TCA

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Documentary

Gypsy TV: Gypsies are new trending topic for TV shows at TCA

January 14, 2012 Barb Oates

For the first time cameras are taking viewers into the complex world of the American gypsy culture via two new series —National Geographic Channel’s American Gypsies (debuting later this summer) and TLC’s My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding (this spring). Ralph Macchio (Karate Kid) is the executive producer behind American Gypsies, a compelling look at one of Manhattan’s most prominent Gypsy families — the Johns family. Despite the title of their show, the family prefers to be referred to as Roma vs. Gypsies. “It was difficult to get people to open up on camera because the Roma have been taken […]

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Politics

TCA News: Keith Olbermann will helm election coverage on Current

January 14, 2012 Lori Acken

Sure, he’s had a few dust-ups with his new network home, but the countdown to Keith Olbermann’s election coverage is on at the Al Gore/David Bohrman-helmed Current TV. “Keith has told us that he will do our special election coverage moving forward, which we desperately want him to do,” Bohrman told a capacity crowd at Friday’s Current TCA session. Asked why Olbermann was not there to deliver the news himself, Bohrman said he was “on vacation,” leaving reporters to speculate if that actually meant vacation from the network in the wake of his criticisms over stuff like low-tech sets and […]

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Interview

TCA: “Desperate Housewives” cast and creator on the end of the beloved series

January 13, 2012 Lori Acken

On Tuesday, the Wisteria Lane gang gathered before assembled TCA critics to, as castmember Felicity Hoffman put it, “[have] the funeral before you die.  Everyone gets to go, ‘You were great. We’re really going to miss you.  I’m sorry you’re dying.’ And you go, ‘Thanks.  I really had a great time!’ Though the 8-season show has had its share of ups and downs, the new season is being universally heralded as a high note and the mood in the room was more like a fond-farewell party for a group of beloved friends than a funeral, with the brunt of the […]

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TCA

New season of “The Borgias,” “Dexter,” “Inside Comedy” and the rest of the best of Showtime at TCA

January 13, 2012 Barb Oates

Showtime and The CW were the focus of Thursday’s press sessions at the Television Critics Association (TCA) semiannual press tour in Pasadena. Showtime kicked the day off with the casts and writers for two of  their hit series  — Shameless and The Borgias  — and followed with introducing Inside Comedy and House of Lies. The top 12 notables from the session include: 1. The Claire Danes and Damian Lewis drama Homeland finished up 2011 as  Showtime’s highest-rated freshman series ever. The series will most likely return in fall. 2. Dexter will be back for two more seasons. Last season Dexter […]

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Comedy

TCA: James Van Der Beek steals the spotlight from “The B—- In Apt. 23”

January 12, 2012 Lori Acken

Krysten Ritter, the gleefully titular “B”[*tch] in ABC’s upcoming comedy Don’t Trust The B— In Apt. 23, was present in a strapless red frock that set off her milky skin and crimson lipstick. Dreama Walker, the target for the B—‘s bitchery, was there too, resplendent in blue. But the only Apt. 23 panel member that TCA Press Tour critics wanted to talk to  and about was Dawson. Er, James Van Der Beek. The Beeeeeeeek! In da apartmeeent! It’s a little understandable. Most of us grew up with Dawsey and Pacey and Joey on the Creek. Plus, Van Der Beek’s new […]

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Comedy

TCA: Kutcher and Lorre talk “Two And A Half Men”

January 11, 2012 Lori Acken

S’at you, Ashton Kutcher? Seated on stage with Two And A Half Men creators Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn, and his costars Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones, Kutcher sported a fresh, mom-approved haircut and a conservative suit (a show-sanctioned look that will be explained on Monday night’s ep)  — and a ring on his wedding finger, with which he was noticeably fiddling. He also talked in measured tones about technology and investment funds. And a bit about Two and a Half Men. Mostly that he enjoys being on the show, is pleased that its demographic is skewing younger and […]

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TCA

TCA: Kiefer Sutherland back on TV; J.J. Abrams’ new series; FOX announcements

January 8, 2012 Jeff Pfeiffer

Sunday’s sessions of the Television Critics Association (TCA) 2012 Winter Press Tour are being presented by FOX Broadcasting. After one of its usual outstanding breakfast spreads (and the ever-popular mix of candy at the critics tables), FOX began its morning sessions, which provided a mix of television and even some movie news. The first panel was for Touch, which marks Kiefer Sutherland’s return to television after eight seasons on 24. Naturally, the actor couldn’t escape questions about his signature role as Jack Bauer, as several reporters wondered if his new role in Touch — as a father desperately trying to […]

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Reality TV

TCA: Bravo continues to expand original programming slate

January 7, 2012 Jeff Pfeiffer

Hosting its panels today at the Television Critics Association (TCA) 2012 Winter Press Tour, Bravo announced that in the wake of finishing its sixth consecutive best year ever across all platforms, it will again be increasing its commitment to original programming — upping its output this year by 25 percent with new and returning series (marking a 100 percent increase since 2008). On hand were three panels — one new series (with a returning, familar face) and two returning shows. The first panel was for the new series Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis, which premieres March 14 at 9pm ET/PT. […]