Blame the latest disastrous and final development in the comedy’s struggle to survive on failed negotiations. Apparently, Turner, which owns TBS (and also TNT), and the sitcom’s production studio, Twentieth Century Fox TV, were unable to reach an agreement that would have allowed production of new episodes to continue.

The culprit? Money, as always. It seems one or both sides couldn’t come up with a financial strategy that worked for everyone involved.

In fact, to keep the single-camera comedy going for a fifth season would have required chopping $1 million from the weekly budget. That, in turn, would have required cutting members of the series’ cast and writing team, in addition to reducing production expenses. And since ABC and Fox both already passed on the chance to acquire the show, there was nowhere left to turn for a last-minute bailout.

Said Twentieth Century Fox TV in an official statement:

While we had hoped to find a way to produce additional episodes for TBS, in the final analysis we simply could not make the economics work without seriously undermining the artistic integrity of the series. As none of us, [series creator Greg Garcia] included, want the show to go out on anything but a high note, we regret that we must put to rest any speculation that Earl will continue. We are grateful to everyone at TBS for their enthusiasm for the series and wish to offer our heartfelt thanks to the cast and crew of My Name is Earl for their incredible work.

And there you have it. So long, My Name Is Earl. Karma was mostly good to you while your four-season run lasted.

Post from: Comedy Centric

Tomorrow, May 14, is season finale time for NBC’s Thursday Night Comedy lineup, and first up at 8pm ET is My Name Is Earl, which closes its 27-episode fourth season without a renewal for a fifth. Called “Dodge’s Dad,” the episode features guest star Norm MacDonald of Saturday Night Live and The Norm Show, who returns to reprise his role as the title character, also known as Little Chubby.

When Joy’s son Dodge (Louis T. Moyle) says he doesn’t want Darnell to come to his school to speak during Career Day, she convinces her ex-husband Earl to do the honors instead by pretending to be Dodge’s father. Of course, the situation doesn’t go well, leading Earl to realize Dodge should meet his real dad.

So, despite Joy’s predictable protests, Earl asks Randy and Catalina to help him find deadbeat Little Chubby. Unfortunately, what they eventually learn is much worse than what they imagined.

Continue below for a two-segment, three-minute sneak peek, which doesn’t include MacDonald, sadly, just Earl, Darnell, Joy, and Randy.

My Name Is Earl airs Thursdays on NBC at 8pm EST.

Post from: Comedy Centric

Keep reading to learn what else is happening on all four sitcoms. And, remember, next Thursday, May 14, is season-finale time for each of the shows.

MY NAME IS EARL

Inside Probe, Part 2: The intriguing story of Crab Shack owner Ernie Belcher’s disappearance told in Part One concludes dramatically. Earl and Randy think it was an alien abduction, Darnell suspects a hundred-year-old feud, and Joy and Catalina believe it had something to do with Ernie’s freaky sex tapes. When the truth is revealed, however, everyone is shocked to realize the answer has been under their noses all along. Geraldo Rivera and NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip return as guest stars. [8pm]

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Banquet: Leslie attends a banquet honoring her mother and discovers what it takes to succeed in the political arena. Meanwhile, Tom and Mark ditch the banquet to pick up women at a bar. [8:30pm]

THE OFFICE

Cafe Disco: Michael acquires a new obsession with cafe/discos, while Pam and Jim decide to take a secret trip. [9pm]

30 ROCK

Mama Mia: While Jack begins searching for his real father, Tracy introduces his newly discovered illegitimate son to his friends at TGS, prompting Liz and Pete to question the son’s real intentions eventually. Elsewhere, Jenna and Liz fight for the spotlight when Jenna gets recognition for one of Liz’s ideas. Alan Alda guest stars as Milton, and Steve Buscemi reprises his role as Lenny Wosniak. [9:30pm]

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time.

Post from: Comedy Centric

MY NAME IS EARL

Inside Probe, Part 1: When Crab Shack owner Ernie Belcher disappears, Geraldo Rivera’s TV show Inside Probe arrives in Camden to investigate. Eight years later, the story has become a murder case, with Earl and Randy the prime suspects as Rivera’s report finally airs on television. Yet, after NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip provides clues from the fateful night, other Camden residents also become suspects. The episode concludes next week. [8pm]

PARKS AND RECREATION

Boys Club: Leslie tries to make her way into the old boys club of politics by going to a casual gathering, but she quickly faces a tough ethical choice. Meanwhile, Andy has a secret plan to surprise his girlfriend Ann. [8:30pm]

THE OFFICE

Casual Friday: Michael mediates a dispute within his new sales team, and trouble brews in the office when several employees take the term “casual” Fridays too loosely. [9pm]

30 ROCK

The Natural Order: When Liz reprimands Tracy in front of the “TGS” staff, he decides to straighten up his act and behave like a professional. However, once he agrees to stop receiving preferential treatment, he challenges Liz to follow suit.

Elsewhere, Jack’s mother Colleen (Elaine Stritch) visits and reveals painful memories about Jack’s father leaving the family. Jenna also learns the difficulties of being a mother after she adopts a pet gibbon. Steve Buscemi reprises his role as Lenny Wosniak, too. [9:30pm]

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time.

Post from: Comedy Centric

NBC has a fantastic episode of My Name Is Earl in store for fans tonight. None other than Lethal Weapon star Danny Glover is dropping by to play Darnell’s (Eddie Steeples) absentee dad Thomas during “My Name Is Alias.”

Thomas shows up in Camden claiming that he wants to make amends with his son. Fortunately, Earl and Randy are immediately suspicious, and they make a trip to Joy and Darnell’s new Witness Protection home to warn the couple.

The intention is nice, but too bad Thomas follows the brothers, which results in father and son going on a “super-secret” undercover mission after their quickie family reunion.

Also tonight on comedy television are fresh episodes of NBC’s Kath & Kim (“Competition” at 8:30pm), ABC’s Ugly Betty (“There’s No Place Like Mode” at 8pm — Watch Previews), and USA Network’s Burn Notice (“Truth and Reconciliation” at 10pm — Watch a Preview).

My Name Is Earl airs Thursdays on NBC at 8pm EST. All other times are EST, too.

Post from: Comedy Centric

Now all we need is somebody from Dallas and the nostalgic circle of joy would be complete. Also dropping by during the episode is Less Than Perfect alumna Andrea Parker.

When Mr. Turtle finds his way home after being lost, Earl decides to return him to Darnell, who’s in Witness Protection and currently living in an upscale community with his family. Joy struggles to adjust to their new wealthy lifestyle and fit in with her trophy-wife neighbors, while back in Camden, Randy accidentally starts dating a guy named Jim (!).

Following at 8:30pm are divas Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde) and Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) on KATH & KIM’s “Celebrity“: When Kath decides to audition for a community production of Cats after watching the performance of local celebrity Lenore (Coolidge), she prepares for the trials and tribulations of fame by asking Athena (Rudolph) for spiritual guidance. Meanwhile, Phil gives Kim a job at his sandwich shop, which leads to some surprising results.

The second part of THE OFFICE’s “Lecture Circuit” from last week airs immediately afterwards at 9pm: Michael and Pam continue their tour of the branches, with Michael taking a lesson from their visit to Utica. Back at the office, Dwight and Jim struggle to fulfill their new party planning duties with a grumpy staff, and Angela’s new cat causes a stir.

Closing out the comedy lineup at 9:31pm is 30 ROCK’s “St. Valentine’s Day,” featuring the return of previous guest stars Salma Hayek (Ugly Betty) and Jon Hamm (Mad Men): Not realizing it’s going to be the ultimate lovers’ holiday, Liz insists that her first official date with Drew (Hamm) occur on Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, Jack prepares himself for an unconventional Valentine’s Day spent at church with his girlfriend Elisa (Hayek), and Tracy tries to help Kenneth hook up with a new staffer.

And, for UGLY BETTY fans, there’s “The Courtship of Betty’s Father” at 8pm on ABC: Betty tapes a revealing video tribute for Claire Meade’s 60th birthday and is shocked later when she accidentally leaves the camera on at home and discovers something about Ignacio. Also, Daniel and Wilhelmina have difficulty adjusting to their new significant others.

Finally, USA Network’s BURN NOTICE presents “Bad Breaks” at 10pm: Jason Bly (Alex Carter), a federal agent who has a knack for giving Michael trouble, returns to Miami to force Michael to hand over some blackmail materials. When they get trapped in a bank robbery together, however, the two enemies must work together to survive.

Post from: Comedy Centric

I just know all the Mad Men fans out there can’t wait for the next fresh episode of 30 Rock called “Generalissimo.” That’s because it features the one and only John Hamm, who happens to play Don Draper on AMC’s Emmy-winning, critically acclaimed period drama.

On NBC’s own Emmy-winning sitcom, Hamm guest stars as Dr. Drew Baird, Liz Lemon’s cute single neighbor and latest love thang, as the photo above clearly shows. Somehow, I don’t think the relationship is going to work out too well because, well, these things never do for poor, lovelorn Liz. That’s one of the reasons why fans care about her travails so much.

Incidentally, Hamm’s longtime significant other Jennifer Westfeldt, former star of the ABC sitcom Notes from the Underbelly, is guesting on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy tonight at 9pm EST [view a sneak peek]. In addition, The Riches’ Noel Fisher (Cael Malloy) has a role on Fox’s Bones at 8pm EST [view a sneak peek]. Just thought I’d throw that out there for folks who care…

As for comedy shows, other notable guest stars coming up tonight include Dexter’s Lauren Vélez on Ugly Betty, country music’s Wynonna Judd on Kath & Kim, former series regular Rashida Jones on The Office, and Ugly Betty’s Salma Hayek returning on 30 Rock. Read on for plotlines — there’s got to be something for everybody.

My Name Is Earl
Randy’s List Item

When he wins on a scratcher Lottery ticket, Randy is immediately hit by a bike and the ticket blows away. Following in Earl’s footsteps, he believes that was a message from karma, and he too should start a list of past wrongs he needs to right. When the brothers realize that their karma lists share an item, they set out to work on it together. Meanwhile, a frustrated Joy tries to convince the FBI to give her and Darnell better identities in the Witness Protection Program. [8pm, NBC]

Ugly Betty
Kissed Off

Betty contemplates making a personal decision to help her family and finances. But things keep sidetracking her, like the fact that sexy neighbor Jesse (Val Emmich) is suddenly interested in her again. Meanwhile, Daniel tries to hide his tracks as Connor is determined to find out the identity of the mystery man who stole Molly’s heart. Dexter’s Lauren Vélez guest stars as Elena. [8pm, ABC, Sneak Peeks]

Kath & Kim
Idols

Kath and Kim are in the running to host a dinner for country music star Wynonna Judd but must first be interviewed by Wynonna’s people. The ladies do everything they can to impress the judges, but things do not go as perfectly as they think. Meanwhile, Craig and his friend Derrick (Jay Phillips) try their hand at writing their own hit country song. [8:30pm, NBC]

The Office
Lecture Circuit

Michael goes on a speaking tour of the other branches to explain Scranton’s relative success, accompanied by his driver, Pam. Back at the office, Dwight and Jim, now the heads of the party planning committee, forget a birthday, with severe consequences. Meanwhile, Andy falls for someone he should not. Former series regular Rashida Jones returns as a now very pregnant Karen Filippelli. [9pm, NBC]

30 Rock
Generalissimo

Liz discovers she has a handsome and newly single neighbor, Dr. Drew Baird (John Hamm), she’d like to meet after receiving his mail by mistake. However, in true Liz fashion, their chance at getting to know one another doesn’t begin so well. Due to Jack’s striking resemblance to a Spanish soap villain, Elisa’s (Salma Hayek) grandmother disapproves of their relationship, but Jack is determined to do whatever it takes to win her adoration. Back at 30 Rock, the new “TGS” interns invite Tracy out for a night of partying, and Tracy, unwilling to admit it, cannot seem to keep up with the former Wall Street frat boys. [9:30pm, NBC]

NOTE: All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Post from: Comedy Centric

Longtime viewers will remember that the midseason hiatus began with a bomb waiting for Michael in his apartment. Well, I’m happy to say the former spy survives the disastrous explosion, but it does leave a noticeable mark on his attitude.

As a result, when he decides to help a father with a dying son who has been scammed by a shady drug company, Michael’s approach gives the series a fresh new feel. Yes, it’s darker and moodier, but at the same time, it also has the welcome potential to create more explosions as the season progresses.

I’ve seen the episode, so trust me: If you’re a Burn Notice fan, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s what some folks who like fancy words tend to call “seminal.”

Also coming up tonight on comedy television are new episodes of all four Thursday-night NBC sitcoms and ABC’s Ugly Betty. Synopses follow the jump.

Ugly Betty
Sisters on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Betty struggles to balance her professional and personal responsibilities, and she and her older sister clash over a family crisis. [8pm, ABC]

My Name Is Earl
Darnell Outed, Part 2

Darnell is forced to put his family in hiding and adopt a new identity after Joy ruins his cover in the Witness Protection Program, and Earl and Randy make a shocking discovery. [8pm, NBC]

Kath & Kim
News

Kath tries to help Kim with her latest ill-advised scheme: becoming an anchor at the local news station. Yeah — Good luck with that! [8:30pm, NBC]

The Office
Prince Family Paper

While the Dunder Mifflin worker bees argue over the hotness of an actress, Michael and Dwight infiltrate a rival company to get some inside scoop. [9pm, NBC]

30 Rock
Retreat to Move Forward

Jack convinces Liz to go with him on a corporate retreat, Kenneth tries to teach Tracy about his eating habits’ negative impact on his diabetes, and Jenna becomes indebted to Frank while preparing for her role as Janis Joplin. [9:30pm, NBC]

NOTE: All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Post from: Comedy Centric

Instead, Estrada is taking on the role of — surprise! — himself as the host of a fictional new reality show with the catchy name Estrada or Nada. When the program heads to Camden in search of talent, Earl convinces Joy to give it a go, and she proceeds to act like an idiot.

No surprise there, of course, but a big one awaits her husband Darnell in the form of an unexpected telephone call.

Check out a couple of videos for the episode after the jump, the first a behind-the-scenes interview clip featuring Estrada and series star Jason Lee, and the other a five-minute (Wow!) sneak peek at the upcoming action. Look hard and you might recognize another familiar face in the clip, too, especially since American Idol season has just started up again.

FYI: Due to President George Bush’s televised address on Thursday, January 15, at 8pm EST in the United States, My Name Is Earl will air at 8:30pm and Kath & Kim is preempted. There are no scheduled time changes for The Office and 30 Rock, but news coverage could potentially run long. Plan accordingly.

My Name Is Earl airs Thursdays on NBC at 8pm EST.

Post from: Comedy Centric

Add a new episode of Ugly Betty for America Ferrera et al fans, and that means there’s a pretty good night of primetime comedy on the way today, January 8.

My Name Is Earl
Got the Babysitter Pregnant

Now there’s a suggestive title, although it’s not what fans might think. Earl didn’t get the babysitter pregnant himself, but he sure plotted to mess her life up when she broke his heart. Older and wiser and with a Karma List on hand, he then decides it’s time to put things right by turning the woman’s immature grown son into a self-supporting man. In the process, Earl realizes his target and his brother Randy have a few things in common. Elsewhere, Joy loses Darnell’s pet turtle (Uh-oh). [8pm, NBC]

Ugly Betty
Dress For Success

ELLE Editors Robbie Myers and Joe Zee moonlight as themselves, while Tony winner Bernadette Peters and Hairspray’s Nikki Blonsky play fictional characters. The situation progressively worsens for Betty as she tries to balance her personal and work lives while impressing her idol, YETI managing editor Jodie Papadakis (Peters), and dealing with rival ELLE assistant Teri (Blonsky). [8pm, ABC]

Kath & Kim
Florida

Kim continues to let Craig stay in the dark about his dog’s non-existent batch of purebred puppies, even when he begins spending money in anticipation of a big post-birth payday. Meanwhile, Phil tries to improve a customer’s lifestyle after one of Kath’s salon clients dies suddenly. [8:30pm, NBC]

30 Rock
Senor Macho Solo

Ugly Betty executive producer and occasional guest star Salma Hayek plays Elisa, the nurse for Jack’s mother, whom he finds himself attracted to when he’s not busy helping Tracy and his wife Angie (The View’s Sherri Shepherd) develop a post-nuptial agreement. Also, baby-hungry Liz gets the hots for a new man (short-statured Peter Dinklage) and Jenna prepares to audition for a new role. [9pm, NBC]

NOTE: All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Post from: Comedy Centric