Getting Schooled: The Fourth Man (CBS Schoolbreak Special, 1990)

 CBS' Schoolbreak Special offers up a cautionary tale about the dangers of steroids in "The Fourth Man". Peter Billingsley (ex-Real People), taking on a more mature role as he puts Hershey's chocolate syrup pitchman Messy Marvin in his rear view mirror, stars, along with Tim Rossovich, Adrienne Barbeau (ex-Maude), Nicole Eggert (later of Baywatch), Lyle Alzado (ex-Learning The Ropes, former NFL star), and, in his TV debut, Vince Vaughn.

Music by John Tesh (Entertainment Tonight):

Cast member Al Sapienza (who used a stage name in this film) posted this to his YouTube channel.

Saturtainment: Columbus Circle (ABC Weekend Special, 1985-7)

 It had gotten to the point where ABC was no longer asking for a lot of 1st run animated entries for the Weekend Special, like its sister series, the Afterschool Special. Live-action had become the way to go, and, not only that, but by the mid-80's, fewer episodes were produced each year.

Neil Ross, who'd been voicing Capt. OG Readmore in animated interstitals and some episodes, now voiced the puppet version of Readmore, acting as series host. Joan Lunden (Good Morning, America) joins Readmore for this 1987 repeat of a 1985 entry, "Columbus Circle", headlined by veterans Peggy Cass (ex-To Tell The Truth, The Hathaways), & Nancy Walker (ex-Rhoda, McMillan & Wife, etc.).

No rating. Just a public service.

Rare Treats: Muppets After Dark, before the Muppet Show (Out to Lunch, 1974)

 Jim Henson had been shopping a primetime project for his Muppets for years, after Jimmy Dean's ABC variety show had ended. In 1974, ABC took a chance with a primetime special that brought together the gang from Sesame Street with the cast of The Electric Company, plus guests Elliott Gould, Barbara Eden (ex-I Dream of Jeannie), & Carol Burnett, plus a cameo by ABC newsman Bill Beutel.

Out to Lunch aired two weeks before Christmas. Unfortunately, no video footage is available, just some audio clips. Basically, the Muppets (i.e. Bert & Ernie, Cookie Monster, Oscar, Big Bird) take over ABC to do some movie, TV, & commercial parodies.

Promo ad illustrated by Jack Davis.

While the network takeover gimmick didn't fly with network suits, Henson tweaked the idea, and, with help from Lord Lew Grade at ITC, launched The Muppet Show, with Kermit now joined by a new troupe of Muppets. The series ran for 5 years.

The emergence of the audio clips and accompanying promo advertising is a case of perfect timing, since a new Muppet series is set to launch next week on ABC and Disney+, looking to recapture the spirit of The Muppet Show as it marks its 50th anniversary.

Now, if only someone would find the videos.......

Coming Attractions: The Looney Tunes are coming to TCM

 After getting bounced from HBO Max last year, Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes crew will return to the Warner Bros Discovery umbrella, with shorts airing on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) starting next Monday, February 2, with Bugs designated as the channel's "Star of The Month".

According to the Hollywood Reporter, it's a 6 year licensing deal, and it kicks off with 1940's "A Wild Hare", at 11 pm (ET).

So, you're probably asking, what happens to the shorts airing on Me-TV? That remains to be seen. They'll still stream on Tubi, which acquired the lot a few months back, until such time as WBD decides to bring them back to HBO Max. Whether that means getting rid of kid-unfriendly David Zaslav remains to be seen as well.

According to the article, plans call for the legendary "What's Opera, Doc?" and "Rabbit of Seville" to air as opening acts, if you will, for the Marx Brothers' "A Night at The Opera". Like, I don't know if that ever really happened at the theatres (doubtful), but fans of both Bugs and the Marxes will be in hog heaven.

Somewhere, Daffy Duck is in a jealous fit. Again.

Toon Rock: Livin' on a Chair (2025)

 I can't think of a better way for someone to mark the 40th anniversary of Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet", but some enterprising folks did.

Last month, "Bon Meovi" released "Livin' on a Chair", a parody of "Livin' on a Prayer".

"Slippery" reaches its 40th anniversary in August. "Bon Meovi" simply got a head start.

Saturday Morning Ringside: 518 represent in World Class Championship Wrestling (1985)

 While "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan was tearing it up in Mid-South Wrestling, Glens Falls' other gift to wrestling made her TV debut with World Class Championship Wrestling.

Misty Blue leads off this card from September 1985. I don't think Misty ever followed Duggan to the WWE.....

Saturday School: When Brandon Tartikoff visited Bayside High (Saved by The Bell, 1991)

 The following is the closing tag from a 1991 episode of Saved by The Bell. NBC programming chairman Brandon Tartikoff made a special appearance as part of an anti-drug episode of the series.....

A message that should still resonate today.