ABC’s class in “Home Economics” is over
Q: When will “Home Economics” be back? – Jeff Stern, Manchester, N.H.
A: Unfortunately for the cast, crew and fans of that sitcom about grown siblings, it won’t be … at least not on ABC. A network decision on renewing the show for a fourth season was delayed during the entertainment-industry strikes, and it ultimately resulted in a cancellation. The options on the regular cast members reportedly were extended during that time – signaling that another round for the show, on which Topher Grace led the acting ensemble, was seriously under consideration. However, Michael Colton (one of its creators and executive producers, whose family experiences inspired it) has said that he hopes to find another home for it.
Q: Why did Turner Classic Movies show “A Christmas Story” in September, rather than wait until the end of the year? – Laura Gates, via e-mail
A: That doesn’t mean the popular 1983 film won’t turn up again during the holidays, and it surely will get its traditional 24-hour marathon on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on fellow Warner-Media-owned networks TBS and TNT. The Jean Shepherd-inspired saga of young Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley) and his quest to own a Red Ryder air rifle suited TCM’s needs in September for a series of “Coming of Age”-themed movies about young people, which is why it had the extra showing then. However, December logically remains the customary month for its television return, so fans shouldn’t worry that it won’t still be getting that treatment soon.
Q: How many seasons has “Grey’s Anatomy” been on the air? – Patrii-cia Carr, Fairfield, Calif.
A: The season coming up will be the 20th for the ABC medical drama, which also will be the first fully without title star Ellen Pompeo as a cast regular … or almost fully, since she’ll be unseen, still providing narration for the show. Also continuing will be the firehouse-themed spinoff “Station 19,” which will be entering its seventh season on ABC. Cast crossovers between the two series are likely to continue, provided that the actors’ schedules can accommodate their working on both dramas.