Top Ten #384

1) That's My Mama: This week on the podcast, we talk about the 1970s ABC sitcom: How it holds up, how it changes in its second season, how awesome Teddy Wilson is. It's a series that doesn't get much attention, but we add to the conversation.

2) Dick Van Dyke: This weekend we celebrate the 100th birthday of the icon, star of stage, screen, and of course PSAs:

In addition to a new American Masters on PBS this weekend and a marathon of The Dick Van Dyke Show this weekend, Tubi has added The New Dick Van Dyke Show to its streaming library.

3) Happy Hannukah:

4) Clifton Davis: I want to give another shout-out to the star of That's My Mama. I think he does a fine job on the show.

5) Live-action Christmas specials: I often declare that CBS was the king of the holidays in the BOTNS era, but look at this lineup on NBC 50 years ago tonight: Bob Hope (with guests Redd Foxx, Angie Dickinson, The Osmonds), Dean Martin Califormia Christmas, and Mac Davis Christmas Special!

Note this clip is for 1977's Christmas in California, not to be confused with 1975's California Christmas.

6) Olan Soule: The great Word Balloon podcast just dropped an episode devoted to longtime radio/TV/voice actor Olan Soule, and I am here for it!

7) Animated Christmas specials: Before all that live-action cheer on NBC, The Little Drummer Boy aired at 7, followed by The Tiny Tree. The latter is a DePatie-Freleng production, and I don't remember it at all!

8) Police Story: This 1970s anthology series has popped up on a few streaming outlets in recent years but is now on Tubi.

9) Stroker Ace: CBS gave the Burt Reynolds vehicle a network TV showing 40 years ago tonight. The New York Times described it as a "witless retread" in its listings.

10) The New Fred and Barney Show: Warner Archive surprised everyone by announcing a DVD release of this series (Sorry, no Thing nor Shmoo in this set) is coming in January. Folks, this could turn the tide in the corporate battle for Warner Brothers.