TV Guide Magazine April 1, 2024

It all started with a Big Bang Theory. Now, CBS’s prequel series Young Sheldon—which signs off on May 16—is passing the torch to a fresh Chuck Lorre comedy. The untitled Young Sheldon spinoff plans to focus on Sheldon’s older brother, Georgie Cooper (Montana Jordan), and his fiancée, Mandy (Emily Osment, right, with Jordan), as they raise a family—including baby Constance—in 1990s Texas. As viewers know, Georgie and Mandy’s relationship started off rocky: After lying about their ages, the 17-year-old Georgie got 29-year-old Mandy pregnant, and the two separated for a brief time before agreeing to wed. We can only imagine how simple things will be for them now that they’re parents…not!…

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ANOTHER FAN-FAVORITE SERIES is getting the podcast treatment. Dear Felicity, which launched March 13, celebrates 25 years of the hit WB series by diving into themes, story arcs and the TV industry during the late ’90s. Stars Greg Grunberg and Amanda Foreman host, and they’ll treat listeners to intel from former cast members Keri Russell, Scott Speedman, Scott Foley and Jennifer Garner, cocreator J.J. Abrams and more. It’s not the only offering for those looking to indulge in primetime nostalgia: Zach Braff and Donald Faison relive Scrubs episodes on Fake Doctors, Real Friends, while Office costars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey rewatch their series on Office Ladies.…

DR. PHIL MCGRAW (above) goes from daytime to primetime with the launch of Merit Street Media, a new cable TV network hailing directly from the Emmy Award–winning executive producer and host. Boasting original and acquired programming, the channel will be anchored by Dr. Phil Primetime. The nightly talk show debuts April 2 at 8/7c and will see the mental health professional offering advice to guests and viewers in the same vein as his original acclaimed series, touching on everything from children’s social media exposure to the prescription-drug-addiction epidemic. Other regular programming on the channel will include Morning on Merit Street (weekdays at 8am/7c), with journalists Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger, and The News on Merit Street (weeknights at 7/6c), hosted by senior anchor Kris Gutierrez, Lyndsay Keith and Loni Coombs.…

PREMIERES Vanderpump Villa April 1, Hulu NEW Lovers and Liars April 1, 9/8c, The CW NEW Lopez vs Lopez April 2, 8/7c and 8:30/7:30c, NBC Loot April 3, Apple TV+ Walker April 3, 8/7, The CW Sight Unseen April 3, 9/8c, The CW NEW Take My Tumor April 3, 10/9c, TLC NEW Ripley April 4,Netflix NEW Alex Rider April 5, Freevee Sugar April 5, Apple TV+ NEW Mary & George April 5, 9/8c, Starz NEW Say Yes to the Dress April 6, 8/7c, TLC Mr. Bates vs the Post Office April 7, 9/8c, PBS (check local listings at pbs.org) Mud Madness April 9, 9/8c, Discovery NEW Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise April 9, 10/9c, Freeform NEW Tryouts April 10, ESPN+ NEW Fallout April 11, Prime Video NEW Patti Stanger: The…

@TVGMMattRoush Elsbeth Some of TV’s best mysteries don’t take themselves all that seriously Thursday, April 4, 9/8c and (regular time period) 10/9c, CBS COLUMBO WOULDN’T KNOW what to make of the technicolored outfits sported by amateur snoop Elsbeth Tascioni (Emmy winner Carrie Preston). Yet the iconic TV detective, played by the late Peter Falk and known for his shabby trench coat, would likely recognize a kindred spirit cut from the same metaphorical cloth. Elsbeth, a delightful spinoff built around a memorably quirky character first seen on The Good Wife and The Good Fight, is in good company. Peacock’s terrific Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne as Charlie, an irreverent drifter with a gift for spotting murderous liars, follows a similar Columbo-like “how-catch-’em” light mystery format. We see the crime and the…