Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Monday, April 27th, 2019

Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Monday, April 27th, 2020. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by lots and lots of coffee....

WILL THIS SUMMER'S TCA STILL TAKE PLACE?
I've been talking to various network folks over the past few days, trying to get a sense of how they plan to promote what new programs they have over the next few weeks and months. While it's still possible that the broadcast networks can figure out a way to cobble together some sort of abbreviated fall premiere season, it's likely at best to be delayed. So what does that mean for the upcoming late July/Early August gathering of the Television Critics Association in Pasadena?

Typically, the two hundred or so TCA members get together in January and July to hear presentations from the various broadcast & cable networks as well as an increasing number of streaming services. The July gathering usually runs about two weeks and includes plenty of panel presentations of various show casts, as well as studio visits, live events and plenty of free food. 

The TCA hasn't publicly discussed its plans, but there are a couple of reasons to believe this year's plans won't happen. First is the obvious one. It seems likely we are still going to be under social distancing guidelines in July and nearly every event at the TCA gathering would be difficult to pull off under those restrictions.

But it's also not clear how much the networks would have to promote in late  July, given that television production have been halted worldwide since March. It also is worth noting that the San Diego Comic-Con (which usually takes place a week or so before the July TCA gathering) has been canceled this year for the first time in its history. Yes, it's a different type of event, but the two gatherings share some common social distancing difficulties.

I'll be reporting more on this throughout the week as I nail down more details.

AMAZON FIRE USERS GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO FOOD NETWORK KITCHEN
Starting today Amazon Fire TV & Fire Tablet users will be able to get a free one-year subscription to Food Network Kitchen, the streaming service that offers live, interactive food classes & appearances from Food Network stars. Customers will be able to immediately enjoy live and on-demand cooking classes with Food Network culinary experts and fan-favorite personalities, along with world-renowned chefs including Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Martha Stewart, Alton Brown, Ina Garten, Andrew Zimmern, Ree Drummond, Daniel Boulud, Valerie Bertinelli, Sunny Anderson, Jonathan Waxman, Molly Yeh, Nancy Silverton, JJ Johnson and many more. Customers can also stream episodes of popular Food Network shows ad-free.

DISNEY+ PUSHES UP STREAMING PREMIERE DATE FOR STAR WARS MOVIE
Streaming service Disney+ has been pushing up streaming premiere dates for some of Disney's most popular films, hoping to take advantage of the large captive audience of people staying at home during the Coronavirus pandemic. The latest film to receive an early streaming premiere is "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker," which will now premiere on Disney+ on May 4th, as part of the massive "May The 4th Be With You" promotion.

Here is a rundown of the modest number of shows premiering today....

1) Cup Of Joe Series Premiere (Quibi)
As one third of the global music phenomenon Jonas Brothers and lead singer of DNCE, Joe Jonas has traveled the world -- city after city. But between whirlwind pit stops and racing between concert venues, Joe has only scratched the surface of what these places actually have to offer. Before he hits the stage on his sold-out Happiness Begins tour, Joe will experience each city like a true native - as he pairs up with celebrity friends at each destination.

2) Floored Series Premiere (Quibi)
Hosted by Liza Koshy, in each episode of two teams of skilled dancers take on an insane dance floor with a life of its own. Dancers try their best to perform a pre-rehearsed routine, but can they hold it together when the floor itself actually lifts, tilts, drops, shakes and spins in time to the music? Additionally, the dancers will also be caught off-guard as perils are thrown their way when they least expect it. Who can survive the dance and who will be....wait for it...."Floored."

3) Never Have I Ever Series Premiere (Netflix)
Mindy Kaling's latest series is a coming-of-age tale loosely based on her own life as an Indian-American teenager, though set in the present day. Kaling writes and produces (along with her Mindy Project collaborator Lang Fisher), while newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan stars after winning the role during an open casting call.

For a rundown of all the new episodes of television premiering tonight, click here.

TOO MUCH TV REALLY IS A THING
This newsletter is called "Too Much TV" because....well, it's hard to keep track of all the new television premiering everyday. To help you prioritize your viewing, click here to see our list of more than 400 upcoming television premieres, movies and finales. You'll find listings from more than 70 networks, as well as streaming services and web shows.

I'll be back with another one tomorrow. If you have any feedback, send it along to Rick@AllYourScreens.com and follow me on Twitter @aysrick.