TV schedules for over-the-air nostalgia networks
Sorry for this long delay. There have definitely been changes since my last update in June. So, let’s not waste time and get to the rundown.
Back in July, the biggest change was Soap being bumped to weekends only. The weekend schedule in the early afternoon had some juggling, but nothing was removed or added to the network’s slate. What’s Happening!! and its follow-up series are both on weekends while Family Ties is now weekdays-only.
This month, Decades has both some classic drama and some classic comedy.
Aug. 3-4: The Odd Couple
This binge starts at the beginning and includes the classic Password and Let’s Make a Deal episodes.
MeTV’s annual Summer of Me begins, bringing about a couple changes. Plus, a quick update about Decades’ ever changing late late night TV offerings.
May is another month of full of detective drama binges on Decades.
May 4-5: The Streets of San Francisco
This binge starts at the beginning and runs through S2E16, so I expect this one return for another binge this summer.
May 11-12: The Untouchables
Like The Streets of San Francisco, this binge of The Untouchables starts at the beginning and will run through S2E18. However, it does skip two two-part episodes — “The Unhired Assassin” from season one and “The Big Train” from season two.
May 18-19: Vega$ The Mod Squad
In honor of Peggy Lipton, Decades scratches the planned Vega$ binge for ’60 drama The Mod Squad. These episodes aren’t any block of episodes in chronological order. Rather, they appear to be episodes that best highlight Lipton, who played flower child Julie Barnes in the crime drama.
May 25-26: The Doris Day Show
The binge covers a majority of the series, starting at the beginning and ending a few episodes into the fourth season.
This update has been delayed, Dale Cooper is back!
Hello: Twin Peaks; Colonel March of Scotland Yard; The Invisible Man; My Little Margie
Goodbye: The Fugitive; Movin’ On; Life with Elizabeth
Here are programs that will air as part of Decades’ weekend binge block in April.
April 6-7: Mannix
Mannix returns for yet another binge. This one starts with S4E6, “The Lost Art of Dying,” and runs through the rest of season four and then five, though it skips one episode season four episode (“Sunburst”).
A few minor changes that are more footnotes but still deserve some attention.
The evening showings of The Avengers and Secret Agent on weekends have been axed. Both can still seen midday Sunday.
The minor-est of minor notes. The Saturday morning block of The Bernie Mac Show and Half & Half is now Bernie and One on One. Half & Half can only be found in the early hours of Sunday.
Hello: Life with Elizabeth
Goodbye: Mr. Lucky
The casino-turned-restaurant drama Mr. Lucky has been replaced by the Betty White sitcom Life with Elizabeth in Decades’ late night Lost TV block.
Here are programs that will air as part of Decades’ weekend binge block in March.
March 2-3: Police Woman
Select episodes from seasons two, three, and four of the Angie Dickinson police drama, concluding with the final episode.
March 9-10: Cannon
The binge begins in the latter part of season two and includes nearly all episodes through early season four before really skipping through the remaining episodes.
A little late, so I’m keeping it brief.
Hello: The Monkees
After a great response for its tribute last Sunday to Peter Tork, MeTV is making The Monkees a permanent fixture to its Sunday schedule. The ’60s show, known for its quick cuts, occasional meta humor, and music videos, was seen on Antenna TV until early 2018 and remains a Saturday fixture for fetv. It has also aired on IFC — but I couldn’t tell you if it is still on its schedule. The Monkees replaces The Jeffersons, which can still be seen Monday through Friday.
Here are programs that will air during Decades’ weekend binge block. It includes one weekend where there will be two programs.
Feb. 2-3: The Mod Squad
Feb. 9: The Royal Family / Feb. 10: The Facts of Life
Feb. 16-17: Diff’rent Strokes
Feb. 23-24: The Jeffersons (updated)