NBCHappy Peacock Day! I'm here at the TCA (Television Critics Association) Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California, and it's the big-bird network's turn to schmooze the TV critics and roll out all their stars and shows for midseason. Read on for scoop about series pickups, the future of Scrubs and the Heroes death toll!
First things first, though. We just launched some really great video clips from NBC's Golden Globes party on Monday night—please watch them so I didn't freeze my keister off for nothin'! Just click on the Play Video Now box on the main page to see my future second husband John Stamos, Mr. Alec Baldwin himself, the hot boys of Heroes--and some seriously good times with Jim and Pam from The Office (oh, how I love them).
NBC NEWS
Now, back to the TCA happenings. Early this morning, NBC president Kevin Reilly announced full-season orders for The Office, Earl, Heroes and Law & Order: SVU for the 2007-08 season. (Anyone surprised? Me neither.)
He also raved about Friday Night Lights, Studio 60 and 30 Rock and said that although the numbers haven't yet been huge, he is sticking behind these shows because of the quality, accolades and image boosts they bring to the network. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll survive, but at least it's good to hear.
More coming later today, so stand by! There will be Scrubs and Heroes sessions (swoon), along with the All-Star party tonight. (If you have any questions you'd like me to ask, post 'em below.)
SCRUBS REPORT
2:49 p.m. PT: It's time for the Scrubs session—whee!
First, I should say that I've seen tomorrow night's episode, the musical ep, it's phenomenal. Just about the best thing to air anywhere on any show this season—and not just because they sing about poo. You must watch.
And we just learned that Donald Faison and Zach Braff will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight, singing their homoerotic (and hilarious) duet, "Guy Love," from the episode. Set your TiVos.
Good news! Bill Lawrence says he's feeling good that the show will come back for another year. But oh, oh, and here's the bubble bursting...He also says next year will probably be the last. Also, regarding the rumors that Zach might not be coming back, Bill said to Zach: "Be honest. I told someone in an interview the other day that I don't think I'd do it without you." Zach went on to say he thinks the show could go on without him, and it's really going to be a last-minute decision. Gaaah! A J.D.-less Scrubs? I don't think I can take it!
HEROES LIVEBLOG
It's Heroes time, y'all. Get ready.
5:15 p.m.: Executive producer Tim Kring was asked if he listens to the fans and directs the storylines according to what they like or dislike. He said that he does pay attention to the way the show is "trending" but that, thankfully, the hard-core fans have so far have been "pretty happy." (We have, haven't we?)
When asked about the "overpopulation" of the cast, Kring said: "The truth is we've all talked about it, and people will come and go...We've been able to bring in some characters that are Heroes, but don't have the size of the storyline up here. So, it has been working for us."
5:30 p.m.: Death seems to be the topic of the day here. A reporter just asked how the cast feels about the fact that people will die on this show.
"I feel like Kenny in South Park!" Hayden cracked, referring to getting killed in almost every episode.
Milo was more serious: "You have to pay attention to the work on the page and make it as good as possible because it could be your last." Gulp.
Sweet little Micah on his crazy parents: "I think he knows something's funky going on with his mom. And he's pretty scared of her now. But like any kid he wants his parents together." Adds Daddy Dearest (D.L.): "We're like Kramer vs. Kramer on crack."
Kring: "The characters who have been disconnected from Sylar will be connected in coming episodes. We're really ratcheting it up and bringing those connections together in the next few episodes."
5:45 p.m.: Bonus! There will be 23 eps instead of usual 22. Kring is planning a "really fun, exciting cliffhanger" for the season finale. Of course.
Regarding the new 24 competition: Kring is friends with the 24 guys and he thinks there's "room for both." Yawn. I want Kring and Brian Grazer totally just biting each other. (Is that wrong?)
Ooh. Episode 20 is a "very future" episode and has answers to things we've been dying to discover.
Ali says of the acting demands of her character: "If by chance it doesn't work, it's not gonna make it on the air." So, yep, there are definitely post-script changes on this show! (Making my spoiler-ific job all the more interesting.)
That's all for now! Check back soon for late-breaking news!
—Additional reporting by Korbi Ghosh