TCA Network Party Smackdown
Fox took over the Santa Monica Pier for its TCA All-Star Party
It’s that time of the summer, when TV networks present their new and returning programming and talent to the nation’s television critics in a series of panels and presentations in a hotel ballroom. But at the end of the day, it’s time to party. As with the on-air programming, the competition is tough. Here’s how it shook out amongst the big broadcasters:
CBS
The party: An open-air tent at the former Robinsons-May building. Lots of fatty, high-carb foods like chicken and waffles served in cones, pizza, Chinese chicken salad, cookies and milk and a gelato bar. Not a fork in sight. Chuck Lorre wanted one for the carved roast beef and in lieu of bread opted to use the only other alternative. Les Moonves and Julie Chen made the rounds, as did talent from the Eye, CW and Showtime, including Tom Selleck, William Shatner, Ed Westwick, Maggie Q. and Sela Ward. No champagne at the bar coupled with the hard-to-eat, caloric food and porta-potty trailers left some grumbling. Next year, perhaps, some healthier alternatives and utensils.
NBC Universal
The party: Held in the same location as many of the network’s recent Golden Globes soirées, the rooftop parking lot at the Beverly Hilton. Barely warmer than in winter, guests flitted from heat lamp to heat lamp and moved in and out of the Zucker zone. The NBCU honcho spent a lot of quality time schmoozing those brave enough to speak with him. Talent from USA Networks and Bravo shows also worked the crowd, and Michaele and Tareq Salahi didn’t have to crash to get in, since they’re now on “Real Housewives of D.C.” On the menu, tray- passed sushi and a buffet that included roast beef and grilled asparagus. Bubbly at the bar and silverware were in plentiful supply. Bathroom benefit: in private suites on the top floor of the hotel.
ABC Disney
The party: No need for a jacket to ward against the summer chill at the indoor Beverly Hills ballroom. Shaquille O’Neal and some Disney characters also heated things up in the room—as did Sofia Vergara and Paul Lee. Menu featured various buffets on the perimeter of the room including an extensive sushi bar, cold cuts, caprese salad, pizza and ravioli. And yes, champagne was being served—along with a whole lot of brewskis.
FOX
The party: Fun, games and a massive quantity of guilty-pleasure junk food at the Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park, the section with the Ferris wheel, roller coaster and those “skill” games where the lucky winners walk off with large stuffed animals. If you like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, potato tornadoes, mini donuts and churros, you could eat your heart out—and many did. Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele made it a Glee-ful night. Gordon Ramsey, Jon Voight and Keri Russell made the rounds, but alas, no American Idol judges—since none have been officially announced. Hands down, the best bash of the bunch.
