TVSquad

What do you do when it's Fall Pilot season but there isn't anyone available to write pilots? Things are getting a little scary for next season's slate of new shows that don't exist yet. And last night, as our own Joel Keller reports, the networks and Television Critics Association (TCA) agreed to cancel the winter tour. It makes sense considering the TCA Tour generally involves the networks touting their upcoming programming to the 200 or so members of the association so as to get good press (hopefully) to build buzz. With the way things are going, had the event occurred, it would have been a very dry affair.

"So, we've got some reality shows coming up, and we're looking at doing some reruns."

"Really. Wow, that's interesting, which network were you again ... Oh that's right. It doesn't matter."

TCA parties are known for loud music, tons of actors, executives and producers, and lots and lots of reporters.

Friday night's bash thrown by Garth Ancier, the new president of US Operations BBC Worldwide America, had none of those things. As a result, it's become the party of the tour. Who talked the exec into opening up his private home to members of the TCA ? "Nobody," he tells TV Squad. "This way my idea. I've had many great parties here over the years."

Ancier entertained TCA members with stories of working with the late great Aaron Spelling and how the ex-head of The WB arranged a meeting with the series-making mogul. "He might have thought we were going to cancel Charmed," Ancier theorized.

Will Nip/Tuck have a season six? Why is James Gandolfini going back to HBO and will Larry David end Curb Your Enthusiasm?

These tidbits -- and a tons of swag -- came out at today's TCA press sessions at the Beverly Hilton hotel. I had to remind myself that today was a cable day because the roster of talent read like a major network.

Jason Priestly (Beverly Hills 90210) led the cast of Side Order of Life, a Lifetime series in which star Marisa Coughlan has second thoughts about marrying Priestly. But, hey, if Big dumped Natasha on Sex in the City then I suppose anything's possible.

TCA - Day 1 (or 4, if you count PBS)

TCA -- aka the TV Critics' press tour -- is a convention for journalists where the major networks and cable outlets unveil their fall programs to the press for review. The tour, which is held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, began on Monday (with PBS) and runs until July 26th with ABC.

About 200 plus members of the press from across the country are inundated with reality, comedy, drama and other types of programs. Interview opportunities are non-stop. We're fed constantly and given tons of free gifts -- trinkets, pens, paperweights, DVDs and press materials.

• Lots of TV critics are keeping blogs of their adventures at the Television Critics Association press tour, including Tim Goodman, Aaron Barnhart, Zap2it, Ellen Gray, Alan Sepinwall, Melanie McFarland, Lisa de Moraes, and Hal Boedeker.
• The folks over at TeeVee talk about The Amazing Screw-On Head. By the way, if you haven't already, check out their TeeVeePedia. Funny stuff.
• TV Newser has more info about The Katie Couric Loves Her Fans Tour.
• TV Party is 11 years old? Wow. Some great stuff there.
• Over at the Boston Globe's TV blog, Matthew Gilbert wonders what Rod Serling would be writing today, and points us to the Twilight Zone Convention, August 12 and 13 in NJ.