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April 1, 2019
Congrats to Anne-Marie Johnson on her latest role in NBC's upcoming drama series The InBetween. The show is scheduled to premiere Wednesday, May 29th, at 10 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.
March 12, 2019
SPARTA SLIP-UPS -- Tate Skinner finds "Sparta Slip-up" in the season 3 episode, "Rape."
February 23, 2019
Congrats to Thom Gossom, a/k/a "Ted Marcus," for becoming a 2019 recipient of Auburn University's Lifetime Achievement Award!
Article: Thom Gossom, first black athlete to graduate from Auburn, to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
February 2, 2019
UPDATE: RIP Bill Whitworth a/k/a Goody Tate!
"It is with great sadness that I must inform you all of the death of my father, Bill Whitworth, who played Goody Tate, Friday, in Covington. He was 92 and died peacefully at home. He was my hero and he loved the show so very much. Here is a recent article about him." -- Kit Whitworth
Article: Getting to Goody Tate: Actor Bill Whitworth on Heat and Life
January 20, 2019
Wishing Geoffrey Thorne a/k/a Willson Sweet a Happy Birthday today!
January 11, 2019
Tribune Media, Charter reach deal, ending Spectrum TV blackout affecting millions. Read story
January 10, 2019
"The Rabbi" guest-star Jerry Stiller hospitalized. Here's to a speedy recovery! Thanks to Juanita A Velez for this update. Read story
January 4, 2019
We have seen many posts and heard from a number of Charter Spectrum customers who have recently lost their WGN America programming, i.e. In the Heat of the Night. Here's what you need to know: Spectrum-Tribune Media dispute leads to blackout of WGN America TV shows
January 1, 2019
Saying Happy New Year around here is synonymous with Happy Birthday Crystal Fox. Enjoy your special day, Crystal! Meanwhile, in addition to her role on The Haves and the Have Nots, look for Crystal in her new role as Elizabeth Howard in the second season of the HBO drama series Big Little Lies - starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. No official premiere date yet, but rumor has it the second season will have a June debut.
December 31, 2018
Wishing all you Heaters a Happy New Year! What better way to close out 2018 than with some "Top 5 List" fun?
Year in Review: Top 5 HEAT Headlines of 2018
5. Farewell GetTV, Hello Me-TV. Despite a network loss, ITHOTN remains syndicated on 3 television networks with a Me-TV pick-up.
4. RIP 2018: Remembering Those We Lost in Sparta: Ron Culbreth (Sheriff Will McComb); Mickey Jones (Willie Baylor, "Country Mouse, City Mouse"); Billy Bluesman Floyd (ITHOTN Head of Security and Carroll O'Connor's bodyguard). "Talk is Heat" interview with Billy Bluesman Floyd --> https://bit.ly/2EXiTzP
3. Mayor Officially Proclaims August 4th "In the Heat of the Night" Day in Covington, GA
2. Sparta Revisited: In the Heat of the Night 30th-Anniversary Reunion Charity Event Cancels with Straightforward Official Statement --> https://bit.ly/2SBxXXC
1. "In the Heat of the Night" Turns 30
December 21, 2018
A New Year's Eve In the Heat of the Night marathon is happening from 9am-7pm Eastern on WGN America!
September 22, 2018
Starting October 1st, This TV will air In the Heat of the Night each Monday-Friday from 8a-10a Eastern. The current Sunday night schedule will remain.
September 17, 2018
It was on this day Sept. 17, 1989, when Carroll O'Connor won an Emmy in the "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series" category for his role as Chief Gillespie on In the Heat of the Night -- this was O'Connor's first Emmy in the dramatic field. Lois Nettleton was nominated in the "Supporting Actress in a Drama Series" category for her role as Joanne St. John and performance in the season 2 episode "Stranger In Town." Pops was at home reading a book on Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant when he received a call informing him of his win.
August 30th, 2018
FAREWELL getTV, HELLO Me-TV -- Just a reminder that tomorrow, Friday, August 31st will be the last day that In the Heat of the Night will air on getTV. Episodes "Hello In There" and "December Days" are scheduled for 9 am and 1 pm (ET) respectively. We would like to thank getTV for helping to keep the show alive over the last 2+ years. For those who have Me-TV, In the Heat of the Night will premiere Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd at 12 noon Eastern.
August 15th, 2018
Starting September 3, 2018, In the Heat of the Night will air weekdays, Monday-Friday, at 12 noon Eastern/Pacific on MeTV.
August 4th, 2018
Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston Officially Declares August 4th "In the Heat of the Night" Day!
August 2nd, 2018
Carroll O'Connor was born 94 years ago today!
July 31st, 2018
A show of hands -- who remembers Goody Tate... Sparta's elusive master moonshiner? In real life, his name is Bill Whitworth, and he's still alive and well, by god. Fellow Heater Charlie Haldeman recently caught up with him for some conversation and even wrote an interesting piece about it. Thanks to Charlie for sharing this with us. Enjoy!
July 31st, 2018
Join us in wishing Alan "Bubba" Autry a happy birthday today!
July 25th, 2018
It was on this day in 1992 when the late veteran actor James Best -- widely known to many as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane from the former CBS television series The Dukes of Hazzard -- won a "Crystal Clear Award" for "Best Actor in a Dramatic Series," for his portrayal of retired sheriff Nathan Bedford, in the season 5 In the Heat of the Night episode, "Sweet, Sweet Blues".
July 18th, 2018
Wishing Anne-Marie Johnson today a happy birthday!
July 12th, 2018
We would like to wish Denise Nicholas a happy birthday today!
July 4th, 2018
Wishing all Heaters a safe and happy Fourth of July!
May 27th, 2018
If you're looking for some great television tomorrow (Memorial Day), getTV will have an In the Heat of the Night marathon from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern.
For schedule, please visit getTV.com
April 29th, 2018
Heaters reunite! Sparta Revisited: In the Heat of the Night 30th-Anniversary Reunion 2018 is taking place August 3rd & 4th 2018 in Covington, Ga. Main cast members Anne-Marie Johnson, Alan Autry, and Denise Nicholas will reunite together for the first time since the close of the show's production to celebrate this historic event.
For tickets and details, please visit Sparta Revisited.
March 30th, 2018
Former In the Heat of the Night recurring actors Afemo Omilami (Jimmy Dawes) and Tonea Stewart (Aunt Etta Kibbey) have fresh appearances scheduled this April on a small screen near you. Omilami will resume his role as Det. Noah St. Charles in the Bounce TV soap series season 3 premiere of Saints & Sinners on Sunday, April 8th. Later that week, Tonea Stewart will be featured in the premiere of the Netflix film "Come Sunday" on Friday, April 13th. Check your local listings for air times.
March 29th, 2018
In September of 2016, we reported the sale of Carroll O'Connor's Malibu home for $9.3 million. After an extensive renovation, the property is now back on the market!
Source: Los Angeles Times
March 16th, 2018
Anne-Marie Johnson cast in the NBC clairvoyance drama pilot "In Between Lives."
Source: Deadline
March 6th, 2018
NBC Primetime, March 6, 1988: The murder of a popular, local teenage girl, the lynching of a jailed black suspect, and the discovery of a porn flick ring... all in one explosive two-hour telefilm debut. Thirty years ago, on this day, Carroll O'Connor and Howard Rollins starred in the premiere of the greatest Southern crime drama ever... In the Heat of the Night.
Source: Click Here
February 18th, 2018
It was on this day (February 18th) in 1992 when CBS announced that it had acquired the rights to In the Heat of the Night to debut the series' 6th season that fall as six two-hour telefilms, with the option to renew as a weekly series.
NBC quickly refuted the claim by announcing they were still in negotiations.
CBS, however, claimed that Executive Producer Fred Silverman had went to them to declare that the show was in fact available.
But it was then MGM Chairman David Gerber who stated that after many requests to NBC for an answer regarding a renewal, NBC told Gerber that he would have to wait until the network made up its mind.
With an offer from CBS on the table for an initial 6 two-hour telefilm deal, Gerber stated he couldn't risk having nothing happen with NBC and had to make the practical move to CBS for the sake of the show.
Two weeks later, NBC officially announced it was dropping ITHOTN (and Matlock) due to low ratings.
February 7th, 2018
When it rains it pours. Sad to report that In the Heat of the Night guest-actor Mickey Jones (Willie Baylor, "Country Mouse, City Mouse") has died today at the age of 76.
February 7th, 2018
In the Heat of the Night recurring actor Ron Culbreth (Sheriff Will McComb) dies at 74. Our condolences to Ron's surviving family and loved ones.
January 26th, 2018
CBS Primetime, January 26, 1994 -- premiere of the In the Heat of the Night season 7 episode, "Ches and the Grand Lady." Introduced and performed by Ches Collins (Bobby Short), the song "Gray Sundays In" was lyrically written by Carroll O'Connor.
January 21st, 2018
After a week-long break, In the Heat of the Night will return tomorrow (January 22nd) at 9 a.m. Eastern on WGN America.
January 20th, 2018
We would like to wish Geoffrey Thorne a happy birthday today. Happy birthday Sweet!
January 6th, 2018
Former In the Heat of the Night guest star/Sparta bad boy Walton Goggins (Missing; Crackdown; Shine on Sparta Moon; A Frenzied Affair) lands guest-starring role on The Big Bang Theory.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
December 21st, 2017
Starting January 2nd, In the Heat of the Night will air weekdays 9a-Noon on WGN America!
Source: Click Here
November 4th, 2017
In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations: The Bottoms of Sparta (Part 2)
Source: Click Here
November 1st, 2017
Anne-Marie Johnson to join the season 2 cast of "Imposters" in recurring role on Bravo.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
October 31st, 2017
Imagine trick-or-treating and Alan Autry answers the door as a football player for Ole Miss, with Hugh O'Connor standing at his side donning a skeleton costume and Pops Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker. Well, that is exactly what happened on this night in 1990 to unsuspecting trick-or-treaters in one Conyers, GA neighborhood. Happy Halloween, Heaters!
October 29th, 2017
In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations: The Bottoms of Sparta (Part 1)
Source: Click Here
October 20th, 2017
It was on this day in 1995 when WGN removed a scheduled rerun of the classic In the Heat of the Night episode, "Walkout," starring O.J. Simpson, from its programming. Given the uncanny similarities between the episode and O.J.'s real-life homicide "trial of the century" -- e.g., homicide by throat laceration; neighbor alerting police to the disturbance of a barking dog -- the station manager decided it would be inappropriate to air the episode at the time.
Source: Click Here
October 17th, 2017
Remembering the late great Howard Rollins who would have turned 67 years old today.
Source: Click Here
October 15th, 2017
The quest for documenting new In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations continues in Sept. 2017 with (Part 3).
Source: Click Here
October 8th, 2017
The all new video adventure continues with In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations - Sept. 2017 (Part 2).
Source: Click Here
September 30th, 2017
An ALL NEW VIDEO ADVENTURE. In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations - Sept. 2017 (Part 1).
Source: Click Here
August 16th, 2017
Lois Nettleton, who portrayed HEAT's Joanne St. John, would have turned 90 years old today! Birthday Trivia: After production for Season 1 came to a close, Canton, Mississippi had become a strong contender for the series to relocate and commence production with Season 2. But when Canton was no longer in the running, producers decided to smooth things over by naming Nettleton's new character Joanne St. John after the Canton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau's Executive Director Jo Ann Gordon.
Source: Click Here
June 29th, 2017
On This Day -- June 29, 1994, In the Heat of the Night wrapped production by filming the show's final scene for the two-hour telefilm, "Grow Old Along With Me." It was almost a full year before the finale aired on CBS.
Source: Click Here
June 18th, 2017
To all fathers everywhere, Happy Father's Day from Sparta! It was on this day in 1994 when Carroll O'Connor won an Emmy at the Southeast Regional Emmy Awards held at the former Hotel Nikko in Atlanta. Mr. O'Connor took one look at his special award and said, "I must say, someone left an 'L' out of my first name."
Source: Click Here
June 15th, 2017
We have learned this evening, via a fan posting over at the Facebook fan group "in the heat of the night: Backstreets of Sparta," that a petition has been submitted to Covington City Council (Covington, GA) for the removal of the Confederate monument located in the Square park. This monument, nicknamed "Nathan" by Chief Gillespie, was featured in several episodes of In the Heat of the Night. What do you think? Should Covington remove its Confederate monument? Click the link below and sound off.
Source: Click Here
May 17th, 2017
Mornings are HEATing up on WGN America with a new schedule. Monday-Wednesday 10am Eastern.
Source: Click Here
May 16th, 2017
CBS Primetime: May 16, 1995 -- "Grow Old Along With Me" (S8/Ep4) -- Originally broadcast as the CBS Tuesday Mystery Movie, the final edition of In the Heat of the Night aired as the fourth and final two-hour telefilm of its last season. Prior to the opening credits, a brief memorial screen, "In Memory of Hugh O'Connor 1962-1995," segued into the opening credits.
May 4th, 2017
CBS Primetime: May 4th, 1994 -- "Dangerous Engagement" (S7/Ep22) -- Bill and Harriet become mistaken targets of a vengeful gunman within days leading up to their nuptials. The wedding ceremony established Bill and Harriet at the time as the only interracial couple in a primetime television dramatic series.
April 25th, 2017
NBC Primetime: April 25, 1989 -- "Fifteen Forever" (S2/Ep19) -- As Carroll O'Connor underwent sextuple cardiac bypass surgery at Emory University Hospital, Joe Don Baker took the eventual role of acting chief of police as a favor to then MGM/UA president David Gerber, who had served as executive producer of Mr. Baker's short-lived, 1979 TV series "Eischied."
Asked how he felt about the long workdays, -- 6 days a week, as required at the time on the set of HEAT -- Baker stated, "I get sick and tired of playing cops and sheriffs. It's a terrible grind. That's the reason I haven't done a series in 10 years. After this, I probably won't do any more."
April 3rd, 2017
RIP Warren "Rhubarb" Jones. Heaters likely remember him as Duke, the bar manager who hired country crooner Eddie Larran to perform because "he's cheap," from the season 6 episode, "When The Music Stopped." Jones was a veteran radio personality in the metro Atlanta area who passed away yesterday of a heart attack. Condolences to Rhubarb's surviving friends and loved ones.
Source: Click Here
March 28th, 2017
It was March 28, 1989 when Carroll O'Connor was discharged from Emory University Hospital following six coronary bypasses and gall bladder surgery that had occurred after a routine physical earlier in the month. It was during this time when producers hired veteran actor Joe Don Baker to fill in as acting chief of police for the final four episodes of season 2.
As Mr. O'Connor vowed to give up smoking and exercise more, the cast and crew chipped in and purchased a treadmill for his office. Mr. O'Connor returned to work a month later to assume the role of co-executive producer of In the Heat of the Night.
Source: Click Here
January 24th, 2017
Sinclair and MGM's soon-to-be launched Charged! network set to air In the Heat of the Night in 2017.
Source: Click Here
January 15th,2017
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an all-day marathon of In the Heat of the Night, starting tomorrow at 8 a.m. Eastern on getTV.
Source: Click Here
January 12th, 2017
Joe Robert Cole To Write Modern Day In the Heat of the Night Series.
Source: ShowAndAct.com
January 11th, 2017
Showtime Gives In the Heat of the Night Reboot No Time -- MGM and Executive Producer Plan To Shop It Elsewhere.
From Rotten Tomatoes:
"This weekend Warren Littlefield told Rotten Tomatoes that he’s just received a new script for a modern day In the Heat of the Night project. Though MGM originally set the series up at Showtime, today David Nevins revealed that he’d passed on it prior to the latest draft, so MGM and Littlefield will be taking it elsewhere."
Source: RottenTomatoes.com
January 8th, 2017
It's Ba-ack. After 2+ Years, Executive Producer Issues Reboot Status Update...
In the Heat of the Night Reboot Script Delivered, Mostly New Character
"A reboot of the cop drama In the Heat of the Night, which was previously adapted into a TV series, was announced in 2014. Executive producer Warren Littlefield told reporters he just delivered a new script on Friday. Virgil Tibbs is still the protagonist, but the rest of the characters are all new to the latest adaptation, which is set in Mississippi. Even if the current script goes, Littlefield thinks it won’t come together fast enough to make a fall premiere. MGM is producing the series, reported to air on Showtime."
Source: RottenTomatoes.com
January 3rd, 2017
Many HEATers may not be familiar with him by name, but they're certainly familiar with his work on In the Heat of the Night. Jeffrey Hayden's extensive television directing credits are plenty and include the following HEAT staples: "King's Ransom," "Bubba's Baby" and Carroll O'Connor's favorite ITHOTN episode, "A Trip Upstate." Condolences to Jeffrey's wife Eva and their loved ones.
Source: Click Here
January 1st, 2017
Happy New Year! In the Heat of the Night Fan Club would like to wish Crystal Fox a happy birthday today!
Source: Click Here
December 25th, 2016
Merry Christmas! Thanks to HEATer Cheryl De Luca Conklin for sharing a very awesome gift. Click link below...
Source: Click Here
October 17th, 2016
Remembering the Late Great Howard Rollins.
Source: Click Here
September 7th, 2016
Carroll O'Connor's Malibu home sells for $9.3 million.
Source: Click Here
September 4th, 2016
Labor Day + In the Heat of the Night = HeatMarathons!
Source: Click Here
September 1st, 2016
FOR SALE -- Bill and Harriet Gillespie's house is back on the market.
Source: Click Here
August 25th, 2016
Be sure to tune in next Tuesday, August 30th as Alan Autry makes his return to the mic as guest host of PowerTalk 96.7's The Trevor Carey Show. Airtime is from 3-6 p.m. (Pacific).
Source: Listen Live
August 21st, 2016
Tune in this evening to KFI AM 640's The Mo' Kelly Show as In the Heat of the Night's Anne-Marie Johnson will fill-in as guest host. Live Stream available at the link below.
Source: Listen Live
July 30th, 2016
getTV assigns In the Heat of the Night a new weekday schedule starting Monday, August 1st.
Source: Click Here
July 12th, 2016
We would like to wish Denise Nicholas a happy birthday today!
Source: Click Here
July 7th, 2016
Wishing Mark Johnson a/k/a Ofc./Cpl. Luke Everett a Happy Birthday today!
Source: Click Here
May 16th, 2016
In the Heat of the Night's two-hour finale, "Grow Old Along With Me" aired 21 years ago this evening, May 16, 1995, on CBS. This means that the telefilm can now be served legally at Mason's Dixieline bar.
All kidding aside, while seven scripts were written for Heat's final season, only 4 made it to production.
Source: Click Here
May 11th, 2016
Carl Weathers a/k/a Hampton Forbes is set to make his debut on the NBC crime drama Chicago P.D. tonight at 10/9c. Tonight's episode is slated to be the pilot for the sequel series Chicago Justice.
Source: Click Here
May 9th, 2016
William Schallert passes at 93.
Source: Click Here
May 2nd, 2016
If you getTV, then your Monday-Friday evenings have just gotten better. In the Heat of the Night now airs on getTV every Monday-Friday from 6-8 p.m. Eastern.
Source: Click Here
May 2nd, 2016
Even though it had come as a surprise to some of the cast that singer/actor Robert Goulet had been chosen to portray a country music singer in the episode, "When the Music Stopped," Carroll O'Connor had strongly considered the recently late, country music legend Merle Haggard to portray the role of Eddie Larran. Says Merle Haggard of the role: "It was a good role, a pretty big thing. But I work all the time at (music). I don't have time for that."
Source: Click Here
April 26th, 2016
Anne-Marie Johnson will appear in the recurring role of Dr. Robinson on the NBC daytime soap "Days of Our Lives" beginning 4/26/16 through July 2016. Congrats to Anne-Marie.
Source: Click Here
April 25th, 2016
Music has genres such as blues, rock, country, hip-hop, dance and Prince. A great article was posted last Friday at GoLocalProv featuring In the Heat of the Night actress Barbara Lee -- a/k/a Deputy Surillo -- where she discusses her reaction to the sudden passing of Prince and her personal history with the legend.
Source: Click Here
April 17th, 2016
Sheriff Gillespie's Newman County Jail to become a local history museum
Source: Click Here
April 12th, 2016
Anne-Marie Johnson will return to the Hallmark Channel's House & Family to discuss her appearance on the season finale of Children's Hospital.
Source: Hallmark Channel
April 7th, 2016
Hugh O'Connor was born 54 years ago today in Rome, Italy.
Fast Facts:
- Was 6'1" tall
- Liked to play piano and drive classic cars during downtime.
- Managed his dad's restaurant Carroll O'Connor's Place between In the Heat of the Night production schedules
- Made acting debut in the 1985 television film, "Brass"
- Eye Color: Hazel
Source: Click Here
March 29th, 2016
Margaret Blye, In the Heat of the Night Season 1 recurring actress and Chief Gillespie's girlfriend, passes away at 73.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
March 23rd, 2016
MeTV says In the Heat of the Night lives up to the 1967 film.
Source: Click Here
March 6th, 2016
This Day In Heat History -- On Sunday, March 6, 1988 In the Heat of the Night -- starring Carroll O'Connor and Howard Rollins -- debuted as a two-hour television movie premiere on NBC. Heat returned the following week (Tuesday, March 15th) to begin its regular time slot as a series.
Source: Click Here
March 5th, 2016
It was on this day in 1989 when film editor Buford F. Hayes was nominated in the 39th Annual Eddie Awards presentations for "Best Edited Episode From a Television Series," by the American Cinema Editors, for the Eddie-nominated episode, "The Hammer and The Glove."
Source: Click Here
February 26th, 2016
First day of photo shoot for season 6.
Source: Click Here
February 26th, 2016
In the Heat of the Night guest star Tony Burton passes away a 78. Known to the world as Apollo Creed's trainer and manager in the Rocky films, Tony was also known in Sparta as "King" Baylor in the season 3 episode, "King's Ransom."
Source: Click Here
February 22nd, 2016
Anne-Marie Johnson is a 2016 Ralph Morgan Award recipient. This top honor is given out by the Screen Actors Guild Hollywood Division. Congrats to Anne-Marie!
Source: Click Here
February 21st, 2016
An advert that appeared in the May 16th, 1995 edition of the Los Angeles Times for the two-hour, In the Heat of the Night telefilm finale, "Grow Old Along With Me." While seven scripts were written for the final season, only four made it to production.
Source: Click Here
February 18th, 2016
From November 1990, this is an NBC promo spot for the premiere of In the Heat of the Night episode "A Final Arrangement" guest starring William Schallert.
Source: Click Here
February 10th, 2016
Congrats to Tonea Stewart for earning this distinguished award!
Source: Click Here
February 6th, 2016
Today is David Hart's birthday. Happy Birthday David!
Source: Click Here
February 4th, 2016
Actors Who Turned Football Players. Who's missing?
Source: Click Here
February 3rd, 2016
We would like to wish Tonea Stewart (Aunt Etta) a Happy Birthday today!
Source: Click Here
January 20th, 2016
In the Heat of the Night Fan Club would like to wish Geoffrey Thorne a happy birthday today.
Source: Click Here
January 18th, 2016
In the Heat of the Night premiered in Australia during the fall of 1990. Here is a promo for the In the Heat of the Night episode, "Lessons Learned" (S4/Ep03) that aired in April of 1993 on Melbourne's Seven Network.
Source: Click Here
January 4th, 2016
Parade Magazine gives a nod to our favorite Southern crime drama series in this January 4th, 2016 write-up.
Source: ParadeMagazine.com
January 1st, 2016
Actor Jason Wingreen dead at 95. Last performed as manager "George 'Georgie' Sparkman" in the season 8 telefilm, "Who Was Geli Bendl?".
Source: HollywoodReporter.com
January 1st 2016
Happy Birthday to Crystal Fox!
January 1st, 2016
Wishing every In the Heat of the Night Clubber a happiest of new years! Dream irrationally big, be kinder, watch more In the Heat of the Night. Eat, drink and be merry.
December 30th, 2015
WHERE ARE THEY NOW WEDNESDAY -- Vanity Fair calls him "TV's most charming villain." The number of personas he has portrayed could easily rival a couch doctor's Tinseltown waiting room. From portraying a racist detective within the depths of LA's drug world ("The Shield"), to the wholesome Almanzo Wilder in CBS's "Beyond the Prairie," to a charismatic, bank-robbing, atypical outlaw ("Justified"), to a transwoman escort (Sons of Anarchy) -- we could literally go on and on, but for the sake of brevity, we'll leave the rest of it to the IMDb -- Walton Goggins has come a looooong way from the days of dealing crack to impressionable teenyboppers (episode: "Crackdown"), blinded by bad booze (episode: "Shine on Sparta Moon"), football brawlin' racism (episode: "Missing") and graveyard suicide by shotgun blast (episode: "A Frenzied Affair") in little Sparta.
With a film (Diablo) and an HBO television series (Vice Principals) set to be released in early 2016, the main attraction buzzing abound right now is the new Quentin Tarantino flick "The Hateful Eight" -- a post-Civil War snow Western, featuring Goggins as a "southern renegade" sheriff stuck in a blizzard with a group of strangers on a barren mountain pass. While the film's roadshow had a limited theater release over Christmas weekend, the wide release in digital will hit over 2,000 cinemas starting tonight (12/30/15).
Random Facts:
* Co-founded the production company "Ginny Mule Productions" with ITHOTN guest actor Ray McKinnon (as "Timer" in episode: "Crackdown" (S3/Ep05); as "Jethro Puller" in episodes: "Perversions of Justice" (S4/Ep04) and "Ruda's Awakening" (S5/Ep05) .
* Born in Birmingham, Alabama; raised in Lithia Springs, GA; resides in Los Angeles, CA.
* Favorite rib joint in metro Atlanta is Wallace BBQ.
* Middle name is Sanders
* After moving to Los Angeles at 19 years of age, his biggest adjustment to California living was living without biscuits. Could only get them back home 3 or 4 times a year.
* Favorite bands Drivin' N Cryin' and Drive-By Truckers
* His production company's first short film "The Accountant" (filmed in Covington, GA) won an #Oscar in the live-action short category
* Became a champion clogger by the age of 10
* Currently on second marriage and has one child
Source: Click Here
December 23rd, 2015
Where Are They Now Wednesday --
Jamison broke his tooth, and he broke Jamison's rib. Heaters know Mickey Jones as parolee-biker Willie Baylor from the season 2 episode, "Country Mouse, City Mouse." In recent years, Jones had the recurring role of "Hot Rod" Dunham in the recently cancelled FX series "Justified" and in early 2015 appeared in an episode of "Newsreaders" on the Adult Swim network. Over the summer of 2015, a benefit was held to raise funds for medical costs incurred from a year-long bout with an undisclosed ailment.
Random Facts:
* Hung out with the Beatles shortly before their historic debut on the Ed Sullivan Show and didn't think their funny haircuts would go over well in America.
* Has killed nearly 140 times (on screen)
* Has been killed over 90 times
* Has a son-in-law who is a world champion kickboxer
* Refuses to use the Lord's name in vain
* Played drums in a band with Kenny Rogers called The First Edition prior to Rogers' superstardom as a solo artist.
* Been around the world nearly 40 times
* Performed the drum tracks on the classic hit song "Secret Agent Man"
* Was told by Bob Dylan that he was his favorite drummer in rock-n-roll before asking Jones to join his band
Source: Click Here
December 13th, 2015
Here is a May 1989 promo ad for the season 2 finale episode, "Missing." Actor Joe Don Baker (pictured far left) had earlier signed on to appear in the final 4 episodes of the season, whose character -- retired captain Tom Dugan -- eventually came out of retirement to temporarily take over for Gillespie as the newly appointed acting chief of police. Carroll O'Connor would soon return to the series strong, after heart and gallbladder surgery, winning an Emmy later that year as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
* We'd also like to wish a Happy Birthday today to Jimmy Dawes... Jimmy Dawes a/k/a Afemo Omilami.
Source: Click Here
December 2nd, 2015
On In the Heat of the Night he portrayed two memorable roles whose lives were unjustly cut short over the fraudulent misdeeds of others -- "Hello In There" (S3/Ep13); "Paper Castles" (S4/Ep17). Now, Kenny Leon is set to direct tomorrow night's NBC production of The Wiz Live!.
A feature story with Kenny (published, 12/01/15) from the Tampa Bay Times can be found here:Tampa Bay Times.
Source: Click Here
November 25th, 2015
Wishing all Heaters tomorrow a Happy Thanksgiving. Be thankful!
November 24th, 2015
Happy birthday to Harvey E. Lee Jr. a/k/a Ofc./Cpl. Ken Covey! Also, Part 2 of our continued quest for In the Heat of the Night filming locations (July 2015) is now live!
source: Click Here
November 11th, 2015
It's the 11th day of the eleventh month, and In the Heat of the Night Fan Club would like to send a sincere thank you this Veterans Day to those who have served in uniform, including those who continue to do so!
October 28th, 2015
Goodbye NBC, Hello CBS. It was 23 years ago this evening when In the Heat of the Night made its CBS debut with the season 6, two-part opener "A Small War." In the Heat of the Night closed out its five-season run with NBC by ranking a respectable 29th among 123 series aired during the 1991-92 season.
Heat's transition to CBS came at a time when the network ranked No. 1 while Heat's former home ranked no. 3.
CBS had desired more development of (short-lived?) romance for supporting characters.
source: Click Here
October 23rd, 2015
In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations: In and Around Covington, GA July 2015 is now live. Be sure to download an updated FREE copy of Backstreets of Sparta -- In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations: In and Around Covington, GA -- The Definitive Tour Guide in PDF format.
source: Click Here
October 22nd, 2015
Part 1 of an all-new Filming Locations adventure premieres tomorrow. Thanks to all for the continued interest.
source: Click Here
October 17th, 2015
Remembering Howard Rollins.
source: Click Here
October 14th, 2015
Bill and Harriet Gillespie's home goes on the market November 1st.
source: Click Here
October 8th, 2015
In the Heat of the Night Fan Club interviews... Alan Autry
source: In the Heat of the Night Fan Club -- Talk is Heat
October 7th, 2015
Talk is Heat -- A new interview with Alan Autry debuts Thursday, Oct. 8th, 2015
source: fb.com/InTheHeatOfTheNightFanClub
September 17th, 2015
This Day In Heat History -- It was 26 years ago this evening when Carroll O'Connor won an Emmy in the "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series" category for his In The Heat Of The Night role as Chief Bill Gillespie. This would be his first Emmy in the dramatic field. Lois Nettleton was nominated in the "Supporting Actress in a Drama Series" category for her role as Joanne St. John.
Reflecting on his big win, Carroll confessed that he was dozing off, while in the middle of reading a book on Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, when he received a call informing him of his win.
August 28th, 2015
It's official: Season 6's Megan Fowler (A.J. Langer) is now a British Countess!
source: StarPulse.com
August 23, 2015
Wishing Barbara Lee a/k/a Deputy Surillo a Happy Birthday today!
August 16, 2015
Today Lois Nettleton would have turned 88 years old!
August 14, 2015
In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations -- In and Around Hammond, La. (July 2015)
source: Click here for video
August 2nd, 2015
Remembering Carroll O'Connor August 2nd, 1924 - June 21st, 2001
July 27th, 2015
Randall Franks To Give Live Interviews Wednesday
From the Chattanoogan.com --> Former NBC and CBS star and International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s In the Heat of the Night will share live interviews on Wednesday from Nashville.
He will appear on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report at noon (CST). Viewers can watch the broadcast on DISH Network, DIRECTV and hundreds of major and rural cable systems. For more information, visit www.rfdtv.com.
Mr. Franks also appears on WSM All Nighter with Marcia Campbell from midnight-1:30 a.m. (CST). Listeners may tune in to WSM All Nighter at 650 am or at WSMonline.com.
July 18th, 2015
TAKE OUR SURVEY -- We are in the exploratory stage to see if a full-blown In the Heat of the Night fan, cast & crew event to be held during the summer of 2016 in Covington, Ga., is possible! The data collected will help us determine (a) what it is that you would like to see and experience at a Heat event, and (b) how likely you are to actually attend.
Click the following link to begin the survey -->
http://goo.gl/forms/EocyAzKTHq
July 12th, 2015
Today is Denise Nicholas' birthday!
July 7th, 2015
Happy Birthday to Mark Johnson a/k/a Cpl. Luke Everett
July 4th, 2015
Wishing all Heaters a safe and happy Fourth of July.
May 16th, 2015
It was 20 years ago today when the final two-hour installment of In the Heat of the Night, "Grow Old Along With Me", aired May 16th, 1995. It was billed as the "CBS Tuesday Night Mystery Movie". The significance of this airing further extends to the acclaimed black screen tribute to the memory of Hugh O'Connor during the finale's tee off.
May 11th, 2015
21 years ago today In the Heat of the Night ended as a regularly scheduled series with the season 7 finale "Give Me Your Life: Part 2".
May 2nd, 2015
The 39th Annual Eddie Awards nominated Buford F. Hayes for season 2 episode "The Hammer and the Glove" for "Best Edited Episode from a Television Series" by American Cinema Editors, USA (1989).
March 20th, 2015
There is a new kind of discussion "group" that has just launched on Facebook, dedicated to our favorite Southern series and all things In the Heat of the Night. Head over and join 'em today!
source: in the heat of the night: BACKSTREETS of SPARTA
March 12, 2015
Denise Nicholas taped an in-studio interview this Monday with TVSB's Ken Boxer Live. The episode is scheduled to air later today, but the video is already posted online. Although *very* light on the topic of In the Heat of the Night, Denise does share an interesting story from the hit series with Carroll O'Connor. It's good to see Denise in 2015.
source: Ken Boxer Live
February 27th, 2015
For those interested, an estate sale is being conducted at the Malibu beach-front home of the late Carroll O'Connor and his wife Nancy today, tomorrow and Sunday. Based on the following listing, this is definitely one not to be missed.
source: bmDawson.com
February 23rd, 2015
Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart a/k/a Aunt Etta earns White House recognition as a Champion of Change.
Watch live stream of the event tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24th @ 10a EST here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
source: al.com
February 9th, 2015
Writer-Producer Edward DeBlasio dies at 88. While widely known for his work on the television series Dynasty, DeBlasio's writing credits carry a handful of In the Heat Of the Night fan favorites, including season 3 staples "Bubba's Baby" and "My Name Is Hank". He also served as Supervising Producer for the entirety of season 3.
source: HollywoodReporter.com
January 31st, 2015
Just conducted an interview with an interesting aspect of In the Heat of the Night's infrastructure that maybe you had never considered before. While Sparta's finest protected the citizens of Sparta, who was actually looking out for them? In the Heat of the Night's head of security and bodyguard, that's who! Billy Bluesman Floyd is a long-time fan of this page and was kind enough to take our questions. His social media is listed in the interview. Please be sure to visit and Like his Facebook pages.
source: Click Here
January 22nd, 2015
Happened to come across this television spot early this morning and had to pass it along. Have you seen it? This is a television spot for Shriners Hospitals For Children featuring Carl Weathers, whom Heaters remember as Chief Gillespie's successor Hampton Forbes. The spot is entitled: "What Your Donation Can Do".
source: iSpot.tv
January 9th, 2015
If you're interested in Sparta Police merch, fellow Heater, former ITHOTN Extra, and current Sparta Police entrepreneur Mark Puette has "Sparta Police Gear" on the market. Thanks to Mark for posting the following details.
source: Click Here
December 22nd, 2014
Here is a nice interview with Anne-Marie Johnson. She made the January 2015 cover of Women of Power Next Door Magazine.
source: WomenOfPowerMag.com
November 17th, 2014
Nancy O'Connor passes away. Condolences to the O'Connor and Fields families for their loss.
source: Missoulian.com
November 7th, 2014
For those interested in Heat archaeology, Backstreets of Sparta -- In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations: The Definitive Tour Guide, First Edition is freely available for download. This is a directory of filming locations featured in our recently released YouTube videos "In the Heat of the Night Filming Locations July 2014" (Parts 1 & 2). Much thanks to those who have expressed interest in these locations.
source: Backstreets of Sparta -- The Definitive Tour Guide
October 8th, 2014
Showtime Nabs Tate Taylor's In The Heat Of The Night Television Series.
source: Variety.com
September 24th, 2014
WGN America unveils Fall 2014 Schedule for In the Heat of the Night
source: SitcomsOnline.com
August 27th, 2014
MGM Prepping In the Heat of the Night Series with Tate Taylor and Warren Littlefield
source: Variety.com
July 10, 2014
Are you looking for a new home? Bubba's house is on the market! This is the property Alan Autry owned and resided while filming In The Heat Of The Night. Alan last sold it in 1995. Thanks to Andrea Byer for passing this along. Serious inquiries can contact her at the following listing.
source: Click Here
June 28th, 2014
Prayers going out to actor Meshach Taylor, (Tyler Corbin; In the Heat Of the Night episode "Brother's Keeper", S6/Ep03) and his loved ones.
source: TheUrbanDaily.com
June 5th, 2014
Actor Chad Allen who portrayed Bubba's nephew Matt Skinner in the season 7 episode "Every Man's Family" has set out to raise funds for those affected by HIV/AIDS. His goal is to raise at least $10,000 for the non-profit organization APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles).
Chad is asking all Heaters to step up and help him meet this charitable goal.
Chad turns the big 4-0 today (June 5th). If you'd like to help the birthday boy out with this noble cause, visit his T2 page at: Chad's T2 Home Page
May 27th, 2014
Special thanks to Crystal Fox for the shout-out today on KISS 104 - Atlanta's Best R&B.
source: ITHOTN Fan Club YouTube Channel