ABC Announces Its 2015-2016 Primetime Schedule

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ABC today announced its 2015-16 slate of programming, which includes 10 new series. Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group had this to say:

“Our new slate of shows continues the momentum from last year. ABC was the most buzzed about network, and the only major network to hold on to its audience and to grow in the target demo. Our 2015-16 schedule, with new shows and returning favorites that reflect our commitment to world-class storytelling, will solidify ABC’s place as the network that raises the bar for what viewers expect from broadcast television.”

Returning series “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Crime,” “The Bachelor,” “Beyond The Tank,” “black-ish,” “Castle,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Galavant,” “The Goldbergs,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Last Man Standing,” “Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Nashville,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Scandal,” “Secrets and Lies,” “Shark Tank” and “20/20.” are all penciled in.

The new series include  “The Catch,” “Dr. Ken,” “The Family,” “The Muppets,” “Of Kings and Prophets,” “OIL,” “Quantico,” “The Real O’Neals,” “Uncle Buck” and “Wicked City”.

Here’s a look at the grid:

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. – Dancing with the Stars
10-11 P.M. – Castle

TUESDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – THE MUPPETS
8:30-9 P.M. – Fresh Off the Boat
9-10. PM. – Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
10-11 P.M. – QUANTICO

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – The Middle
8:30-9 P.M. – The Goldbergs
9-9:30 P.M. – Modern Family
9:30-10 P.M. – black-ish
10-11 P.M. – Nashville

THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. – Grey’s Anatomy
9-10 P.M. – Scandal
10-11 P.M. – How to Get Away with Murder

FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – Last Man Standing                                                                                      8:30-9 P.M. –Dr. Ken
9-10 P.M. – Shark Tank
10-11 P.M. – 20/20

SATURDAY
8 P.M. – Saturday Night Football

SUNDAY
7-8 P.M. – America’s Funniest Home Videos
8-9 P.M. – Once Upon a Time
9-10 P.M. – OIL
10-11 P.M. – OF KINGS AND PROPHETS

Here’s a look at the new series:

THE CATCH

From Shondaland’s Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, The Catch is a new thriller centered on the strong, successful Alice Martin (Mireille Enos). She’s a fraud investigator who’s about to be the victim of fraud herself by her fiancé. Between her cases, she is determined to find him before it ruins her career. The Catch stars Mireille Enos as Alice, Alimi Ballard as Evan, Damon Dayoub as Kieran, Jay Hayden as James, Jacky Ido as Emil, Bethany Joy Lenz as Zoe, Rose Rollins as Andie and Elvy Yost as Maria. “The Catch” was written by Jennifer Schuur. Executive producers are Jennifer Schuur, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Julie Anne Robinson. The Catch is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Catch

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheCatchABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #TheCatch

THE FAMILY

This thriller follows the return of a politician’s young son who was presumed dead after disappearing over a decade earlier. As the mysterious young man is welcomed back into his family, suspicions emerge – is he really who he says he is? The Family stars Joan Allen as Claire, Alison Pill as Willa, Margot Bingham as Sergeant Nina Meyer, Zach Gilford as Danny, Liam James as Adam, Floriana Lima as Bridey, Madeleine Arthur as Young Willa, Rarmian Newton as Young Danny, Rupert Graves as John and Andrew McCarthy as Hank. The Family was written by Jenna Bans. Executive producers are Jenna Bans and Mandeville Television’s Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman and Laurie Zaks. “The Family” is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Family

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheFamilyABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #TheFamily

OF KINGS AND PROPHETS

An epic Biblical saga of faith, ambition and betrayal as told through the eyes of a battle-weary king, a powerful and resentful prophet and a resourceful young shepherd on a collision course with destiny. Of Kings and Prophets stars Ray Winstone as King Saul, Haaz Sleiman as Jonathan, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Michal, Oliver Rix as David, Simone Kessell as Ahinoam, James Floyd as Ish-Boseth, Mohammad Bakri as Samuel and Tomer Kapon as Joab. Of Kings and Prophets was written by Adam Cooper & Bill Collage. Executive producers are Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jason Reed, Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Of Kings and Prophets is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.Com/Shows/Of-Kings-And-Prophets

Facebook: Facebook.com/OfKingsAndProphetsABC

Twitter: KingsProphets

Hashtag: #OfKingsAndProphets

OIL

Billy and Cody Lefever dream of a new life beyond their working class roots and move to “The Bakken” in North Dakota, booming after the biggest oil discovery in American history. They’re soon pitted against a ruthless tycoon who forces them to bet big and put everything on the line, including their marriage. Oil stars Don Johnson as Hap, Chace Crawford as Billy, Rebecca Rittenhouse as Cody, Delroy Lindo as Tip, Amber Valletta as Carla, Scott Michael Foster as Wick, India de Beaufort as Jules, Yani Gellman as AJ and Caitlin Carver as Lacey. Oilwas written by Josh Pate and Rodes Fishburne. Executive producers are Tony Krantz, Josh Pate, Rodes Fishburne, Drew Comins and Don Johnson. Oil is produced by ABC Signature.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Oil

Facebook: Facebook.com/OilABC

Twitter: @oilabc

Hashtag: #OILabc

QUANTICO

A diverse group of recruits has arrived at the FBI Quantico Base for training. They are the best, the brightest and the most vetted, so it seems impossible that one of them is suspected of masterminding the biggest attack on New York City since 9/11. Quantico stars Priyanka Chopra as Alex, Dougray Scott as Liam, Jake McLaughlin as Ryan, Aunjanue Ellis as Miranda, Yasmine Al Massri as Nimah, Johanna Braddy as Shelby, Tate Ellington as Simon and Graham Rogers as Caleb. Quantico was written by Josh Safran. Executive producers are Josh Safran, Mark Gordon and Nick Pepper. Quantico is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Quantico

Facebook: Facebook.com/QuanticoABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #Quantico

WICKED CITY

Wicked City follows a unique case set in a noteworthy era of L.A. history, starting with a murder case from 1982 centered on the rock ‘n’ roll, cocaine-infused revelry of the Sunset Strip. Alliances are formed between detectives, reporters, drug dealers and club-goers to solve a serial murder case. Wicked City stars Ed Westwick as Kent, Erika Christensen as Betty, Adam Rothenberg as Jack, Taissa Farmiga as Karen, Gabriel Luna as Paco, Karolina Wydra as Dianne, Holley Fain as Trish, Darrell Britt-Gibson as Diver and Anne Winters as Vicki. Wicked City was written by Steven Baigelman. Executive producers are Steven Baigelman and Mandeville Television’s Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman and Laurie Zaks. Wicked City is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Wicked-City

Facebook: Facebook.com/WickedCityABC

Twitter: @WickedCityABC

Hashtag: #WickedCity

Dr. Ken

Doctor-turned-actor/comedian Ken Jeong (“Community,” “The Hangover”), plays Dr. Ken, a brilliant physician with no bedside manner. He is always trying to be a good doctor as well as a good husband and dad to his two kids. However, these good intentions have a way of driving everyone crazy at work and at home. Luckily, his therapist wife, Allison, is just the right partner to keep things sane. Dr. Ken stars Ken Jeong as Dr. Ken, Suzy Nakamura as Allison, Tisha Campbell-Martin as Damona, Dave Foley as Pat, Jonathan Slavin as Clark, Albert Tsai as Dave and Krista Marie Yu as Molly. Dr. Ken was written by Jared Stern, Ken Jeong, and Mike O’Connell. Executive producers are Jared Stern, Ken Jeong, John Davis, John Fox and Mike Sikowitz, with Mike O’Connell as co-executive producer. Dr. Ken is produced by Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Dr-Ken

Facebook: Facebook.com/DrKenABC

Twitter: @DrKenABC

Hashtag: #DrKen

THE MUPPETS

The Muppets return to primetime with a contemporary, documentary-style show. For the first time ever, a series will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, breakups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires. This is a more adult Muppet show, for “kids” of all ages. Bill Prady (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Bob Kushell (“Anger Management”) are co-writers and executive producers. Randall Einhorn (“Wilfred”), Bill Barretta, Debbie McClellan and Kyle Laughlin are also executive producers. “The Muppets”The Muppets is produced by ABC Studios and The Muppets Studio.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Muppets

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMuppetsABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #TheMuppets

THE REAL O’NEALS

A fresh take on a seemingly perfect Catholic family whose lives take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Instead of ruining their family, the honesty triggers a new, messier chapter where everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real. The Real O’Neals stars Martha Plimpton as Eileen, Jay R. Ferguson as Pat, Noah Galvin as Kenny, Matthew Shively as Jimmy, Bebe Wood as Shannon and Mary Hollis Inboden as Jodi. The Real O’Neals was written by David Windsor and Casey Johnson. Executive producers are David Windsor, Casey Johnson, Brian Pines, Dan McDermott, Stacy Traub and Dan Savage. The Real O’Neals is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Real-Oneals

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheRealONeals

Twitter: @TheRealONeals

Hashtag: #TheRealONeals

UNCLE BUCK

Based on the hit movie of the same name, Uncle Buck (Mike Epps) is a fun-loving but irresponsible guy who needs a job and a place to stay. By happy coincidence, his nieces’ and nephew’s nanny has just quit and his brother and sister-in-law need his help. His unconventional personality may just make him the right fit for the family and they may be the answer to his problems, too. Uncle Buck stars Mike Epps as Buck, Nia Long as Alexis, James Lesure as Will, Iman Benson as Tia, Sayeed Shahidi as Miles and Aalyrah Caldwell as Maizy. Uncle Buckwas written by Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley. Executive producers are Steven Cragg, Brian Bradley and Will Packer. Co-executive producers are Korin Huggins and Phil Traill. Uncle Buck is produced by Universal Television and ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Uncle-Buck

Facebook: Facebook.com/UncleBuckABC

Twitter: @ABCUncleBuck

Hashtag: #UncleBuck

‘I AM BIG BIRD’ hugs your heart and soul. Liz talks childhood flashbacks and this touching documentary.

I am big bird posterWhen I was a very small child, my mother would set me up each morning on my little wooden and plastic potty with a tray of cheerios and Sesame Street. Every night, I listened to the likes of Bert and Ernie, Telly and Grover, but I as I think back to a voice that was so distinct, I always think of one in particular. A tall, endearing, yellow fellow named Big Bird. When I was a preschool teacher I played my students the songs of my past and I fully intend to share the same memories with my own children. Chad Walker and Dave LaMattina bring us the joyous new documentary about the man inside the bird, Caroll Spinney. I AM BIG BIRD is a fascinating look into how this beloved character came to fruition.

Caroll Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Caroll Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

From humble beginnings, a volatile relationship with his father, and a supportive mother, Caroll fell in love with puppetry early on. As a young boy this did not necessarily make school an easy environment, but he soldiered on in his passion. Caroll was discovered at a 1969 Puppet Festival by none other than Jim Henson and fate. The two had a very special  relationship, with Jim being a less of a boss and more of a friend and mentor to Caroll. Navigating through bouts of depression and low self worth, work was his saving grace as was his second wife Debra. Her love brought him back to life and has sustained the magic both on screen and behind the scenes ever since. The Big Bird we know now what not always this childlike. Initially, he was a very skinny yokel type. Thankfully, with more self confidence and encouragement from the entire Sesame Street family, Caroll gave us the magical creature we adore today.

Caroll Spinney and Debra Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Caroll Spinney and Debra Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Walker and LaMattina had a gold mine of footage from Sesame Workshop but the jackpot came from Caroll and Deb’s years of home video footage. Mixed with Caroll’s own art work, intimate sit down interviews with his children, Sesame cast members, and even Jim’s daughter, we are privileged as an audience to see how moments of time came to be. From Follow The Bird to Big Bird in China and many other Muppet specials, we see the good and the bad. There are no kid gloves when it comes to talking about Caroll and company. One of innumerable interesting things we learn is that Caroll also plays Oscar the Grouch. You learn how this has become the perfect counter balance to our big yellow friend and Caroll alike. Their memories become your own and tear at your heartstrings. You feel so special as you see past the feather into Caroll’s soul.

Caroll Spinney and Jim Henson in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Caroll Spinney and Jim Henson in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

We all have an innate love for Kermit and Big Bird. The Muppets and Sesame Street have molded millions of minds all over the globe since their inception. You will watch this film with tears in your eyes and laughter in your heart. There is no escaping the love that engulfs this movie. This is a timeless classic you will want to show your children down the line. I AM BIG BIRD is nothing short of extraordinary.

Caroll Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Caroll Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Stay tuned for an interview with directors Chad Walker and Dave LaMattina in the next few days!

Release Date

VOD: Available on iTunes & VOD: May 5, 2015
Theatrical: Select theatrical release beginning May 6, 2015
New York: IFC Center – opens May 6, 2015
May 15:
Boston: Brattle Theater – opens May 15, 2015
Chicago: Gene Siskel Film Center – opens May 15, 2015
Columbus: Gateway Film Center – opens May 15, 2015
Detroit: Cinema Detroit – opens May 15, 2015
Los Angeles area:
– Los Angeles: Royal – opens May 15, 2015
– Santa Ana, CA: South Coast Village – opens May 15, 2015
Minneapolis: St Anthony Main – opens May 15, 2015
New Orleans: Zeitgeist Theater – opens May 15, 2015
Philadelphia: PFS at Roxy Theater – opens May 15, 2015
Portland: Living Room Theaters – opens May 15, 2015
San Diego: Digital Cinema – opens May 15, 2015
Santa Fe: CCA – opens May 15, 2015
San Francisco area:
– Berkeley: Rialto Cinemas Elmwood – opens May 15, 2015
– San Francisco: Balboa Theater – opens May 15, 2015
– Sonoma: Sebastopol Rialto Cinemas – opens May 15, 2015
Scottsdale: Shea 14 – opens May 15, 2015
May 22:
Eugene, OR: Metro Cinemas – opens May 22, 2015
Gainesville, FL: The Wooly – opens May 22, 2015
Louisville: Village 7 – opens May 22, 2015
Miami area:
– Coral Gables: Cosford Cinema – May 22,2015
– Miami: O-Cinema – opens May 22,2015
Palm Springs: Camelot – opens May 22, 2015
Pittsburgh: Hollywood Theater – opens May 22, 2015
Sedona, AZ: Mary Fischer Theater – opens May 22, 2015
May 29:
Denver: Sie Film Center – opens May 29, 2015
June 10:
Boulder, CO: Boedicker Theater – opens June 10, 2015
June 12:
Seattle: SIFF Cinema – opens June 12, 2015
Bellingham, WA: Pickford – opens June 12, 2015
Pelham, NY: Picturehouse – opens June 12, 2015

Director

Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker

Screenwriter

Dave LaMattina

Producer(s)

Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker

Cast

Caroll Spinney

Runtime

87 minutes

SYNOPSIS

For 45 years, Caroll Spinney has been beloved by generations of children as the man behind Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch – and at 80 years old, he has no intention of stopping. A loving portrait of the man in the yellow suit, I Am Big Bird features extraordinary footage of Spinney’s earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces his journey from bullied child to childhood icon. And as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.