Another pandemic hardline falls this month as we see the Television Critics Tour (or TCA) abandon its digital presentations and return to in-person eventing for the 2023 year. As a greater sense of normalcy returns to the industry, and we solidly enter the post-pandemic period, it’s good news indeed- but some key players from past years will be absent. Blake & Wang P.A entertainment attorney, Brandon Blake, unpacks what we know.
Fox and CBS Decline, Among Others
The Television Critics Tour has been an industry cornerstone for decades. It accepts applications for the tour twice yearly, summer and winter, where it allows major industry players to present their upcoming slates and hot properties to press writers from across the industry. It traditionally takes place at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena.
Despite still having virtual panels on the slate for the December/January session, Fox and CBS, alongside the beleaguered CW, will be skipping the next in-person event. It seems that Warner Bros Discovery will also skip the list. Amazon are currently in debate, although it is wisest to assume they will also be a no-show currently.
Why the Changes?
According to the TCA, most of these no-shows can be chalked up to ‘lighter midseason slates’ as well as ‘organizational transitions’ (that has to be aimed at Warner Bros Discovery). However, it’s hard not to notice that cable nets are getting a single day to present, either. Disney, on the other hand, has a dominant presence in the current slate of events.
Despite the return to an in-person event, COVID protocols will remain in place- namely proof of vaccination and the use of masks. It must be sad news for the event, which already saw panelists drop out of the July session due to rising infection fears at the time, forcing it to go back to all-virtual presentations.
Despite the lack of some key ‘old hands’, we’re certain attendees and presenters alike will be glad to get back to an in-person event and the buzz that comes with it.
