TV News Briefs: Password, Studio 60, Lucky Louie, Bewitched, and Murder, She Wrote

Password — You might recall that, back in October, we reported that CBS was preparing a new version of the classic game show Password. The network’s now announced that it will debut Monday, June 1st at 8pm. Hosted by Regis Philbin, the new Million Dollar Password will incorporate elements from the original Password as well as the later incarnations, Password Plus and Super Password. As you might guess from the title, the top prize will be a million bucks.

Murder, She Wrote — Angela Lansbury recently filmed a new spot as part of a public-awareness campaign about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In the he commercial, the actress is sitting in a stool while a bullet travels towards her in menacing slow motion — emphasizing the fact that anyone can be affected by the disease without warning. The actress was chosen for the campaign in part because of her friendly TV persona. She says, “People trust me. They shouldn’t, really. I’m not Jessica Fletcher. But I share a lot of her qualities, I hope. I’m interested; I care.” Lansbury’s sister died from ALS twenty years ago.

Lucky Louie — The stars of the HBO sitcom are reuniting for a new comedy. Louis C.K. and Pamela Adlon have signed a deal to co-create and co-write an as-yet-unnamed sitcom for CBS. It’s not the first off-screen collaboration for C.K. and Adlon. The duo authored a Louie episode titled “Discipline” together. Onscreen, C.K. and Adlon will once again play a married couple.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip — In the Fall of 2006, 30 Rock and Studio 60 debuted on NBC. Of the two behind-the-scenes shows, Studio 60 was the most highly-anticipated by the network and was anticipated to easily be the more successful of the two. Though admittedly 30 Rock has never become a big ratings success, it’s now been renewed for a third year while Studio 60 is now long gone. Last night, the Tina Fey sitcom took one last jab at Studio 60. Tim Conway (The Carol Burnett Show) guested as an aging network star who’s being given a tour around the 30 Rock sets. It’s a scenario that was very reminiscent of a Studio 60 episode that featured Eli Wallach doing a similar thing. But, whereas Wallach imparted wisdom about the way things used to be, Conway told his tour guide that NBC pages were once used for sexual pleasures, male stars slept together, the writer’s room was referred to as the “Jew room,” and the NBC peacock had been devoured — not unlike Studio 60.

[/unformat]

Bewitched — Nearly three years ago, TV Land and Salem, Massachusetts officials dedicated a statue in tribute to the classic Elizabeth Montgomery sitcom. While many Salem residents welcomed the tourist attraction (a couple Bewitched episodes were filmed in the area), others did not. Richard Sorell, a tour guide from nearby Peabody, picketed the event. After an elderly woman was almost pushed to the ground, officers arrested him for disorderly conduct. Sorrell sued the police department for $1 million. In a trial this week, Sorrell says that he still wakes up in the middle of the night, shaking like a leaf, reliving the event. Officers testified that it seemed like Sorrell wanted to be arrested and that they treated him with kid gloves. The jury rejected Sorrell’s claim after less than two hours of deliberation. Stay tuned!