Last week, Movieline's intrepid editors Kyle and Dixon traveled to Comic-Con to report every sci-fi scoop, liveblog each anticipated panel and uncover the man inside the paper bag costume at the San Diego fan convention. But the vicarious fun is not over, because this week Louis and I will trek to Beverly Hills for the week-long Television Critics Association extravaganza. There will be primetime scoops, first impressions of new series, exclusive interviews with your favorite television actors and actresses, a buffet tally and more. Continue to Movieline's FAQ for the tantalizing lowdown.
So...what are the TCA's?
TCA is slang for the Television Critics Association press tour, which is held twice a year for (you guessed it) TV critics and writers.
Where does this week's event take place?
The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
What happens during this "tour?" Are musicians involved?
Sadly, no musicians are involved, unless you count the cast of Glee. The nine-day-long event will feature over 100 panels covering new and returning television shows from network, cable and premium cable channels. The events are considered "grueling" by many critics involved because of the length of each day -- which begins typically around 8 AM and ends some nights at 10 PM.
Who attends?
Approximately 250 television writers from across the country fly in for the event, as well as actors, actresses and executive producers from your favorite programs (that will be premiering in the fall). And network executives.
What happens at each of these panels?
Each panel is typically 30 minutes long and features a Q&A between critics and that program's cast and executive producers. Sometimes a network will show critics clips from a series' upcoming season. Other times, if the panel features a comedian (See Robin Williams last year), the segment becomes a long, sweaty, stand-up routine.
Do the network executives answer questions?
They typically hold the first panel of the day and dodge inquiries about their epic late-night foul-ups, convince critics that their upcoming fall schedule is excellent and try to persuade their audience that there is no such thing as "too many procedurals."
What kind of questions will be asked of the talent? Will someone finally find out if Cory Monteith has a girlfriend?
The questions are mostly all industry-related. Critics do not really ask about the talent's personal lives. Sorry. Maybe you can ask him that via Twitter.
What kind of big announcements can we expect from this summer's TCA press tour?
If all goes as planned, Fox will be announcing their new fourth American Idol judge on Aug. 2. NBC, will undoubtedly have to answer more questions about Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien, while convincing critics that their fall line-up (with seven new series) is strong enough to save the Peacock from ruin. ABC will try to answer questions about the expiration dates on its veteran dramas (Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy) while CBS defends itself against accusations that its programming has become too formulaic.
What are some of the new shows that will be presented?
Mike & Molly (CBS), Mr. Sunshine (ABC), The Whole Truth (ABC), Teen Wolf (MTV), Skins (MTV), Torchwood (Starz), Spartacus Prequel (Starz), Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Wishful Drinking (HBO), Covert Affairs (USA Network), $#*! My Dad Says (CBS), Hawaii Five-O (CBS) and many more.
This does sound like a long week. Should I pity critics at this year's TCAs?
No, the critics are ushered in and out of enough buffets, organized activities (set visits, themed breaks) and mixers that the week starts to feel like a cruise after the first few hours.
Should I ever feel bad for television critics?
Just the ones who deal with basic cable programming for tweens.
Any other questions? Submit them below. Louis and I are looking forward to this week and hope to hear feedback/suggestions from you!