Lots of headlines, rumors, and rage were generated when ABC cancelled the reboot of Roseanne Barr’s classic sitcom, which had generated high ratings for the network. The controversial star – a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, which was evident in the politically-charged show – had sent racist material out on social media. ABC ultimately yanked Barr’s new program from the air. Forgotten amidst all of this is that former Roseanne TV writer and Irish-American show biz veteran Tim Doyle had landed a coveted spot on ABC’s fall schedule with his new sitcom The Kids Are Alright, about a big Irish-Catholic family in the 1970s. Doyle’s show was supposed to follow Barr’s, and was expected to maintain a big chunk of the lead-in audience.
“This ensemble comedy follows a traditional Irish-Catholic family, the Clearys, as they navigate changes big and small during one of America’s most turbulent decades,” ABC’s press release notes. “In a working-class neighborhood outside Los Angeles, Mike (strong, silent dad played by Michael Cudlitz) and Peggy (overbearing mom played by Mary McCormack) raise eight boisterous boys who live out their days with little supervision.”
Published reports suggest ABC execs have been meeting to decide if, and how, to reshuffle their schedule, though it is likely The Kids Are Alright will still be featured prominently, given Doyle’s credentials and the positive buzz the show has thus far garnered. ♦
Irish Eye on Hollywood: Post-Twitter Chaos: The Kids Are in Play
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