Remember these guys? They're back...

Know the old adage, everything old is new again? Well, particularly in this digital age, everything old IS new again. Warner Bros. consumer products division has whipped up a new version of the Banana Splits. If you grew up in the 70s, you might remember them on Saturday mornings. Four live action costumed characters doing wacky stuff (and of course, doing their own music…every 70s Saturday morning cartoon/show had their own band.)

Daily Variety reports that Hanna-Barbera’s 1960s phenom is returning in a multiplatform effort starting Sept. 2, with shorts and musicvideos airing on Cartoon Network and its website. Future efforts will include DVD and audio CD releases, as well as live performances.

Variety also says Turner Animation’s Stu Snyder noted that the Splits have “been entertaining kids for years,” but the return of the property will capitalize on boomer nostalgia as well. “Go Bananas Your Way,” the new Splits album, is “intended to appeal to kids and parents,” according to the release.

Bingo, Drooper, Fleegle and Snorky’s Web presence is targeted at 4- to 7-year-olds, and the live entertainment will include a section of Myrtle Beach, S.C.’s, Hard Rock Park, to be dubbed Banana Splitsville and devoted to the cartoon characters.

Nostalgic revivals of vintage properties are a dicey proposition when it comes to new content, but elderly brands like “Mr. Men” have found surprising support in lifestyle products such as T-shirts and accessories that preserve the original art for sentimental fans. Accordingly, Warners will release apparel, games and books as well.

*****

I enjoyed Dave Foley when he was the star of “NewsRadio” and a member of the Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall. He’s joining ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters” in November as a guest-star according to  Entertainment Weekly. Foley will play the love interest for one of the Walker siblings.

*****

The Soup's Joel McHale

I’ve mentioned this in a previous posting, but one of the shows I really enjoy each week is “The Soup” on E!

Joel McHale condenses a week of reality, talk shows and other TV happenings into a hilarious half hour each week. I mean, I don’t have to watch “The Hills” to be up on what is going on in that goofy reality show. And I can enjoy the sometimes bizzare antics of Tyra Banks (a frequent target of the host) without having to watch her show. I get the best few moments of each show each week! 

Every Friday, Yahoo! TV serves up soup, “Condensed ‘Soup” that is, with host Joel McHale delivering exclusive highlights just for Yahoo! from the week of celebrity, TV, and Internet moments of absurdity.

Check it out here and try not to laugh too hard.