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The 1980s was another huge decade for television, with a particular boost in the world of sitcoms. This era marked the rise of some of the most iconic shows that continue to shape the genre, and the culture of generations, today. The 80s introduced viewers to a mix of heartfelt family comedies, zany workplace antics, and memorable characters whose catchphrases and quirks became ingrained in the very roots of pop culture for an entire generation, and truthfully, many that followed. With networks constantly vying for primetime dominance, the 80s saw a surge of creativity amidst the competition that led to a diverse array of sitcoms, each leaving its own lasting legacy.

From groundbreaking series that posed questions regarding traditional family dynamics to lighthearted comedies that became cultural touchstones, the 1980s delivered a multitude of sitcoms that captured the spirit of the times. These shows can serve as more than just...

Alf was a uniquely odd sitcom that aired on NBC from 1986 to 1990. Created by Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco, the show is centered around an alien named Gordon Shumway, from the destroyed planet Melmac, who crashes his spaceship on Earth. He's taken in by the Tanner family, who decide to hide him from the government. His adopted family nicknamed him Alf (Alien Life Form). For four seasons, the show thrived on the comic dynamic between Alf and the Tanners, such as Alf's attempts to use basic household appliances or his recurring efforts to make a snack out of the family cat, Lucky. The show combined moments of slapstick humor and heartfelt drama, touching on themes such as family and acceptance. The unique formula of the show, blending a 1980s all-American middle-class family and an alien, resonated with audiences, giving the show unparalleled popularity. However, the series' final episode, "Consider Me Gone,...

Synopsis

Broadway bound, the Muppets take Manhattan by storm in this magical musical about breaking into show business! Fresh out of college, Kermit, Fozzie, and the entire cast of Kermit’s musical “Manhattan Melodies” head for the Big Apple with plans to turn their small play into a big hit! All they need now is someone to produce their show! But when no one in town will even meet with them, it’s up to Kermit to believe hard enough for all of his friends that the show Will go on! Family entertainment has never been more fun than this comedy marking Frank Oz’s solo directorial debut.

Disc Details & Bonus Materials

4K Ultra HD Disc

Feature remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative with Dolby Vision, plus all-new Dolby Atmos immersive audio 4K picture and Atmos sound mix approved by director Frank Oz Also includes English 5.1 + mono...

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced a 4K remaster for The Muppets Take Manhattan.

Set to officially be released on Oct. 24, the new release features an all-new 4K restoration of the film using the original camera negative. This marks the first Muppets movie to get a special 4K release. Along with the 4K restoration, the new 4K Blu-ray release will also include an all-new audio commentary with director Frank Oz, woh approved the 4K picture and Atmos sound mix. Other special features included are a classic interview with Jim Henson and a "Muppetisms" featurette with Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Pepe, and Fozzie Bear.

Related: How the Muppets Produce the Definitive Adaptations of Major Stories

Per Sony, the official description of the film reads, "Broadway bound, the Muppets take Manhattan by storm in this magical musical about breaking into show business! Fresh out of college, Kermit, Fozzie and the entire...

Hide your cats and prepare for snarky observations about the human race because Alf is back, baby! Thanks to Fubo, Canadian darling Ryan Reynolds is reviving the classic comedy series for his Maximum Effort channel! The Alf Marathon begins this Saturday, July 29, via the channel’s inaugural series of “Maximum Moments.” Alf creator Paul Fusco and Shout! Studios are along for the wild ride, with sponsored content coming from Mint Mobile, Fubo, Hims, Mntn, and Ring featuring the wise-cracking, feline-terrifying alien himself, Alf!

“At Maximum Effort, we love taking risks and blurring the lines between shows and sponsorship because we believe both can be equally entertaining,” said Reynolds, Maximum Effort co-founder. “Besides my irrational love of Alf growing up, one of the reasons we licensed this show was precisely because Paul, Shout! Studios and our intrepid brand partners wanted to plot with us to bring Alf back to life. Tune in this Caturday!

Alf is making a comeback. Ryan Reynolds is reviving the classic TV show that ran from 1986-1990 through sponsored segments as part of a deal with Fubo and his Maximum Effort. It will premiere on Maximum Effort this Saturday, July 29 in the channel’s first series of “Maximum Moments” with Alf creator Paul Fusco and Shout! Studios, along with sponsored content for Mint Mobile, Fubo, Hims, Mntn, and Ring featuring Alf himself.

“At Maximum Effort, we love taking risks and blurring the lines between shows and sponsorship because we believe both can be equally entertaining,” said Reynolds, Maximum Effort co-founder. “Besides my irrational love of Alf growing up, one of the reasons we licensed this show was precisely because Paul, Shout! Studios and our intrepid brand partners wanted to plot with us to bring Alf back to life. Tune in this Caturday!”

The marathon will feature episodes of Alf, whose...

Shout! TV has announced Alf on Alf, a special event serving as a reunion for Alf (Paul Fusco) and series co-creator Tom Patchett. The reunion will feature the two providing new behind-the-scenes commentary on four classic episodes of Alf, and yes, Fusco will be in character as the furry extra-terrestrial. Alf on Alf will stream on Shout! TV on June 24 and July 2 at 8 p.m. Et, and to promote the festitivities, a teaser for the event has also been released. You can watch that video below.

Along with commentary from Alf and Patchett, the episodes will feature pop-up Alf facts throughout. There will be four episodes streamed with all-new commentary, and those episodes are:

A.L.F. (Pilot) La Cucaracha (S1E25) Working My Way Back To You (S2E1) Some Enchanted Evening (S2E6)

Alf is created by Fusco, the puppeteer and voice of Alf, and Patchett (The Carol Burnett Show...

Sony continues developing the 1986 NBC TV series "Alf" (aka 'Alien Life Form') for a big screen feature combining live-action and CG animation:

Jordan Kerner, who adapted "The Smurfs" for the studio will produce the new film with "Alf" creator Paul Fusco (original voice/operator of the "Muppets"-like 'Alf' hand puppet)...

...and "Alf" original TV series producer Tom Patchett. Ben Haber and Kenneth Kaufman will executive produce.

The "Alf" TV series produced 102 episodes, followed by the 1996 TV movie, "Project Alf". 'Gordon Shumway', an 'Et' who looks like Gilbert Shelton's "Wonder Wart Hog", crash lands in the garage of the suburban, middle-class 'Tanner' family.  

Alf's home planet 'Melmac' exploded following a nuclear war, when he was off planet as part of the 'Melmac Orbit Guard'.

Covered in fur with a rippled snout, his heart is located in his head. He is sarcastic, slovenly and cynical,...

Exclusive: Distribution rights to Alf, the puppet-fronted sitcom that ran on NBC from 1986 to 1990 and spawned an animated series and a cult following, have been acquired by Shout! Factory.

The company, in partnership with Alien Productions, plan to bring Alf titles to digital entertainment platforms in the U.S. Lionsgate, which previously had rights, had brokered a deal for the sitcom to stream on Fox’s ad-supported service Tubi but that agreement ended last fall.

The deal was announced by Shout! founders and CEOs Bob Emmer and Garson Foos; Alien Productions partners Paul Fusco and Brian Patchett. Gene Pao and Jeffrey Peisch, Shout’s EVP of strategy and digital and SVP of programming and new business development, respectively, also took part in the deal.

Alf, per the official logline, centers on Gordon Shumway, a furry, wise-cracking alien from the planet Melmac who crash lands into the garage of the Tanner family.

Sony continues to develop the 1986 NBC TV series "Alf" (aka 'Alien Life Form') for a big screen live-action feature:

Jordan Kerner, who adapted "The Smurfs" for the studio will produce the new film with "Alf" creator Paul Fusco (original voice/operator of the "Muppets"-like 'Alf' hand puppet) and "Alf" original TV series producer Tom Patchett. Ben Haber and Kenneth Kaufman will executive produce.

The "Alf" TV series produced 102 episodes, followed by the 1996 TV movie, "Project Alf", focusing on 'Gordon Shumway', an Et who crash lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class 'Tanner' family.  Alf's home planet 'Melmac' exploded following a nuclear war, when he was off planet as part of the 'Melmac Orbit Guard'. 

Covered in fur with a rippled snout, his heart is located in his head. He is sarcastic, slovenly and cynical, sometimes putting himself at risk of being discovered. He eventually becomes...

In news so far-fetched a network executive actually made a joke about it back in 2015, '80s family hit Alf is set for a reboot. Warner Bros. is developing a new series of the show, with original writers Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco attached.

Alf ran for four seasons from 1986 to 1990 on NBC, and there were a whopping 102 episodes of the sitcom broadcast during that time. It told the story of a "friendly extra-terrestrial," who crash-landed on Earth and wound up living with a suburban middle class family. Alf (an acronym for Alien Life Form) was a puppet performed and voiced by Fusco. With Fusco on board, it seems like Alf himself will be similar to the '80s original, though he'll live with a new family in this modern reworking.

The Hollywood Reporter describes the reboot as being "in very early development," with no network attached yet. But with...

In a week where TV remakes are the latest trend comes another from Warner Bros. The studio has begun development on bringing back the beloved 80’s alien Alf.

They are currently looking for a writer to get the show off the ground, but it is said the reboot will likely focus on Alf returning to Earth, with a new family and characters.

The original sitcom aired between 1986 and 1990 focused on Gordon Shumway, a friendly extraterrestrial nicknamed Alf (an acronym for Alien Life Form), who crash lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class Tanner family.

Also in the news – HBO to tackle The Time Traveller’s Wife for TV series

The series starred Max Wright as father Willie Tanner, Anne Schedeen as mother Kate Tanner, and Andrea Elson and Benji Gregory as their children, Lynn and Brian Tanner. Alf was performed by puppeteer Paul Fusco, who co-created the show with Tom Patchett.

Who's ready for another 80s reboot series!? Warner Bros. Television is in the early stages of developing a sequel/reboot of the classic sitcom Alf. I loved watching Alf when I was a kid! A smartass alien from outer space who likes to eat cats? What's there not to like!?

Alf is from the planet Melmac and he crash lands in the suburbs and ends up living with the middle-class Tanner family. According to Variety, one of the concepts for the new series involves Alf "emerging from Area 51–where he has been held captive since the original series finale–and observing how much the world has changed since that time."

I'm actually ok with the idea of this reboot being a sequel to the original series. That could be fun and it's easily doable. I really do hope that if they end up moving forward with this series that they...

Alf may be making a return to TV. A reboot of the popular ’80s alien sitcom is being explored by Warner Bros TV, Deadline has learned.

The original series, created by Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco, centered on a small, furry, arrogant extraterrestrial from the planet Melmac who’s taken in by an average American family. The series ran for four seasons on NBC, from 1986-90. The project is in its early stages and a search is underway for a writer, sources tell Deadline. Warner Bros. TV declined to comment.

The series starred Max Wright as Willie Tanner, Anne Schedeen as Kate Tanner and Andrea Elson and Benji Gregory as their children, Lynn and Brian. Alf was performed by puppeteer Paul Fusco, who co-created the show with Tom Patchett.

Alf, which has remained a part of the pop culture zeitgeist, has been referenced on other TV shows and films throughout the years,...

Warner Bros. Television is in the early stages of developing a reboot of the classic sitcom “Alf,” Variety has confirmed with sources.

No writer is yet attached to the project, which would again explore the misadventures of the titular, cat-eating Alf–which stands for Alien Life Form. In the original series, Alf of the planet Melmac crash lands in the suburbs and takes up residence with the middle class Tanner family. The show aired from 1986-1990 for four seasons and over 100 episodes on NBC. The series has remained a part of the pop culture landscape long after it ended and is frequently referenced in other shows and films.

One idea that has reportedly been discussed for the reboot would involve Alf emerging from Area 51–where he has been held captive since the original series finale–and observing how much the world has changed since that time.

Warner Bros. TV declined to comment.

Alf is returning to Earth.

A reboot of the 1980s sitcom Alf is now in the works at Warner Bros. The reboot of the series, starring the friendly alien Alf (Alien Life Form) who lands in the home of a middle-class family, would reportedly focus on Alf returning to Earth, with a new family and characters. Original writers Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco are attached, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

The original series ran for four seasons on NBC. The character was performed by puppeteer Fusco, with Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, Andrea Elson and Benji Gregory rounding out the cast. ...

Wesley Mead Dec 20, 2016

Looking for some TV to fill you with festive cheer? Here are the next 20 episodes in our list of the top 100 Xmas TV episodes ever...

This article first appeared in December 2015. Read entries 100 - 81 on this list, here.

See related Alien: Covenant - its new title's meaning & other questions

Since the medium’s infancy, viewers have enjoyed sharing holidays with their favourite television characters. We grow invested in our friends on screen over the years; spending Christmas with them is a rite of passage, a chance for us to share tradition from our world with the fictional ones we see on screen. Some shows embrace the season wholeheartedly, characters in good spirits and enjoying the trappings of the season; others skew a little darker, bringing the more oppressive, burdensome side of the holidays to life. Either way, Christmas episodes tend to demonstrate the strengths of our favourite series,...

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Looking for some TV to fill you with festive cheer? Here are the next 20 episodes in our list of the top 100 Xmas TV episodes ever...

Read entries 100 - 81 on this list, here.

Since the medium’s infancy, viewers have enjoyed sharing holidays with their favourite television characters. We grow invested in our friends on screen over the years; spending Christmas with them is a rite of passage, a chance for us to share tradition from our world with the fictional ones we see on screen. Some shows embrace the season wholeheartedly, characters in good spirits and enjoying the trappings of the season; others skew a little darker, bringing the more oppressive, burdensome side of the holidays to life. Either way, Christmas episodes tend to demonstrate the strengths of our favourite series, and it’s long been a festive ritual of mine to wheel out old DVD sets...

Development continues on Sony Animation's live action/CG hybrid feature film "Alf" (aka 'Alien Life Form'), based on the 1968 NBC TV series.

Jordan Kerner, who adapted box office winner "The Smurfs" for the studio will produce the new film with "Alf" creator Paul Fusco (original voice/operator of the "Muppets"-like 'Alf' hand puppet) and "Alf" original TV series producer Tom Patchett. Ben Haber and Kenneth Kaufman will executive produce.

The "Alf" TV series produced 102 episodes, followed by the 1996 TV movie, "Project Alf", focusing on 'Gordon Shumway', an Et who crash lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class 'Tanner' family.  Alf's home planet 'Melmac' exploded following a nuclear war, when he was off planet as part of the 'Melmac Orbit Guard'. 

Covered in fur with a rippled snout, his heart is located in his head. He is sarcastic, slovenly and cynical, sometimes putting himself at risk of being discovered.

As you probably already heard, writer/director/TV show creator Gary David Goldberg died earlier today. Goldberg will of course be remembered mostly for being the creator of shows like Family Ties, Brooklyn Bridge, and Spin City (with Bill Lawrence).

He wrote for several other shows earlier in his career and one of them was The Tony Randall Show. Created by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, this was Randall's follow-up to his successful five year run on The Odd Couple.

While Jack Klugman hit it big after Odd Couple with Quincy Me, Randall never had another hit show and The Tony Randall Show was cancelled -- twice. Once by ABC and then by CBS.

Here's Goldberg's humorous and touching recollection about working with Randall and why the show was cancelled -- both times.

That furry, satirical alien life form ― better known to ’80s television viewers as Alf (aka Gordon Shumway) ― is headed for the big screen. According to THR, Sony Animation has nabbed the rights to the character, who celebrated his 25th anniversary last year.

The original voice of Alf, Paul Fusco, is expected to return for a big screen take on the fuzzy extraterrestrial that will merge live action with CGI.

Jordan Kerner, who previously adapted The Smurfs for the studio in a similar fashion, will produce alongside Fusco and series creator Tom Patchett.

For the uninitiated, Alf is an acronym for alien life form. The sitcom, which aired on NBC between 1986-90, centered on the alien creature, who crash landed on Earth and was “adopted” by the Tanners, a suburban family. Alf quickly demonstrated not only a sarcastic personality, but an appetite for cats, even as government forces sought to find him.

Sony Animation has acquired rights to the 1986 NBC TV series "Alf" (aka 'Alien Life Form') for a big screen feature combining live action and CG FX.

Jordan Kerner, who adapted box office winner "The Smurfs" for the studio will produce the new film with "Alf" creator Paul Fusco (original voice/operator of the "Muppets"-like 'Alf' hand puppet) and "Alf" original TV series producer Tom Patchett. Ben Haber and Kenneth Kaufman will executive produce.

The "Alf" TV series produced 102 episodes, followed by the 1996 TV movie, "Project Alf", focusing on 'Gordon Shumway', an Et who crash lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class 'Tanner' family.  Alf's home planet 'Melmac' exploded following a nuclear war, when he was off planet as part of the 'Melmac Orbit Guard'. 

Covered in fur with a rippled snout, his heart is located in his head. He is sarcastic, slovenly and cynical,...

Few mainstream sitcoms have ever been more eccentric (or more puppet-y) than Alf, the lighthearted ’80s series which centered on an typical All-American suburban family who live with a furry alien creature. The character Alf (who had a real name: Gordon Shumway) has mostly been absent since the show went off the air in 1990, besides a 1996 TV movie that costarred Martin Sheen and an extremely short-lived 2004 talk show in TV Land. But big things are happening for the big-snouted E.T. from Planet Melmac: Sony Pictures Animation has purchased the rights to Alf, with an eye towards bringing the franchise to the big screen.

So they're really making an Alf movie? Ha! I kill me! A couple of months ago, it was being reported that Alf creator Paul Fusco was in the process of shopping around a movie based on the wildly popular '80s sitcom. While the recent wave of '80s nostalgia on the big screen did seem to support to such a ridiculous idea, I honestly didn't think it would ever amount to anything. It seemed like just another case of washed up star clinging desperately to the one thing that made them famous many years ago. But apparently Fusco has proven me wrong because this week Sony announced that they have officially picked up the rights to a new Alf movie. There is, however, one big difference: Alf will no longer be a puppet. According to THR, Sony Animation has closed a deal to turn Alf into a live action...

Shia Labeouf in Nymphomaniac: We’ve heard that controversial Danish director Lars von Trier was planning to make an erotic drama with sexually explicit scenes, but we never dreamed that he would be talking with Shia Labeouf about appearing in it, but talks are ongoing. Nymphomaniac starts shooting in September with Charlotte Gainsbourg starring as a woman who relates a lifetime of sexual exploits to her husband, Stellan Skarsgaard; as it happens, the Transformers star recently appeared naked in a music video. [The Hollywood Reporter] Alf: In more family-friendly news, the possibility that '80s TV show Alf will become a movie has moved closer to reality. The project has landed at Sony Animation, with series creators Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco serving as producers...

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Hollywood's strip mining of people's child hood continues, with news that 1980's sitcom Alf, about Gordon Shumway, an Alien Life Form (see what they did there) from the planet Melmac, living with a family on Earth, has been acquired by Sony Pictures Animation, with plans to bring it to the big screen as a combination of live action and CGI, similar to The Smurfs movie. No writer or director has been attached, but the original show's main puppeteer, and voice of the title character, Paul Fusco, has signed on a one of the producers, along with Smurfs producer Jordan Kerner and Alf creator Tom Patchett. It is expected (and hoped) that Fusco will reprise his role for the new movie. While I'm a huge fan of the show from my younger days, the fact that they are using CGI, over the originals puppetry, doesn't make me sit up and take notice of this new project.

This was obviously an excuse to get that banner image and video below, deal with it, it makes me happy.  It looks like Alf may land again as Sony Pictures Animation just got the feature rights to the 1980s television sitcom. [Heat Vision]

Producer Jordan Kerner (Smurfs) and show creators Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco, the studio is looking to develop the project as a blend of live-action and CGI, not enough of those these days.  Fusco who voiced Alf throughout the series, will voice the film as well.  I think I speak for everyone when I say we want the puppet!  Boo your computers and just give us nostalgia for once.

Sony Pictures Animation has closed a deal to acquire the film rights to classic 1980's sitcom "Alf" to turn it into a feature which, like their recent "The Smurfs" film, will combine CG and live action says Heat Vision.

The late 80's sitcom followed a friendly and furry, wisecracking Melmac alien and his life with a regular family. The sarcastic creature (which was a puppet on set) courts trouble with government forces that are on his tail.

Jordan Kerner ("The Smurfs," "Inspector Gadget") will produce alongside show creators Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco. Fusco, who voiced the character on the show, is expected reprise his role for the movie.

No writer or director is attached as yet.

It looks like Gordon Shumway, better known by the acronym for Alien Life Form – Alf, may be making a comeback in movie form.

Sony Pictures Animation has finalized a deal with Jordan Kerner who was involved with the production of the 2011 Smurfs movie and will take on the same duties with the Alf movie, along with Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco.

The classic 1980s TV sitcom which ran from 1986-1990will be developed into a CG-live action hybrid feature. The title character who finds a home with a suburban family, who grow to love him, despite his sarcasm and his appetite for cats was voiced by Paul Fusco.

Fusco said back in May:

I think the timing is right. That’s a big important thing, timing.There have been movies out there of characters that I didn’t think were on the same parallel as Alf that got movies made,...

"Alf" is making a comeback on the big screen with a major motion picture at Sony.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures Animation has acquired the rights to the classic '80s character. The film will be developed as a CGI/live action flick. "Smurfs" producer Jordan Kerner is attached to the project. "Alf" veterans Paul Fusco and Tom Patchett are also on board the project. Fusco is also expected to reprise the voice role of Alf.

"Alf" aired 102 episodes from 1986-90 on NBC and inspired a spinoff series as well as a 1996 TV movie titled "Project Alf." The character also had his own talk show on TV Land for a handful of episodes and was recently brought back by The Hub to host a special block of programming, including "Alf" reruns.

In May, Fusco told The Hollywood Reporter he was pitching a flick about Alf.

“I think the timing is right.

Sony Pictures Animation has acquired the rights to the 1980s sitcom "Alf," which plans to turn the property into a CG/live-action film. "The Smurfs" producer Jordan Kerner is on board to oversee the project along with show creators Tom Patchett and puppeteer Paul Fusco. "Alf" centered on a friendly furry alien creature (a puppet) who crash landed on Earth and took up with the Tanners, a suburban family. Alf, whose name was later revealed as Gordon Shumway, is sarcastic and has an appetite for cats. He courts trouble with government forces that are on his tail. The show aired 102 episode from 1986-90. Fusco voiced the title character on the show and is expected to reprise his role for the movie. No writer or director is currently attached.

Sony Pictures are planning an Alf movie. Actor Paul Fusco will return as the voice of the friendly, furry alien, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Smurfs producer Jordan Kerner is attached to the live action/CGI hybrid film along with Alf creators Tom Patchett and Fusco. The '80s sitcom centred around the titular star - whose name stands for 'Alien Life Form' (more)...

Hollywood is continuing to plunder the casket of cherished 1980s franchises for movie ideas, following the box office success (and mixed critical response) for 21st Century takes on Transformers, G.I. Joe, and 21 Jump Street. Just last week, in fact, we learned the Masters of the Universe reboot is still chugging along. It’s comes as little surprise, then, that ginger (he prefers burnt sienna) extraterrestrial Gordon Shumway – better known as Alien Life Form or Alf – is being brought out of retirement for a feature-length movie.

Earlier this year, Alf co-creator (and the voice/puppeteer behind the title character) Paul Fusco announced he’s pitching ideas for a film treatment. Sony Pictures Animation has closed a deal for the rights to the Alf franchise, setting Fusco and fellow co-creator Tom Patchett as producers alongside ...

Click to continue reading Sony Developing ‘Alf’ Movie From ‘Smurfs’ Producer & Paul Fusco...

Hide your cats!

Hollywood continues to mine old '80s properties for 21st century reboots, even the most all-but-forgotten franchises such as "Alf," according to Heat Vision.

"Alf" (which stands for Alien Life Form, as explained by Max Wright's Willie Tanner in the pilot episode) followed the adventures of a furry wisecracking alien who came to live with a suburban family after crash-landing into their garage.

While never anything resembling great television,"Alf" got by on the charm of puppeteer Paul Fusco, who was also the series co-creator with Tom Patchett. "The show ended up airing for four seasons from 1986-1990.

Now, Alf is going to crash-land into some other garage as the star of a live-action/CG hybrid, a la last summer's "The Smurfs." In fact, the "Alf" movie comes courtesy of producer Jordan Kerner, who helped bring the Smurfs to the big screen. Both Patchett and Fusco are involved as well,...

“Remember Alf? He’s back! In [film] form.”

Quite the prescient boy, that Milhouse Van Houten. I’ve never seen an episode of Alf, could not name a cast member, and wouldn’t be able to hum the tune if my life depended on it — I don’t even know if there is “a tune,” to be honest — so, theoretically, my “attachment” to this news is entirely non-existent. I only know that Simpsons moment.

Let me shut up and get the big things out of the way: THR informs us Sony Animation and Smurfs producer Jordan Kerner have bought the rights to Alf (I just typed “have bought the rights to Alf“), a precious commodity they plan to exploit in the form of a motion picture — one which will combine live-action and CGI. Sort of like The Smurfs, you see.

The plot will, thank baby Christ, probably be something not unlike...

Sony Pictures Animation has finalized a deal with The Smurfs producer Jordan Kerner to develop a feature version of the TV series Alf.

The project will be a hybrid of live-action and CGI animation elements, much like The Smurfs. Jordan Kerner will produce alongside original series creators Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco, who will also return to provide the voice of the title character.

The series ran for 102 episodes over four seasons, between 1986 and 1990. The story followed the suburban Tanner family, who find a furry alien from the planet Melmac that crash landed in their garage. The Tanners take in the extraterrestrial, who has a penchant for eating cats and cracking wise. The title is an acronym for Alien Life Form.

No screenwriter or director is attached to the project at this time.

The 1986 alien sitcom Alf (Alien Life Form) will be coming to the big screen as a CGI animated live-action hybrid. Sony Pictures animation just acquired the rights to the property, and it will be produced by Jordan Kerner, who brought the wonderfully awful big screen adaptation of The Smurfs. Hopefully the Alf movie will be a much better film adaptation. 

The story centers on a friendly furry alien creature, who crash lands on Earth and ends up shacking up with a suburban family named the Tanners. Of course he's being tracked down by the government as well. Alf is known for being a very sarcastic individual who loves to eat cats. 

The original series creators Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco will also serve as producers on the film. Fusco was also the puppeteer and voice of Alf on the series. As of right now, there is no writer or director attached to the project.

Hide your cats, people, it looks like Alf may be making a comeback. "Remember Alf? Well he's back. In movie form!" - Identify that (modified) quote and attempt to wrap your mind around the thought of an Alf movie, because it sounds like Sony Pictures Animation is looking to make one happen. THR posted the news, stating that Sony Pictures Animation has acquired the rights to Alf, the sci-fi sitcom from the 80's, which followed the (other '80's) Tanner family and the Alien Life Form (Alf) that crash landed on their property, and went on to take up residence in their home. Sony is aiming to develop the property into a hybrid CG/live action feature. Series creator Paul Fusco and producer Tom Patchett are said to be on board to produce the project, along with Jordan Kerner (The Smurfs). It's probably fair to say that Alf contributed at...

Better hide away your beloved felines, America - because Alf is back. That's right! The studio that brought you last year's box-office blockbuster "The Smurfs" is now developing a big-screen version of the...erm, well-known 1980s sitcom, and like that earlier effort it'll take the form of a live-action/CGI hybrid probably starring some B-level actors. Cashing in on/producing the project are Tom Patchett, the creator of the original series, and Paul Fusco, the puppeteer who also provided Alf's voice. While there will be no actual puppeteering needed for the film, which we assume will feature a fully-animated version of the lovable alien,...

Hide your cats, the Alien Life Form known as Alf is coming to a theater near you!  Sony Pictures Animation has just landed the feature rights to the 1980s television sitcom.  Along with producer Jordan Kerner (Smurfs) and show creators Tom Patchett and puppeteer Paul Fusco, the studio will develop the project as a blend of live-action and CGI.  Fusco, who voiced the furry character for all 102 episodes, will lend his vocal talents to the film as well.  Hit the jump for more on Alf.  Heat Vision brings us the exciting news that an Alf adaptation may be in the works for the big screen.  As an alien that crash-landed to Earth and was subsequently taken in by the Tanner family, Alf (aka Gordon Shumway) was a sarcastic little furball that had an appetite for cats and a penchant for attracting trouble from government authorities.  It's unfortunate that the studio...

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures Animation has acquired the rights to the classic 1980s TV sitcom Alf (Alien Life Form) and will develop the property into a CG-live action hybrid feature. Apparently Jordan Kerner, the man responsible for bringing (inflicting upon) us the recent Smurfs movie will also produce this, along with Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco. Fusco also voiced the character in the original show, and is expected to do the same for the movie. For those not in the know, Alf ran from 1986 to 1990 and lasted 102 episodes. It focused on a friendly -- aside from his penchant for eating cats -- little alien named Gordon Shumway who lands on Earth and winds up staying with the Tanner family. It was actually pretty funny, or at least it was at the time, so expect the movie not to be in any way shape or form. No...

Sony Pictures Animation has closed a deal to acquire rights to the classic 1980s TV sitcom Alf and will develop the property into a CG-live action hybrid feature. Jordan Kerner, who produced Spa’s adaptation of 1980s Saturday morning cartoon staple The Smurfs and helped turn it into a hybrid blockbuster franchise, will produce the project with show creators Tom Patchett, a veteran of 1970s comedies, and puppeteer Paul Fusco. Alf stands for Alien Life Form, and the 80s sitcom centered on a friendly furry alien creature (a puppet), who crash landed on Earth and took up with a suburban

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Gordon Shumway, the sardonic alien life form better known by the acronym Alf , is headed to the big screen. The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Sony Animation has nabbed the rights to the character, who celebrated his 25th anniversary last year. The original voice of Alf, Paul Fusco, is expected to return for a big screen take on the fuzzy extraterrestrial that will merge live action with CGI. Jordan Kerner, who previously adapted The Smurfs for the studio in a similar fashion, will produce alongside Fusco and series creator Tom Patchett. Ben Haber and Kenneth Kaufman will executive produce.