PBS Bringing Back "The Electric Company" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 07-13-2009, 12:28 AM

PBS will strip its remake of "The Electric Company" across weekdays beginning Sept. 7, expanding from a weekly sked.
To date, the pubcaster has aired 16 of the 35 "Electric" episodes it shot in 2008. The remaining 19 will join the previously aired episodes on the daily strip in the fall.

"Electric," which debuted in January, ranks as the No. 1 performer on the PBS Kids Go! Block this year, and has streamed more than 10 million show videos at its website.

The current "Electric" borrowed a few elements from the 1970s original that featured Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno, including the series' signature "Hey you guys!" shout, but it stands mostly as a reinvention, with an emphasis on music and dance and a story arc augmenting interstitial segments.

Exec producer Karen Fowler cited "Def Poetry Jam" and "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk" as influences.

"What we learned was, the instinct to create a show that was built of hip-hop and spoken words, shooting from the streets of New York, getting that street vibe, really made a lot of sense," Fowler told Daily Variety. "Sketch comedy is really hard to do well on a half-hour show, and kids and adults like characters they can rely on and come back to again and again."

The show launched with a cast of unknowns but featured guests including Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (who participated in the show's development), Mark Linn-Baker, Jimmy Fallon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jack McBrayer and Kelly Ripa.

Cast member Chris Sullivan will lead a 20-city outreach tour from August to November with interactive elements for young attendees.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1

Schmoopie · 07-14-2009, 04:13 AM

I rented some DVD's of the original show, thinking that I'd have a nostalgic "trip", but instead I was actually bored while watching the show. Kind of sad, considering how much I loved it when I was a kid.

Scoobiedoo30 · 07-14-2009, 01:40 PM

When was The Last time The Electric Company was on PBS Weekday's schedule it has been a long time since The Electric Company has been on The weekday schedule

07-13-2009, 12:28 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	PBS Bringing Back "The Electric Company" PBS will strip its remake of "The Electric Company" across weekdays beginning Sept. 7, expanding from a weekly sked. To date, the pubcaster has aired 16 of the 35 "Electric" episodes it shot in 2008. The remaining 19 will join the previously aired episodes on the daily strip in the fall. "Electric," which debuted in January, ranks as the No. 1 performer on the PBS Kids Go! Block this year, and has streamed more than 10 million show videos at its website. The current "Electric" borrowed a few elements from the 1970s original that featured Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno, including the series' signature "Hey you guys!" shout, but it stands mostly as a reinvention, with an emphasis on music and dance and a story arc augmenting interstitial segments. Exec producer Karen Fowler cited "Def Poetry Jam" and "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk" as influences. "What we learned was, the instinct to create a show that was built of hip-hop and spoken words, shooting from the streets of New York, getting that street vibe, really made a lot of sense," Fowler told Daily Variety. "Sketch comedy is really hard to do well on a half-hour show, and kids and adults like characters they can rely on and come back to again and again." The show launched with a cast of unknowns but featured guests including Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (who participated in the show's development), Mark Linn-Baker, Jimmy Fallon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jack McBrayer and Kelly Ripa. Cast member Chris Sullivan will lead a 20-city outreach tour from August to November with interactive elements for young attendees. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

07-14-2009, 04:13 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I rented some DVD's of the original show, thinking that I'd have a nostalgic "trip", but instead I was actually bored while watching the show. Kind of sad, considering how much I loved it when I was a kid.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

07-14-2009, 01:40 PM	#3
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	When was The Last time The Electric Company was on PBS Weekday's schedule it has been a long time since The Electric Company has been on The weekday schedule
	__________________ Who Dat