wanting ION to air so I can tape. So I pretty much don't care what these networks do anymore.


I know what you mean, TV Land Fan. It's quite a come-down for me nowadays to sit and watch reruns on a TV network that I already have DVDs or tapes of. I just can't bring myself to do it. And if I have the TV on a network with reruns, chances are I'm also doing other things, too, and not giving it my full attention.

Those network promo banners, particularly with sound, no less, can be so disruptive when your trying to enjoy a show-- "You're watching..." or "Up next..." or even "Don't miss..." Grrrr!

And the way the closing credits get "squashed" to one side or the bottom where they can't be read all in the name of promoting another show on the network you happen to be watching is shameful to say the least!:mad: Okay, I'm done ranting and I feel better now!:D

"The Wonder Years," unfortunately, has had very limited airplay of reruns and has not been officially released on DVD. It more than likely never will be due to the high cost of securing the rights to use the 300+ borrowed songs on its soundtrack in a DVD release. Very luckily, though, I have my homemade DVD collection of the whole series of syndicated episodes from this network, promo banners and all, minus the edited out commercial breaks. I guess it's a relative thing--it's better than nothing at all.

How about make IONTV a Local Network because it's use call letters that start with W like the the Local Stations in the Midwest do meaning Local News,Talk/Game Shows,Reuruns and so on in the Daytime,in the Evenings Local and National News,Primetime programming and so on. Movies and so on overnight? Sporting Events on the Weekends?
Growing Pains is a good show.

...but what's up with that stupid decision to bring Sue Thomas and Doc back when they have a huge library to pick from? Are they so desperate to cling on to the pax days that they'll have to always have pax shows?

I actually liked those shows, but if that's true, I think we probably know the REAL reason they brought it back (at least for Doc) ;)

I actually liked those shows, but if that's true, I think we probably know the REAL reason they brought it back (at least for Doc) ;)

They need to start moving the network forward. They just keeping giving us the same junky 5 hour-nights every month, and we're all sick of it.

I don't think it's ever going to be what we're wanting it to be (mostly sitcoms from those deals). Their main focus is probably going to be more specialty-type programming/originals/big dramas/odds and ends things....like Bodog Fight, NFL, RHI Weekend, ION Life, Sue Thomas, Doc, 48 Hours, Diagnosis, etc. They have those sitcoms, and I'm sure they'll always air programming from them, but I just don't think those shows are going to be the main focus. Did they ever really say that?

IF they ever expand, it'll probably be sitcoms (WB, Univesal, Sony) during the day and those hodge-podge type things like mentioned above at night. That's just my prediction.

I don't think it's ever going to be what we're wanting it to be (mostly sitcoms from those deals). Their main focus is probably going to be more specialty-type programming/originals/big dramas/odds and ends things....like Bodog Fight, NFL, RHI Weekend, ION Life, Sue Thomas, Doc, 48 Hours, Diagnosis, etc. They have those sitcoms, and I'm sure they'll always air programming from them, but I just don't think those shows are going to be the main focus. Did they ever really say that?

IF they ever expand, it'll probably be sitcoms (WB, Univesal, Sony) during the day and those hodge-podge type things like mentioned above at night. That's just my prediction.

Yeah, we all know their main focus isn't sitcoms. I'd like it to be, but that just isn't happening. It's too bad, because it seems like the sitcoms are more popular now then the other programming they air. They are a broadcasting network, so we can't expect syndicated programming to fill thei entire lineup.

Soon, once they expand, they'll probably start to create their own programming, air that all day, and shove sitcoms off to the side for awhile. That's my prediction :lol:

Yeah, we all know their main focus isn't sitcoms. I'd like it to be, but that just isn't happening. It's too bad, because it seems like the sitcoms are more popular now then the other programming they air. They are a broadcasting network, so we can't expect syndicated programming to fill thei entire lineup.

Soon, once they expand, they'll probably start to create their own programming, air that all day, and shove sitcoms off to the side for awhile. That's my prediction :lol:Yep....that's why I'm feverishly taping anything off of there I like, because who knows if we'll ever see them again knowing how cable tv is these days and with the fickle DVD companies. Having a copy of TWY is priceless, because I highly doubt that show will ever have a DVD release, at least with all of the original music. :(

They must be making a fortune with all of those informercials. Does anyone actually watch those stupid things? I can not believe they do but I guess there is a sucker born every minute as the saying goes. Nice to see Perfect Strangers back on a channel. Now lets hope it lasts longer than Alice did. I would love to see Perfect Strangers in a block with Head of The Class, Mr. Belvedere, and Who's The Boss. That would be a nice two hour block of comedies.

Not sure if anyone has checked Wikipedia lately, but they got something bizarre listed for ION. They have a Spring 2008 schedule, which sounds incorrect, yet for some reason looks like something ION would do. Since ION usually goes on a month-by-month schedule, I'm almost certain it's made up:

Sundays:
6pm ION Life
7pm Diagnosis Murder
8pm Diagnosis Murder
9pm Diagnosis Murder
10pm Who's the Boss
10:30 Who's the Boss

Mondays-Thursdays:
6pm Murphy Brown
6:30 Murphy Brown
7pm Alice
7:30 Designing Women
8pm Mama's Family
8:30 Mama's Family
9pm The Wonder Years
9:30 Who's the Boss
10pm The wonder Years
10:30 Who's the Boss

Fridays:
6pm Designing Women
6:30 Designing Women
7pm Who's the Boss
7:30 The Wonder Years
8pm NIght Court
8:30 Night Court
9pm Green Acres
9:30 Green Acres
10pm The Wonder Years
10:30 Who's the Boss

Saturdays:
6pm Moral Court
7pm Whoi's the Boss?
7:30 The Wonder Years
8pm The Wonder Years
8:30 Love Boat
9pm Charlie's Angels
10pm Kojak

Again, sounds like a schedule someone who'd like to see it made it up. Although, on the other hand, it sounds very reasonable, like something ION would do. Since spring is far away still, and I"m not sure what happened to the RHI deals, think what you want.

Not true. Any idiot can submit anything there. They haven't even begun to develop Spring 2008. It's not even winter. And why take that seriously when I said RHI will be airing weekends 7-11pm for 2 years+?

Not true. Any idiot can submit anything there. They haven't even begun to develop Spring 2008. It's not even winter. And why take that seriously when I said RHI will be airing weekends 7-11pm for 2 years+?

That's what I was thinking. Thought I'd post anyway, since it is an interesting schedule. Too bad ION can't take that sked seriously.

No Perfect Strangers in that. Why would they remove that before it even airs?

No Perfect Strangers in that. Why would they remove that before it even airs?

True. So we've come to the point that it's made up. Besides that, it does seem like a very sensible schedule, besides Love Boat, which doesn't go with the rest of the schedule at all.

Not to mention Love Boat is an HOUR show :)

I forgot about The Love Boat

Not to mention Love Boat is an HOUR show :)

Never watched Love Boat, so I wouldn't know.

True. So we've come to the point that it's made up. Besides that, it does seem like a very sensible schedule, besides Love Boat, which doesn't go with the rest of the schedule at all.
I think "Love Boat" before "Charlie's Angels" is a really good fit. They're both two of Aaron's biggest hits, and even though they are from different genres, there are similarities in style.

I think "Love Boat" before "Charlie's Angels" is a really good fit. They're both two of Aaron's biggest hits, and even though they are from different genres, there are similarities in style.

Like I said before, it's a really good schedule. Too bad ION doesn't actually consider it.

I, for one, do not understand the practice of running two episodes of the same series back-to-back! I would rather watch just one episode of two different series in an hour rather than having two episodes of the same series.

I hate this practice!


But, I wish that Ion would again show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, even if it is weekly on the weekend.

I would also like to see (on any network):

sitcoms:
Dif'rent Strokes
That Girl
Gomer Pyle
CPO Sharkey
Wendy and Me
Occasional Wife
Nanny and the Professor
Sidekicks
Dads
The Charmings
Mayberry RFD
Archie Bunker's Place
Rhoda
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Hazel
Punky Brewster
Grendle
The Cara Williams Show
No Time for Sargeants
and my own favorite, Mama Malone


dramas:
Petrocelli
Laramie
Sara (the one with Brenda Vacarro)
Lucas Tanner
The White Shadow
Lou Grant
The Name of the Game
South Bronx
St. Elsewhere
L. A. Law
Berringer's
O'Harra
The Commish
Dirty Sally
Bracken's World
Peyton Place
Family
Eight Is Enough
James at 15/16
Palmerstown
Class of '65

It's been said before that running back to back episodes of a show increases ratings from the first half hour to the second. I really don't mind it, but in ION's case of only programming 5 hours a day, back to back isn't the best thing for viewers.

I would love to see Lou Grant Again

I always thought that airing shows back-to-back was a good way to do long-running shows. With a show like "The Donna Reed Show," if it aired five days a week, once a week, it would take a little bit over a year to air the entire run of the show. If it was aired back-to-back, though, it would take about half a year.

I don't know...I guess it really depends on the audience. If it's a channel that caters to older people, kinda like Hallmark, I wouldn't really see the point in airing back-to-back episodes (especially for dramas). From what I've seen with friends and relatives, older people tune in daily to a particular show, regardless of where it is at in its run. Younger people would probably decide to not watch certain episodes that they've seen or don't like, so it would make sense to go through the run at a faster pace.

I think it's really about personal preference. I don't like hour-long shows airing back-to-back at all. Half-hour shows are a different story.

Firebrand - a New Entertainment and Marketing Destination Dedicated to the Best in Commercial Culture to Launch on TV, Web and Mobile



Venture Will Transform the Commercial Break into a Commercial Destination
Led by Industry Pioneer John Lack and Roman Vinoly
Microsoft, NBC Universal and GE's 'Peacock Equity Fund,' ION Television
Join as Investors

NEW YORK, Sept. 25 -- Firebrand, the new, opt-in entertainment and marketing destination that gives consumers interactive access to their favorite brands, products and promotions, today announced plans for its October 22nd launch.

Firebrand programs the "coolest" TV commercials the way MTV used to program music videos, creating the first multi-platform network to go "live" simultaneously on TV, the web and mobile.

Firebrand's "Commercials as Content" programming launches on the ION Television Network, weeknights at 11 pm in 94 million households, as well as 24/7 on the web at http://www.firebrandtv.com, http://www.usanetwork.com http://www.adweek.com and on hand-held mobile devices, initially through iTunes, and MSN when available.

Investors Microsoft, NBC Universal and GE's Peacock Equity Fund, ION Television, as well as Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek, among others, joined Firebrand at its announcement during Advertising Week at the Paley Center for Media.

"Firebrand enters the media landscape as the era of the commercial interruption is coming to an end," says John A. Lack, CEO/Co-Founder. "We curate the best TV commercials and promotions from around the world - connecting consumers directly with their favorite brands in an integrated environment."

Firebrand has also built personalization tools so consumers can create their own playlists and share their favorites spots.

"With Firebrand, our multi-tasking audience can find us on every platform," says Lack. "It's a unique environment where they can 'Watch, Win, Shop and Share.'"

Firebrand's primary demographic is the highly desirable "GenY/Millennials," who voraciously consume pop culture, and are already sharing commercial content with their friends. This group boasts purchasing power of more than $200 billion a year and already account for 40% of Internet shopping. But, Gen-Xers and Boomers will also find something they like on Firebrand, with playlists that include their favorite brands, vintage commercials, special promotions and the best international spots.

"Firebrand takes the traditional method of programming television commercials and turns it on its head," says Roman Vinoly, Chief Creative Officer/Co-Founder. "We program TV spots like a DJ spins music in a club. There is a rhythm and flow to it."

Firebrand also features 'Commercial Jockeys' or CJs to contextualize commercials as art and guide viewers through the spots, contests and promotions.

"On Firebrand, you'll see more car chases, explosions, gags, drama, heroes, Oscar-winning actors, directors and producers in an hour than in a month of HBO," says Vinoly. "To be true to our consumers, you can't pay us to air a bad spot."

Firebrand will also provide advertisers with the Firebrand Dashboard (TM), an innovative diagnostic tool that integrates industry standard television and online response data. For the first time, advertisers can see TV viewing and online clicks side by side, for specific spots and offers, delivering advertisers a meaningful ROI analysis.

Firebrand can be found at http://www.firebrandtv.com, http://www.usanetwork.com and http://www.adweek.com weeknights on ION television network from 11 PM -12 AM ET, and on mobile devices. For additional information, check out http://press.firebrandtv.com

I always thought that airing shows back-to-back was a good way to do long-running shows. With a show like "The Donna Reed Show," if it aired five days a week, once a week, it would take a little bit over a year to air the entire run of the show. If it was aired back-to-back, though, it would take about half a year.

I don't know...I guess it really depends on the audience. If it's a channel that caters to older people, kinda like Hallmark, I wouldn't really see the point in airing back-to-back episodes (especially for dramas). From what I've seen with friends and relatives, older people tune in daily to a particular show, regardless of where it is at in its run. Younger people would probably decide to not watch certain episodes that they've seen or don't like, so it would make sense to go through the run at a faster pace.

I think it's really about personal preference. I don't like hour-long shows airing back-to-back at all. Half-hour shows are a different story.

Disney (really all your kids networks) really abuse this back-to-back thing as well.

Disney (really all your kids networks) really abuse this back-to-back thing as well.

But for Disney Channel, it's okay, because they only have a limited umber of shows they can air, so they should air them back to back. ION on the other hand has numerous shows from the Sony and WB library that are just sitting there, and instead, they think airing double episodes is better.

But for Disney Channel, it's okay, because they only have a limited umber of shows they can air, so they should air them back to back. ION on the other hand has numerous shows from the Sony and WB library that are just sitting there, and instead, they think airing double episodes is better.

They could still acquire some off in syndication (Disney).

As for ION, two words to get more shows on: NO INFOMERCIALS

(P.S.: Does anyone think ION would be bringing Doc back if it wasn't to capitalize somewhat on the success Billy Ray's having on "Hannah Montana"?)

They could still acquire some off in syndication (Disney).

As for ION, two words to get more shows on: NO INFOMERCIALS

(P.S.: Does anyone think ION would be bringing Doc back if it wasn't to capitalize somewhat on the success Billy Ray's having on "Hannah Montana"?)

I just think they want to get back in the mix of airing their original PAX series again. I really don't think it has anything to do with Billy Ray.

I think some more-than welcome additions to ION's daytime schedule-in the mornings or afternoons,were to have a "comedy block"like Hallmark used to have,with ALL of the episodes of CBS'"Make Room for Daddy/The Danny Thomas Show","The Donna Reed Show","Hazel","Dobie Gillis","Bachelor Father","The Farmer's Daughter","My Three Sons"(both ABC black and white and CBS color ones)and,since American Life TV has dropped them,ALL the episodes of "F Troop" and "Mayberry RFD".

Never watched Love Boat, so I wouldn't know.
All those years and you never watched Love Boat? :)

I just think they want to get back in the mix of airing their original PAX series again. I really don't think it has anything to do with Billy Ray.Exactly. It wouldn't be surprising to me if they brought Dr. Quinn back, since the PAX concept seems to slowly be coming back and they got 48 Hours. With all of this Firebrand, NFL, BoDog, RHI, etc., this network seems to be slowly going BACK to a PAX-like network. Such a shame.

Don't forget Perfect Strangers launches tonight on ION! Tune in!

Don't forget Perfect Strangers launches tonight on ION! Tune in!

Won't be watching tonight . . . Big Bang Theory is on CBS at 8:30. I'll make sure to catch it tomorrow, though.

I missed The Ion Debut of Perfect Strangers but we had a big Breaking News Story Happen and that why we I missed Perfect Strangers last night

Do you know if they started with the Pilot last night? I'll watch tonight for sure.

The pilot of course aired first. They are going in order, with no skippings but the Christmas episode so far.

Man, was the sound quality poor on tonight's episode of Perfect Strangers or what? Also, when one of Ion's on screen promos ran, the picture disappeared :(.

i noticed it 2 kept deleting scenes and 2 much commercials looked like it used 2nd season opening credits

i noticed it 2 kept deleting scenes and 2 much commercials looked like it used 2nd season opening credits

There did seem like a lot of edits in unnecessary places. I"m pretty sure there were 3 commercials (unless I counted wrong) and they seemd to take forever.

The picture quality was also pretty bad. Similar to how bad the picture quality is for TWY, but most shows on ION do have poor picture quality, so nothing new there.

Overall, I enjoyed watching. It's good to see something else is on in the 8pm hour besides Mama.

yeah i know tell u truth im tired of mama already we need new shows on not so many back to back shows like variety that is if 1on cares what we want

I never really watched Alice on ION much, but are the cuts for PS as bad as those? There seems to be a lot of commercials, more than WTB? has, or maybe it's just me?

Yeah, the quality's not that great, but I doubt ION does any touching up or remastering on their shows. WTB? and Mama look decent though.

Perfect Strangers' quality is not that bad. I think it is better than Nick at Nite's. The editing is terrible though. Three major commercial breaks.

I timed it, and it runs at somewhat over 21 minutes, which is what Who's The Boss runs at. It just has more commercial breaks, like Mama's Family.

New stunt!

- Perfect Strangers Halloween Stunt
Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30
8:30PM & 9:00PM ET/PT both nights
Join Larry and Balki as they battle The Grim Reaper, the touch of death, a ghost, and some Halloween late night horror movies!

Monday, October 29, 2007
8:30PM #34 The Horn Blows at Midnight
Balki listens humbly as a famous psychic predicts that Larry will be "eating a golden ring and sitting on a sheep" on the day a terrible storm ushers in The Grim Reaper.
9:00PM #147 Lethal Weapon
Balki is convinced he is cursed with a "touch of death" and insists on wearing a protection suit to keep from touching anyone, which tries everyone's patience.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
8:30PM #125 Fright Night
There's a ghost haunting Balki's room; Balki is thrilled and Larry is skeptical, that is until the spirit becomes angry.
9:00PM #53 Aliens
Larry braves a Halloween night horror-movie marathon but he awakens the next morning believing Balki has turned into a different kind of immigrant - from another planet.

Cool, can't wait to watch it.

I guess this means 'Strangers' is doing well for them.

Any ideas when we'll hear about November? I don't expect any changes, except maybe D: M coming back and airing 7-8pm or airing like 9-10 and airing WTB? from 7-8 or at last 7:30..make sense? LOL

See today's blog about the November note.

Yeah, I guess PS is doing well for them. I haven't watched in awhile, actually. The show really isn't grabbing my attention . . . must be why I never watched it on ABC.

Looking forward to November highlights. I hope to see a mixup in the schedule. The only thing I'd like to see stay is WTB at 9pm. I haven't been watching anything else at 9pm, so I hope it stays. I thin it's time for Designing Women to go, too. I think they might move Mama's to the 7pm hour, with Perfect Strangers getting the entire 8pm hour. Just a thought.

roseanne88-97 try seasons 3 and on, PS got a lot funnier when they went to the Chronicle.

roseanne88-97 try seasons 3 and on, PS got a lot funnier when they went to the Chronicle.

ION's currently in season 2, correct? Thanks for that. I'll keep my open for when season 3 starts. From what I saw from season 1, I wasn't getting too many laughs, but I've basically just been forgetting it's on at 8:30.

This is just a PREDICTION....but I can see this happening for some reason. What they have is obviously working, so I don't see them adding any new shows. A mix-up does seem logical, because I bet they'll bring Diagnosis back. I also think Designing Women will be canned, but then again they've kept it a good while so maybe it's doing OK. After thinking about it, here's something like what I think they'll do.

6PM Doc
7-8PM Mama
8PM Who's the Boss
8:30PM Perfect Strangers
9PM Diagnosis
10PM Sue Thomas/48 Hours

Since I don't have satellite anymore and thus I can't view ION, they REALLLLLLLY need to get a digital signal so maybe some local channels will put it on a digital subchannel. That would help their footprint greatly.

Yes, season two right now. Season 3 is really when it started to get big. Season 2 had some good episodes, but not as good as the season 3 and on ones. They'll be on season three in early November. Fans always liked the Chicago Chronicle years over the Ritz Discount Store years.

This is just a PREDICTION....but I can see this happening for some reason. What they have is obviously working, so I don't see them adding any new shows. A mix-up does seem logical, because I bet they'll bring Diagnosis back. I also think Designing Women will be canned, but then again they've kept it a good while so maybe it's doing OK. After thinking about it, here's something like what I think they'll do.

6PM Doc
7-8PM Mama
8PM Who's the Boss
8:30PM Perfect Strangers
9PM Diagnosis
10PM Sue Thomas/48 Hours

Since I don't have satellite anymore and thus I can't view ION, they REALLLLLLLY need to get a digital signal so maybe some local channels will put it on a digital subchannel. That would help their footprint greatly.

I'm hoping DW gets canned. We've been seeing too much of it lately. I don't think we'll be seeing any new shows until next year. I hope they do their Christmas week marathons in December. I missed it last year. Here's my opinion:

6pm Diagnosis Murder
7pm Mama's Family
8pm Perfect Strangers
9pm Who's the Boss?
10pm 48 Hours/Doc/Sue Thomas

I'm still hoping for Murphy Brown. It has a good chance of showing up one day, since it is a WB show, and was late 80's/early 90's, along with the rest of their programming.

Yes, season two right now. Season 3 is really when it started to get big. Season 2 had some good episodes, but not as good as the season 3 and on ones. They'll be on season three in early November. Fans always liked the Chicago Chronicle years over the Ritz Discount Store years.

It's kinda like Drew Carey. The show didn't get big until with Mr. Wick years, season 3-7.

I'll have to do some research on this show then. Not too familiar with it at all. I'm still hesitant at buying the DVD come February. I don't want to have it on my shelf just for show.

Thanks for the Perfect Strangers update!!

The Halloween stunt sounds like so much fun -- I'll be setting my VCR -- and doing the dance of joy!!

Does ION still have all of those shows like Palmetto Point, The Ponderosa, It's a Miracle, Supermarket Sweep, Family Feud, Early Edition, Balderdash, Bonanza, Candid Camera, Weakest Link, etc? I'm shocked they haven't surfaced in some way over the past year.

It's kinda like Drew Carey. The show didn't get big until with Mr. Wick years, season 3-7.

I'll have to do some research on this show then. Not too familiar with it at all. I'm still hesitant at buying the DVD come February. I don't want to have it on my shelf just for show.
I believe it's actually 2-7. Season One, as far as I know, was the only season with Mr. Bell.

who is Mr Bell

Drew Carey's boss on Season One of The Drew Carey Show.

I diud not watch Drew Carey Show

I believe it's actually 2-7. Season One, as far as I know, was the only season with Mr. Bell.

Yeah, but the show really didn't get popular until season 3.

I'm sure you all noticed, Perfect Strangers Halloween stunt was moved. It was tonight and now tomorrow night, instead of Oct. 29/30. Why? Because starting Monday the show is gone. Effective October 29, 7-10pm will be back to the old line-up of Designing Women from 7-8pm, Mama's Family 8-9pm and Who's the Boss? from 9-10pm.

I hope ION finally collapses under the weight of it's longtime financial instability and goes off the air for good.

I hope ION finally collapses under the weight of it's longtime financial instability and goes off the air for good.
That's what the IRON network deserves.

I cannot stand ION!!!!! :mad: Why are they cancelling perfect strangers? It's one of the best shows that they have right now. I will be sooo glad when it comes to dvd. When they get rid of Mama's Family I will be through with them forever!

I cannot stand ION!!!!! :mad: Why are they cancelling perfect strangers? It's one of the best shows that they have right now. I will be sooo glad when it comes to dvd. When they get rid of Mama's Family I will be through with them forever!


i guess the ratings were not good.

that was what I was thinking

They really didn't give PS a fair shot, though. It's only been on for a few weeks . . . usually they keep their shows on for at least a month or 2, no matter how well they do. Let's hope to see it return soon, along with TWY!

I think Ion should have gave Perfect Strangers a Fair Chance

I'm sick of ION as well as other networks not giving shows the chances they deserve. Would it have killed them to let Perfect Strangers and Alice stay on the schedule for their entire runs? I admit, the bad editing and so forth made me a bit frustrated, but at the same time it was nice seeing Alice for the first time.

maybe Perfect Strangers will come back in another Time Period

Sue Thomas F.Beye is now gone. Diagnosis Murder is back and has replaced it starting Nov. 6.

Sue Thomas F.Beye is now gone. Diagnosis Murder is back and has replaced it starting Nov. 6.

Like we didn't see that coming . . . I'm surprised Doc is still airing at 6pm. So, DM is only airing Monday and Thursday night's at 10pm?

Tuesday and Wednesday I belive

Tuesday and Wednesday I belive

Oh yes, that's right. 48 Hours airs Mondays and Thursdays. You'd think they would have put DM on more. But, I'm also surprised Designing Women has been airing as long as it had. I thought it would have been gone months ago.

DM will be Tuesdays at 10. 48 Hours is twice a week and Doc once a week at 10.

I'm sick of ION as well as other networks not giving shows the chances they deserve. Would it have killed them to let Perfect Strangers and Alice stay on the schedule for their entire runs? I admit, the bad editing and so forth made me a bit frustrated, but at the same time it was nice seeing Alice for the first time.


I know! That was my first time seeing Alice in over 20 years. Seinfeld did not do well in the ratings but look at it now. Give a show a chance before you decide to pull it off the air! Half of the people that used to watch it probably didn't even know that it was on. They did not advertise for it. I would not have known that it was on if not for S.O.

I belive Seinfeld get low ratings where I Live as well