© CBS, ABC
Yes, I know that ABC’s TCA press tour day is over for quite some time, but there was simply not enough newsworthy content coming out of their session to create a story of its own.
So, I waited until I could put it together with the next broadcast network in the list, which is CBS.
So, let’s begin with what can be told from the executive session with ABC entertainment president Paul Lee.
- First off, when Lee entered the stage, the contract dispute between the cast of “Modern Family” and 20th Century Fox TV wasn’t settled. Lee said he was optimistic about a swift resolution, and it came pretty soon after. The dispute has been since laid to rest, and the cast is back working for the show. The premiere date won’t be affected.
- Lee was asked plenty of questions regarding both “Grey’s Anatomy” as well as “Private Practice”. This blog doesn’t deal much in plot development stories, so I’ll leave those out. Just one thing. The next, sixth season of the show, which will offer only 13 episodes, is not necessarily the final season. Lee said that they’re ”not [saying it's the final season] yet. We think the show has got a lot of energy, and we’d like to see that continue.” As for the looming exit of lead actress Kate Walsh, Lee stated, ““We’re looking at various options. We’ll see where it goes.”
And that’s pretty much it. On to CBS, which, honestly, isn’t offering much more, either.
- CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler had a lot to be happy about at the beginning of her executive session. CBS is not only No. 1 in Total Viewers, but also in upfront revenue and in Emmy nominations.
- Tassler also talked about the possibility of “How I Met Your Mother” continuing beyond its upcoming eighth season. Talks to keep the show on the air at least through season nine are ongoing, but Tassler is “optimistic” that they will come through. ”They know we want the show to come back next year, we’re having conversations right now.”
- “The Mentalist”, which will relocate to Sunday nights come fall, will, as of next year, have full episodes available at CBS.com.
- Tassler also mentioned that in case of future NFL overruns on Sunday, which might affect following shows “The Good Wife” and ”The Mentalist”, CBS will have bugs in place and will offer tweets with updates on the start times of the shows. In addition to that, Tassler also announced that SMS alerts will help to get the word out of any delays. “We do everything possible, and will continue to do everything, to make sure the audience knows the show will be delayed.”
- As for revived crime drama “Unforgettable”, which scored a 13-episode second season for next summer, there will be several changes coming. The action will move from Queens to Manhattan, and many of the cast members of season one won’t be coming back. However, aside from leads Poppy Montgomery and Dylan Walsh, Jane Curtain has been previously announced to be returning, and now, Tassler also says that Kevin Rankin, who plays Det. Roe Saunders, will be on hand in some capacity.
