- Classic TV digital network MeTV’s Fall 2014 lineup kicks off Monday September 1, Labor Day. Although the full schedule hasn’t been released yet, MeTV is now promoting airtimes for some new and returning shows. Cop drama CHiPs (1977-83) will air weeknights from 6-7PM Eastern (replacing The Rifleman), while sitcom Cheers (1982-93) takes over the 11PM slot (now occupied by The Twilight Zone). New additions to the weekend schedule include Superman (Saturdays 6-7PM), Black Sheep Squadron (Sundays 7-8PM), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Sundays 10-11PM) and Mission: Impossible (Sundays 11PM-12M). Those moves displace Adam-12, Kojak, Thriller and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, respectively.
- Two new digital broadcast networks are scheduled to launch later this month. Katz Broadcasting (Bounce TV) will soon flip the switch on Escape and Grit. Escape will target a female audience, airing a mix of movies and off-cable series including Forensic Files, Snapped and Unsolved Mysteries. Grit will target men, airing a fully-loaded schedule of western, war and action movies. Both Escape and Grit have already cleared deals with stations reaching over 50% of the country.
- A pair of classic TV contributors passed away recently. Veteran TV writer Rick Mittleman worked on such classic shows as Bewitched, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Flintstones, Gomer Pyle USMC, The Odd Couple, The Red Skelton Hour, Sanford & Son and You Asked for It. Animator David Weidman did background art on classic cartoons like Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines, Mr. Magoo, Popeye and Wacky Races. His artwork has most recently been featured on the AMC drama series Mad Men.
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