ABC plans a summer surge

After losing much of last summer to the pandemic, the networks aren’t ready to do it again.
ABC has announced a line-up that has four full nights of non-reruns – or more, if you add in news and sports. That includes a quick return of “The Bachelorette” (now with Katie Thurston, shown here), a slow return of “Bachelor in Paradise” and a flood of games, quirks and reality. Read more…

After losing much of last summer to the pandemic, the networks aren’t ready to do it again.

ABC has announced a line-up that has four full nights of non-reruns – or more, if you add in news and sports. That includes a quick return of “The Bachelorette” (now with Katie Thurston, shown here), a slow return of “Bachelor in Paradise” and a flood of games, quirks and reality.

Last year, networks scuttled many of their plans. Shows were delayed unti the end of summer (“Big Brother,” “Love Island,” “American Ninja Warrior”) or until fall (“Bachelorette,” “Amazing Race,” “Filthy Rich,” “Next,” “Pandora,” “The Outpost”) or simply skipped the year (“Making It,” “Bachelor in Paradise”).

Now things are ready to rush forward. NBC has already announced that the week of May 31 will start the seasons for “American Ninja Warrior” (Mondays), “America’s Got Talent” (Tuesdays) and “Making It” (Thursdays). And ABC has now announced this line-up:

– SUNDAYS: It’s games night, starting June 6, with “Celebrity Family Feud,” “The Chase” and “To Tell the Truth.”

– MONDAYS: “The Bachelorette” is from 8-10 p.m., beginning June 7, with Katie Thurston doing the choosing. A week later, “The Celebrity Dating Game” debuts at 10 p.m., with Zoey Deschanel and Michael Bolton hosting. They’ll be replaced Aug. 16 by “Bachelor in Paradise” and a new competition, “The Ultimate Surfer.”

– WEDNESDAYS: Three game shows return June 9. It’s “Press Your Luck,””The $100,000 Pyramid” and “Card Sharks.”

– THURSDAYS: A night aiming at offbeat humor starts June 17. At 8 p.m., the new “When Nature Calls” gives animals scripted dialog. At 9, “Holey Moley,” the offbeat miniature-golf show, returns. At 10 is “The Hustler,” Craig Ferguson’s “mystery game show.”

– FRIDAYS: “Emergency Call” returns, starting June 4. Luke Wilson hosts the reality show, following responders in several cities. Once you include “20/20,” that makes five nights without reruns … and maybe more, during the pro-basketball playoffs.

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